Solo Leveling remains a standout title in the anime and manhwa world, captivating fans with its thrilling adaptation by A-1 Pictures and the original manhwa source. However, despite its immense popularity and incredible action sequences, the series faced significant criticism over its controversial ending, particularly in the Final Battle Arc. Fans expressed disappointment with the storyline’s conclusion, which many felt was rushed and left unanswered questions. Fortunately, the franchise is now offering a chance to redeem itself through new expansions like Solo Leveling: Karma and Solo Leveling: Ragnarok.
Exploring the Controversy Around Solo Leveling’s Ending
The most debated aspect of Solo Leveling’s conclusion centers on the Final Battle Arc, where protagonist Sung Jinwoo uses the Cup of Reincarnation to reverse tragic events and attempt a better outcome. While his intention was noble—stopping the devastation caused by the Monarchs and preventing the annihilation of entire nations—the outcome unintentionally diminished the significance of the Hunters, sidelining them to near irrelevance in the process.
This crucial plot device, condensed in episode #178 of the manhwa, effectively rewrote history, undoing long-standing conflicts and battles. Without the follow-up developments introduced in Solo Leveling: Ragnarok, many of the Hunters’ heroic deeds would have been forgotten. The franchise’s creators transforming this contentious ending into a roguelite experience with Solo Leveling: Karma seems fitting, offering a fresh perspective by allowing Jinwoo to relive and refine his decisions through multiple timelines.
What is Solo Leveling: Karma?
Solo Leveling: Karma is a new upcoming roguelite expansion set to release in 2026. The storyline focuses on Jinwoo being sent back 10 years into the past, giving fans a unique opportunity to see a younger version of the hero as he navigates a relentless loop of events seeking to prevent tragic deaths and catastrophic battles. This setup adds layers of complexity and stakes to Jinwoo’s character, who until now had been critiqued for his somewhat stiff characterization.
Fans are teased with pivotal moments involving key characters like Beru, the Ant King, and heroic Hunters such as Go Gunhee. These moments humanize the characters more deeply and explore Jinwoo’s internal struggle in overcoming sacrifices and rewriting fate. The long-lasting peace Earth achieves as a result of Jinwoo’s efforts comes at a personal cost—his memories and deeds are erased from the world’s collective consciousness, making this sacrifice all the more tragic.
Solo Leveling: Ragnarok – A New Chapter Featuring Jinwoo’s Successor
Alongside Karma, Solo Leveling: Ragnarok is already gaining attention as a dynamic continuation of the story, focusing on Jinwoo’s son, Sung Suho. Unlike his father, Suho isn’t alone; he builds a diverse party of allies, including underrated characters from the original series and powerful new companions like the canine ally Grey.
Ragnarok provides a fresh take by spotlighting teamwork, character growth, and recovery of lost memories that Jinwoo’s time-loop erased. As an S-Rank Gate looms over Seoul, Suho and his allies face new threats, inheriting the mantle of Hunters in a world with evolving dangers. This sequel offers redemption for the franchise’s earlier shortcomings by expanding character development beyond Jinwoo and weaving a richer narrative tapestry.
The Anime Adaptation: What Lies Ahead for Solo Leveling Fans
The Solo Leveling anime has successfully brought the manhwa’s intense action and dramatic moments to life, especially with its second season. However, the franchise’s momentum currently rests on upcoming releases: the game Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive launching in November 2025, the anticipated anime adaptation of Karma in 2026, and ongoing Solo Leveling: Ragnarok chapters.
Fans eagerly await Season 3 and a rumored movie, which together could deliver more satisfying and expanded coverage of the story’s climax. The anime’s ability to flesh out Jinwoo’s time-loop and the critical Final Battle arc—potentially incorporating elements from Karma—could finally provide the fuller storytelling and closure many fans have been hoping for.
Conclusion
Despite the mixed reactions to Solo Leveling’s original ending, the franchise is proactively addressing its shortcomings through expansions like Solo Leveling: Karma and Solo Leveling: Ragnarok. These new storylines offer deeper character exploration, broadened narratives, and the chance to revisit key moments with fresh perspectives, promising redemption and revitalization for the series. With the anime continuing and these new projects on the horizon, Solo Leveling’s legacy as a beloved modern fantasy thriller is set to endure and evolve.
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