Finished with Vinland Saga Season 2 and wondering what happens next? You’re not alone. Many viewers are left at the story’s turning point, eager to follow Thorfinn’s journey but unsure where to begin in the manga.
The Vinland Saga anime Season 2 concludes by adapting the story up to the end of Chapter 99 of the manga. To seamlessly continue Thorfinn’s journey after the anime, you should begin reading at Chapter 100. This chapter marks the official start of the fourth major story arc, the Eastern Expedition.
Based on verified manga data and official chapter lists, this guide provides the precise starting point. We’ll map out the entire story, help you decide if you should read from the beginning, and show you exactly where to find the manga. You’ll discover the next phase of Thorfinn’s incredible saga.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: The anime for Season 2 ends precisely at Chapter 99. The manga story continues immediately in Chapter 100.
- New Story Arc: Starting at Chapter 100 begins the “Eastern Expedition Arc,” the fourth major section of the Vinland Saga story.
- Anime Coverage: Season 2 faithfully adapted the “Slave Arc” (also called the “Farmland Arc”), which spans from Chapter 55 to Chapter 99.
- Adaptation Faithfulness: Analysis shows the anime is a near 1:1 adaptation of the manga’s plot, meaning no major story points are missed by starting at Chapter 100.
- Manga Status: The Vinland Saga manga by Makoto Yukimura is still ongoing as of 2026 and is currently in its final story arc.
Where Does the Vinland Saga Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The definitive answer is that the Vinland Saga anime leaves off at the end of Chapter 99. To continue the story without missing any plot, you should start reading the manga from Chapter 100. This chapter is located at the conclusion of the hardcover omnibus Volume 14 published by Kodansha.
The finale of Season 2, animated by MAPPA Studio, masterfully covers the end of the Slave Arc (often called the Farmland Arc). This emotional conclusion sets the stage for Thorfinn’s next great ambition: to create a peaceful land. By picking up the manga at Chapter 100, you are transitioning directly into the next major phase of his life, the Eastern Expedition Arc.
This seamless transition is possible because of the anime’s incredible faithfulness to the source material. You can confidently jump straight into the new adventure knowing you have the complete story context from the two anime seasons. To see exactly how the anime seasons align with the manga arcs, the table below provides a complete breakdown.
How Do the Anime Seasons Map to the Manga Arcs and Chapters?
Understanding how the anime seasons align with the manga’s structure provides valuable context. A story arc in manga is a major, self-contained segment of the larger narrative. The Vinland Saga manga is divided into four primary arcs, two of which have been fully adapted by the anime. The table below, based on official volume numbering and verified manga data, breaks down this mapping.
| Story Arc | Anime Season | Manga Chapters | Manga Volumes |
|---|---|---|---|
| War Arc (Prologue) | Season 1 (Wit Studio) | Chapters 1 – 54 | Volumes 1 – 8 |
| Slave Arc (Farmland Arc) | Season 2 (MAPPA) | Chapters 55 – 99 | Volumes 8 – 14 |
| Eastern Expedition Arc | Anime Unadapted (Future Season 3?) | Chapters 100 – 166 | Volumes 14 – 24 |
| Vinland Arc | Anime Unadapted | Chapters 167 – Ongoing | Volumes 24 – Ongoing |
You may notice the second arc has two names: Slave Arc and Farmland Arc. These terms are used interchangeably by fans and refer to the same story told in Chapters 55-99. “Slave Arc” describes Thorfinn’s status, while “Farmland Arc” refers to the primary setting and its themes of peace and cultivation. Both correctly identify the content of Season 2.
Should You Reread the Manga from the Beginning After Watching the Anime?
For most viewers, starting at Chapter 100 is perfectly fine, as the anime adaptation is extremely faithful to the manga’s plot. You will not miss any major character introductions or critical story developments. However, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preference and how much time you want to invest.
This section provides a balanced analysis to help you make an informed choice. We’ll explore the arguments for jumping straight to the new content versus experiencing the author’s original work from the very first chapter.
What are the main arguments for starting at Chapter 100?
For those eager to discover what happens next on Thorfinn’s journey, jumping directly to Chapter 100 is an excellent and popular choice. Here are the main reasons this path is highly recommended.
- ⏳ Time Efficiency: You get to continue the story immediately without needing to reread over 100 chapters of content you’ve already seen adapted. This is the fastest way to get new story material.
- 🔗 Seamless Story Transition: The Season 2 finale, produced by MAPPA, ends exactly where Chapter 99 concludes. The start of Chapter 100 feels like the very next episode, creating a smooth and natural continuation.
- 📝 Extremely Faithful Adaptation: The anime, especially Season 2, is praised for being a near 1:1 adaptation. No major plot points, character arcs, or crucial dialogue were skipped, so you are not missing vital information.
- 🎬 Focus on New Adventures: Starting at Chapter 100 allows you to immediately dive into the entirely new setting and conflicts of the Eastern Expedition Arc, which is a significant tonal and thematic shift from the Farmland Arc.
What are the main arguments for reading from Chapter 1?
For manga purists or those who fell deeply in love with the world of Vinland Saga, starting from the beginning offers a uniquely rewarding experience. It’s like watching a great film adaptation and then deciding to read the original classic novel.
- 🎨 The Author’s Original Vision: Reading the manga allows you to experience the story exactly as creator Makoto Yukimura intended. You’ll appreciate his original manga panel layout, which controls the pacing and emotional impact in ways animation cannot fully replicate.
- 📕 Unmatched Artistic Detail: Yukimura’s art style is breathtakingly detailed. Every panel is filled with expressive characters and meticulously researched historical accuracy. The anime is beautiful, but the static detail in the manga art is a different experience.
- 🎓 Deeper Thematic Immersion: While the plot is the same, the manga’s pacing can feel more contemplative. This allows for a deeper immersion into Thorfinn’s internal struggles and the story’s complex philosophical themes of pacifism and atonement.
- 🎁 Bonus Content: The manga volumes often include small bonus comics, author’s notes, and other extras that are not included in the anime, offering more insight into the world and its creator.
What Happens in the Eastern Expedition Arc (Starting at Chapter 100)?
After the events of Season 2, the story transitions into the Eastern Expedition Arc, which follows Thorfinn and Einar as they assemble a crew and journey to Greece. Their goal is to raise the massive funds needed for their ultimate voyage to Vinland, the “land without war or slavery.” This arc marks a significant shift from survival to exploration, trade, and the challenges of nation-building.
Without revealing major plot points, here is a spoiler-free preview of what to expect as you begin reading from Chapter 100:
- A New Goal: The central conflict is no longer about personal revenge or servitude. It’s about Thorfinn’s proactive mission to build a better world, a quest that tests his newfound pacifist philosophy in a dangerous world.
- Returning and New Characters: You will see the return of beloved characters like the intrepid explorer Leif Erikson. You will also meet a cast of compelling new characters, including the adventurous Gudrid and the formidable Hild, who will become central to the story.
- A Journey Across the Known World: The setting expands dramatically from the farms of Denmark. The crew’s journey takes them through the Baltic Sea and into the bustling trade routes of Europe, offering a rich tapestry of different cultures and conflicts.
- Themes of Commerce and Atonement: Thorfinn must learn to navigate the world of merchants, politics, and trade. All the while, he grapples with his past and what it truly means to atone for his violent history while pursuing a peaceful future.
Where Can You Read the Vinland Saga Manga Legally?
The best way to read Vinland Saga is through official channels, which ensures the highest quality translation and directly supports the author, Makoto Yukimura. You have excellent options for both digital and physical reading.
Here are the primary legal sources:
- 📱 Digital Platforms: Kodansha USA, the official English publisher, distributes the manga digitally across various platforms. You can find it on services like INKR, Mangamo, and the digital bookstores for Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.
- 📚 Physical Hardcover Volumes: The English release of
Vinland Sagais published in beautiful 2-in-1 hardcover omnibus editions. These are widely available at major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Right Stuf Anime, as well as in local bookstores and comic shops.
To start reading from Chapter 100, the physical copy you need is Volume 14. This hardcover omnibus contains the end of the Slave Arc and the beginning of the Eastern Expedition Arc, making it the perfect purchase for any anime viewer ready to continue the story.
FAQs About where does the vinland saga anime leave off in the manga
Which manga volume contains Chapter 100?
Manga Chapter 100 is located at the end of Volume 14 in the official Kodansha hardcover omnibus edition. This 2-in-1 volume collects the original Japanese volumes 7 and 8 and covers the conclusion of the Slave Arc and the beginning of the Eastern Expedition Arc, making it the perfect physical copy to buy after finishing Season 2.
Will there be a Vinland Saga Season 3?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for Vinland Saga Season 3. However, given the critical acclaim of Season 2 and the abundance of source material in the manga’s Eastern Expedition Arc, a third season is highly anticipated by fans. Production studio MAPPA has not confirmed its involvement yet.
Is the Vinland Saga manga still ongoing or is it finished?
Yes, the Vinland Saga manga is still ongoing as of 2026. Author Makoto Yukimura has stated that the series is in its final arc, the “Vinland Arc,” which began with Chapter 167. While the ending is approaching, new chapters are still being released on a monthly schedule.
What is the difference between the “Slave Arc” and the “Farmland Arc”?
There is no difference; “Slave Arc” and “Farmland Arc” refer to the same story arc adapted in Season 2. “Slave Arc” is a more direct, fan-used term describing Thorfinn’s status, while “Farmland Arc” is often used to describe the setting and thematic focus on agriculture and peace. Both terms correctly identify the story in Chapters 55-99.
Where does Season 1 of the anime leave off in the manga?
Vinland Saga Season 1, animated by Wit Studio, adapts the entire Prologue/War Arc, ending with the events of Chapter 54. To continue the story in the manga after Season 1, you would start reading at the beginning of the Slave Arc in Chapter 55, which is found in Volume 8 of the hardcover editions.
How often is a new chapter of Vinland Saga manga released?
A new chapter of Vinland Saga is typically released monthly. The series is serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon magazine in Japan. This slower release schedule allows for the highly detailed art and complex storytelling the series is known for, in contrast to weekly manga releases.
Is Vinland Saga historically accurate?
Vinland Saga is historical fiction that blends real historical figures and events with fictional narratives. Characters like Leif Erikson, Canute the Great, and the historical Thorfinn Karlsefni are real figures from the Viking Age. However, their personalities, specific actions, and interactions are dramatized by author Makoto Yukimura for storytelling purposes.
How many volumes of the Vinland Saga manga are there?
As of late 2026, there are 14 hardcover omnibus volumes of Vinland Saga published in English by Kodansha. Each hardcover contains two of the original Japanese tankōbon volumes. The Japanese release is currently up to Volume 28, so more English omnibuses are expected.
Is it worth reading Vinland Saga if I know the history of Thorfinn Karlsefni?
Absolutely. The manga uses the historical figure as a starting point but creates its own unique story about pacifism, atonement, and the meaning of a “true warrior.” The narrative focuses on Thorfinn’s internal journey and philosophical growth, which is a fictionalized character arc that goes far beyond the basic historical records of his voyages.
Are there other manga like Vinland Saga?
Yes, if you enjoy the historical depth and mature themes of Vinland Saga, you should check out Berserk by Kentaro Miura and Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue. Both are highly acclaimed seinen manga that feature deep character studies, incredible artwork, and philosophical themes, though they are set in a dark fantasy world and feudal Japan, respectively.
Key Takeaways: Vinland Saga Manga Starting Point Summary
- The Definitive Starting Point: The Vinland Saga anime Season 2 ends with Chapter 99 of the manga. To continue the story, you must start reading at Chapter 100.
- Arc Transition: You will be moving from the end of the Slave Arc (or Farmland Arc) directly into the beginning of the Eastern Expedition Arc, the fourth major story arc of the series.
- Reading From the Start is Optional: The anime adaptation is extremely faithful, so you will not miss any major plot points by starting at Chapter 100. However, reading from Chapter 1 is recommended for those who wish to experience Makoto Yukimura’s original artwork and pacing.
- Physical Copy Guide: For those buying physical copies, Chapter 100 is located in the hardcover omnibus Volume 14, published by Kodansha Comics.
- What Comes Next: The Eastern Expedition Arc shifts the story’s focus from farming and survival to a grand journey of exploration and commerce as Thorfinn seeks to fund his voyage to Vinland.
- The Story is Not Over: The Vinland Saga manga is still ongoing as of 2026, currently in its final arc. There is a significant amount of unadapted content available to read after catching up with the anime.
- Legal Sources are Key: The official, legal way to read the manga is through platforms supported by Kodansha USA (digital) or by purchasing the official hardcover volumes (physical).
Final Thoughts on Continuing Your Vinland Saga Journey
Transitioning from the Vinland Saga anime to the manga is a rewarding decision that opens up a vast, unadapted world of adventure. By starting at Chapter 100, you can seamlessly continue Thorfinn’s quest right where the anime left off, embarking on a sprawling journey across the Baltic Sea. You now have the precise map for this transition, whether you choose to jump straight into the action or savor the entire story from the beginning in its original format.
The Eastern Expedition Arc challenges Thorfinn’s ideals in new and profound ways, and experiencing it firsthand in the manga is a journey well worth taking. You are now fully equipped to continue one of modern manga’s greatest epics.
Last update on 2026-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
