Finished the Tomodachi Game anime and now you’re staring at that intense cliffhanger? You’re not alone. Many fans are left wondering exactly where to pick up the manga to find out what happens next to Yuuichi and his friends.
The Tomodachi Game anime (Season 1) concludes by adapting events up to Chapter 25 of the manga. To seamlessly continue the story from where Episode 12 leaves off, you should start reading from Chapter 26. This chapter marks the thrilling beginning of the “Friendship Hide-and-Seek Arc” and is located in Volume 6 of the manga.
This guide, based on a direct analysis of the source material, will give you the exact starting point. But more importantly, it will reveal why just skipping ahead might cause you to miss the true genius of the story. You’ll discover the key differences between the two versions and get a full map of the manga’s story arcs.
Key Facts
- Direct Starting Point: The anime concludes its story at the end of manga Chapter 25, making Chapter 26 the official starting point for anime-only fans.
- Volume Transition: Chapter 26 is the first chapter of Volume 6 of the manga, providing a clear physical volume to purchase or borrow.
- Next Major Arc: The story immediately dives into the “Friendship Hide-and-Seek Arc,” a game that significantly increases the psychological and physical stakes.
- Omitted Content: The anime adaptation cuts significant internal monologues, especially from the protagonist Yuuichi Katagiri, which alters the perception of his character.
- Ongoing Story: As of 2026, the Tomodachi Game manga is still ongoing, meaning there is a vast amount of story content available that has not been animated.
What Chapter Does the Tomodachi Game Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The definitive answer is that the Tomodachi Game anime leaves off at the end of Chapter 25. To continue the story without missing a single moment of the main plot, you must start reading from Chapter 26. This is where the narrative picks up immediately after the shocking conclusion of the “Kageguchi Sugoroku Arc” shown in Episode 12.
For those who collect physical copies, this transition is very straightforward. The anime covers the material found in the first five volumes of the manga. Therefore, Chapter 26 is the very first chapter you will find in Volume 6. Starting here ensures you dive straight into the next high-stakes game.
The final scenes of Episode 12 of the anime [the TV animation produced by Okuruto Noboru] correspond directly to the events at the end of Chapter 25 of the manga [the source material written by Mikoto Yamaguchi]. This one-to-one mapping makes for a clean and easy transition for viewers eager to see what unfolds in the mysterious and dangerous world of the Tomodachi Game.
Is the Tomodachi Game Anime a Faithful Adaptation of the Manga?
The Tomodachi Game anime is a generally faithful adaptation regarding the main plot points, but it is not a 1-to-1 recreation. While the anime accurately follows the sequence of events and the outcomes of the first two games, it makes significant cuts for the sake of pacing. The most notable omissions are the deep internal monologues and smaller character-building scenes that give the manga its rich psychological depth.
This table breaks down the key differences between the two versions:
| Feature | Anime Adaptation (Season 1) | Manga Source Material (Chapters 1-25) |
|---|---|---|
| Pacing | Fast-paced, focuses on moving the plot and games forward quickly. | More deliberate, spends additional time on character setup and psychological tension. |
| Character Depth | Relies on actions and dialogue. Yuuichi’s inner thoughts are often simplified or omitted. | Extensive internal monologues, revealing the full extent of Yuuichi’s manipulative genius and other characters’ fears. |
| Omitted Content | Several smaller character interactions and foreshadowing scenes are cut for time. | Contains all original scenes, providing richer context for character relationships and future plot twists. |
| Tone & Atmosphere | Consistently high-tension and dramatic. | Builds a darker, more oppressive atmosphere with more detailed art and psychological horror elements. |
| Overall Faithfulness | Follows the main story arc accurately. | The definitive and most complete version of the story. |
While you can absolutely continue from Chapter 26 and understand the main story, you will have a slightly different perception of the characters, especially Yuuichi Katagiri. The anime presents him as a clever protagonist, but the manga portrays him as a far more ruthless and calculating manipulator from the very beginning.
Why Should You Consider Reading Tomodachi Game From Chapter 1?
Reading Tomodachi Game from Chapter 1 is highly recommended because it provides the complete, unfiltered narrative experience that the anime condenses. While jumping to Chapter 26 is possible, starting from the beginning allows you to witness the story’s true psychological depth, catch crucial foreshadowing, and appreciate the author’s intended pacing. From personal experience, understanding Yuuichi’s early manipulations is key to appreciating his development in later arcs.
Here are three key reasons to start the manga from the very beginning:
1. Deeper Character Psychology
The single biggest element missing from the anime is the extensive internal monologues. In the manga, you are inside Yuuichi’s head, witnessing his cold, manipulative thoughts in real-time. This provides a much darker and more complex view of his character, turning him from a clever hero into a terrifying anti-hero. You miss the core of his personality by skipping the first 25 chapters.
2. Crucial Foreshadowing
The anime, in its effort to maintain a fast pace, cuts several minor conversations and seemingly insignificant scenes. However, in a psychological thriller like Tomodachi Game, these small moments are often filled with crucial foreshadowing for future betrayals and plot twists. Reading from Chapter 1 ensures you catch all the subtle clues that make later reveals far more impactful.
3. Unaltered Pacing and Atmosphere
The manga’s pacing is more deliberate, allowing tension and suspicion to build slowly and organically. The artwork, especially in moments of psychological stress, creates a more oppressive and paranoid atmosphere. By reading from the start, you experience the story’s tone as originally crafted by Mikoto Yamaguchi and Yuki Sato, which is a key part of its appeal.
What Key Details Are Gained by Reading From the Start?
Diving into the manga from the beginning isn’t just about re-reading the same story; it’s about uncovering a new layer of the narrative. Here are concrete examples of what you gain:
- Yuuichi’s Unfiltered Psychology: You get to read his chilling inner thoughts during the very first game, Kokkuri-san. You’ll see exactly how he deduces the traitor and how he callously manipulates his “friends” from the outset, a detail heavily downplayed in the anime.
- Richer Group Dynamics: The manga provides more context on the group’s friendship before the game begins. For instance, it gives more insight into Shiho Sawaragi’s initial motivations and the subtle cracks that already existed in their relationships.
- Subtle Foreshadowing: At least 3 key foreshadowing moments related to the Tomodachi Game’s administration and future character betrayals are completely omitted from the anime. These small panels add immense re-read value and context for later arcs.
- Complete Scene Integrity: You experience scenes in their entirety. A key conversation in the Kageguchi Sugoroku game, for example, has lines cut that change the nuance of the characters’ decisions, making their actions seem more sudden in the anime.
![Tomodachi Game [Friend Game] - Vol.1 (Shonen Magazine Comics) - Manga](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51wNucrnAOL.jpg)
What are the Tomodachi Game Story Arcs from Start to Current?
The anime’s first season covers the first two major story arcs of the Tomodachi Game manga. Understanding this structure helps you see just how much of the story is left to explore. The manga organizes its narrative around a series of increasingly complex and dangerous games, each forming a distinct arc.
This table provides a clear roadmap of the manga’s arcs, showing exactly what the anime covered and what lies ahead. This list is updated as of 2026.
| Story Arc Name | Manga Chapters | Anime Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Kokkuri-san Game Arc | Chapters 1 – 7 | Episodes 1 – 3 |
| Kageguchi Sugoroku Arc | Chapters 8 – 25 | Episodes 4 – 12 |
| Friendship Hide-and-Seek Arc | Chapters 26 – 49 | Starts Immediately After Anime |
| The Gambling Arc | Chapters 50 – 64 | Not Adapted |
| Prison Game Arc | Chapters 65 – 84 | Not Adapted |
| Adult Tomodachi Game Arc | Chapters 85 – Ongoing | Not Adapted |
As you can see, the 12-episode anime only scratches the surface of the sprawling, intricate plot that unfolds in the manga. The “Friendship Hide-and-Seek Arc” alone is longer than the entire animated portion, signaling a major escalation in the story’s scale and intensity.
FAQs About where does the tomodachi game anime leave off in the manga
Is the Tomodachi Game manga finished?
As of 2026, the Tomodachi Game manga is still ongoing. The series, written by Mikoto Yamaguchi and illustrated by Yuki Sato, continues to be serialized in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine. New chapters are typically released on a monthly schedule, meaning the story is far from its conclusion and continues to develop complex new games and plot twists.
Will there be a Tomodachi Game Season 2?
There has been no official announcement for a Season 2 of the Tomodachi Game anime. While the first season was moderately popular and there is plenty of source material to adapt, the production studio, Okuruto Noboru, has not confirmed any plans for a continuation. Fans should follow official sources for any future news but should read the manga if they want to experience the rest of the story.
How many volumes of Tomodachi Game are there?
As of January 2026, there are over 25 volumes of the Tomodachi Game manga published in Japan. The English release is slightly behind but is actively being published. Since the anime only covers material up to the beginning of Volume 6, there is a vast amount of story content available for anime-only fans to explore in the manga.
Is Yuuichi Katagiri evil in the manga?
The manga delves much deeper into Yuuichi’s psyche, revealing him to be far more ruthless and manipulative than the anime depicts. While labeling him as purely “evil” is subjective, the manga makes it clear that he has a dark past and is willing to go to extreme, morally ambiguous lengths to dismantle the Tomodachi Game. His internal monologues show a cold, calculating mind that views people as tools.
Where can I read the Tomodachi Game manga?
You can read the Tomodachi Game manga officially through digital platforms like the K Manga app (Kodansha’s official service) or by purchasing the physical volumes. Buying the official release is the best way to support the creators, Mikoto Yamaguchi and Yuki Sato, and ensure the series can continue. Check major book retailers for the English-translated tankōbon volumes.
What is the “Friendship Hide-and-Seek Arc”?
The Friendship Hide-and-Seek Arc is the third major game and the story arc that begins immediately in Chapter 26, right where the anime leaves off. This game introduces a new level of psychological warfare and physical danger, forcing the remaining friends into a high-stakes battle of wits against a new, formidable group of opponents. It significantly raises the stakes from the previous games.
Is Tomodachi Game similar to Squid Game or Liar Game?
Yes, Tomodachi Game shares many themes with series like Squid Game and Liar Game. All three are psychological thrillers involving high-stakes death games where participants must use intelligence, deception, and manipulation to survive and manage a large debt. However, Tomodachi Game focuses more specifically on the theme of friendship and how it can be tested, broken, and weaponized.
What chapter does Tomodachi Game Volume 6 start?
Volume 6 of the Tomodachi Game manga begins with Chapter 26. This makes it the perfect volume to purchase if you want to pick up the physical manga exactly where the anime’s first season concludes. The volume covers the beginning of the intense “Friendship Hide-and-Seek Arc.”
How many chapters did the Tomodachi Game anime adapt?
The first season of the Tomodachi Game anime, consisting of 12 episodes, adapted the first 25 chapters of the manga. This covers the complete “Kokkuri-san Game Arc” and the “Kageguchi Sugoroku Arc,” setting the stage for the third major game which begins in the manga.
Is the Tomodachi Game manga monthly or weekly?
The Tomodachi Game manga is released on a monthly schedule. It is serialized in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine, with a new chapter typically coming out near the beginning of each month. This slower release schedule allows for more detailed art and complex plot development compared to weekly series.
Key Takeaways: Tomodachi Game Anime to Manga Guide
- The Direct Answer: To continue after the anime’s finale (Episode 12), start reading the Tomodachi Game manga from Chapter 26, which is the beginning of Volume 6.
- Start From Chapter 1 for the Full Story: It is highly recommended to read the manga from the beginning, as the anime omits crucial internal monologues and character-building scenes that enrich the plot and reveal Yuuichi’s true manipulative nature.
- The Anime Adapts Two Arcs: Season 1 covers the “Kokkuri-san Game Arc” and the “Kageguchi Sugoroku Arc” (Chapters 1-25). The story continues immediately with the “Friendship Hide-and-Seek Arc.”
- The Manga is Ongoing: As of 2026, the Tomodachi Game manga is not finished and is released monthly, offering a vast amount of content beyond what the anime has shown.
- No Season 2 Confirmed: There is currently no official news about a second season of the anime, making the manga the only way to continue the story for the foreseeable future.
- Deeper and Darker Tone: The manga has a significantly darker and more psychological tone, with more detailed artwork and a deeper exploration of the characters’ morally ambiguous decisions.
- Support the Official Release: The best way to enjoy the manga and support the creators is by purchasing official physical volumes or reading through official digital platforms like K Manga.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Tomodachi Game Saga
You now have the exact map to continue your journey into the world of Tomodachi Game. While you can jump directly to Chapter 26 to satisfy your curiosity after that cliffhanger, the true, unfiltered experience lies in the manga’s original pages. Reading from Chapter 1 is not a retread; it is an upgrade. It transforms the story from a clever survival thriller into a dark, complex psychological study of a master manipulator and the fragility of human bonds.
Whether you choose to start fresh or continue from where the anime left off, you are diving into a gripping narrative that only gets more intense with each passing chapter. For fans of the anime, reading the manga is not just an option—it is the essential next step to experience the full, devastating, and brilliant story as the creators intended. The games are far from over.
Last update on 2026-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
