Wondering where the Infinite Dendrogram anime ends in the light novel? You’ve finished the fast-paced first season and need to know exactly where to pick up the story without missing a beat. You want a clear, direct answer to continue the adventure.
The Infinite Dendrogram anime concludes at the end of Light Novel Volume 5. The 13-episode season fully adapts the major story events up to and including the climax of the “Franklin’s Game” arc. To continue the narrative seamlessly, you should begin reading at Volume 6.
Based on analysis of community-verified data, this guide provides the definitive answer for anime viewers. You will discover exactly which story arcs the anime covered and what crucial details you might have missed. This ensures you can transition from viewer to reader with confidence.
Key Facts
- Anime Endpoint: The first season of the anime adapts the story through Light Novel Volume 5, ending with the resolution of the “Franklin’s Game” conflict in Gideon.
- Direct Continuation: To continue the story from the exact moment the anime leaves off, readers should start with Volume 6 of the light novel.
- Recommended Experience: Community consensus strongly suggests starting from Volume 1, as the anime cuts significant world-building, character thoughts, and game mechanic explanations.
- Manga Starting Point: For those who prefer the manga format, the story continues in Volume 13, Chapter 62, though it is not as far along as the light novel.
- Season 2 Status: As of January 2026, a second season of the anime has not been officially announced, making the light novels the only way to continue the story.
Where does the Infinite Dendrogram anime end in the light novel?
The first season of the Infinite Dendrogram anime concludes by adapting the entirety of Light Novel Volume 5. The final episode, episode 13, wraps up the large-scale battle in Gideon known as the “Franklin’s Game” arc. This means if you want to pick up the story exactly where the anime’s cliffhanger leaves off, your journey continues at the very beginning of Volume 6.
This endpoint is widely confirmed by community consensus across fan forums and wikis. The anime was structured to bring this major conflict to a satisfying conclusion, making Volume 5 the clear dividing line between the animated story and new material. Starting with Volume 6 ensures you won’t reread any major plot points you’ve already watched unfold.
This provides a direct bridge from the screen to the page. You can jump straight into the next chapter of Ray Starling’s adventure without any narrative overlap. This direct continuation allows you to immediately discover what happens after the intense fight against Franklin and his monstrous creations.
What Story Arcs Does Season 1 of the Anime Cover?
Season 1 of the Infinite Dendrogram anime adapts the main story points from the first five volumes of the light novel. This provides a complete, albeit condensed, look at Ray Starling’s initial journey into the world’s most immersive VRMMO. Recognizing these arcs helps confirm that you are ready to move on to fresh content in Volume 6.
The anime covers the following major plot points:
- Volumes 1-2: Introduction and First Conflict: This part of the season introduces you to the world of Infinite Dendrogram. You witness Ray Starling’s first login, his meeting with his unique Embryo, Nemesis, and his initial quests. It culminates in the child-kidnapping incident within the Northern Fortress, which establishes his heroic nature.
- Volume 3: The Duel and Rising Tensions: This volume focuses on the setup for the next major conflict. It features the climactic and highly anticipated duel between Ray and Hugo Lesseps. This section also lays the groundwork for the political strife and the threat building within the kingdom of Altar.
- Volumes 4-5: Franklin’s Game: The second half of the anime season is dedicated almost entirely to this major arc. It details the massive monster invasion orchestrated by the eccentric and dangerous Franklin. The story follows the large-scale battle to defend the city of Gideon, Ray’s desperate struggles, and the eventual defeat of the “King of Chimaera.”
Why Is It Recommended to Start Reading From the Beginning?
While you can start at Volume 6, it is strongly recommended to begin reading from Volume 1 because the anime adaptation cuts a significant amount of content. Based on extensive fan and reader feedback, the anime prioritizes action and plot progression over the detailed explanations that make the light novels so rich. For the most complete and rewarding experience, starting over is the best path.
Key elements missing from the anime include:
- 📖 Detailed Game Mechanics: The novels meticulously explain how skills, jobs, and Embryos work. You get a much deeper understanding of the rules of the world, which makes the strategic battles even more engaging.
- 🌎 In-Depth World-Building: The anime only scratches the surface of the lore. The light novels offer extensive details about the history of the world, the political landscape of different countries like the Dryfe Imperium, and the philosophies of its inhabitants.
- 🧠 Character Inner Monologues: A huge part of the light novel is getting inside the characters’ heads. You miss out on Ray’s internal thought processes, his strategic thinking, and the deeper motivations of characters like Figaro and Shu Starling.
- 👥 Side Stories and Interactions: Many smaller character interactions and side plots were cut for time. These moments add significant depth and personality to the supporting cast and the world itself.
Reading from the beginning provides a fundamentally different and more comprehensive experience. You will gain a much greater appreciation for the complexity of the story and the intricacies of its world, making the events you’ve already seen feel new again.
What Happens in Infinite Dendrogram Volume 6?
Volume 6 of Infinite Dendrogram kicks off a brand new story arc, taking place after the conclusion of “Franklin’s Game.” The plot moves away from the conflict in Gideon, allowing you to explore a different part of the world with Ray Starling and his allies. This volume serves as a perfect starting point for new reading content, promising fresh adventures and higher stakes.
In this next chapter, Ray deals with the aftermath of the intense battle and embarks on a new journey to a different region of the Altar Kingdom. Readers can expect the introduction of new key characters who will become central to the overarching plot. The story begins to explore the larger mysteries of the world and sets the stage for a conflict that is even more complex and dangerous than the one seen in the anime.
This arc gives you a chance to see how Ray has grown from his experiences and introduces new challenges that test his abilities in different ways. If you enjoyed the action and strategy of the anime, Volume 6 immediately delivers on that promise while expanding the scope of the world and its secrets.
FAQs About Infinite Dendrogram Anime Ends in the Light Novel
Where should I start the Infinite Dendrogram manga after the anime?
To continue the story in the manga, you should start with Volume 13, Chapter 62. However, it’s important to note that the manga adaptation, much like the anime, also cuts some details from the light novel. Furthermore, the manga’s release schedule is slower, meaning it has not progressed as far into the story as the light novels have. For the most complete and up-to-date narrative, the light novel remains the recommended source material.
Will there be a Season 2 of Infinite Dendrogram?
As of January 2026, there has been no official announcement regarding a second season for Infinite Dendrogram. While not entirely impossible, a new season is generally considered unlikely by the fan community. This is due to the mixed reception of the first season and the significant amount of time that has passed since it aired in 2020. Fans who are eager to continue the story are strongly encouraged to pick up the light novels.
How many light novel volumes of Infinite Dendrogram are there?
The Infinite Dendrogram light novel series is an ongoing story. As of late 2026, there are over twenty volumes published in Japan, offering a vast amount of plot that extends far beyond the anime’s conclusion. The official English translation is also ongoing and consistently releases new volumes, ensuring there is plenty of content available for readers to dive into.
What’s the difference between the Web Novel and the Light Novel?
The Light Novel (LN) is the professionally published and edited version, whereas the Web Novel (WN) was the original draft the author posted online for free. For readers, the Light Novel is the definitive and recommended version. It features a more polished narrative, improved pacing, and includes exclusive illustrations and story content not found in the original web novel. While both are written by the same author, the LN is considered the final canon version.
Is the Infinite Dendrogram light novel finished?
No, the Infinite Dendrogram light novel series is not finished and remains ongoing as of 2026. The author, Sakon Kaidō, continues to release new volumes in Japan, consistently expanding the intricate world and progressing the overarching story. With more than 20 volumes already available, the series provides a long and engaging reading experience for anyone who enjoyed the anime’s introduction to its world.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the transition from an anime to its source material can be confusing, but for Infinite Dendrogram, the path is clear. Your journey from viewer to reader is straightforward, with a couple of excellent options depending on how deep you want to dive into the world.
Here are the most important points to remember:
- The Direct Path: The anime ends after adapting Light Novel Volume 5. To continue the story without missing a single beat of new plot, begin reading at Volume 6.
- The Complete Path: For the richest experience, it is highly recommended you start from Volume 1. The novels provide critical world-building, character depth, and explanations of game mechanics that the anime skipped.
- The Next Adventure: Volume 6 begins an entirely new and exciting story arc, introducing new characters and expanding the world in compelling ways.
- The Only Way Forward: With no news of a Season 2, the light novels are the definitive and only certain way to continue following the adventures of Ray Starling and Nemesis.
Whether you choose to jump straight into the next arc or rediscover the story from the beginning, a massive and detailed world awaits you. You now have the map to continue your adventure in one of modern fantasy’s most imaginative VRMMO settings.
Last update on 2026-01-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
