The wait for Vinland Saga season 3 has felt like a long voyage over treacherous seas, with little in the way of news or confirmation. Since season 2 concluded in 2023, fans of the series have been left wondering when Thorfinn’s journey will resume. While no official announcement has been made just yet, there are several promising signs that a third season is on the horizon. From potential release windows and story arcs to returning characters and newly introduced foes, here is everything we know so far about Vinland Saga season 3.
Is Vinland Saga Season 3 Happening?
Although a third season has not yet been officially confirmed, the future of Vinland Saga appears to be secure. In a reassuring update, the series’ character designer and chief animation director, Takahiko Abiru, tweeted in 2024 that “Thorfinn’s journey will continue.” This statement is the clearest indication yet that the anime has not been cancelled, even if it remains in a state of silence for now.
It’s not the first time the production has taken its time. There was a four-year gap between the first season in 2019 and the second in 2023. Given that precedent, it would not be unreasonable to expect a similar delay between seasons two and three.
When Could We Expect Season 3?
If we were to place a bet on Vinland Saga season 3’s release, winter 2026 seems the earliest likely option. With no official announcement in 2025 so far, the anime probably won’t arrive until the following year at the very earliest. The winter anime season, which typically spans January through March, offers a prime slot for a long-anticipated return. However, if animation studio MAPPA remains attached to the project – having also worked on season two – their packed schedule could push the release even further, possibly into late 2026 or even 2027.
There’s also the manga’s conclusion to consider. Creator Makoto Yukimura has stated that only a few chapters remain until the story’s end. The anime might be waiting for the source material to finish, which could make it easier to adapt the remainder of Thorfinn’s saga in a structured and faithful manner. If so, an announcement about the anime’s future might not arrive until the end of 2025.
What Will the Story Be About?
The most likely storyline for Vinland Saga season 3 is the Eastern Expedition Arc, which spans chapters 100 to 166 of the manga. True to the series’ structure so far, this arc would provide ample content for a full season. Rather than continuing directly towards Vinland, Thorfinn detours to the Eastern world, heading towards the Mediterranean in order to fund his utopian vision of a peaceful land.
His ambitions take him to Greece, where he is caught in a web of new political and social conflicts. Thorfinn encounters a host of new characters and becomes entangled in a factional dispute involving the fearsome Jomsvikings. The arc blends introspective themes with political intrigue and action, serving as both a diversion and a necessary step in Thorfinn’s development.
The story so far has been a sweeping tale of growth, war, and the pursuit of peace. The anime began with Thorfinn’s childhood, shadowed by his father Thors’ honourable ideals. That early tragedy, marked by Thors’ murder at the hands of the cunning Askeladd, set the boy on a path of vengeance. Yet, over time, Thorfinn’s character has transformed drastically. Following Askeladd’s death at the hands of Prince Canute, Thorfinn’s arc pivoted towards redemption and self-discovery.
Season two focused on Thorfinn’s enslavement and friendship with Einar, which became a turning point for his character. Choosing to reject violence, he returned to Iceland to reconnect with his family and announced his goal of founding a new civilisation in Vinland. Season three will mark the next chapter in that dream, with fresh trials that test both his ideals and his strength.
When Might a Trailer Be Released?
Given the previous timeline for promotional materials, we are likely a long way off from seeing a trailer for season 3. A full trailer for season two dropped around three months prior to its release, with the initial announcement arriving more than a year earlier. If a similar schedule is followed, a teaser might surface in late 2025, followed by a more detailed look in 2026. Until then, fans will have to make do with speculation and rewatching the series’ most powerful moments.
Who Will Be in the Cast?
While the official cast list is still under wraps, it is safe to assume that the main players will return. Thorfinn, voiced by Yuto Uemura, will remain central to the story. Other returning characters will likely include Einar, Leif Erikson, and King Canute, portrayed by Shunsuke Takeuchi, Yoji Ueda, and Kensho Ono respectively.
New characters from the Eastern Expedition Arc will also be introduced. Sigurd, a fiery young warrior, Hild, a vengeful female hunter, and Garm, a wild and unpredictable combatant known as the “Hellhound,” will each bring new dynamics and tension to the series. Garm, in particular, is set to be one of the most compelling antagonists of the upcoming arc. You can check out our list of all Vinland Saga Characters to find some of these characters.
Where Will Vinland Saga Season 3 Stream?
If previous seasons are any indication, Vinland Saga season 3 will likely be available on both Netflix and Crunchyroll. Both platforms hosted the first two seasons, although Crunchyroll’s version is often praised for its more accurate translations. Amazon Prime Video has also streamed earlier episodes, though its involvement with future seasons is uncertain. Until an official announcement confirms the platform, fans can rest assured that at least one major service will carry the series globally.
What Lies Ahead?
Vinland Saga has already proven itself to be more than just another historical action anime. It has grown into a powerful exploration of war, trauma, peace, and the human spirit. Thorfinn’s transformation from a vengeful boy to a visionary man seeking peace is a rare arc in anime storytelling, and season 3 promises to further this profound narrative.
While details remain sparse, the signs all point towards a continuation worthy of the journey so far. The wait may be long, but if Vinland Saga has taught us anything, it’s that patience and perseverance often lead to the most rewarding destinations.
