Fans of dark fantasy and dynamic action have been captivated by the anime adaptation of Kei Urana’s Gachiakuta, produced by the renowned Studio Bones. Having premiered on July 6, 2025, the series has consistently delivered high-octane battles and a compelling dystopian narrative. As the first season, slated for 24 episodes, draws towards its climax, Episodes 21 and 22 plunge viewers deeper into the harrowing world of the Pit and the intensifying conflict between the Cleaners and the Raiders.
The World of Gachiakuta: A Glimpse into the Pit
Gachiakuta introduces a world sharply divided between the elite “Sphereites” living in a pristine floating city and the “tribesfolk” relegated to the slums below. Anything deemed trash by the upper class, including criminals, is cast into a vast abyss known as “The Pit.” The story follows Rudo, a young scavenger from the slums, who is falsely accused of murder and thrown into this treacherous wasteland. There, he discovers that discarded objects possess a life force called “Anima” and can be transformed into powerful “Vital Instruments.” Rudo joins the “Cleaners,” individuals who utilize these instruments to combat monstrous “Trash Beasts” and unravel the mysteries of their fragmented world, all while seeking revenge against those who condemned him.
Episode 21 Recap: “Time Attack” and the Rise of Bundus
Episode 21, titled “Time Attack,” delivered a pivotal and visually stunning confrontation, showcasing the animation prowess of Studio Bones. The episode primarily focused on the Cleaners’ desperate struggle against Bundus, a formidable Raider-in-training. Bundus, wielding his unique Vital Instrument “Hands,” which manifested as six mechanical arms, demonstrated decades of combat experience and a diverse range of abilities to counter each Cleaner’s attack.
The Cleaners found themselves pushed to their limits as they attempted to take down a massive trash beast. Rudo, initially frustrated by his inability to get close to the beast’s core, experienced a crucial moment of realization. He harnessed the power of his own Vital Instrument, 3R, to break through Bundus’s defenses and make progress. Meanwhile, Enjin skillfully used his “Umbreaker” to navigate the cavernous trash beast and reach Rudo’s location. The episode intensified the Cleaner’s mission, highlighting the manipulative orchestrations of Zodyl, who used the Cleaners as unwitting subjects in his experiments concerning the barriers between the Ground and the Sphere. The episode concluded on a nail-biting cliffhanger with the explosive reappearance of Noerde, setting the stage for an even more intense showdown.
Episode 22 Expectations: Noerde’s Fury and Heightened Stakes
Gachiakuta Episode 22, which premiered on December 8, 2025, picked up directly from the dramatic conclusion of the previous episode. The preview for Episode 22 indicated a fierce battle as Noerde, with her powers fully charged and her “electric hair” flowing, targeted Riyo specifically for a rematch.
The Cleaners, having barely survived their encounter with Bundus and the trash beast, faced immense odds against a supercharged Raider. The episode was expected to significantly test their limits, especially considering Riyo’s previous hesitation to fully eliminate opponents. A key plot point anticipated for Episode 22 was whether the colossal trash beast managed to cross the barrier, further complicating Zodyl’s overarching plans and experiments. The ongoing mission to destroy the beast’s core remained critical, and Noerde’s return added a substantial new threat to an already precarious situation for the Cleaners.
Manga Pacing and Future Implications
For manga readers, Episodes 21 and 22 likely covered pivotal moments as the anime progresses through its initial arcs. With the first season expected to run for 24 episodes, it is projected to adapt up to the “Trash Storm Arc” or even the beginning of the “Heritage Mural Arc,” potentially encompassing manga chapters up to around chapter 85. The anime has maintained a pace of adapting roughly three chapters per episode, ensuring a robust and action-packed narrative.
The events of these episodes are crucial in setting up the broader conflict, pushing Rudo and his companions to confront not only the physical dangers of the Pit but also the societal injustices that led to its creation. The ongoing battle against Zodyl and the looming threat of “The Watchman” promise to elevate Gachiakuta into a shōnen legend as its first season concludes.
