Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, or better known as DanMachi (Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka), officially confirmed Season 6 during its 10th anniversary event on February 7.
The timing of this announcement honestly felt perfect. I had just finished catching up with the series and wrapped up Season 5, so hearing that Season 6 is already in the works was a really nice surprise.
Please note that this article may contain spoilers for future seasons.
Possible Release Date for Season 6
Based on J.C.Staff’s historical release pattern, DanMachi Season 6 may premiere around October 2026 or January 2027.
Here’s a quick look at past releases:
- Season 1: April 2015
- Season 2: July 2019
- Season 3: October 2020
- Season 4 Part 1: July 2022
- Season 4 Part 2: January 2023
- Season 5: October 2024
Looking at the timeline, the series now follows a relatively stable 1.5 to 2 year gap per season. Because of this, an October 2026 Fall anime release feels very likely. However, if production runs into delays, January 2027 as part of the Winter lineup is also possible.
Quick Recap (Season 1-4)
With the first season airing almost 11 years ago, it is easy to forget some key moments. Here’s a fast refresher.
Season 1
We’re introduced to Bell Cranel, the adopted grandson of Zeus and a Level 1 adventurer under the Goddess Hestia. After being saved by the Level 5 adventurer Ais Wallenstein, Bell becomes inspired to grow stronger.
Bell receives his signature knife from Hephaestus, saves Liliruca Arde from her old familia’s slavery, and learns the magic spell Firebolt. He eventually defeats a Minotaur trained by Ottar, the captain of the Freya Familia. Using his Argonaut skill, Bell also defeats the Goliath boss.
By the end of the season, Bell reaches Level 2, earning the title Little Rookie, and catches the attention of the goddess Freya.
Season 2: Apollo War Game & Ishtar Arc
Apollo, jealous of Bell’s rapid growth, challenges Hestia to a War Game. Bell defeats Apollo’s strongest fighter, Hyakinthos, using Argonaut. Apollo is sent back to heaven, and the Hestia Familia gains his mansion and wealth. Welf Crozzo and Mikoto also officially join the familia.
The story then shifts to the Ishtar Arc, where Bell rescues Haruhime, who was meant to be sacrificed in a ritual. Freya personally intervenes and sends Ishtar back to heaven. Haruhime also officially joins the Hestia Familia.
Season 3: Xenos Arc
Bell befriends Wiene, a monster capable of speech. She belongs to the Xenos, intelligent monsters who wish to coexist with humans.
The Ikelos Familia, led by Dix Perdix, kidnaps Wiene. Dix is revealed to be a descendant of Daedalus, the creator of the artificial dungeon Knossos. The Minotaur Bell fought in the first season reincarnates as Asterius, who saves Bell from Dix.
The season ends with Bell struggling against the Loki Familia, who try to kill Wiene. Bell also battles with Asterius, but refuses to kill him. Bell succeeds in returning her to the dungeon, and Ais finally understands Bell’s resolve after seeing Wiene protect him.
Season 4: Calamity Arc
Bell reaches Level 4 and earns the title Rabbit’s Foot. His familia battles the Moss Huge using Bell’s new skill Argo Vesta.
Several murders occur in the dungeon, with suspicion falling on Ryuu Lion. It is revealed that Ryuu is hunting members of the Rudra Familia, who were trying to control dungeon monsters and summoned the Juggernaut, which wiped out her former Astraea Familia.
Bell and Ryuu fall to the 37th floor, the White Palace, and barely survive while fighting monsters and the Juggernaut. This arc is easily one of the darkest and strongest in the series.
Season 5 Recap & Review
Season 5 covers the Goddess of Fertility Arc, where the biggest twist is revealed. Syr, Bell’s friend from the pub, is actually Freya in disguise.
Freya attempts to make Bell fall for her. When that fails, she charms all of Orario and manipulates Bell’s memories, making him believe he was always part of the Freya Familia. With help from Hestia and Hermes, the charm is undone.
Freya challenges Hestia to a War Game. With Hedin’s unexpected help, the Hestia Familia wins. The Freya Familia is disbanded, and Freya finally gets closure with Bell before returning to her life as Syr.
Season 5 Ending Explained: Why Freya was Obsessed with Bell
Bell is kind, respectful, and completely oblivious to romance. What drew Freya in was not just his growth potential, but his pure and unchanging soul.
Freya claims Bell is the only human she has seen with a white soul, one that does not darken or change color even after trauma or hardship. Instead, it shines brighter the more challenges he faces.
After this arc, Freya gives up her authority as a goddess and chooses to live fully as Syr alongside Ryuu and the others at the Hostess of Fertility. Syr was Freya all along, while Horn acted as her public stand-in, pretending to be the goddess. Now truly free from her divine role, Freya can live as Syr, and Horn is no longer bound to play the part of a goddess.
Quick Review on Season 5 Ending
DanMachi is animated by J.C.STAFF. The same studio that has received criticism recently, for the poor animation on One Punch Man (OPM) Season 3. In fact, OPM has received a 4.73 out of 10 rating on MyAnimeList as of the time I’m writing this and it pretty much became a meme with Garou sliding down the grass and all.
A friend of mine, probably the biggest DanMachi fan I know, felt the anime made characters feel less intimidating. Bell still looks too innocent, and Ottar’s fight felt underwhelming compared to the light novel illustrations. He jokingly said Bell lacked that “aura farm” energy.
That said, the Season 6 teaser looks promising. Some visuals appear directly inspired by the light novels, and Bell looks noticeably more mature and serious, almost similar to young Thorfinn from Vinland Saga.
What Could Get Animated in Season 6?
This section contains spoilers!
Season 6 will most likely cover the School District Arc, which was teased in the announcement.
After the Freya Familia conflict, Eina advises Bell to take a break from dungeon crawling. The School District, a massive floating academy ship sponsored by the Guild, returns to Orario.
Ryuu officially joins the Hestia Familia, and it is revealed that humans are developing an orichalcum-powered elevator to reach the deeper levels of the dungeon.
With help from Hermes and Baldr, Bell infiltrates the academy disguised as a student. Hermes argues that Bell has become too popular and would benefit from the academy’s teachings.
Bell meets Nina Tulle, Eina’s half-elf sister, and Leon Vardenburg, a knight who becomes his mentor. This arc focuses heavily on Bell’s growth, knowledge, and preparation for the Orariopiad Arc and then the final arc involving the Loki Familia.
Final Thoughts
DanMachi stands out because Bell is not an overpowered main character surrounded by fanservice. The world-building is solid, the lore runs deep, and watching Bell slowly grow stronger is genuinely satisfying.
Some characters for example like Welf or Hestia do feel underutilized at times, appearing only when the plot needs them. Still, the series remains fun, and seeing how new characters react to Bell’s potential never gets old.
What did you think of Season 5? Are you excited for Season 6? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
All characters, images, and excerpts used in this post are the property of their respective copyright holders. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (DanMachi) (light novel, manga, and anime) is © Fujino Ōmori, Suzuhito Yasuda, SB Creative (GA Bunko), and associated publishers and animation studios (J.C.STAFF). Content is used for commentary, review, and educational purposes under fair use
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