Finished the High-Rise Invasion anime and left wondering where the story goes? You’re not alone; the Netflix series ends on a major cliffhanger, leaving the most intense parts of the plot unexplored.
The High-Rise Invasion anime ends after the events of manga Chapter 39, which is the final chapter in Volume 4. To continue the story where the Netflix series leaves off, you should start reading the manga from Chapter 40. This is located at the beginning of Volume 5 and ensures you won’t miss any of the canon plot development.
Based on verified information from the official source material, this guide provides the exact starting point. You’ll discover the key story arcs the anime never reached, why the manga’s ending is so controversial, and the complete reading order, including the essential sequel series.
Key Facts
- Anime-to-Manga Starting Point: The anime adaptation concludes at the end of Chapter 39 of the manga, making Chapter 40 the direct continuation point for the story.
- Complete Series: The main High-Rise Invasion manga is finished, consisting of 258 chapters compiled into 21 volumes, as confirmed by official publisher data.
- Official Sequel Exists: A sequel series titled High-Rise Invasion Arrive was created to resolve the original’s unanswered questions and is also complete.
- Major Plot Omissions: The anime covers less than a quarter of the entire manga storyline, leaving major arcs like the war against Aikawa and the truth of the world entirely unadapted.
- Controversial Conclusion: The manga’s ending is widely discussed in fan communities, with many finding it rushed and unsatisfying, which makes understanding the sequel’s role crucial.
Where Does the High-Rise Invasion Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The definitive starting point for the High-Rise Invasion manga after finishing the anime is Chapter 40. The anime series adapts the source material faithfully up to the conclusion of Chapter 39. This chapter marks the end of the initial “Great Angel” battle and Yuri Honjo’s first major evolution as a God Candidate.
To ensure a seamless transition from screen to page, picking up at Chapter 40 is essential. This chapter is the first one in Volume 5 of the compiled tankōbon editions published by Kodansha. Starting here means you will dive directly into the next phase of the survival game without rereading events you’ve already watched or missing crucial setup for the story’s second act.
From this point, the narrative expands significantly, introducing new rules, powerful new enemies, and the central conflict that drives the rest of the series. The anime essentially serves as a prologue to the main plot that unfolds in the manga, making the transition to the source material a rewarding experience for those invested in the story.
Should You Read the High-Rise Invasion Manga From the Beginning?
Reading High-Rise Invasion from the beginning is recommended for the full experience, but not essential. The anime adaptation is largely faithful to the manga’s main plot points, so you can confidently start from Chapter 40 without feeling lost. However, for completionists, a full read-through offers some distinct advantages.
Deciding where to start depends on your priorities as a reader. Are you eager to see what happens next, or do you want the most complete version of the story? Here’s a breakdown to help you choose.
- Starting from Chapter 40 (Continuing the Story):
- ✅ Pros: You get straight to new content and continue the plot’s momentum immediately. It’s the most efficient way to find out what happens after the anime’s cliffhanger.
- ❌ Cons: You might miss some subtle character-building moments and minor world-building details that were trimmed from the anime for pacing.
- Starting from Chapter 1 (The Full Experience):
- ✅ Pros: You get to experience the story exactly as creators Tsuina Miura and Takahiro Oba intended. This includes more internal monologues and character nuances that build a deeper connection to the cast.
- ❌ Cons: You will be rereading a significant amount of plot that you have already seen in the anime, which may feel slow if you’re anxious to advance the story.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. If your primary goal is to continue the narrative, beginning with Chapter 40 is perfectly acceptable. If you crave the unfiltered source material and don’t mind retreading familiar ground for a richer context, starting from Chapter 1 is the superior option.
What Key Story Arcs Does the Manga Cover After the Anime?
Once you dive into the manga from Chapter 40, you’ll find that the anime only scratched the surface of the grander plot. The story quickly transitions from a simple survival scenario into a complex war for control of the skyscraper realm. Here are the key story arcs you have to look forward to, without major spoilers.
- ➡ The War Against Aikawa: The plot immediately introduces Mamoru Aikawa, another powerful God Candidate who has amassed a large army of masks. He becomes the primary antagonist, and the story focuses on the strategic war between his faction and Yuri Honjo’s group for control of the realm and the path to becoming God.
➡ The Mystery of the Masks and the World: The manga delves deep into the origins of the skyscraper world. You will learn the true purpose of the masks, the identity of the “Administrators” who run the game, and the ultimate goal behind the entire death-match scenario. This lore provides answers the anime only hints at.
➡ Sniper Mask’s Past and Resolution: A huge focus of the post-anime story is the mystery of Sniper Mask’s identity. His past, his connection to Yuri’s brother Rika, and his struggle against the mask’s programming are central to the narrative, leading to a dramatic and emotional resolution.
How Can You Start Reading the High-Rise Invasion Manga?
To start reading the High-Rise Invasion manga, you have two main official options: digital purchase or physical paperback volumes. Accessing the story through official channels supports the creators and ensures you are reading a high-quality translation. Since you are starting after the anime, you will be looking for Volume 5.
Here are the most common and trusted ways to access the manga:
- Digital Purchase: This is often the quickest and most convenient method. You can buy digital volumes from various storefronts and read them on your phone, tablet, or e-reader. The official English publisher is Kodansha Comics.
- Look for High-Rise Invasion on platforms like Amazon Kindle, BookWalker, or ComiXology.
- Physical Purchase: For those who prefer a physical collection, the paperback tankōbon volumes are widely available. You can find them at major online retailers or order them from your local bookstore.
- This is a great way to support the series and have a tangible copy for your bookshelf.
Whichever method you choose, make sure you are starting with Volume 5 to continue directly from the anime’s ending. This ensures you jump right back into the action without missing a beat.
How Does the High-Rise Invasion Manga End?
The High-Rise Invasion manga concludes with Chapter 258, but its ending is highly controversial among fans. While the primary conflict with the main antagonist is resolved, the story leaves the fundamental mysteries of the skyscraper world largely unanswered. This has led many readers to feel the ending was rushed and unsatisfying.
The core issue many fans have is that the conclusion feels abrupt. After building a complex world with intricate rules and a deep sense of mystery, the final chapters wrap up the character conflicts without fully explaining the “why” behind everything. It provides an ending for the characters’ immediate journey but not for the world itself.
- Fan Reception: A common sentiment in community discussions is that the ending felt like it was setting up a larger story that never fully materialized in the main series. Phrases like “open ending” and “disappointing” are frequently used to describe the final chapters, as noted in widespread fan discussions.
This controversial finale is a crucial piece of context for new readers. While the journey to get there is filled with the intense action and psychological suspense you love, it’s important to manage expectations for the conclusion of the original series.
What Is High-Rise Invasion Arrive and Is It a Necessary Read?
High-Rise Invasion Arrive is the direct sequel to the original manga, created to continue the story and address its unresolved plot points. It takes place immediately after the controversial ending of the first series and is essential for anyone seeking answers to the world’s bigger mysteries.
The sequel introduces a new protagonist who enters the skyscraper realm, but it heavily features the original cast, including Yuri, Sniper Mask, and others. Arrive directly tackles the story gaps left by the original manga’s finale, focusing on the true nature of the world and the powers that control it. The series was completed in 2021 after 86 chapters, providing a definitive conclusion to the entire High-Rise Invasion saga.
So, is it a necessary read? If you just want to see the conclusion of the war with Aikawa, the original series will suffice. However, if you, like many fans, were left wanting more answers after the original’s ending, then yes, High-Rise Invasion Arrive is a necessary read. It serves as the true final act of the story.
FAQs About where does the high rise invasion anime leave off in the manga
Will there be a High-Rise Invasion season 2?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement from Netflix or the production studio regarding a second season of High-Rise Invasion. Given that the first season was released in early 2021, the chances decrease over time. The anime served as a promotion for the manga, which is now complete, making a continuation less likely.
How many chapters and volumes does the High-Rise Invasion manga have?
The main High-Rise Invasion manga series is complete with a total of 258 chapters. These chapters are compiled into 21 numbered tankōbon (volumes). The sequel, High-Rise Invasion Arrive, adds another 86 chapters to the overall story.
Who is Sniper Mask in High-Rise Invasion?
Sniper Mask’s true identity is Yuka Makoto, Rika Honjo’s older brother. He was forced to wear an Angel mask, which suppressed his memories and compelled him to attack people. His storyline in the manga focuses on his struggle to regain his identity and his connection to Yuri’s brother, Rika.
Is High-Rise Invasion related to Alice in Borderland?
No, High-Rise Invasion and Alice in Borderland are not related and are created by different authors. However, they are often compared because both are popular Netflix anime adaptations of manga that fall into the “death game” or “survival thriller” genre, where characters are trapped in a hostile world and forced to play deadly games.
Does the High-Rise Invasion anime have a different ending than the manga?
The anime does not have a different ending; it has an incomplete one. The anime’s ending corresponds to an early point in the manga’s story (Chapter 39). It is not an “anime original ending” but simply stops mid-story, leaving the vast majority of the plot from the manga unadapted.
What is the goal of the game in High-Rise Invasion?
The ultimate goal in High-Rise Invasion is to become “God” by defeating other God Candidates. Individuals are brought into the skyscraper world to be pushed to despair. Those who overcome this and gain special powers through masks can become God Candidates. The final survivor among these candidates is supposed to gain control of the realm.
Is High-Rise Invasion finished?
Yes, the High-Rise Invasion franchise is completely finished. The original manga ended in 2019, and its direct sequel, High-Rise Invasion Arrive, concluded in 2021. There is no ongoing story, providing a complete narrative from beginning to end for readers.
Does Yuri find her brother, Rika?
Yes, Yuri eventually reunites with her brother, Rika Honjo. Their reunion and his role in the final conflict are major plot points in the manga that occur long after the events covered in the anime. His fate is a central part of the story’s climax.
What is a God Candidate in High-Rise Invasion?
A God Candidate is a human who has gained abilities similar to an Angel mask without losing their free will. They are the key players in the survival game. Yuri Honjo becomes a God Candidate near the end of the anime’s storyline, setting up her role as a major power in the manga’s later arcs.
Who created High-Rise Invasion?
The High-Rise Invasion manga was written by Tsuina Miura and illustrated by Takahiro Oba. The duo is responsible for the entire story, from the original series through the Arrive sequel. Their collaboration defined the series’ intense action and psychological horror.
Key Takeaways: High-Rise Invasion Anime to Manga Guide
- The Direct Answer: The anime leaves off after manga Chapter 39. To continue the story, you must start reading from Chapter 40, which is the beginning of Volume 5.
- Complete Story Status: The entire High-Rise Invasion story is finished. The main series has 258 chapters (21 volumes), and the sequel, High-Rise Invasion Arrive, has 86 chapters, concluding the narrative.
- Manga Plot Focus: The story after the anime becomes a full-scale war between “God Candidates,” deeply exploring the world’s rules and the mystery behind Sniper Mask’s identity.
- The Controversial Ending: The original manga’s ending at Chapter 258 is known for being abrupt and leaving major world-building questions unanswered, which led to mixed fan reception.
- The Sequel’s Role: The sequel, High-Rise Invasion Arrive, was created to address the unresolved plot points from the original series and is essential for a complete understanding of the world.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the High-Rise Invasion Story
Transitioning from the High-Rise Invasion anime to the manga is the only way to experience the complete and canon story. With the anime covering less than a quarter of the narrative and a second season looking unlikely, the manga is your definitive path forward. You now know the precise starting point (Chapter 40), the major plot arcs that await, and the full reading order including the essential sequel, High-Rise Invasion Arrive.
The journey through the rest of the manga is a wild ride, filled with the intense action, shocking twists, and psychological depth that made the anime compelling. While the original ending may be divisive, the existence of the sequel provides the closure many fans were looking for. Now that you’re armed with all the information, it’s time to dive in and see the story through to its true conclusion.
Last update on 2026-02-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
