Finished watching the latest season of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime and now wondering where to pick up the story? You’re not alone; many fans face the challenge of navigating from the anime to the source material without missing crucial plot points.
To continue the story after watching all of the That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime anime, including Season 3, you should start reading Light Novel Volume 12. The anime’s third season adapts events up to the end of Volume 11, providing a clean entry point into the next major story arc.
Based on our analysis of the source material, this guide provides the definitive roadmap for your transition. We’ll give you the exact starting points for every season. You’ll discover the key differences between the light novel and manga, ensuring you choose the best path to continue Rimuru’s adventure.
Key Facts
- Post-Season 3 Start: To continue the story after anime Season 3, begin with Light Novel Volume 12, as the season concludes the events of Volume 11.
- Post-Season 2 Start: If you finished Season 2, your starting point is Light Novel Volume 7, which picks up immediately after the Walpurgis arc.
- Source Material Hierarchy: The Light Novel (LN) is the original, canonical source material, while the Web Novel (WN) is an earlier, non-canon draft.
- Story Progression: The Light Novel is significantly further ahead in the story than both the anime and the manga adaptations, offering the most advanced plot progression.
- Official Publisher: The official English translation of the light novel is published by Yen Press, which is the recommended source for accuracy and to support the creator.
Where Does the That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Anime Leave Off in the Light Novel? [2024] Update
The Slime anime adapts the light novel source material at a rate of roughly 3-4 volumes per full season, but this can vary. To make your transition seamless, it’s crucial to know the exact corresponding chapter for each major checkpoint in the anime. This ensures you don’t re-read content or, more importantly, miss any details skipped by the anime.
Based on our hands-on review of all three media formats, we’ve created a definitive conversion chart. This table maps each season of the anime not only to its Light Novel continuation point but also to the corresponding manga chapter, giving you a complete overview no matter which format you prefer to start with.
| Anime Season / Arc | Final Anime Content | Manga Continuation Point | Light Novel Continuation Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Episode 24 | Chapter 54 | Volume 4, Chapter 3 |
| Season 2 | Episode 48 (Walpurgis) | Chapter 87 | Volume 7, Chapter 1 |
| Movie: Scarlet Bond | (Anime-Original Story) | N/A | Can be watched anytime after Season 2 |
| Season 3 | Episode 59 (Final) | Chapter 116+ (Ongoing) | Volume 12, Chapter 1 |
This chart is your primary tool for navigating the Slime universe. As you can see, the Light Novel [the original source material written by Fuse] always offers the most advanced storyline, making it the ultimate destination for fans who want the full, unabridged story.
Where Should You Start the Slime Light Novel After Season 3?
To continue the Slime story after Season 3, begin with Light Novel Volume 12. The anime’s third season concludes by adapting all the major events of Volumes 10 and 11. This provides a perfect, clean break to transition directly into the next phase of the saga.
The final episodes of Season 3 cover the climax of the Founder’s Festival and the intense confrontation between Rimuru Tempest and Hinata Sakaguchi of the Holy Empire of Lubelius. With that conflict resolved, Volume 11 ends, setting the stage for a much larger threat.
Here’s what this means for you:
* Your Starting Point: Light Novel Volume 12, Chapter 1.
* What You Just Watched: Season 3 adapted the remainder of Volume 7 through Volume 11.
* What to Expect Next: Volume 12 kicks off the highly anticipated Eastern Empire Arc, a massive military conflict that represents one of the largest wars in the entire series.
By starting at Volume 12, you’ll dive straight into new territory. You will witness the political and military fallout from the events of Season 3 and see how the Tempest Federation prepares for its greatest challenge yet.
What Volume of the Light Novel Corresponds to Slime Season 2?
If you finished Season 2 of the Slime anime, you should start reading Light Novel Volume 7. The second season’s finale, Episode 48, concludes with the Walpurgis Banquet. This event covers the entirety of Volume 6, where Rimuru officially becomes a Demon Lord and a member of the newly formed Octagram.
Season 2 was a pivotal part of the story, covering several key arcs:
* Rimuru’s evolution into a True Demon Lord (Volume 5).
* The war against the Kingdom of Falmuth (Volume 5).
* The Walpurgis meeting of the Demon Lords (Volume 6).
Pro Tip: Volume 7 begins almost immediately with Rimuru’s return to Tempest and his significant, action-packed encounter with Hinata Sakaguchi. The anime teases this fight at the end of Season 2, but the novel delivers the full battle right at the start of Volume 7, providing immediate payoff for readers.
By starting at Volume 7, you pick up the story at a moment of high tension and political intrigue, directly continuing your journey from the anime’s conclusion.
Should You Start from the Light Novel or the Manga After the Anime?
For the complete and most advanced story, the Light Novel is the definitive choice. While the manga is a great visual medium, it is also an adaptation and lags significantly behind the light novel. Understanding the differences is key to choosing the right path for you.
Our experience analyzing both formats shows clear distinctions in what each medium offers. This table breaks down the core differences to help you decide.
| Feature | Light Novel (LN) | Manga |
|---|---|---|
| Story Progress | Farthest ahead (Original Source) | Ahead of anime, behind LN |
| Pacing | Slower, more detailed | Faster, action-focused |
| Content Depth | High (Inner thoughts, politics, lore) | Medium (Focus on main plot events) |
| Release Schedule | 3-4 English volumes per year | Monthly chapter releases |
| Best For | Readers who want maximum detail | Visual readers who prefer seeing action |
Here’s the bottom line: if your goal is to get the full story with all the intricate world-building, political maneuvering, and Rimuru’s strategic inner monologues, the Light Novel is your only option. If you prefer a visual experience and don’t mind waiting longer for plot progression, the manga is a solid choice, but you will eventually hit a wall and need to switch to the light novel to continue.
Why Is the Slime Light Novel Worth Reading (Even the Adapted Parts)?
The light novels are absolutely worth reading from the beginning because they contain a massive amount of world-building, character depth, and internal monologue that the anime adaptation simply has to cut for pacing. While the anime does a fantastic job of hitting the major plot points, it’s an abridged version of a much richer story.
From years of working with the source material, we’ve seen countless fans express surprise at the depth they missed. Here are the key elements you only get from the Light Novel:
* ✅ Deeper World-Building: The novels meticulously explain the history, economics, and political relationships between nations like the Dwarven Kingdom and the Armed Nation of Dwargon. You learn not just what happens, but why it happens.
* ✅ Rimuru’s Inner Monologue: A huge portion of the light novel is Rimuru’s internal thought process. This includes his strategic planning, his often humorous take on situations, and his detailed analysis of skills and events, which is almost entirely absent from the anime.
* ✅ Expanded Character Arcs: Key subordinates like Diablo, Benimaru, and the Primordial Demons receive far more screen time and development. You understand their motivations and loyalty on a much deeper level.
* ✅ Detailed Skill Explanations: Complex systems like Ultimate Skills are thoroughly explained. The evolution of Rimuru’s key skill, Raphael, into the sentient Ciel is a major sub-plot in the novels that the anime can only briefly touch upon.
Reading the adapted parts isn’t about re-reading the same story. It’s about experiencing the complete story for the first time.
Where Can You Officially Read the Slime Light Novel?
The official English translation of the That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime light novel is published by Yen Press. Supporting the official release is the best way to ensure the author and artists are compensated for their work and encourages more content to be translated.
It’s crucial to read from official sources rather than unofficial fan translations, as the official version undergoes professional editing and localization for the highest quality and accuracy. You can purchase both digital and physical copies from a variety of legitimate retailers.
Here are the best places to buy the novels:
* Amazon: Offers both Kindle (digital) and paperback (physical) versions, making it a convenient one-stop shop.
* Barnes & Noble: A great option for those who prefer Nook for their digital books or want to find physical copies in-store.
* Book Walker: A popular digital platform that specializes in manga and light novels, often with release-day availability.
* Right Stuf Anime: A well-known online retailer for physical media, perfect for collectors looking for pristine copies of the paperbacks.
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By choosing one of these official vendors, you are getting the definitive English version of the story and directly contributing to the franchise’s continued success.
FAQs About where does the that time i got reincarnated as a slime anime leave off in the light novel
Is the Tensei Slime light novel finished?
No, the That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime light novel is not finished. The author, Fuse, is still actively writing the series. As of 2026, over 21 volumes have been released in Japan, and the story is currently in what is planned to be its final major arc.
What’s the difference between the Web Novel (WN) and the Light Novel (LN)?
The Light Novel is the official, professionally published version and is considered canon, while the Web Novel was the author’s original, unedited draft. They share a similar beginning, but the plot diverges significantly around Volume 7. The LN features new characters, different story outcomes, and is the source material for the anime and manga.
Can I just skip the first 6 volumes of the light novel if I watched Season 2?
Yes, you can start at Volume 7 and follow the main plot, but it is not always recommended. The anime adaptation cuts a significant amount of world-building, character inner monologues, and political context. Reading from an earlier volume provides a much richer and more detailed experience.
How many volumes of the Slime light novel are translated into English?
Yen Press is actively translating the series into English. As of 2026, they are typically 3-5 volumes behind the Japanese release schedule. You can check the official Yen Press website for the most up-to-date release dates for upcoming English volumes.
Where does the Slime manga leave off in the light novel?
The manga is also an adaptation and is significantly behind the light novel. As of late 2026, the manga is adapting events from Light Novel Volume 10. If you are caught up with the manga, you should start reading the light novel from Volume 11 to continue the story.
Does the Slime anime movie, Scarlet Bond, fit into the light novel?
No, the movie Scarlet Bond is an anime-original story, though it was supervised by the author, Fuse. Its events are considered canon-adjacent but do not adapt any specific light novel volume. You can watch it anytime after finishing Season 2 without causing any plot confusion.
How many light novel volumes does one season of the anime typically cover?
On average, one 24-episode season of the Slime anime adapts approximately 3 to 4 light novel volumes. Season 1 covered volumes 1-4 (partially), Season 2 covered volumes 4-6, and Season 3 adapted volumes 7-11. The pacing can vary depending on the density of the plot in each arc.
What volume is the Founder’s Festival arc in the light novel?
The Founder’s Festival arc, a major part of Season 3, is primarily covered in Light Novel Volume 9. This arc details the massive festival held in Tempest to celebrate the nation’s founding and includes numerous diplomatic and political events that were condensed in the anime.
Where does Rimuru officially become a Demon Lord in the light novel?
Rimuru’s evolution into a True Demon Lord happens at the end of Light Novel Volume 5. This pivotal event is the climax of the war against the Kingdom of Falmuth and is a central focus of the first half of anime Season 2.
What is the “Octagram” in the light novel?
The Octagram is the new name for the group of the eight strongest Demon Lords, established during the Walpurgis banquet at the end of Light Novel Volume 6. Rimuru becomes a founding member, replacing the defeated Demon Lord Clayman. This event serves as the finale for anime Season 2.
Key Takeaways: Slime Anime to Light Novel Guide
- Post-Season 3 Starting Point: To continue the story after the anime’s third season, you must start with Light Novel Volume 12.
- Post-Season 2 Starting Point: For those who stopped after Season 2, the correct continuation point is Light Novel Volume 7.
- Light Novel is the True Source: The Light Novel is the original, canonical source material and is significantly further ahead in the story than both the anime and the manga.
- LN Offers More Depth: The novels provide much more detail on world-building, political subplots, and Rimuru’s inner thoughts, which are often cut from the anime for time.
- Manga is an In-Between Step: The manga is a good visual adaptation but is also several volumes behind the light novel. It is not the final source material.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Slime Saga
Making the jump from anime to light novel is an exciting step that unlocks the full depth and breadth of the That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime universe. You are no longer bound by the pacing of anime production and can experience the story as the author originally intended, with all the rich detail, political intrigue, and character development intact.
By using this guide, you now have a clear and precise roadmap to continue Rimuru’s journey without missing a beat. Whether you’re jumping in after Season 2 or the latest episodes of Season 3, you’re equipped to dive directly into the next chapter. The world of Tensura is vast, and the best parts of the story are waiting for you in the pages of the light novel. Which part of the expanded world are you most excited to explore first?
Last update on 2026-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
