Pokémon Horizons – Rising Hope
3rd season of Pokémon Horizons and the 28th season overall
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pokémon Horizons – Rising Hope,[a] known in Japan as Pocket Monsters: Mega Voltage,[b] Pocket Monsters Episode: Mega Evolution[c] and Pocket Monsters: Rising Again[d] is the twenty-eighth season of the Pokémon anime series and the third season of Pokémon Horizons: The Series, known in Japan as Pocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター, Poketto Monsutā). It is produced by OLM and directed by Daiki Tomiyasu (chief director) and Saori Den.[1] The season premiered in Japan on TV Tokyo on April 11, 2025, and were distributed by Netflix in the United States on January 6, 2026.[2][3]
| Pokémon Horizons – Rising Hope | |
|---|---|
| Season 28 (overall) Season 3 (Horizons) | |
Pokémon Horizons – Rising Hope poster | |
| No. of episodes | 51 |
| Release | |
| Original network | TV Tokyo |
| Original release | April 11, 2025 – present |
| Season chronology | |
The season comprises three story arcs. The first arc, "Mega Voltage", covering the first 22 episodes, follows protagonists Liko and Roy, alongside Dot, as they reform the Rising Volt Tacklers, while joined by Roy's rival Ult, one year[e] after the collapse of Laqua.[5] The second arc, "Episode: Mega Evolution", covering the next three episodes, shows how Roy and Ult met in the Kalos region.[6] The third arc, "Rising Again", starting from the 26th episode, follows the Rising Volt Tacklers as they attempt to expose the Explorers, destroy the Laquium, and clear their name.[7][8]
Episode list
| Jap. overall | Eng. overall | No. in season | English title Japanese title [9][10] | Directed by | Written by | Animation directed by | Original release date [11] | English release date [12][10] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1324 | 1313 | 1 | "Eyes to the Skies Once Again, Part 1 (To the Skies Once More, Part 1)" Transliteration: "Ōzora e Mukatte, Futatabi Zenpen" (Japanese: 大空へ向かって、再び前編) | Ayumi Moriyama | Dai Satō | Yoshitaka Yanagihara, Toshiko Nakaya, Hiromi Niioka, Masaya Onishi, Hattori Natsumi & Yusuke Oshida | April 11, 2025[13][f] | October 27, 2025 (UK)[14] January 6, 2026 (US)[15] | |
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Over a year later, Roy is still actively searching for the Black Rayquaza. However, he receives a call from Dot, who informs him that the Laquium has not completely disappeared. Roy encounters a Slaking that is acting strangely, but he is interrupted by a boy named Ult, who declares that the Black Rayquaza will be his. Ult's Sableye provokes the Slaking, making it hostile. After a battle, the Slaking is defeated. That night, Roy sneaks away from Ult. Meanwhile, Liko is at Indigo Academy and has a conversation with her friend Ann. The following day, on a rooftop, Liko hears someone and looks up to see Roy and Cap. | |||||||||
| 1325 | 1314 | 2 | "Eyes to the Skies Once Again, Part 2 (To the Skies Once More, Part 2)" Transliteration: "Ōzora e Mukatte, Futatabi Kōhen" (Japanese: 大空へ向かって、再び後編) | Masatsune Oi | Dai Satō | Yuki Kitajima, Kiah Chen, Brokerage, Lu Qing Yun, Kennedy Freeman, Imani Brown, Federico Iglesias, Park Song Hwa, Heo Jae Young, Park Ji-yun, Kim Jeong-woo & Noeko Kashiuchi | April 11, 2025[16][f] | October 27, 2025 (UK) January 6, 2026 (US) | |
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Liko and Roy talk with Ann about what happened at Laqua. Despite their efforts, they couldn't find their missing member, and the Rising Volt Tacklers disbanded. To cheer them up, Ann suggests a battle. Roy defeats Ann's Samurott, then asks Liko to battle. She agrees, but her Meowscarada is defeated. Later, several students ask Roy if he is part of the Rising Volt Tacklers. He does not deny it, prompting them to talk to Liko, who proudly confirms she is a member. At a bus stop, Liko meets Roy and joins him to uncover the truth about the Explorers. Meanwhile, Spinel has captured the Six Heroes, except the Black Rayquaza. | |||||||||
| 1326 | 1315 | 3 | "Following Traces of Laquium (Follow the Rakurium Signs)" Transliteration: "Rakuriumu Sain o Otte" (Japanese: ラクリウム・サインを追って) | Yūji Asada | Dai Satō | Masaaki Iwane & Izumi Shimura | April 18, 2025[17] | October 27, 2025 (UK) January 6, 2026 (US) | |
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After searching for Roy at a train station, Ult spots him with Liko. They contact Dot, who informs them of the next Laquium sighting. Liko and Roy search for the Laquium, unaware that Ult is following them. He falls into a hole and encounters an aggressive Steelix. Liko and Roy engage in a battle, and another Steelix joins the fray. They notice the two Steelix start fighting each other before turning their attention to Liko. Just then, Pagogo emerges from its Poké Ball and saves her, much to her delight. After Hattrem calms the situation with Heal Pulse, Roy introduces Ult to Liko. Meanwhile, Hamber assigns Zirc and Onia a mission to find Gibeon's White Zygarde using the Zygarde Cube. | |||||||||
| 1327 | 1316 | 4 | "Clash of the Nidothing Fans! (Super-Stans?! A Gurumin Fan Battle!!)" Transliteration: "Gachi Oshi!? Gurumin Fan Taiketsu!!"" (Japanese: ガチ推し！？ぐるみんファン対決！！) | Directed by : Chiko Ueda Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano | Kureha Matsuzawa | Yusuke Oshida & Toshinari Abe | April 25, 2025[18] | October 27, 2025 (UK) January 6, 2026 (US) | |
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The trio travels to Teacup Town, where they meet a girl named Litten Smitten, who is a big fan of Nidothing. After Roy indirectly reveals that he was a part of the Rising Volt Tacklers, Litten Smitten immediately refuses to help them find the last sighting of the Black Rayquaza. She then challenges Liko to a battle with her Incineroar. However, during the fight, Ult interferes after running from a group of Dodrio, including a pack of Fearow. After calming them down with a song, Litten Smitten, who saw Liko and Roy try not to hurt any of the Fearow and now believes Rising Volt Tacklers are actually good guys, admits that she hasn't seen the Black Rayquaza and only wants Nidothing's attention, leaving the group disappointed. However, Nidothing understands her. The group then continues their journey. | |||||||||
| 1328 | 1317 | 5 | "The Pokémon Center Lady" Transliteration: "Pokémon Center no Oneesan" (Japanese: ポケモンセンターのお姉さん) | Directed by : Yasuhiro Noda Storyboarded by : Yūji Asada & Ichizō Kobayashi | Kureha Matsuzawa | Keita Hagiwara, Natsumi Hattori, Yumi Sakai, Megumi Matsumoto, Izumi Shimura, Lu Laforte & A-Real | May 2, 2025[19] | October 27, 2025 (UK) January 6, 2026 (US) | |
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At a Pokémon Center, Mollie, now working as a nurse, sees that a group of Pokémon has been injured in a forest and rushes to help them. Meanwhile, after overhearing someone explain what is happening in the forest, Liko and Roy decide to check it out for themselves. There, they come across Mollie and have a conversation. In a flashback, after the team discusses their futures and accepts that there is nothing more for them to do, the Rising Volt Tacklers disband. Shortly after, they encounter more Pokémon affected by poison and eventually spot a Vileplume that has been affected by Laquium. After battling the Vileplume, Hattrem learns Healing Wish to calm it down. Following that, Cap spots a facility belonging to Exceed. | |||||||||
| 1329 | 1318 | 6 | "The Strong Sphere" Transliteration: "Strong Sphere" (Japanese: ストロングスフィア) | Directed by : Hiromichi Matano Storyboarded by : Satoshi Shimizu | Naruki Nagakawa | Makoto Shinjō, Rie Eyama, Alliance & Sakuya Ave | May 9, 2025[20] | October 27, 2025 (UK) January 6, 2026 (US) | |
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Arriving at the site, Liko and Roy spot Ult exiting a bus. Nearly mistaken by a security guard, they head inside, where they see a former student named Dash defeating an Exceed employee with her Swanna using a Strong Sphere. Shortly after, Coral and Sidian appear on the battlefield. The latter notices Liko and Roy and alerts Coral, inviting them to join the battle. Liko and Roy are overpowered by Coral and Sidian and are defeated. However, Ult steps in, breaks the Strong Sphere he had taken earlier, and escapes with Liko and Roy. Pagogo then senses something coming from a cave, prompting the trio to decide to explore it. | |||||||||
| 1330 | 1319 | 7 | "Crash! Team Dragon Rampage! (Clash! The Dragon Speed Gang)" Transliteration: "Gekitotsu! Doragon Bakusōdan" (Japanese: 激突！ドラゴン爆走団) | Directed by : Yoshihiko Iwata Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano | Kimiko Ueno | Kōki Yanagihara, Toshiko Nakaya, Masaya Ōnishi, Izumi Shimura & A-Real | May 16, 2025[21] | October 27, 2025 (UK) January 6, 2026 (US) | |
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Liko, Roy, and Ult see that Pagogo is attentive toward a mountain. On their way, they decided to build a campfire and sleep in for the night. In the morning, the trio is warned by a traveler about Team Dragon Rampage, whom they later encounter, with three masked people each riding a Cyclizar. They believe that Roy is a part of Team Wriggle, their rival, resulting in a battle before taking off. Later on, the group sees someone stealing a Dratini and placing it into a cage. They then battle the person, who is a member of Team Wriggle, and are able to defeat them, rescuing the eggs. The gang lets the group see the Black Rayquaza, but Ult is left unimpressed. Meanwhile, Dot receives a call from Iono. | |||||||||
| 1331 | 1320 | 8 | "The Prankster (The Mischievous Maggyo's Lovely Smile?)" Transliteration: "Itazura Maggyo no Ii Egao?" (Japanese: いたずらマッギョのイイ笑顔？) | Yūji Asada | Naohiro Fukushima | Masaaki Iwane & Izumi Shimura | May 30, 2025[22] | October 27, 2025 (UK) January 6, 2026 (US) | |
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Dot receives a call from Iono and travels to Levincia to investigate a prankster scaring Pokémon. She discovers a Stunfisk enhanced by a Strong Sphere, used by a trainer named Stunner Fisk to create viral videos. Dot battles him, during which her Tinkatuff learns Metal Claw and Terastallizes into a Steel type. After winning, Dot convinces Stunner Fisk to stop using the Strong Sphere, and she heads to Cortondo to rejoin Liko and Roy. | |||||||||
| 1332 | 1321 | 9 | "Reunion in Cortondo (Cercle Town, Site of Reunions!)" Transliteration: "Saikai no Serukuru Taun!" (Japanese: 再会のセルクルタウン！) | Directed by : Yoshihiko Iwata Storyboarded by : Suzu | Deko Akao | Yusuke Oshida, Toshinari Abe, Dong Li Ze, Shen Tao Yi, X10, Chen Liang, He Ye, Yu Hui Yun, Luo Rui, Ryōta Kurata, A-Real & Lu Laforte | June 6, 2025[23] | October 27, 2025 (UK) January 6, 2026 (US) | |
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Liko, Roy, Dot, and Ult arrive in Cortondo to meet Murdock and share news that the Rising Volt Tacklers have been re-formed. They also reveal their investigation into Laquium, which unsettles Murdock. During their visit, Gym Leader Katy challenges Liko to a battle, setting the stage for a showdown in the heart of Cortondo. | |||||||||
| 1333 | 1322 | 10 | "Orla, Grounded (A Flightless Orio and...)" Transliteration: "Tobenai Orio to" (Japanese: 飛べないオリオと) | Directed by : Hye Jin Seo Storyboarded by : Ichizō Kobayashi | Kureha Matsuzawa | Jin Zhong | June 13, 2025[24] | October 27, 2025 (UK) January 6, 2026 (US) | |
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Liko, Roy, Dot, and Ult travel to Galar to visit Orla at Karna's Poke Ball factory, hoping she'll build them an airship. When they ask, she refuses, telling them to look elsewhere. Disheartened and unsure what to do next, they press on—until Cap senses something in a nearby forest. They rush after him, discovering to their surprise that the Brave Olivine airship they thought had been dismantled is actually still intact and waiting for them. | |||||||||
| 1334 | 1323 | 11 | "We Are the Rising Volt Tacklers! (We Are the Rising Volteccers!)" Transliteration: "Warera Raijingu Borutekkāzu!" (Japanese: 我らライジングボルテッカーズ！) | Kyōhei Sumiyama | Kureha Matsuzawa | Natsumi Hattori, Megumi Matsumoto & Yutsuko Hanai | June 20, 2025[25] | October 27, 2025 (UK) January 6, 2026 (US) | |
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Two members of the Explorers, Indi and Rubina, challenge the group for a battle with their Paldean Tauros. They are then defeated and take off without the Strong Spheres. Not long after, Orla asks the group for three days to make sure that Brave Olivine is in good condition, in which they agree to help clean up. Later, Dot receives an undisclosed voice message, where they are astounded upon hearing Friede's voice. After finishing the message, everyone celebrates with Ult officially joining them. Eventually, the Brave Olivine takes off for the first time in over a year. | |||||||||
| 1335 | 1324 | 12 | "Terastallization vs. Mega Evolution! (Fight! Terastallization VS Mega Evolution!!)" Transliteration: "Tatakae! Terasutaru tai Megashinka!!" (Japanese: 闘え！テラスタル対メガシンカ！！) | Directed by : Yasunori Gotō Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano | Dai Satō | Kōki Yanagihara & Masaya Ōnishi | June 27, 2025[26] | January 6, 2026 (US) February 27, 2026 (UK) | |
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Liko, Roy, Dot, and Ult visit Naranja Academy, where they discuss the sightings of Laquium. Later on, Nemona challenges Roy for a double battle. During the battle, Roy mega evolves his Lucario, while Nemona terastallizes her Pawmot. Eventually, Mega Lucario overpowers Pawmot, leading to Roy's victory. | |||||||||
| 1336 | 1325 | 13 | "The Knight in the Ruins (The Knight Encountered in the Ruins)" Transliteration: "Iseki de Deatta Kishi" (Japanese: 遺跡で出逢った騎士) | Directed by : Chiko Ueta Storyboarded by : Daigo Kinoshita | Dai Satō | Takashi Shinohara, Toshinari Abe, Natsumi Hattori, Yoshitaka Yanagihara, Lu Laforte & Revival | July 4, 2025[27] | February 27, 2026 (UK) March 20, 2026 (US) | |
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Penny challenges Dot to a double battle, which Dot loses. Following that, the group explores the area where Laquium was last reported, with Liko meeting Pepper, who is looking for his Scovillain, whom she later sees rampaging. As her Meowscarada is overwhelmed by Scovillain's attacks, Pagogo and a Charcadet arrive and defeat Scovillain, who is then reunited with its trainer. Shortly after, Liko catches Charcadet. | |||||||||
| 1337 | 1326 | 14 | "Nidothing Love! (Stay Ablaze, My Love for Gurumin!)" Transliteration: "Moyase, Gurumin Ai!" (Japanese: 燃やせ、ぐるみん愛！) | Yūji Asada | Naohiro Fukushima | Masaaki Iwane & Izumi Shimura | July 18, 2025[28] | February 27, 2026 (UK) March 20, 2026 (US) | |
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Seeing Nidothing announce a collaboration event with Iono, Liko becomes excited. Meanwhile, Zirc, who is with Onia, expresses his excitement about the event. The next day, Zirc receives his ticket, only for a gust of wind to blow it away into a drain. Later, the group comes across the duo, whom they agree to help find his ticket. At a beach, they see a Wugtrio holding Zirc's ticket. After battling it, they retrieve the ticket and attend the event. Zirc becomes shocked after realizing that Nidothing is actually Dot. Then, Zirc and Onia ask Liko to join them in their search for Amethio. | |||||||||
| 1338 | 1327 | 15 | "Charcadet's Wish! (Carbon Wish)" Transliteration: "Carbou no Negai" (Japanese: カルボウの願い) | Directed by : Yoshihiko Iwata, Makoto Nakata, Limthong Chidphong & Misu Yamaneko Storyboarded by : Ichizō Kobayashi & Saori Den | Kureha Matsuzawa | Yusuke Oshida, Shūhei Yasuda, Masaya Ōnishi, Natsumi Hattori, Megumi Matsumoto, Yasue Ōno & A-Real | August 1, 2025[29] | February 27, 2026 (UK) March 20, 2026 (US) | |
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With Zirc and Onia, Liko visits Amethio's mansion. After receiving information about Amethio's whereabouts on an island, the trio heads to the location by boat. While talking with Amethio, Liko's Charcadet asks Amethio's Ceruledge for a battle, which Charcadet loses but receives praise from Liko and her team. Seeing this, Amethio decides to head out to find something that he enjoys. | |||||||||
| 1339 | 1328 | 16 | "Riding the Waves (Surfugo Goes Surfing After the Storm)" Transliteration: "Arashi Nochi Naminori Sāfugō" (Japanese: 嵐のち波乗りサーフゴー) | Directed by : Hiromichi Matano Storyboarded by : Hiroshi Aoyama | Kimiko Ueno | Makoto Shinjō, Rie Eyama & Yuki Masutani | August 8, 2025[30] | February 27, 2026 (UK) March 20, 2026 (US) | |
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While flying to a nearby island, Amethio and his Corviknight are caught in a storm until Mighty G and his Sharpedo arrive to help and bring him to a cave. Inside, Mighty G helps Amethio learn how to dry his clothes properly before cooking a pot of curry. Meanwhile, after the storm passes, the Rising Volt Tacklers go to a beach, where a group of people are waiting for a Gholdengo to arrive so they can surf with it. There, Dot becomes controlled by a Gimmighoul, whom she rescues later on. After that, she catches Gimmighoul. | |||||||||
| 1340 | 1329 | 17 | "The Dusk Ball That Wouldn't Open (Mega Awesome?! The Off-Limits Dark Ball)" Transliteration: "Mega Sugeē!? Akazu no Dāku Bōru" (Japanese: メガすげぇ！？開かずのダークボール) | Directed by : Yoshihiko Iwata Storyboarded by : Yūko Kiyoshima | Deko Akao | Megumi Matsumoto, Natsumi Hattori & Masaya Ōnishi | August 15, 2025[31] | February 27, 2026 (UK) March 20, 2026 (US) | |
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After getting into an argument with Roy, Ult angrily storms out of the Brave Olivine and goes to Manpūku Town, where he meets Ryan and his Grafaiai. After spending some time together, Ryan brings Ult to his treehouse. The next day, Ult discovers Ryan and his Dusk Ball are missing and goes to find it, where he spots Ryan trading it for a Strong Sphere. Then, Indi and Rubina arrive, and Ult immediately challenges them to a battle. Just as his Sableye is about to get defeated, a Dragonite comes out from the Dusk Ball and saves Sableye before attacking both of Indi and Rubina's Darmanitans. Ult then chases after a truck as Roy comes across Ryan. | |||||||||
| 1341 | 1330 | 18 | "Friends as Two, Me and You (The Two of Us, As Friends)" Transliteration: "Futari, Tomo to Shite" (Japanese: ふたり、友として) | Directed by : Misu Yamaneko Storyboarded by : Mei Aratani, Yuri Isowa, Saori Den & Yusuke Oshida | Kureha Matsuzawa | Yusuke Oshida, Takashi Shinohara, Kenji Katō, Toshinari Abe & Nao Ikehara | August 22, 2025[32] | February 27, 2026 (UK) March 20, 2026 (US) | |
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Ult loses sight of the truck, but later spots Indi and Rubina entering a base. However, Spinel's Beheeyem notices them as Ult pushes Sableye away, allowing it to escape, who runs into Roy. He is transported to a room by the Explorers, and upon entering in, tries to send out his Dragonite, who doesn't respond. Just then, Roy rescues Ult, only for Indi and Rubina to catch them. Indi and Rubina use their Strong Spheres on their Darmanitans, giving them the advantage against Roy and Ult. During the battle, Ult mega evolves his Dragonite, defeating Indi and Rubina. Leaving the base, Ult swears to protect those that he cares about the most. | |||||||||
| 1342 | 1331 | 19 | "Taking the Next Steps (Diana Comes Back!!!!)" Transliteration: "Daiana Kamuzu Bakku!!!!" (Japanese: ダイアナ・カムズ・バック！！！！) | Directed by : Chiko Ueta Storyboarded by : Ichizō Kobayashi | Kureha Matsuzawa | Jin Zhong | August 29, 2025[33] | February 27, 2026 (UK) March 20, 2026 (US)[34] | |
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In a desert, Diana pays a visit to Liko, Roy, Dot, and Ult, where they have a discussion regarding Pagogo's power. Later, the group watches as Liko's Charcadet and Roy's Crocalor battle each other, and Diana suggests a training session for Charcadet. In their double battle, Charcadet defends Meowscarada from multiple attacks. After Moewscarada similarly protects Charcadet from Wash Rotom's Hydro Pump, Diana asks Charcadet to start trusting its team members more. Shortly after, Charcadet defeats Wash Rotom but gets knocked out by Arcanine. After that, the group decides to go and save the Six Heroes. | |||||||||
| 1343 | 1332 | 20 | "Tinkatuff's Hammer Wasn't Made in a Year! (How Nakanuchan Makes the Ultimate Hammer)" Transliteration: "Nakanuchan, Saikyō Hanmā no Tsukurikata" (Japanese: ナカヌチャン、最強ハンマーの作り方) | Yūji Asada | Kimiko Ueno | Masaaki Iwane & Izumi Shimura | September 5, 2025[35] | February 27, 2026 (UK) March 20, 2026 (US) | |
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While watching Coral and Sidian promoting the Strong Spheres, Liko receives a message from Cervantis, who asks them to meet him at a base. Meanwhile, Gimmighoul becomes disappointed when Dot and Quaxwell don't pay attention before seeing Tinkatuff in a scrapyard. Initially saddened by the iron being taken by the workers, Tinkatuff later spots it and jumps off the Brave Olivine to retrieve it. Dot, who realizes Tinkatuff's disappearance, leaves the ship to find her. Tinkatuff then knocks down a Corviknight, carrying Coral and Sidian, who challenge Dot to a battle. During the battle, Tinkatuff evolves into Tinkaton, who sends Coral's Glalie flying, just as Liko, Roy, and Ult arrive to meet Indi and Rubina. | |||||||||
| 1344 | 1333 | 21 | "The Six Heroes Unleashed! (The Six Heroes Bare Their Fangs)" Transliteration: "Kiba o Muku Rokueiyū" (Japanese: 牙を剥く六英雄) | Directed by : Yoshihiko Iwata Storyboarded by : Hiroshi Aoyama | Kureha Matsuzawa | Yoshitaka Yanagihara, Toshiko Nakaya, Yusuke Oshida & Megumi Matsumoto | September 12, 2025[36] | February 27, 2026 (UK) March 20, 2026 (US) | |
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At the base, Liko, Roy, and Ult encounter Indi and Rubina, who reveal that the message was a trap, before unveiling five of the Six Heroes, whom they proceed to use Super Strong Spheres on. The group instantly becomes overwhelmed by the Six Heroes's power. Concurrently, Dot meets Hamber and heads out to a building. On their way, however, they come across Chalce and her Medicham. Medicham successfully dodges Tinkaton's attacks multiple times. Despite this, Tinkaton proceeds to learns Gigaton Hammer and knocks Medicham out with one hit. Meanwhile, Liko and Roy terastallize Meowscarada and Crocalor, saving time for Pagogo to purify the Laquium from the Six Heroes. However, Indi and Rubina use the Super Strong Spheres again, much to the group's horror. | |||||||||
| 1345 | 1334 | 22 | "Better, Farther, Stronger! (Strive for Greater Heights with Unwavering Strength)" Transliteration: "Tsuyoku, Takami o Mezashite" (Japanese: 強く、高みを目指して) | Directed by : Kyōhei Sumiyama Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano | Kureha Matsuzawa | Hiromi Niioka, Toshinari Abe, Kenji Katō, Megumi Matsumoto & Toshiya Yamada | September 19, 2025[37] | February 27, 2026 (UK) March 20, 2026 (US) | |
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Stronger than before, the Six Heroes overpower Liko, Roy, and Ult. Shortly after, Amethio rushes in with his Corviknight and 10% Forme White Zygarde. Despite their efforts, the Six Heroes successfully defeat them, leaving Liko to beg them to stop. Much to their shock, the Laquium wears off as they collapse. Spinel orders for the Explorers to retreat, bringing the Six Heroes with them. Dot shows up as Cervantis apologizes for not being able to help. Amethio furiously yells at Cervantis and hearing his speech, Cervantis became motivated to help them out. Ult decides to train harder, and after receiving a call from Briar, who invites them to Blueberry Academy, the group heads back to the Brave Olivine. | |||||||||
| 1346 | 1335 | 23 | "Mega Evolution - Roy (Roy – Training)" Transliteration: "Roi —— Shugyō" (Japanese: ロイ ——修行) | Directed by : Kyōhei Sumiyama Storyboarded by : Satoru Iriyoshi | Kureha Matsuzawa | Yoshitaka Yanagihara & Hiromi Niioka | October 10, 2025[38] | February 27, 2026 (UK) June 26, 2026 (US)[39] | |
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After witnessing a battle between Roy and Ult, Liko becomes curious about how Roy met Lucario. Roy starts explaining his story about his adventure at Lumiose City. After arriving at Prism Tower, Roy bumps into Ult, leading to a brief argument. Roy and Ult then watch a battle between two trainers, who both Mega Evolve their Gardevoir and Slowbro, respectively. After that, they meet Master Mayonnaise, who takes them to a cafe and talk about Mega Evolution. Master Mayonnaise suggests Roy and Ult visit the Mayo Maze Palace and challenge the Yellow Flash, a Lucario, whom they meet later on. They are stunned when the Yellow Flash easily defeats their Crocalor and Sableye. | |||||||||
| 1347 | 1336 | 24 | "Mega Evolution - Ult (Ult – Strongest)" Transliteration: "Ult —— Saikyō" (Japanese: ウルト ——最強) | Directed by : Misu Yamaneko Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano | Kureha Matsuzawa | Yasue Ōno & Natsumi Hattori | October 17, 2025[40] | February 27, 2026 (UK) June 26, 2026 (US) | |
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While having dinner prepared by Emma, Roy and Ult talk about their defeat by the Yellow Flash. However, the power unexpectedly goes out, so Emma brings out her Ampharos and Mega Evolves it to restore the electricity. After that, Emma became surprised at Ult's determination to catch the Black Rayquaza. Telling Roy that she took Ult in during a rainstorm, she believes that he could be friends with him. The following day, Master Mayonnaise recommends a battle to unite their feelings with their Pokémon. Ult loses and briefly refuses to accept defeat until Master Mayonnaise reveals his flaws and asks him to drop Mega Evolution since their bond is not strong enough. Just then, the Yellow Flash asks Roy and Ult to return to Mayo Maze Palace, where they run into Count Hoisin and Shōyu. | |||||||||
| 1348 | 1337 | 25 | "Mega Evolution – Bonds" Transliteration: "Mega Shinka —— Kizuna" (Japanese: メガシンカ ——絆) | Directed by : Makoto Nakata Storyboarded by : Makoto Nakata | Kureha Matsuzawa | Shūhei Yasuda & Takashi Shinohara | October 24, 2025[41] | February 27, 2026 (UK) June 26, 2026 (US) | |
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Roy and Ult face off against Count Hoisin and Shōyu. During their match, Roy notices their competitors working together and urges Ult that they could do the same. Just then, Shōyu's Accelgor uses Shadow Divide to knock Sableye out of the battle, leaving him irritated. Roy then wins the battle, allowing the duo to battle the Yellow Flash. After a fierce battle, Roy's Crocalor defeats the Yellow Flash, much to their joy. Then, the Yellow Flash expresses an interest in joining his team, which Roy accepts and catches it. | |||||||||
| 1349 | 1338 | 26 | "Welcome to Blueberry Academy! (Tera☆Sparkle! Blueberry Academy)" Transliteration: "Tera☆Kira! Blueberry Gakuen" (Japanese: テラ☆キラ！ブルーベリー学園) | Directed by : Hiroyuki Okuno Storyboarded by : Kentarō Tsubame | Dai Satō | Yoshitaka Yanagihara & Masaya Ōnishi | October 31, 2025[42] | May 25, 2026 (UK) June 26, 2026 (US) | |
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At Blueberry Academy, Nemona and Cyrano watch a double battle between Ann and Lacey. After landing the Brave Olivine in front of the school, they receive a greeting from Cyrano. Briar asks them to visit her office the next day. Afterward, Lacey gives them a tour of the Terarium Dome before bringing them to the Center Square. Liko reunites with Ann, and Nemona excitedly challenges Roy to a double battle, which he loses. Ult asks Nemona for a match, but is unable to as she is set to return to Paldea. With Ann recommending Lacey to help the group, Liko, Roy, Dot, and Ult start their training sessions. | |||||||||
| 1350 | 1339 | 27 | "Terarium Training! (Training Begins! Terarium Dome)" Transliteration: "Shugyō Kaishi! Terariumu Dōmu" (Japanese: 修行開始！テラリウムドーム) | Directed by : Hiromichi Matano Storyboarded by : Yuri Isowa & Moe Araya | Dai Satō | Makoto Shinjo, Rie Eyama & Yuki Masutani | November 7, 2025[43] | May 25, 2026 (UK) June 26, 2026 (US) | |
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The group meets Briar and Carmine, her assistant. Lacey asks the group to battle multiple Pokémon; Liko and Dot engage in a match with a Kaenjishi and Makenkani, respectively, while Ult's Sableye is attacked by an Overqwil. Lacey gives Ult some advice, but he runs away from her. Relaxing with his team, Roy meets Drayton. Requesting him to help, Drayton agrees but is confronted by Lacey for using him to complete his tasks. Inside a cave, Ult battles a Galvantula. Lacey scolds him for not using her previous advice, prompting him to run away again. At the Polar Plaza, Roy and Drayton have their double battle, which Roy loses. Ult comes across Lacey, who asks him to study with her. | |||||||||
| 1351 | 1340 | 28 | "Ult-imate Training (Quiz Time! What is Ult's Training?)" Transliteration: "Kuizu Desu! Ult No Shugyō Wa Nan Deshou?" (Japanese: クイズです！ウルトの修行はなんでしょう？) | Directed by : Misu Yamaneko Storyboarded by : Hiroshi Aoyama | Naohiro Fukushima | Takashi Shinohara, Keita Hagiwara & Megumi Matsumoto | November 14, 2025[44] | May 25, 2026 (UK) June 26, 2026 (US) | |
| 1352 | 1341 | 29 | "Liko and Hattrem, Bonded by Happiness! (Liko and Tebrim - The Bond of Happiness!)" Transliteration: "Riko To Teburimu, Shiawase No Kizuna!" (Japanese: リコとテブリム、幸せの絆！) | Directed by : Yōsuke Fujino Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano | Deko Akao | Zhong Jin | November 21, 2025[45] | May 25, 2026 (UK) June 26, 2026 (US) | |
| 1353 | 1342 | 30 | "Don't Give Up, Crocalor! (Give it Your All, Crocalor - For the Sake of Tomorrow)" Transliteration: "Funbare Achikēta, Ashita No Tame Ni" (Japanese: ふんばれアチケータ、明日のために) | Yūji Asada | Naruki Nagakawa | Masaaki Iwane & Izumi Shimura | November 28, 2025[46] | May 25, 2026 (UK) June 26, 2026 (US) | |
| 1354 | 1343 | 31 | "Dot and Penny's Top-Secret Mission! (Dot & Botan! A Top Secret Operation)" Transliteration: "Dotto & Botan! Gokuhi Daisakusen" (Japanese: ドット&ボタン！極秘大作戦) | Directed by : Kyōhei Sumiyama Storyboarded by : Daigo Kinoshita | Michihiro Tsuchiya | STUDIO MASSKET | December 5, 2025[47] | May 25, 2026 (UK) June 26, 2026 (US) | |
| 1355 | 1344 | 32 | "The Catcher in the Sky" Transliteration: "Kyatchā In Za Sukai" (Japanese: キャッチャー・イン・ザ・スカイ) | Directed by : Makoto Nakata Storyboarded by : Daiki Tomiyasu | Kureha Matsuzawa | Toshinari Abe, Yasue Ōno & Kenji Kato | December 12, 2025[48] | May 25, 2026 (UK) June 26, 2026 (US) | |
| 1356 | 1345 | 33 | "Roy vs. Friede: Wings of Fire! (Red-Hot Wings! Roy VS Friede)" Transliteration: "Shakunetsu no Tsubasa! Roi VS Furiido" (Japanese: 灼熱の翼！ロイVSフリード) | Directed by : Yoshihiko Iwata Storyboarded by : Shoji Nishida | Kureha Matsuzawa | Hiromi Niioka, Yoshitaka Yanagihara, Masaya Ōnishi & Megumi Matsumoto | December 19, 2025[49] | May 25, 2026 (UK) June 26, 2026 (US) | |
| 1357 | 1346 | 34 | "Mochi Mayhem! (Shock and Horrors! Kibikibi Panic on the Ship)" Transliteration: "Senritsu! Senjō no Kibikibi Panic" (Japanese: 戦慄！ 船上のキビキビパニック) | Chiko Ueta | Kimiko Ueno | Yuki Masutani, Megumi Matsumoto & X10 | January 9, 2026 | May 25, 2026 (UK) June 26, 2026 (US) | |
| 1358 | TBA | 35 | "Storming Explorers Headquarters!" Transliteration: "Totsunyū! Explorers Honbu" (Japanese: 突入！エクスプローラーズ本部) | Directed by : Michihiro Satō Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano | Kureha Matsuzawa | Megumi Matsumoto & Toshiko Nakaya | January 23, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1359 | TBA | 36 | "Get Back the Six Heroes!" Transliteration: "Rokueiyū o Torimodose!" (Japanese: 六英雄を取り戻せ！) | Yūji Asada | Kureha Matsuzawa | Masaaki Iwane & Izumi Shimura | January 30, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1360 | TBA | 37 | "A Battle We Can't Afford to Lose! Bonds Get Put to the Test!!" Transliteration: "Makerarenai Batoru! Tamesareru Kizuna!!" (Japanese: 負けられないバトル！試される絆！！) | Directed by : Yoshihiko Iwata Storyboarded by : Yūko Kiyoshima | Naruki Nagakawa | TBA | February 6, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1361 | TBA | 38 | "Intense Training! Everyone's Respective Feelings" Transliteration: "Ōtokkun! Sorezore no Omoi" (Japanese: 大特訓！それぞれの想い) | Directed by : Ryōtarō Aoba Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano | Michihiro Tsuchiya | Ryōtarō Aoba, Kōsuke Hiramatsu, Ren Tanaka & Sana Sanada | February 13, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1362 | TBA | 39 | "Step By Step! Dot & Welkamo!!" Transliteration: "Suteppu Bai Suteppu! Dotto & Werukamo!!" (Japanese: ステップ・バイ・ステップ！ドット＆ウェルカモ！！) | Directed by : Hiromichi Matano Storyboarded by : Shōji Nishida | Naohiro Fukushima | Makoto Shinjō, Rie Eyama & Yuki Masutani | February 20, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1363 | TBA | 40 | "The Time Has Come for the Showdown with the Black Rayquaza" Transliteration: "Kuroi Rekkuuza, Kecchaku no Toki" (Japanese: 黒いレックウザ、決着の時) | Directed by : Kyōhei Sumiyama Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano | Kimiko Ueno | Takashi Shinohara, Natsumi Hattori, Toshinari Abe, Yusuke Oshida, Tomoki Ogawa & Yūki Hijikata | February 27, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1364 | TBA | 41 | "Hambel on the Night of the Blood Moon" Transliteration: "Akai Tsukiyo no Hanberu" (Japanese: 赤い月夜のハンベル) | Misu Yamaneko | Kureha Matsuzawa | Kōki Yanagihara, Masaya Ōnishi, Kenji Katō, Yusuke Oshida, Toshinari Abe & Tomohiro Koyama | March 6, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1365 | TBA | 42 | "The Time Has Come! Gather, Companions!" Transliteration: "Kitaru! Atsumaru! Nakamatachi" (Japanese: 来たる！集まる！仲間たち) | Directed by : Chiko Ueta Storyboarded by : Shin'ichi Watanabe | Kureha Matsuzawa | Chiko Ueta, Toshiko Nakaya & Megumi Matsumoto | March 13, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1366 | TBA | 43 | "Rematch! A Challenge for Lucario!!" Transliteration: "Ribenji Matchi! Rukario no Chōsen!!" (Japanese: リベンジマッチ！ルカリオの挑戦！！) | Yūji Asada | Kureha Matsuzawa | Masaaki Iwane & Izumi Shimura | March 20, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1367 | TBA | 44 | "To the Final Battle" Transliteration: "Saigo no Tatakai e" (Japanese: 最後の戦いへ) | Directed by : Yōsuke Fujino Storyboarded by : Yūko Kiyoshima | Kureha Matsuzawa | Kōki Yanagihara, Natsumi Hattori, Megumi Matsumoto, Keita Hagiwara & Toshinari Abe | April 10, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1368 | TBA | 45 | "The Ultimate Showdown! Mega Evolution!!" Transliteration: "Chōjō Kessen! Megashinka!!" (Japanese: 頂上決戦！メガシンカ!！) | Directed by : Yoshihiko Iwata Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano | Kureha Matsuzawa | Takashi Shinohara, Hiromi Niioka & Yuki Masutani | April 17, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1369 | TBA | 46 | "Awakening! The Catastrophic Rakurium Core" Transliteration: "Kakusei! Horobi no Rakuriumu Koa" (Japanese: 覚醒！滅びのラクリウム・コア) | Directed by : Hiroaki Takagi Storyboarded by : Satoru Iriyoshi & Yusuke Oshida | Kureha Matsuzawa | Yusuke Oshida, Yuzuko Hanai, Masaya Ōnishi, Yasue Ōno, Toshinari Abe & Izumi Shimura | April 24, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1370 | TBA | 47 | "Stellar Finale" Transliteration: "Sutera Fināre" (Japanese: ステラ・フィナーレ) | Directed by : Saori Den & Kyōhei Sumiyama Storyboarded by : Saori Den | Kureha Matsuzawa | Kōki Yanagihara, Natsumi Hattori, Megumi Matsumoto, Izumi Shimura, Masaya Ōnishi, Kenji Katō, Takashi Shinohara & Keita Hagiwara | May 1, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1371 | TBA | 48 | "Reboot! Off to the World of Adventure!!" Transliteration: "Ribūto! Bōken no Sekai e!!" (Japanese: リブート！冒険の世界へ！！) | Yūji Asada | Kureha Matsuzawa | Masaaki Iwane & Izumi Shimura | May 22, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1372 | TBA | 49 | "Enter the Fake Rising Volt Tacklers?!" Transliteration: "Nise Raijingu Borutekkāzu Tōjō!!" (Japanese: 偽ライジングボルテッカーズ登場！？) | Directed by : Satoshi Takatō Storyboarded by : Hiromasa Amano | Kureha Matsuzawa | Hiromi Niioka & Yuki Masutani | May 29, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1373 | TBA | 50 | "The Secret Metamon Rhapsody" Transliteration: "Naisho no Metamon Kyōshikyoku" (Japanese: ないしょのメタモン狂詩曲) | Directed by : Hiroyuki Okuno Storyboarded by : Kentarō Tsubame | Deko Akao | Kōsuke Hiramatsu, Nozomi Sekikawa, Zearth Sato, Kōki Yanagihara & Toshinari Abe | June 5, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1374 | TBA | 51 | "Clap Clap Clap! Mini-Gurumin!!" Transliteration: "Pan Pan Pan! Mini Gurumin!!" (Japanese: パンパンパン！ミニぐるみん！！) | Directed by : Michihiro Satō Storyboarded by : Yūko Kiyoshima | Kimiko Ueno | Ye He & Jingguo Wang | June 12, 2026 | TBA | |
| 1375 | TBA | 52 | "Ready Go! Unite Battle!!" Transliteration: "READY GO! Unite Battle!!" (Japanese: READY GO！ユナイトバトル！！) | Yūji Asada | Michihiro Tsuchiya | Masaaki Iwane & Izumi Shimura | June 19, 2026 | TBA | |
Release
On March 13, 2025, CoroCoro Comic released a first look at the "Mega Voltage" arc, which teased a timeskip.[50] On March 14, The Pokémon Company announced that the new arc of the Pokémon anime would begin airing on April 11 of that year.[51] Following the end of the "Rayquaza Rising" arc, a new trailer and poster were released a week later on March 21, showcasing the return of Mega Evolutions and a new male character named Ult, voiced by Natsumi Fujiwara.[5][52][53] On August 22, 2025, a three-part special arc titled "Episode: Mega Evolution" was announced, along with a trailer and poster.[6] After the conclusion of the "Mega Voltage" arc in September 2025, The Pokémon Company revealed that a new arc, titled "Rising Again", would begin broadcasting on October 31 of that same year, focusing on the group's adventures at Blueberry Academy.[54][8]
In the United States, The Pokémon Company announced that a third season of Pokémon Horizons, titled Pokémon Horizons: Season 3 – Rising Hope released on the streaming service Netflix on January 6, 2026.[3] In the United Kingdom, the first eleven episodes of Rising Hope were released simultaneously on BBC iPlayer and CBBC on October 27, 2025.[55][56]
Music
The Japanese opening themes are "Get Back" (ゲット・バック, Getto bakku) performed by Yuzu for 21 episodes and "Iolite" (アイオライト, Aioraito) performed by Eve.[57][58][6][59] The Japanese ending themes are "Ready Go" performed by Me:I for 20 episodes, "YUU" (尤, YUU) performed by Yuzu for 3 episodes and "Asleep or Awake" (ねてもさめても, Netemo Sametemo) performed by Polkadot Stingray.[60][61][59] Its English opening theme is "Evolving Again" performed by Haven Paschall.