Finished the latest Kingdom season and desperate to know what happens next on the battlefield? You’re trying to find the exact manga chapter to start reading without missing a single moment of strategy or a single swing of the glaive. This common challenge can be frustrating when you’re eager to continue the epic tale.
The Kingdom anime’s Season 5 concludes with the Koku You Hills Arc, corresponding to manga chapter 488; to continue the story, you must start reading at chapter 489. This will drop you directly into the beginning of the next major conflict, the Western Zhao Invasion Arc, ensuring a seamless transition from screen to page.
Based on a chapter-by-chapter analysis of the anime adaptation against Yasuhisa Hara’s original source material, this guide provides the definitive answer. You’ll discover the precise manga starting points for every anime season, understand the compelling reasons to consider reading from Chapter 1, and get clear answers to all your transition questions.
Key Facts
- Season 5 Starting Point: To continue from the most recent anime episode, start reading the manga at Chapter 489, which begins the highly anticipated Western Zhao Invasion Arc.
- Reading from Chapter 1 is Recommended: A strong consensus among fans suggests starting from the beginning to experience the story’s full depth and Yasuhisa Hara’s superior artwork, which was not fully captured by the early anime’s CGI.
- The Manga is Ongoing: As of 2026, the manga is not finished and has over 790 chapters, meaning the anime has only adapted roughly half of the available story.
- Main Differences: The key differences between the anime and manga are the art style (CGI in Season 1 vs. detailed drawings), censorship (the manga is more graphic), and pacing (the anime condenses some minor plot points).
- No Major Arcs Skipped: The anime follows the main plot faithfully and does not skip any major story arcs, but it does trim down smaller character interactions and sub-plots, especially in the first season.
Where Does the Kingdom Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The most crucial piece of information for any anime-only fan is knowing the exact manga chapter that follows each season’s finale. This quick-reference table, updated for the 2026 release of Season 5, gives you the precise starting chapter and volume for every season of the Kingdom anime. It’s designed to get you back into the action immediately.
This comprehensive season-to-manga conversion table provides all the necessary data points in one place. Whether you just finished the first season or the latest one, you can find your exact starting point below.
| Anime Season | Final Arc Covered in Anime | Manga Chapter to Start Reading | Corresponding Manga Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Battle of Bayou & Aftermath | Chapter 174 | Volume 17 |
| Season 2 | Sanyou Campaign & Aftermath | Chapter 262 | Volume 25 |
| Season 3 | Coalition Invasion Arc | Chapter 356 | Volume 33 |
| Season 4 | State of Ai Arc & Koku You Campaign | Chapter 438 | Volume 41 |
| Season 5 | Koku You Hills Arc | Chapter 489 | Volume 45 |
Why Should You Consider Reading the Kingdom Manga From Chapter 1?
It is highly recommended to read the Kingdom manga from Chapter 1, especially to experience the superior art quality and story details that were omitted or altered in the anime’s first season. While jumping in where the anime leaves off is tempting, the manga reader consensus is clear: the original source material offers a richer, more detailed experience. Here’s why.
The primary reason is the controversial animation of Season 1. Produced by Studio Pierrot, the first season relied heavily on Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) that was poorly received by the fan community. This CGI failed to capture the raw energy and intricate detail of Yasuhisa Hara’s incredible artwork. The stiff character models and awkward movements in large-scale battles are a stark contrast to the fluid, dynamic, and gritty panels of the manga. A common point of discussion in the fandom is how this initial adaptation doesn’t do justice to the source material.
Beyond the art, the anime’s pacing in the early seasons led to skipped content. To move the plot forward to major battles, the adaptation condenses or entirely omits:
* ✅ Minor character interactions that flesh out relationships.
* ✅ Small sub-plots that add depth to the world-building.
* ✅ Nuanced strategic discussions and political maneuvering.
A visual comparison of a scene from the Season 1 anime and the original manga source material showcases the significant difference in art quality and emotional impact. By starting from Chapter 1, you experience the story exactly as the creator intended, with every brutal detail and character moment intact.
What Manga Chapter Does Kingdom Season 1 Leave Off On?
After finishing Kingdom Season 1, you should start reading the manga at Chapter 174. The first season of the anime, which includes 38 episodes, concludes with the aftermath of the epic Battle of Bayou. The story in the manga picks up right after this, with Chapter 174 marking the beginning of the next major storyline, the Sanyou Campaign Arc. This chapter is located in Volume 17 of the published manga.
What Manga Chapter Does Kingdom Season 2 Leave Off On?
To continue reading where Kingdom Season 2 left off, start with manga Chapter 262. The second season’s 39 episodes adapt the story through the Sanyou Campaign, ending at manga chapter 261. Chapter 262, found in Volume 25, picks up immediately after. By starting here, you are positioning yourself right at the precipice of one of the most acclaimed arcs in manga history: the legendary Coalition Invasion Arc.
What Manga Chapter Does Kingdom Season 3 Leave Off On?
After watching Kingdom Season 3, the correct manga chapter to start with is Chapter 356. The third season is a masterclass in adaptation, dedicating its entire 26-episode run to the monumental Coalition Invasion Arc, which concludes in chapter 355. Starting at Chapter 356 (in Volume 33) transitions you from the massive external war to the subsequent internal political turmoil within Qin, specifically focusing on the Buwei Faction.
What Manga Chapter Does Kingdom Season 4 Leave Off On?
To pick up where Kingdom Season 4 ends, start reading the manga at Chapter 438. This season covers a lot of ground, including Cheng Jiao’s rebellion and the State of Ai Arc, before beginning the Koku You Campaign. The anime concludes on a cliffhanger in the middle of this campaign at manga chapter 437. Therefore, starting at Chapter 438 (in Volume 41) will drop you right back into the heat of battle against the forces of Zhao.
Where Does Kingdom Season 5 Leave Off in the Manga? (Most Recent Update)
After finishing Kingdom Season 5, you should start reading the manga at Chapter 489. As of the season finale in 2026, the anime has officially adapted the story up to the conclusion of the Koku You Hills Arc at manga chapter 488. This chapter is located in Volume 45. By starting at Chapter 489, you will begin the next grand campaign, the Western Zhao Invasion Arc, and continue the story beyond the most recent anime episode.
FAQs About where does the kingdom anime leave off in the manga
Is the Kingdom manga finished or ongoing?
The Kingdom manga is still ongoing. As of 2026, creator Yasuhisa Hara continues to release new chapters weekly in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine. The story is deep into the conquest of the state of Zhao and is expected to continue for several more years to cover the full unification of China.
Where can I read the Kingdom manga officially?
Currently, there is no official English translation of the entire Kingdom manga available for purchase in digital or print formats. This is a notable exception for such a popular series. Fans who wish to read the series typically rely on high-quality fan translations, which can be found on various online manga aggregator sites.
Is it better to read the Kingdom manga from the beginning?
Yes, it is highly recommended to read the manga from Chapter 1. The anime’s first season, in particular, used controversial CGI animation that failed to capture the manga’s detailed art style. Additionally, the anime condensed or skipped several minor character interactions and world-building scenes that add depth to the story.
Will there be a Kingdom Season 6?
While there has been no official announcement for Kingdom Season 6 as of January 2026, it is highly likely. The anime’s popularity remains strong, and there is a vast amount of manga source material to adapt, starting with the Western Zhao Invasion Arc from chapter 489. Fans should monitor official sources from Studio Pierrot for announcements.
Does the Kingdom anime skip any important arcs?
The Kingdom anime does not skip major story arcs, but it does condense or omit smaller sub-plots and character moments. The most significant changes occur in Season 1, where pacing is faster to get to major battles. Later seasons follow the manga much more faithfully, especially Season 3 which is a near-perfect adaptation of the Coalition Invasion Arc.
What are the main differences between the anime and manga?
The three main differences are art style, censorship, and pacing. The manga features highly detailed, gritty artwork that the anime (especially S1) struggles to replicate. The manga is also more graphic, showing the brutality of war that is often toned down in the anime. Finally, the anime occasionally adjusts the pacing, sometimes rushing through build-up that is more fleshed out in the manga.
How many chapters are in the Kingdom manga?
As of January 2026, the Kingdom manga has over 790 chapters. New chapters are released on a near-weekly basis, so the total number is constantly growing. This makes it one of the longest-running and most substantial seinen manga series currently in publication.
Why is the animation in Kingdom Season 1 so different?
Kingdom Season 1 used a large amount of 3D CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) for its characters and armies, a decision made by the initial production team at Studio Pierrot. This was widely criticized by fans for looking stiff and failing to capture the expressiveness of the manga’s art. In response to the feedback, the studio switched to a more traditional 2D animation style from Season 2 onwards.
What chapter is the Coalition Invasion Arc?
The Coalition Invasion Arc, one of the most famous arcs in the series, begins around Chapter 264 and concludes with Chapter 355. The entirety of Kingdom Season 3 is dedicated to adapting this single, massive arc, showcasing the large-scale war against the combined armies of five states.
Is Kingdom historically accurate?
Kingdom is a historical fiction manga that is loosely based on the real Warring States period of China. Many characters, such as Li Xin (Shin), Ying Zheng (Ei Sei), and Wang Qi (Ouki), are based on real historical figures. However, author Yasuhisa Hara takes significant creative liberties with events, timelines, and character personalities for dramatic effect.
Key Takeaways: Kingdom Anime to Manga Guide
- Season 5 Ends at Chapter 488: To continue with the most recent episodes, start reading the manga at Chapter 489, which begins the Western Zhao Invasion Arc.
- Quick Reference for All Seasons: Season 1 ends at Chapter 173, Season 2 at Chapter 261, Season 3 at Chapter 355, and Season 4 at Chapter 437. Always start on the next chapter.
- Reading from Chapter 1 is Recommended: Due to the controversial CGI animation and skipped content in Season 1, the definitive way to experience Kingdom’s story and art is by reading the manga from the very beginning.
- The Manga is More Detailed and Uncensored: Yasuhisa Hara’s original manga features more graphic depictions of warfare and includes minor character arcs and world-building details that were cut from the anime for time.
- The Manga is Ongoing: The Kingdom manga is not finished and continues to be released weekly. The anime has only covered roughly half of the currently available source material.
- No Official English Release Exists: As of 2026, there is no official English print or digital version of the manga, so fans must rely on fan-translation communities to read the series.
- Animation Quality Improves Drastically: If you were put off by Season 1’s CGI, be aware that the animation style changes to a much more well-received traditional 2D format from Season 2 onwards.
Final Thoughts on Transitioning from the Kingdom Anime to the Manga
Whether you choose to jump straight into the fray from Chapter 489 or embark on the grand journey from Chapter 1, transitioning to the Kingdom manga is a rewarding decision. You are about to experience Yasuhisa Hara’s masterpiece in its original, unfiltered form, with breathtaking art and a depth of strategy and character that the anime can only begin to touch upon. This guide has provided you with the precise map coordinates for your journey. Now, it is time to turn the page and witness the full, bloody, and glorious path to the unification of China.
