Classroom of the Elite Season 4 is officially on the way, and it marks the beginning of one of the most intense phases in the series. After completing the entire first-year storyline in Season 3, the anime now moves into the highly anticipated Second-Year (Year 2) arc. With a confirmed release window, returning studio, and a teaser trailer already out, Season 4 is shaping up to be a major moment for long-time fans.
If you’re looking for clear and up-to-date information about the story, source material, trailer, and streaming platforms, here’s everything you need to know.
Classroom of the Elite Season 3 Recap
Before stepping into the second year, Classroom of the Elite Season 3 wrapped up the final stretch of the first-year arc at Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School. The season focused on large-scale special exams like the Mixed Training Camp and explored deeper conflicts between the classes.
Ayanokoji continued pulling strings from the shadows, clashing indirectly with figures like Sakayanagi while the threat of the White Room became more visible. Important character revelations, betrayals, and shifting alliances pushed Class D closer to competing seriously with the upper classes. By the end of Season 3, the foundation was set for a more dangerous and openly hostile environment in the next school year.
What Will Be Classroom of the Elite IV About?
Many fans are asking what will be Classroom of the Elite IV about, and the answer lies in the Year 2: First Semester storyline. Season 4 begins with Ayanokoji and his classmates advancing to their second year, where the school introduces stricter rules, tougher exams, and a brand-new group of first-year students.
These new students are far from ordinary. Some are aggressive, some highly intelligent, and at least one is suspected to be connected to the White Room. Unlike the first year, Ayanokoji is forced to take a more active role, making decisions that directly affect expulsions, class rankings, and long-term power balance within the school.
Classroom of the Elite Season 4 Light Novel
Classroom of the Elite Season 4 light novel adaptation will cover Classroom of the Elite: Year 2 volumes 1 through 4.5. This sequel series is written by Shōgo Kinugasa and is widely regarded as sharper and more intense than the first-year volumes.
The Year 2 light novels focus heavily on psychological pressure, identity, and Ayanokoji’s past. The introduction of new antagonists and morally complex exams raises the stakes significantly. Many readers consider this arc the strongest part of the franchise, which is why expectations for Season 4 are especially high.
Classroom of the Elite Season 4 Manga Arcs
When it comes to Classroom of the Elite Season 4 manga arcs, the anime will follow the same general structure as the light novels. The Year 2 manga adaptation has already covered the early part of the second-year story, closely mirroring the novels while condensing some events.
Season 4 is expected to adapt the opening Year 2 arcs, including the Pair Exam and early large-scale tests involving multiple grades. These arcs introduce new rivals such as Hōsen, Yagami, and Amasawa, all of whom challenge Ayanokoji in different ways.
Classroom of the Elite Season 4 Trailer
The Classroom of the Elite Season 4 trailer was first revealed during AnimeJapan 2025 and immediately caught fans’ attention. The teaser confirms the “Second-Year Arc, First Semester” and hints at darker themes, higher tension, and more direct confrontations.
The animation is once again handled by Studio Lerche, ensuring visual and tonal consistency with previous seasons. New character designs and ominous dialogue suggest that Season 4 will not hold back when it comes to psychological warfare.
Where to Watch Classroom of the Elite Season 4
Fans wondering where to watch Classroom of the Elite Season 4 can look to familiar platforms. The anime will be simulcast internationally on Crunchyroll, which currently hosts all previous seasons.
Depending on region, the series may also become available on platforms like Netflix or digital storefronts after airing. Subbed episodes will release weekly, with dubbed versions expected later.
Classroom of the Elite Season 4 Release Date
The official Classroom of the Elite Season 4 release date is set for April 2026, placing it in the Spring 2026 anime season. The announcement was made during the MF Bunko J Summer School Festival, alongside the release of a key visual and teaser trailer.
Season 4 will adapt the first semester of Year 2, and while the episode count hasn’t been revealed yet, fans are hoping for a longer season to avoid rushed storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Classroom of the Elite Season 4 represents a turning point for the anime. With the second-year arc officially beginning, the story shifts into a more aggressive, high-risk phase where intelligence alone may not be enough to survive. New characters, deeper mysteries, and Ayanokoji’s growing involvement make this season one of the most anticipated anime releases of 2026.
If the adaptation remains faithful to the Year 2 source material, Season 4 could easily become the strongest entry in the series so far.
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