Solo Leveling Season 2 Review: A Masterclass in Adaptation (And Why Season 3 Has Big Shoes to Fill)

Animations and Soundtrack: A Feast for the Senses

Let’s just say it: A-1 Pictures is in their bag.

Season 1 already looked good—clean cuts, smooth transitions, solid action sequences—but Season 2 said, “That was cute, now hold my mana potion.” The animation in Season 2 isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a full-blown power-up. The fights are cinematic, dynamic, and dripping with intensity. While we could nitpick some frames that don’t quite match the detail of the manhwa, overall, the visuals are either on par or even surpass the source material in some scenes.

The cherry on top? The way they animate Jinwoo. A-1 Pictures is clearly trying to make him the anime community’s next dark fantasy king. From his ominous glare to the way the shadows dance around him, they’re cooking—and we’re all eating.

And let’s talk about that soundtrack. The fight music is pulse-pounding and sets the perfect tone for every clash. But the real winners are the opening and ending themes: “ReawakeR” by LiSA and “UN-APEX” by TK. These aren’t just bangers—they’re mood-setters. Hearing TK again? Chef’s kiss. These tracks elevate the entire experience and leave you hyped or emotionally gutted (depending on the scene).

A Level Up in Every Way

Let’s be real. A lot of anime start strong only to stumble in later seasons (looking at you, Promised Neverland Season 2), but Solo Leveling Season 2 said nah, we’re just getting started.

The second season didn’t just continue the story—it refined it. The clunky exposition from Season 1? Gone and replaced with much more fluid pacing and storytelling that gives space for themes to breathe. Jinwoo's journey is told through more than just internal monologues or clunky flashbacks—his battles, choices, and moments of vulnerability do the talking.

From the get-go, the animation team treats us like royalty. What was once the peak of Season 1 (looking at you, Igris fight) is now the baseline for Season 2. And then it just keeps climbing.

Let’s not forget that Baran vs Jinwoo scene. Cinematic doesn’t even cut it. We’re talking big-screen-worthy. The animators really went ultra instinct with that one. And then there’s the emotional payoff of Jinwoo curing his mom—bro, if you didn’t get misty-eyed during that scene, do you even have a soul?

Deviations from the Manhwa: Worth It?

Adaptation means change. And while purists might get twitchy about deviations from the manhwa, most of the changes here feel earned—even needed.

Season 2 made Jinwoo’s battles more difficult. Why? Because seeing him sweat and struggle makes the payoff so much sweeter. Yes, this meant cutting or shortening some scenes and dialling down the humor, but in return, we got a much more thematically rich Jinwoo—one who actually wrestles with his fading humanity and the monstrous weight of his powers.

One change that sparked debate? The removal of Gotō’s reaction to Jinwoo during their sparring match. Instead of the raw fear from the manhwa, we got a more symbolic moment later when Gotō stares down the Ant King and feels pure dread. It’s more poetic, sure, but some fans missed the direct contrast that moment provided.

Still, other changes felt like upgrades. Cha Hae-In gets introduced earlier and with more development, which is great considering her role down the line. The Jeju Island arc also gets more breathing room, giving the big battles time to shine.

Back-to-Back Bangers: The Fights That Made Us Lose Our Minds

Season 2 starts strong with the Red Gate Incident, and just keeps escalating from there.

• Barca tests Jinwoo's resolve and morality, pushing him into a place where he has to take another human life—and harvest their shadow.

• Kargalgan? Pure spectacle. His fight with Jinwoo broke a Crunchyroll record with 100K likes in 8 hours.

• And then there’s the Ant King. Not only did this fight look incredible, it said something. It explored the blurred line between man and monster in a way the manhwa only hinted at. This battle is not just about power—it's about identity.

Each fight isn't just a flex—it's a narrative tool, chipping away at Jinwoo’s humanity while hinting at the greater cosmic forces at play.

Seeds of Lore and the Bigger Picture

The anime doesn't just up the visuals—it starts peeling back the layers of the Solo Leveling universe.

We start hearing whispers of the System’s hidden agenda, of Jinwoo’s powers not being entirely his own. He understands monster speech, revives the dead, and battles like a god. The question is no longer if he’s still human, but why he’s even pretending to be.

Season 2 ends with some big teases:

• Sung Il Hwan, Jinwoo’s missing dad, returns.

• Two mysterious figures loom in the background, setting the stage for the Monarchs’ true agenda.

This isn’t just dungeon-crawling anymore. This is cosmic war, and Jinwoo is at the center of it all.

Season 3 Has Big Shoes to Fill

Let’s not mince words. Season 2 was a statement. It told the anime world that Solo Leveling isn’t just popular—it’s legitimately great. We’re talking Attack on Titan early seasons level of buzz. And that buzz is only getting louder.

If Season 3 nails the upcoming arcs—the war of the Monarchs, Jinwoo’s final evolution, and the deeper truths of the System—then Solo Leveling may cement itself as the greatest manhwa-to-anime adaptation ever.

But hey, no pressure, A-1 Pictures. Just don’t fumble the bag, okay?

Which Solo Leveling Season 2 fight was your favorite?

• Jinwoo vs Barca
• Jinwoo vs Kargalgan
• Jinwoo vs Baran
• Jinwoo vs The Ant King

Final Thoughts

Solo Leveling Season 2 delivered where it mattered most—story, visuals, music, and heart. It took everything the first season built and ascended. Yes, there were a few trade-offs, but the end result is a season that feels bigger, better, and bolder.

Rating: 9.5/10Would level up again.