Finished the latest season of Overlord and wondering where the anime leaves off in the light novels? You’re in the right place to get the exact answer, helping you continue the story without hitting spoilers or re-reading content you’ve already seen on screen. This guide provides the definitive roadmap to seamlessly transition from viewer to reader.
The final episode of Overlord Season 4 adapts the end of Light Novel Volume 14. To continue the story chronologically after watching all anime seasons and the upcoming movie, you should start reading from Overlord Light Novel Volume 15. This ensures you pick up exactly where the complete animated story concludes.
Based on a detailed analysis of the anime adaptation and community consensus from the Overlord Wiki, this guide gives you the precise reading order. You will discover not only the correct starting volume but also what crucial content the anime skipped and why it is essential for the full story.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: After watching all anime seasons and the upcoming movie, the story continues in Light Novel Volume 15.
- Season 4’s Skipped Content: The anime’s fourth season skips Volumes 12 and 13, which are being adapted into a separate movie titled “Overlord: The Holy Kingdom Arc.”
- The Series is Nearing Its End: Author Kugane Maruyama has officially announced that the Overlord light novel series is planned to conclude with Volume 18.
- Light Novel is the Original Source: The light novel is the official canon and source material for the story, providing far more detail than the anime or manga adaptations.
- Significant Content Differences: Reading from the beginning is highly recommended, as the anime condenses or completely cuts significant content, including Ainz’s inner monologues and detailed world-building.
Where Does the Overlord Anime Leave Off in the Light Novels?
The Overlord anime’s adaptation is mostly linear, with one major exception in its latest season. Each of the first three seasons faithfully adapts three light novel volumes in chronological order. However, Season 4 breaks this pattern by skipping two entire volumes to focus on a specific narrative, which will be covered in an upcoming film. This makes knowing the correct starting point after Season 4 more critical than ever.
For a quick reference, this table maps every part of the Overlord anime to its corresponding light novel volumes. It provides a clear, at-a-glance answer for where to start reading, no matter where you stopped watching. This structure is based on community consensus and official announcements, ensuring its accuracy.
| Media | Light Novel Volumes Covered | Recommended Starting Point (to continue) |
|---|---|---|
| Overlord Season 1 | Volumes 1, 2, 3 | Volume 4 |
| Overlord Season 2 | Volumes 4, 5, 6 | Volume 7 |
| Overlord Season 3 | Volumes 7, 8, 9 | Volume 10 |
| Overlord Season 4 | Volumes 10, 11, & 14 (skips 12-13) | Volume 15 (after watching the movie) |
| Overlord Movie: The Holy Kingdom Arc | Volumes 12 & 13 | Volume 15 |
What Light Novel Volume Does Overlord Season 1 End On?
Overlord Season 1 covers volumes 1, 2, and 3 of the light novel. The final episode concludes the “Bloody Valkyrie” arc, which is the entirety of Volume 3. Therefore, readers looking to continue the story after watching the first season should start with Volume 4.
The first season of the anime is considered a very faithful adaptation of the source material. It introduces the world and the Great Tomb of Nazarick by covering the initial three story arcs. Real-world experience shows that fans who start with Volume 4 after watching Season 1 can transition smoothly without feeling lost.
The arcs covered in the first season include:
* Volume 1: The Undead King
* Volume 2: The Dark Warrior
* Volume 3: The Bloody Valkyrie
The season finale, featuring the intense confrontation between Ainz Ooal Gown and the brainwashed Floor Guardian, Shalltear Bloodfallen, directly adapts the climax of Volume 3. This clean endpoint makes it easy for viewers to know exactly where to pick up the narrative in the books.
What Light Novel Volume Does Overlord Season 2 End On?
Overlord Season 2 covers light novel volumes 4, 5, and 6. It begins with the “Lizard Man Heroes” arc (Volume 4) and concludes with the “Men in the Kingdom” arc (Volumes 5 and 6). To pick up the story immediately after the events of season 2, you should start reading Volume 7.
This season marked a shift in pacing for some viewers, as it juggled several parallel storylines. It dedicates significant time to world-building outside of Nazarick, focusing on the struggles of the Lizardmen tribes and the undercover mission of Sebas Tian in the Re-Estize Kingdom. This deeper dive into the New World’s inhabitants is a hallmark of the light novels.
The arcs covered in the second season include:
* Volume 4: The Lizard Man Heroes
* Volume 5: The Men in the Kingdom [Part 1]
* Volume 6: The Men in the Kingdom [Part 2]
The season concludes at the end of Volume 6, wrapping up the dramatic conflict involving Sebas, Climb, and the criminal organization known as the Eight Fingers. Starting with Volume 7 will throw you directly into the next phase of Ainz’s plan: the invasion of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.
What Light Novel Volume Does Overlord Season 3 End On?
Overlord Season 3 covers light novel volumes 7, 8, and 9. The season culminates with the establishment of the Sorcerous Kingdom at the end of the “Magic Caster of Destroy” arc from Volume 9. Therefore, the correct starting point to continue the story after Season 3 is Volume 10.
Season 3 is packed with some of the most memorable and large-scale events in the series. It begins with the ill-fated invasion of Nazarick by foolish workers and ends with the infamous Katze Plains massacre, where Ainz demonstrates his overwhelming power to the world. Acknowledging fan discussions, some feel the adaptation of Volume 8 (“The Two Leaders”) felt slightly rushed to fit the season’s runtime, which is a common reason viewers turn to the novels for more detail.
The arcs covered in the third season include:
* Volume 7: The Invaders of the Large Tomb
* Volume 8: The Two Leaders
* Volume 9: The Magic Caster of Destroy
The season’s finale marks a massive turning point in the series with the founding of the Sorcerous Kingdom. Picking up the story at Volume 10 allows you to immediately explore the consequences of this world-changing event and see how other nations react to their powerful new neighbor.
What Light Novel Volumes Does Overlord Season 4 Cover?
Overlord Season 4 uniquely adapts Light Novel Volumes 10, 11, and 14, concluding with the end of Volume 14. The anime intentionally skips Volumes 12 and 13, as their story, The Holy Kingdom Arc, is being adapted into a feature film. To continue the story after Season 4 and the movie, you must read Volume 15.
This non-chronological adaptation is the biggest point of confusion for anime-only fans, but there is a clear production reason for it. The studio chose to group all the storylines directly related to the establishment and political development of the Sorcerous Kingdom into a single season.
Here is the exact breakdown of Season 4’s content:
1. Season 4 adapts Volume 10 (“The Ruler of Conspiracy”) and Volume 11 (“The Craftsman of Dwarf”). This covers Ainz’s efforts to strengthen his new nation and his expedition to the Dwarf Kingdom.
2. It then SKIPS Volume 12 and Volume 13 (“The Paladin of the Holy Kingdom” arc). These volumes tell a lengthy, self-contained story that happens concurrently.
3. The season finale adapts Volume 14 (“The Witch of the Falling Kingdom”). This brings the Sorcerous Kingdom’s storyline to a dramatic climax.
4. Therefore, to continue the story after Season 4, you must start with Volume 15.
Why Did the Anime Skip Volumes 12 and 13 (The Holy Kingdom Arc)?
The Holy Kingdom Arc (Volumes 12-13) was skipped in Season 4 because it is a lengthy side story. The animation studio, Madhouse, announced that this arc will be adapted into the upcoming film, “Overlord: The Holy Kingdom Arc.” This decision was made because the arc is a long, largely self-contained story that focuses heavily on a new cast of characters in the Roble Holy Kingdom as they face a demonic invasion led by Jaldabaoth. Giving this arc its own feature-length film allows the production to give its extensive plot the screen time and focus it deserves, rather than disrupting the narrative flow of Season 4.
Should You Read the Light Novel from Volume 1 After Watching the Anime?
Yes, you should absolutely read the Overlord light novel from Volume 1. While the anime is a good adaptation that captures the main plot points, the novels offer a vastly superior and more detailed experience. Community consensus among readers is nearly unanimous on this point, as the novels provide critical context and depth that are impossible to fit into a 24-minute episode.
From our analysis of both media, starting from the beginning provides significant information gain. Key benefits include:
* Ainz’s Inner Monologue: The novels constantly let you inside Ainz’s head. You experience the vast difference between the imposing, all-knowing ruler persona he projects and the inner thoughts of the confused human salaryman, Suzuki Satoru, who is desperately trying to live up to expectations. This adds a layer of comedy and psychological depth the anime can only hint at.
* Detailed World-Building: The intricate rules of Tier Magic, the history of the YGGDRASIL game, the functions of World Items, and the complex political landscape of the New World are explained in great detail. The novels make the world feel more real and its systems more coherent.
* Expanded Character Perspectives: You get to read chapters from the viewpoints of many other characters, including the Floor Guardians like Demiurge and Albedo, as well as the perspective of New World inhabitants. This gives you a much richer understanding of their motivations, loyalties, and fears.
* Uncut Content: For the sake of pacing, the anime cuts many minor scenes, conversations, and even entire subplots. Reading the novels allows you to experience the full, uncut story as the author intended, with all the nuances intact.
FAQs About where does the overlord anime leave off in the light novels
Is the Overlord Light Novel Finished?
No, but the author has confirmed the end is very near. Author Kugane Maruyama has officially stated that the Overlord light novel series will conclude with Volume 18. As of 2026, the series is still ongoing, but fans can expect the final volumes to be released in the near future.
How Many Overlord Light Novel Volumes Are There?
There are currently 16 official volumes of the Overlord light novel released in Japan. The series is planned to end with a total of 18 volumes. The English translation by Yen Press typically follows the Japanese release by several months to a year.
Will There Be an Overlord Season 5?
An official Overlord Season 5 has not been announced yet. However, given the popularity of the series and the fact that there is still un-adapted source material after the Holy Kingdom Arc movie and Volume 14, a fifth season is highly anticipated by fans.
What is the Difference Between the Overlord Light Novel and the Manga?
The light novel is the original source material; the manga is another adaptation. The Overlord manga, like the anime, adapts the light novel. Currently, the anime is further ahead in the story than the manga adaptation. If you want to continue the story, the light novel is the correct choice.
Where Can I Read the Overlord Light Novels Legally?
You can purchase official English translations from retailers that sell books published by Yen Press. This includes major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository. Digital versions are also available for purchase on platforms like Kindle, Kobo, and Apple Books.
What Did the Overlord Anime Skip Besides Volumes 12 & 13?
The anime primarily skips or condenses characters’ inner thoughts and detailed explanations. While the plot is mostly faithful, the anime has to cut Ainz’s extensive internal monologues, detailed descriptions of game mechanics, and some minor character interactions for the sake of pacing and runtime.
Do I Need to Watch the Overlord Movie Before Reading Volume 15?
Yes, it is highly recommended. The upcoming movie adapts Volumes 12 and 13. These events happen chronologically before the story continues in Volume 15. For the complete experience, you should watch the anime seasons, then the movie, and then start reading Volume 15.
What is the Correct Reading Order After Watching Everything?
The correct order is to start with Volume 15. After you have watched Seasons 1-4 of the anime and the “Holy Kingdom Arc” movie, the next part of the story begins in Volume 15, “The Half-Elf God-kin.”
Is the Overlord Web Novel the Same as the Light Novel?
No, they are different versions of the story. The web novel was the original draft written by the author online. The light novel is the professionally published, edited, and illustrated version. The light novel is considered the official canon and has a significantly different plot progression in later parts of the story.
Why Does Season 4 Cover Volume 14 Before 12 and 13?
For narrative focus. The anime producers chose to group the Sorcerous Kingdom’s political development (Volumes 10, 11, 14) into one season. The Holy Kingdom arc (Volumes 12, 13) is a long, separate adventure that they decided would work better as its own standalone movie.
Key Takeaways: Overlord Anime to Light Novel Guide
This guide provides a clear path for any anime fan looking to dive into the rich world of the Overlord light novels. Here are the most critical points to remember as you begin your reading journey.
- Start After Season 4: To continue the story after watching all four seasons and the movie, start reading at Volume 15.
- Season 4’s Unique Order: Season 4 adapted Volumes 10, 11, and 14. It intentionally skipped Volumes 12 and 13.
- The Skipped Content is a Movie: The skipped volumes, known as “The Paladin of the Holy Kingdom” arc, are being adapted into a feature film.
- Simple Season Mapping: Season 1 covers Volumes 1-3. Season 2 covers Volumes 4-6. Season 3 covers Volumes 7-9.
- Read from Volume 1 for Full Depth: It is highly recommended to start from the beginning to experience Ainz’s inner monologue, detailed world-building, and content cut from the anime.
- Light Novel is the Source: The light novel is the original, canonical source material. The manga is another adaptation that is behind the anime’s story progression.
- The End is Near: The author has confirmed the light novel series will conclude with Volume 18.
Final Thoughts on Starting the Overlord Light Novels
Transitioning from the Overlord anime to the light novels opens up a world of incredible detail, deep character psychology, and intricate political maneuvering that the anime could only scratch the surface of. You now have the complete and accurate roadmap to continue Ainz Ooal Gown’s journey for world domination without missing a single step.
Whether you choose to jump right in at Volume 15 after the movie or take the highly recommended path of starting from Volume 1, you are about to experience the story in its truest and most comprehensive form. The depth of lore and the complexity of the characters will make you appreciate the series on an entirely new level. Happy reading, and all hail Ainz Ooal Gown
Last update on 2026-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
