After years without new animation, Hunter x Hunter is set to return in 2026 with brand-new animated material. While this release is not a full television season, it marks the first time since 2014 that fans will see newly produced animation from the series.
For a franchise known for long hiatuses, this announcement is meaningful. To understand its importance, it helps to look closely at what this project actually involves.
What the New Animation Project Is
The upcoming animated content is a newly created opening movie made for the mobile game Hunter x Hunter: Nen × Survivor. This animation was produced specifically for the game and does not reuse footage from earlier anime adaptations.
Rather than telling a long story, the animation functions as a short cinematic introduction. It is designed to reintroduce characters, highlight Nen abilities, and set the overall tone of the project using modern animation standards.
This clarity matters, especially given how often fans hope for a full anime revival.
Setting Expectations for Fans
Despite excitement surrounding the announcement, this release does not signal a new television series or story continuation. There are currently no plans to adapt later manga arcs, and no episodes are scheduled for broadcast or streaming.
Instead, this project sits between a promotional release and a creative update. It offers new visuals without the scope or commitment of a full anime run. For longtime fans, that distinction helps keep expectations grounded while still acknowledging progress.
With that context in place, timing becomes the next key detail.
When the Animation Is Expected to Release
Nen × Survivor is scheduled to launch on February 17, 2026, on both iOS and Android platforms. The animated opening is expected to debut around the same period, likely close to the game’s release window.
This places the new animation firmly in early 2026. While no exact premiere date for the animation has been shared, its connection to the game makes the general timeline clear.
Knowing when it arrives naturally leads to questions about what fans will actually see.
What the Animation Will Likely Show
The opening movie is expected to feature familiar faces such as Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Hisoka, all presented through newly animated scenes. Short action moments will likely focus on Nen techniques and character abilities rather than extended storytelling.
The goal is not to replace a full anime arc, but to remind viewers of the series’ identity through motion, atmosphere, and energy. This approach allows the franchise to stay visually present without retelling major storylines.
How Nen × Survivor Fits Into the Series
Nen × Survivor is an action-focused mobile game built around Hunter x Hunter’s power system. Players engage with characters and abilities inspired by the anime and manga, using fast-paced gameplay rather than traditional RPG structures.
The animated opening acts as a bridge between the franchise and this new format. Even for fans who are not interested in mobile games, the animation stands on its own as official Hunter x Hunter content.
This brings up the question many fans continue to ask.
Does This Mean the Anime Is Fully Returning?
As of now, there is no confirmed return of a full Hunter x Hunter anime series. The 2026 animation does not continue the main plot and does not adapt unfinished manga arcs.
However, the fact that new animation is being produced at all shows continued interest in the property. It keeps the series visible and leaves room for future opportunities if conditions allow.
That possibility is closely tied to the manga’s progress.
Where the Manga Currently Stands
Creator Yoshihiro Togashi has stated that new chapters are in development and that multiple manuscripts have already been completed. Due to ongoing health challenges, releases remain irregular, and no official return date has been announced.
Still, steady progress behind the scenes helps explain why the series continues to draw attention and discussion.
Why Hunter x Hunter Still Connects With Fans
Hunter x Hunter remains widely respected because it challenges common storytelling formulas. Nen encourages planning and creativity, characters face real consequences, and arcs are allowed to change tone without losing purpose.
Stories like Yorknew and Chimera Ant are remembered not only for their action, but for their emotional weight and moral complexity. That depth is why fans remain invested, even during long periods of silence.
Final Thoughts
The new animated release planned for 2026 may be limited in scope, but it carries real significance. It represents Hunter x Hunter’s first return to animation in more than ten years and confirms that the franchise is still moving forward.
While it is not the full comeback many fans hope for, it is a meaningful step that keeps the series alive and relevant.
