Fans of the dark fantasy anime Gachiakuta recently tuned in for Episode 23, which premiered on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The latest installment continues the intense “Trash Storm Arc,” building anticipation as the first season approaches its climax.
Release Date and Where to Watch Gachiakuta Episode 23
Gachiakuta Episode 23 was released on December 14, 2025. In Japan, the episode aired at 11:30 p.m. JST. International viewers could stream it on Crunchyroll, with varied release times depending on their region: 7:30 a.m. PT, 10:30 a.m. ET, 9:00 a.m. CST, and 3:00 p.m. GMT for English subtitles. English dubbed versions typically followed an hour later.
Crunchyroll remains the primary platform for watching Gachiakuta, offering both free (with ads) and paid (ad-free, unlimited content) versions to subscribers.
Episode 23 Plot: Rudo’s Return and Zodyl’s Influence
Episode 23 picks up after a harrowing escape, with the Cleaners surviving their return to the surface thanks to Guita’s vital instrument after destroying the core of a giant imitation trash beast. While Zanka’s injuries are severe, they are not life-threatening. Protagonist Rudo is relieved by their safety but finds himself troubled by Zodyl’s previous invitation to collaborate on taking down the Sphere.
Previous episodes saw Bundus preparing his vital instrument and harboring doubts about Enjin. Enjin utilized Umbreaker to create a passage to Rudo, while Bro, Dear, and Riyo transported an unconscious Zanka. Guita had lost strength, and Rudo confronted Zodyl. Enjin’s mention of Riyo’s gun led Riyo to drop Zanka, and Noerde attempted to stop the cleaning crew’s escape. Episode 23 was expected to address many lingering questions and advance the storyline towards an emotional conclusion for the arc.
The Gachiakuta Anime Adaptation: A 2025 Standout
The Gachiakuta anime, an adaptation of Kei Urana’s manga series, premiered on July 6, 2025. Produced by Studio Bones, known for its work on series like My Hero Academia and Mob Psycho 100, the anime has been praised for its exceptional craftsmanship and unique approach to shonen storytelling. Fumihiko Suganuma directs the series, with Hiroshi Seko handling series composition and Satoshi Ishino as the character designer.
The story follows Rudo, a young orphan accused of murder and cast into “The Pit,” a vast abyss where society’s unwanted are discarded. In this trash-filled landscape, Rudo discovers a new world and joins a group of “Cleaners” – individuals with special powers who use “vital instruments” to fight trash beasts and uncover the truth of their dystopian society. The anime has been highlighted as one of the best new shonen anime of 2025, consistently delivering intriguing episodes that draw viewers into its dark and original narrative.
Season 2 Greenlit Amidst First Season’s Success
Adding to the excitement, just as the first season of Gachiakuta nears its conclusion (with Season 1 expected to have 24 episodes, ending on December 21), an early Season 2 production greenlight has been announced. This swift renewal, confirmed via @SugoiLITE on X, indicates strong confidence in the series’ performance, both in viewership and international reception. The accelerated timeline is a significant win for fans, suggesting that the creative team will maintain momentum and potentially ensure a more consistent adaptation of the manga’s dark and complex story.
