Finished one of the Berserk anime series and now you’re lost in the abyss, wondering where to pick up the manga? You’re not alone; the various adaptations have created a confusing path for new fans. This fragmented experience makes finding your place in the source material a common struggle.
To continue the Berserk story after any anime, you need to know which specific series you watched, as each ends at a different manga chapter. The 1997 series ends around chapter 87, while the 2017 series concludes at chapter 249, but the universally accepted advice is to read from the very beginning.
This guide, based on analysis of every adaptation, provides the definitive starting points for the manga. You will discover exactly where each anime leaves off and why starting from Chapter 1 is the most rewarding path. This ensures you experience the complete, uncompromised story as the author intended.
Key Facts
- 1997 Anime Endpoint: The classic 1997 series concludes on a major cliffhanger during the Eclipse event, which corresponds to chapter 87 in Volume 13 of the manga.
- 2016-2017 Anime Endpoint: The controversial CGI anime from 2016-2017 finishes its story at chapter 249, right before the start of a new major arc.
- Universal Recommendation: The overwhelming consensus among fans and analysis of the material confirms that starting from Chapter 1 is the only way to experience the full story without missing critical characters and plot points.
- Skipped Content: No anime adaptation to date has covered the “Lost Children” story arc, a fan-favorite segment crucial for Guts’ character development after the Eclipse.
- The Story Continues: Following the passing of creator Kentaro Miura, the manga’s story is being continued by his close friend and assistants at Studio Gaga, based on his detailed plans.
Where Does the Berserk Anime Leave Off in the Manga? A 2026 Guide
The answer depends entirely on which of the three main anime adaptations you’ve watched. There isn’t one single starting point. The 1997 series, the Golden Age Arc movies (and their TV re-edit, the Memorial Edition), and the 2016-2017 series all cover different parts of the manga and omit crucial information.
This guide provides the exact chapter for each, but it’s important to understand what each version leaves out. The universally recommended advice is to start from the beginning to experience the full, untarnished narrative crafted by Kentaro Miura. To make it simple, here is a clear breakdown of where each anime adaptation officially concludes and where you could jump in.
| Anime Adaptation | Manga Arcs Covered (Partially) | Official End Point (Manga Chapter) | Recommended Starting Chapter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berserk (1997 Series) | Golden Age | Chapter 87 | Chapter 88 (or Chapter 1 for full story) |
| Berserk: Golden Age Arc (Movies/Memorial Edition) | Golden Age | Approx. Chapter 94 | Chapter 95 (or Chapter 1 for full story) |
| Berserk (2016-2017 Series) | Conviction & Millennium Falcon (parts) | Chapter 249 | Chapter 250 (or Chapter 1 for full story) |
But the real question isn’t just “where do I start,” but “should I just jump ahead?” The answer from experienced fans is a resounding no. The next section explores exactly why.
Why Is Reading the Berserk Manga from Chapter 1 the Universal Recommendation?
You should read the Berserk manga from the beginning because every anime adaptation omits significant plot points, characters, and thematic depth. The anime versions are, at best, incomplete introductions to the vast world of Berserk. They function as gateways, but the manga is the destination. Kentaro Miura’s legendary artwork and intricate storytelling are the core of the experience, and animation has never fully captured their power.
From years of working with new fans, the most common regret we see is from those who skipped the beginning of the manga. They often become confused by characters who appear without introduction or miss the emotional weight behind key events. The narrative structure is deliberately crafted, and the anime versions rearrange or cut parts of that foundation. Opting for the manga from Chapter 1 isn’t just for completionists; it’s for anyone who wants to understand why Berserk is considered a masterpiece of the medium.
What Are the Main Reasons to Start the Manga from Chapter 1?
To put it plainly, watching any of the anime adaptations and then jumping into the manga is like watching the second half of a movie and trying to guess what happened in the first. Here is a specific breakdown of what you miss.
- Crucial Narrative Context: The 1997 anime, the most popular starting point, completely reorders the story. It adapts the “Golden Age Arc,” which is a lengthy flashback. The manga actually begins with the “Black Swordsman Arc,” which establishes Guts’s motivations and the brutal state of the world after the events of the Golden Age. Skipping this intro leaves you without the proper context for Guts as a character.
- Key Character Introductions: You will miss the introduction of some of the most important supporting characters. The most notable example is Puck, Guts’s elf companion, who provides not only comic relief but also a moral compass and healing. He appears immediately in the manga but is completely absent from the 1997 anime.
- Entire Story Arcs Are Missing: The anime adaptations don’t just trim scenes; they cut out entire arcs. The infamous apostle Wyald and his entire violent confrontation with the Band of the Hawk are completely absent from the Golden Age anime adaptations. More importantly, the highly acclaimed “Lost Children” chapter of the Conviction Arc is entirely skipped by the 2016 anime, robbing viewers of a critical stage in Guts’s character development.
- The Unmatched Art of Kentaro Miura: Perhaps the most significant reason is that you miss the art itself. Miura’s panels are legendary for their breathtaking detail, scale, and emotional power. No animation has successfully replicated the intricate cross-hatching and raw impact of his drawings. The manga is the definitive artistic experience.
Where Does the 1997 Berserk Anime End in the Manga?
The 1997 Berserk anime ends at Chapter 87 of the manga (“The Advent”). This chapter is located in Volume 13 and depicts the horrifying climax of the Eclipse, leaving viewers on a massive, soul-crushing cliffhanger. Guts has just lost his arm and eye, and the fate of Casca is devastatingly revealed.
If you absolutely must continue the story directly after the 1997 anime, you should start reading from Chapter 88 (“Afterglow of the Right Eye”) in Volume 14.
Pro Tip: While you can start at chapter 88, you will likely be confused. Characters like the Skull Knight appear with little explanation in the anime’s finale, but have a much more established presence in the manga’s early chapters. Likewise, Puck will suddenly appear as Guts’s companion with no introduction. This jarring experience is a primary reason even viewers of the ’97 anime are strongly encouraged to start from Chapter 1.
Where Do the 2016-2017 Berserk Anime Seasons End in the Manga?
The 2017 Berserk anime, which serves as the second season of the 2016 series, concludes at Chapter 249 of the manga (“Hawk of the Millennium”). This point in the story wraps up a significant portion of the Fantasia Arc’s introduction. To continue the story from this point, you must start reading at Chapter 250 (“The Frightening Sea”), which is near the beginning of Volume 29.
However, it is critical to understand that the 2016-2017 anime is infamous within the community for its poor quality and the vast amount of content it skips.
Community Warning: The 2016-2017 anime is widely considered a poor adaptation due to its jarring CGI animation, rushed pacing, and awkward direction. It completely skips the “Lost Children Arc” and heavily condenses other parts of the “Conviction Arc.” Starting the manga from Chapter 250 after watching this series will leave you with massive gaps in your understanding of Guts’s journey and the world’s lore. Of all the anime, this one makes the strongest case for starting the manga from the beginning.
How Do You Start Reading the Berserk Manga in 2026?
You’ve made the wise decision to dive into the manga. Now, how do you actually get your hands on it? The official English publisher is Dark Horse Comics, and they offer several excellent ways to read the series legally, ensuring you support the official release.
Physical Copies: The Collector’s Choice
For many, the physical experience is part of the magic. Holding Miura’s art in your hands is a powerful experience.
- Berserk Deluxe Editions: This is the highly recommended format. These are oversized, 3-in-1 hardcover volumes with high-quality paper and a durable binding. The larger pages allow Miura’s detailed artwork to truly shine. They are a premium product and the definitive way to collect the series.
- Single Paperback Volumes: The original format. These are more affordable and portable, but the print and paper quality are standard. They are a great entry point if you’re on a budget.
Digital Copies: The Convenient Route
If you prefer reading on a tablet or want instant access, digital is a great option.
- Dark Horse Digital: You can buy digital volumes directly from the Dark Horse Comics website or their app. This is a great way to support the publisher directly.
- Amazon Kindle & ComiXology: Berserk is also available on other major digital comics platforms. This allows you to integrate it with your existing digital library.
FAQs About where does the berserk anime leave off in the manga
Is the Berserk manga finished after Kentaro Miura’s passing?
No, the Berserk manga is not finished. Following the tragic passing of the original author, Kentaro Miura, the series is now being continued by his close friend, Kouji Mori, and Miura’s team of assistants at Studio Gaga, based on Miura’s own plans for the story’s ending.
How many volumes or chapters of Berserk are there as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Berserk manga has over 370 chapters, which have been collected into 42 volumes. The series is still ongoing, with new chapters being released periodically. This number will continue to grow as the story progresses toward its conclusion.
What is the correct watch/read order for the entire Berserk story?
The universally recommended order is to read the manga from Chapter 1 (or Episode A0) to the current chapter. If you want to include an anime, the best approach is to read the manga’s “Golden Age Arc” (Volumes 3-14) first, and then watch the 1997 anime or Memorial Edition films as a companion piece.
Can I just watch the Berserk: The Golden Age Arc Memorial Edition and skip the manga?
You can, but it is not recommended for the full experience. The Memorial Edition, like the movie trilogy it is based on, condenses the Golden Age Arc significantly. It cuts important character development, subplots, and thematic nuances that are only present in the manga.
How long does it take to read the entire Berserk manga?
For an average reader, it can take anywhere from 40 to 60 hours to read all currently available chapters of Berserk. This can vary greatly depending on your reading speed and how much time you spend admiring the incredibly detailed artwork in each panel.
Is the Black Swordsman Arc important to the story?
Yes, the Black Swordsman Arc is critically important. It is the chronological beginning of the story that introduces Guts in his current state, his motivations for revenge, the mechanics of the Brand of Sacrifice, and key characters like Puck. Skipping it, as the 1997 anime does, leaves a massive gap in the narrative foundation.
Why is the 2016-2017 Berserk anime so disliked by fans?
The 2016-2017 anime is widely disliked due to its poor-quality CGI animation, awkward direction, and rushed pacing. Many fans feel it fails to do justice to Kentaro Miura’s detailed artwork and skips crucial story content, resulting in a jarring and inferior viewing experience.
Does any anime adapt the Lost Children Arc?
No, as of 2026, no anime adaptation has covered the Lost Children Arc. This arc, which takes place immediately after the Golden Age flashback, is a fan-favorite and considered essential for understanding Guts’s character development post-Eclipse. It is one of the major pieces of content missed by only watching the anime.
What are the Berserk Deluxe Editions and are they worth it?
The Deluxe Editions are oversized, hardcover collections by Dark Horse Comics, each containing three of the original manga volumes. They are widely considered worth the premium price due to the larger page size that showcases Miura’s art beautifully, higher quality paper, and a durable, library-quality binding.
Can I understand the story if I only watch the 1997 anime?
You will understand the “Golden Age” backstory, but you will not understand the full story of Berserk. The 1997 anime adapts only one (albeit crucial) flashback arc and ends on a massive cliffhanger. It serves as an introduction, not the complete narrative, leaving the main story unresolved.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of Berserk adaptations can feel daunting, but the path to the true story is simple: the manga is the definitive experience. While the anime series serve as compelling, if flawed, introductions to Guts’s tragic world, they are merely shadows of the substance found in Kentaro Miura’s original work. The depth of the characters, the complexity of the world, and the sheer power of the art can only be fully appreciated on the page.
By starting from Chapter 1, you aren’t just reading a comic; you are embarking on one of the most celebrated and profound journeys in modern fiction. You are choosing to see the story as it was meant to be seen, with every brutal detail and every quiet moment intact. Welcome, struggler, to the definitive Berserk experience.
Last update on 2026-02-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
