Solo Leveling, a Korean anime series, has become one of the biggest hits worldwide this year. The series, based on a popular web novel, first gained attention with its debut season.
However, it was Solo Leveling Season 2 that truly propelled it to international fame, winning several awards including Anime of the Year and Best Main Character at the 2025 Crunchyroll Awards.
The show is praised for its intense action scenes, especially the recent battle between the protagonist Sung Jinwoo and the Ant King. This fast-paced combat and thrilling story have kept fans deeply engaged. Despite its popularity, some viewers believe the anime’s storytelling and worldbuilding are not as strong compared to other series.
Interestingly, while Solo Leveling enjoys massive success globally, it has not seen the same level of popularity in Japan, a country known for its rich anime culture.
Looking ahead, Solo Leveling will face stiff competition from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, another acclaimed anime. Frieren is praised for its deep story and character development, making it a fan favorite. Its first season, which aired in early 2024 with 28 episodes, exceeded the usual episode count for anime seasons. The second season of Frieren is scheduled to premiere on Crunchyroll in January 2026.
Currently, Solo Leveling has 25 episodes across two seasons available on Crunchyroll. Fans eagerly await news of a third season, though no release date has been announced yet.
As both series continue to grow, anime fans worldwide will have exciting choices in the coming year.
