Everything you need to know about Record of Ragnarok Season 2 before Season 3 airs

Key visual from the Record of Ragnarok anime
Key visual from the Record of Ragnarok anime (Image credit: Yumeta Company and MARU animation)

As Record of Ragnarok Season 3 will be releasing on Netflix this December, this is perfect timing for fans to get a refresher on what happened in Season 2. The previous season covered divine duels and continues showing how humanity desperately fought to survive against the Gods. Although this show did have a set of its own controversies, fans cannot deny that it has an interesting premise.

Whether you’re catching up or refreshing your memory, here’s everything you need to know before stepping into the next round of Ragnarok. The story of Record of Ragnarok has been different from the usual anime storylines: it is about how, after every one thousand years, the Gods come together to decide the fate of humanity. This time, the vote was in favor of extinction; however, the valkyrie Brunhilde proposes a desperate alternative.

The idea was to have a one-on-one tournament between gods and humanity’s greatest warriors from across history. Humanity will get a chance to live if they win seven out of thirteen matches. This concept initially seemed outrageous, but fans soon found it fascinating. The Record of Ragnarok anime introduced some legendary figures like Adam, Lu Bu, and Jack the Ripper face gods like Zeus, Shiva, and Hercules in mythic deathmatches.


Record of Ragnarok Season 2: The battles intensify

Key visual from the Record of Ragnarok anime (Image credit: Yumeta Company and MARU animation)
Key visual from the Record of Ragnarok anime (Image credit: Yumeta Company and MARU animation)

Record of Ragnarok Season 2 was divided into two parts; the first was released in early 2023, and the second later in the same year. It adapted a few high-stakes battles. This season started with the fight between Hercules and Jack the Ripper. It was a good battle that took place in London. Hercules was fighting on behalf of justice, and Jack the Ripper was representing the dark side of humanity. Fans had mixed opinions on this battle. Some enjoyed the visual, while others did not enjoy the pacing.

The next major battle in season 2 was Raiden Tameemon versus Shiva. It is recommended to watch this battle because it is fast-paced and thematically so rich that it made viewers hyped after watching it. And finally was the battle between Buddha and Zerofuku. In this battle, Buddha, originally a god, sides with humanity, shocking the divine council. His battle against Zerofuku became one of the series’ most philosophical and emotionally charged showdowns.

By the end of the season, the score was evenly balanced at 3-3. Now humanity will have to ensure it gets a lead if they have to survive. The next match, teased in the finale, will pit Hades, King of the Underworld, against Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. And since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for Record of Ragnarok Season 3.


The animation debate: Better, but still flawed

Still from the Record of Ragnarok anime (Image credit: Yumeta Company and MARU animation)
Still from the Record of Ragnarok anime (Image credit: Yumeta Company and MARU animation)

When the first season had premiered, fans were not happy with the animation, and it became infamously known for its slide-show-like animations. But when Record of Ragnarok Season 2 came out, it was evident that the production house did a better job. The animation was smoother, and the flights had smoother choreography and fluid moments. However, there was one major critique that Season 2 was heavy on CGI.

While there are some series that have combined traditional animation and 3D effects (like Dorohedoro), this style of animation did not work with the show's art style and story. While it’s clear that the team made an effort to elevate the production, the jump from still images to janky CGI wasn’t quite the glow-up fans were hoping for. This happened because animating Record of Ragnarok’s intricate manga art is no small task, and the studio likely chose CGI to meet deadlines.


Final thoughts

Despite the flaws, Record of Ragnarok Season 2 remains a worthwhile watch for fans of mythological battles and moral conflict. The series thrives on spectacle, larger-than-life characters, and emotional stakes that transcend mere fighting. While the pacing can drag and the animation occasionally falters, the story continues to deliver its core appeal, and now, with Season 3 only a few weeks away, the next part of the story could finally deliver the visual and emotional payoff fans have been waiting for.

Edited by Nisarga Kakade