Jujutsu Kaisen Culling Game Arc: How Many Episodes Will It Have?

ujutsu kaisen culling game how many episodes?, the short and clear answer is this: the Culling Game arc in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is reported to have 24 to 26 episodes, split into two cours of 12 to 13 episodes each. The arc has not aired yet and officially begins in early 2026, starting with a one-hour premiere covering the first two episodes.

Below is a full breakdown so you know exactly what to expect before Season 3 begins.

Is the Culling Game Arc Released Yet?

The Culling Game arc is highly anticipated, but as of now, it has not fully aired on television. Season 3 is set up as a major continuation after the Shibuya Incident, and its release has been carefully structured.

Current airing status of the Culling Game arc

No weekly episodes of the Culling Game have aired on TV yet. Fans have not seen the arc begin through regular broadcasting. The only early viewing happened through a special screening format, not standard episodic release.

Official confirmation around Season 3 timeline

Season 3 officially starts on January 9, 2026, confirmed with a one-hour premiere. This premiere includes Episode 1 and Episode 2 airing back to back, marking the official beginning of the Culling Game arc.

How Many Episodes Will the Culling Game Arc Have?

The total episode count has been widely discussed, with multiple reliable reports pointing toward a longer-than-usual season.

Total reported episode count for Season 3

Season 3 is expected to have 24 to 26 episodes in total. This entire season is dedicated to adapting the Culling Game storyline without rushing key events or character arcs.

How the episodes are split into two cours

The season is structured as a split-cour release, meaning:

• Cour 1: 12 to 13 episodes

• Cour 2: 12 to 13 episodes

This format allows the story to pause between parts while maintaining production quality and pacing.

Culling Game Part 1 Episode Breakdown

The first part of the season focuses on setting the foundation for the deadly game and reintroducing the stakes after Shibuya.

Expected number of episodes in the first cour

Culling Game Part 1 is expected to consist of 12 to 13 episodes, beginning with Yuji Itadori’s execution order and the preparation leading into the colonies.

What portion of the Culling Game story Part 1 covers

Part 1 mainly covers:

• The rules of the Culling Game

• Introduction of colonies

• Entry of main characters into the game

• Early battles and player introductions

Manga-wise, this roughly adapts chapters in the mid-150s to around 180, focusing on setup rather than full resolution.

Culling Game Part 2 Episode Expectations

The second cour is where the arc intensifies and expands across multiple battle zones.

Episode count for the second cour

Culling Game Part 2 is also expected to have 12 to 13 episodes, matching Part 1 in length to complete the full arc.

Why the arc requires a longer second part

Part 2 needs more breathing room because it features:

• Multiple colony battles happening at the same time

• High-level sorcerer fights with complex abilities

• Extended combat sequences that cannot be rushed

This is where the scale of the arc truly becomes clear.

Season 3 Release Schedule and Format

Season 3 follows a structured release designed to handle the arc’s size properly.

One-hour premiere special details

The season opens with a one-hour special airing Episode 1 and Episode 2 together on January 9, 2026. This acts as a strong narrative launch instead of a slow weekly buildup.

Early 2026 release window overview

After the premiere:

• Episodes continue on a weekly schedule

• Part 1 airs during the early 2026 winter season

• Part 2 is expected later in the year after a short break

Where the Culling Game Fits Compared to Previous Seasons

Looking at past seasons helps explain why Season 3 is longer.

Season 1 episode count comparison

Season 1 had 24 episodes, split evenly into two parts. This allowed for steady pacing without cutting major content.

Season 2 structure and why Season 3 is longer

Season 2 had 23 episodes, divided into:

• Hidden Inventory arc with 5 episodes

• Shibuya Incident arc with 18 episodes

Season 3 surpasses both due to the Culling Game’s tournament-style structure and multiple parallel storylines.

Why the Culling Game Arc Needs More Episodes

This arc is fundamentally different in scale compared to earlier arcs.

Scale of battles and multiple colonies

The Culling Game takes place across several sealed colonies, all running simultaneously. Each colony has its own rules, fighters, and consequences, which requires extended screen time to follow properly.

Introduction of new players and abilities

Several new and important characters are introduced, each with:

• Unique cursed techniques

• Complex motivations

• Deep backstories

Handling these properly demands more episodes than a standard arc.

Compilation Film and Early Screening Details

Before the Season 3 broadcast, a special theatrical release helped bridge the gap.

Purpose of the compilation movie

The compilation film primarily recapped the Shibuya Incident from Season 2, helping viewers refresh the story before entering the Culling Game.

How it connects to the opening episodes of Season 3

The film also included early screenings of the first two Culling Game episodes, shown in Japan on November 7, 2025. This was not an online or TV release, but a preview event.

Final Answer: How Many Episodes Is the Culling Game Arc?

To summarize everything clearly and simply:

Short, clear episode count summary

The Culling Game arc will span 24 to 26 episodes total, split into two cours of 12 to 13 episodes each.

What viewers should realistically expect from Season 3

Viewers should expect:

• A split-cour Season 3

• A one-hour premiere in January 2026

• A full, uncut adaptation of the Culling Game

• A longer season designed to handle large-scale battles properly

This structure ensures the Culling Game arc gets the depth and pacing it needs without rushing major moments.