Why Is Attack On Titan Ending Split Into So Many Parts Explained

When \"Attack on Titan\" reached its final arc, fans were both thrilled and puzzled: instead of a single conclusive season, the ending was released in multiple parts over several years. The Final Season Part 1 arrived in late 2020, followed by Part 2 in early 2022, and then two cinematic films — \"The Last Attack\" and the upcoming conclusion — to wrap up the story. This fragmented release schedule left many viewers wondering: why such an extended, segmented farewell for one of the most acclaimed anime series of all time?

The answer lies at the intersection of creative ambition, animation production realities, manga pacing, and studio strategy. What may seem like drawn-out storytelling is, in fact, the result of deliberate choices made to honor the complexity of Hajime Isayama’s original vision while navigating the limitations of modern anime production.

The Scale of the Final Story Arc

The final arc of \"Attack on Titan\" is not just emotionally intense—it’s structurally massive. After the revelation of the Marleyan conflict, the introduction of advanced weaponry like anti-personnel omni-directional mobility gear, and the philosophical unraveling of Eren’s ideology, the narrative shifts from survival horror to full-scale war drama with deep geopolitical and moral layers.

Isayama’s manga did not conclude with a clean, linear progression. Instead, it expanded in scope, introducing new factions, revisiting past characters, and layering flashbacks with real-time battles. Translating this into animation required more than just time—it demanded visual precision, emotional nuance, and thematic clarity.

To do justice to these developments, MAPPA, the studio behind the final seasons, chose not to compress the material. Compressing would have meant cutting dialogue, simplifying key scenes, or rushing pivotal moments—such as Zeke’s euthanasia plan, Armin’s debate with Eren, or the destruction of Liberio. These are not action sequences alone; they are turning points that define the series’ legacy.

Tip: When a story's climax involves layered character motivations and moral dilemmas, splitting the adaptation allows for deeper audience engagement and better pacing.

Production Challenges Behind the Scenes

MAPPA took over \"Attack on Titan\" from Wit Studio starting with The Final Season, inheriting immense pressure. The shift came amid tight deadlines and rising expectations. Unlike earlier seasons, which had relatively stable production timelines, The Final Season was produced during a global pandemic, which disrupted workflows, limited studio capacity, and delayed voice recordings and post-production.

Anime production is labor-intensive. Each episode can take months to complete, involving thousands of hand-drawn frames, background art, and coordination between animators, directors, and sound engineers. For a series of \"Attack on Titan’s\" visual caliber—complete with detailed battle choreography and symbolic imagery—rushing would compromise quality.

In a 2022 interview, producer Atsuhiro Iwakami acknowledged the strain: “We wanted to ensure every scene carried emotional weight without sacrificing animation quality. That meant making hard decisions about pacing and release structure.”

“We’re not just finishing a story—we’re closing a cultural phenomenon. Every frame matters.” — Yuki Kaji (voice of Eren Yeager), in a 2023 fan event panel

Splitting for Narrative and Commercial Strategy

Beyond production constraints, there’s a strategic rationale for releasing the ending in parts. In the anime industry, especially for long-running hits, studios often extend major finales to maximize impact, revenue, and audience retention.

• Extended Cultural Impact: A prolonged release keeps the series in public conversation, sustaining media coverage, merchandise sales, and fan engagement.
• Box Office Potential: Concluding with theatrical films (like *Attack on Titan: The Last Attack*) allows for higher-budget animation and draws audiences back to cinemas.
• Global Distribution: Splitting the season enables staggered international licensing, streaming rollouts, and sub/dub production without overwhelming platforms.

This approach mirrors how other major franchises have ended—such as *Naruto: Shippuden*, which concluded with two movies (*The Last* and *Boruto*), or *Sailor Moon Crystal*, which used separate seasons to adapt each manga arc. It’s not dilution; it’s amplification.

A Closer Look: Timeline of the Final Seasons

Understanding the release pattern helps clarify why the split was necessary. Here’s a breakdown of how the final story unfolded across formats:

Release	Date	Content Covered	Format
The Final Season Part 1	December 2020 – March 2021	Marley raid, Warriors’ return, Eren’s transformation	TV Series (16 episodes)
The Final Season Part 2	January – April 2022	Eren’s reveal, War Hammer Titan, Path dimension	TV Series (12 episodes)
The Final Season Part 3 (Special Compilation)	November 2023	Recap of Falco’s journey and new animation bridge	Cinematic Special
The Last Attack	March 2025 (planned)	Final battle against Founding Titan, alliance resolution	Theatrical Film

This timeline shows a clear progression: each segment builds on the last, culminating in a high-stakes cinematic finish. Rather than cramming the final battles and emotional resolutions into a single 12-episode season, the creators allocated space for reflection, buildup, and spectacle.

Case Study: The Battle of Heaven and Earth

Consider the pivotal moment when Eren unleashes the Rumbling—a cataclysmic event spanning continents and wiping out 80% of humanity. In the manga, this spans dozens of pages with internal monologues, global reactions, and symbolic imagery. Animating this faithfully requires not just technical skill but narrative breathing room.

If this sequence had been condensed into one or two TV episodes, much of its horror and scale would be lost. Instead, by spreading it across Part 2 and leading into *The Last Attack*, the adaptation allows viewers to process the enormity of Eren’s actions. Flashbacks to childhood promises, debates in the Paths dimension, and Mikasa’s personal grief are given time to resonate.

A rushed version might have delivered the plot beats but failed to deliver the emotional weight. The split format ensured that the climax wasn’t just seen—it was felt.

Expert Insight: Why Pacing Matters in Epic Finales

Dr. Akari Nakamura, a media studies professor at Kyoto University, explains: “Long-form anime finales face a unique challenge—they must satisfy both closure and catharsis. When a series has built emotional investment over a decade, abrupt endings feel disrespectful. Gradual pacing honors the audience’s journey.”

“Splitting the finale isn’t padding—it’s respect for the story’s complexity and the viewer’s emotional investment.” — Dr. Akari Nakamura, Media Studies Professor

This principle applies beyond anime. Western series like *Breaking Bad* or *Game of Thrones* also extended their final seasons to allow for character resolution and thematic payoff. The difference is that anime, due to its production model, often uses film releases to achieve similar depth.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Split Ending

Was the split decision made because the manga wasn’t finished?

No. By the time The Final Season aired, the manga had already concluded in April 2021. MAPPA had access to the full story, which allowed them to plan the adaptation accurately. The split was a creative and logistical choice, not a reaction to uncertainty.

Could one longer TV season have worked instead of splitting it?

Possibly, but it would have required a significantly larger budget and production team. Given MAPPA’s concurrent projects (*Jujutsu Kaisen*, *Chainsaw Man*), resource allocation made a staggered release more feasible. Additionally, a 25+ episode season risks viewer fatigue during emotionally heavy arcs.

Will *The Last Attack* retcon or change the manga ending?

Early reports suggest it will remain faithful, with added animation flourishes and minor expansions for cinematic impact. There are no plans to alter the core outcome—Eren’s death, Armin becoming a Warrior, and the world entering a fragile peace.

Actionable Checklist: How Fans Can Engage With the Final Arc

To fully appreciate the depth of the split finale, consider this checklist:

1. Re-read the final manga volumes to compare narrative beats and spot animated enhancements.
2. Watch each part with breaks in between to reflect on character decisions and themes.
3. Follow official MAPPA updates for behind-the-scenes insights on animation choices.
4. Join discussion communities to explore interpretations of Eren’s motives and the ending’s morality.
5. See *The Last Attack* in theaters if possible—the enhanced audiovisual experience is designed for big screens.

Tip: Treat each part of the finale as a standalone act in a three-act play—Part 1 (conflict escalation), Part 2 (ideological clash), Part 3 (resolution and aftermath).

Conclusion: A Farewell Worth the Wait

The fragmented release of \"Attack on Titan’s\" ending isn’t a marketing ploy or a sign of creative indecision. It’s a response to the story’s unprecedented scope, the demands of high-quality animation, and the desire to give fans a meaningful send-off. By splitting the finale, MAPPA ensured that the final chapters weren’t rushed, reduced, or forgotten.

Every delay, every extra episode, every cinematic frame served a purpose: to honor a story that redefined modern anime. From the first scream of “I’ll erase all the Titans!” to the quiet final shot of the ocean, \"Attack on Titan\" deserved nothing less than a thoughtful, deliberate conclusion.

🚀 Now that you understand the reasoning behind the split, share your thoughts: Was the multi-part ending worth it for you? Did it deepen your connection to the story? Join the conversation and keep the legacy alive.