Alice In Borderland Season 3: The Anticipated Chishiya Moment Fans Have Craved Since Season 1

Alice in Borderland is gearing up for an exciting third season, one that promises to finally bring the long-anticipated showdown between Chishiya and Arisu front and center. While the narrative primarily revolves around Arisu—the “Alice”lost in a harrowing alternate reality—it’s Chishiya who has emerged as a standout character, captivating audiences and becoming a fan favorite. Notably, the character’s portrayal on Netflix diverges somewhat from Haro Aso’s original manga, yet these adaptations have enriched his complexity, portraying him as a potential villain, and at times, a compelling antihero.

Aside from his unique bond with Kuina, Chishiya is generally wary of trusting anyone. This mutual distrust was clearly reflected in the interactions between him and other characters, including Arisu, who also learned to be cautious around Chishiya. However, a pivotal moment during the King of Diamonds game at the close of season two catalyzed a transformation in Chishiya’s outlook on life. After navigating the “Beauty Contest” challenge, he emerged with a renewed perspective and depth that has set the stage for an exhilarating rivalry with Arisu in the upcoming season.

Alice In Borderland Season 3 Needs Arisu & Chishiya Competing Against Each Other

Arisu and Chishiya Have Barely Played Games Together in Alice In Borderland

Kuina, Arisu, Usagi, and Chishiya standing together in Alice in Borderland season 2, episode 1

Throughout the series, Arisu and Chishiya have only truly participated in two games together: the Five of Spades and the Ten of Hearts. Nonetheless, their experiences in these games did not showcase their potential for teamwork or competition, particularly after Chishiya’s character was fleshed out more deeply. During the Five of Spades challenge, for instance, Chishiya was still an unnamed figure, and only manga fans recognized his significance. Despite their collective effort to win, they remained largely unfamiliar with one another.

Following the initial attack by the King of Spades, Chishiya became separated from the group, embarking on a solo journey that consumed much of season two. Similarly, even though both characters were present in the Ten of Hearts segment, they were engaged in different struggles on the Beach. Each faced personal challenges during the Which Hunt, resulting in their survival and transition into the next phase of the game. Chishiya, unfortunately, spent most of season two navigating the intricate Face Card games alone.

Alice In Borderland Cast

Actor

Character

Kento Yamazaki

Ryōhei Arisu

Tao Tsuchiya

Yuzuha Usagi

Nijirō Murakami

Shuntarō Chishiya

Ayaka Miyoshi

Ann Rizuna

Dori Sakurada

Suguru Niragi

Aya Asahina

Hikari Kuina

Yūki Morinaga

Chōta Segawa

Keita Machida

Daikichi Karube

The significant interaction between Arisu and Chishiya only occurred towards the end of season two, where they again did not engage in a game. This moment was particularly consequential as it involved Chishiya being shot by Niragi, leading to Arisu and Usagi uniting with the rest of the group against the King of Spades. Moving forward, it is somewhat disappointing that, despite the reveal of Chishiya’s survival skills, they have not shared the gaming arena more frequently.

Arisu & Chishiya Are The Best Players In Alice In Borderland For Different Reasons

Arisu Is Creative, But Chishiya Is Willing to Make Sacrifices

Chishiya, Arisu, and Kuina in Alice in Borderland season 1

A heated debate among fans centers on the question of who shines as the smartest character in Alice in Borderland: Chishiya or Arisu? Based on the source material, Haro Aso’s narrative hints that Chishiya holds the title for intellectual prowess, particularly in challenging circumstances where he must suppress his emotions. Notably, Chishiya excelled in Heart-type games, which are designed to erode trust and break players’ spirits.

In fact, one of Chishiya’s crowning achievements in the series involved navigating the Jack of Hearts challenge, where manipulation of trust played a critical role. His intellectual acumen is complemented by a shrewd understanding of human behavior and strategy. In contrast, Arisu thrives on creativity and tactical thinking. His consistent aim is to unearth a safe path for all participants, which is why he found the Heart games, particularly the Seven of Hearts, exceptionally daunting.

Alice in Borderland Season 3 Should Explore Arisu And Chishiya’s Dynamic Better

Arisu And Chishiya Barely Interacted In Season 2

Chishiya and Arisu looking at the Joker Card in Alice in Borderland season 2

From season 2 onwards, Chishiya evolved from a character with ambiguous loyalties to an antihero with significant screen presence. While many characters engaged in collaborative gameplay, Chishiya was uniquely positioned to tackle two major games independently—one of which diverged from the manga storyline. This development established him as a pivotal character within the Alice in Borderland narrative.

Given this progression, fans are eager for more interactions between Arisu and Chishiya in the forthcoming season. Their complex dynamic is underscored by Chishiya’s previous betrayal, which inadvertently led to Arisu and Usagi’s capture by Niragi. The interpersonal relationships among the Beach survivors have become somewhat superficial, relying on circumstance rather than genuine connection. The potential for deeper character exploration and interaction, especially for Arisu and Usagi’s views on Chishiya, promises to enrich the storytelling in season 3.

Alice In Borderland Season 3 Will Struggle To Surpass The Games From Seasons 1 And 2

Alice In Borderland Season 3 Will Have To Come Up With Original Games

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It’s unlikely that Alice in Borderland will craft a scenario in which Chishiya and Arisu face off with their lives on the line. However, ample opportunities exist for their paths to intertwine, whether as rivals or allies within the same game. The challenge for season 3 lies in developing innovative and engaging new games that exceed the stakes and creativity of previous seasons. This task will be arduous, especially since most of the manga’s games have already been adapted.

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Thus far, Netflix has introduced some original games in Alice in Borderland, although they have often fallen short of the thrilling expectations set by the adapted material. For instance, the Queen of Spades challenge was criticized for its convoluted rules, detracting from its entertainment value. A game that placed both Arisu and Chishiya at the forefront, allowing them to leverage their skills and intellect, could reinvigorate the series—especially if they were to reclaim their memories in the process.

As anticipation builds for the premiere of season 3 in 2025, the narrative direction remains uncertain. Since season 2 concluded at the same point as the manga, the new season is poised to explore an original storyline. Regardless of the direction taken, a series devoid of frequent interactions between Arisu and Chishiya would undoubtedly miss a valuable opportunity for character development.

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