The highly anticipated Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing anime has unveiled three additional cast members and offered a preview of its ending theme, “Sanctuary” by Kaya. The new announcements build excitement for the series, which is slated to premiere in January 2026.
Key Additions to the Hell Mode Anime Cast
Further expanding its ensemble, the Hell Mode anime has announced three prominent voice actors joining the cast, primarily filling roles within the Granvelle family. These additions highlight the growing world and supporting characters surrounding the protagonist, Allen.
The newly revealed cast members include:
- Tomokazu Sugita as Butler Von Granvelle, the esteemed head of the influential Granvelle family who governs Allen’s hometown and its surrounding territories. Sugita is widely recognized for his commanding roles, such as Gintoki Sakata in Gintama.
- Shoya Chiba as Mikhail Granvelle, the eldest son of the Granvelle family. Chiba is known for his versatile performances, including Shinei Nouzen in 86 EIGHTY-SIX.
- Marie Miyake as Thomas Granvelle, the second son of the Granvelle family. Miyake has contributed her voice to various dynamic characters in anime, such as Mayudama in Isekai Onsen Paradise.
These acclaimed voice actors join a previously announced cast that includes Mutsumi Tamura as the protagonist Allen, Mayu Iizuka as Krena, Tasuku Hatanaka as Dogora, Sayaka Senbongi as Cecil, Hideo Ishikawa as Rodan, Sayaka Ōhara as Theresia, and Makoto Koichi as Matthew.
Ending Theme “Sanctuary” by Kaya Showcased
Fans have also been treated to a preview of the anime’s emotional ending theme, “Sanctuary,” performed by singer Kaya. The song is expected to add a compelling atmospheric layer to the series, accompanying the protagonist’s arduous journey in a challenging new world. Meanwhile, the opening theme song, “Haku,” will be performed by the band Atarayo. Both theme songs contribute to the anime’s overall auditory experience, setting the tone for its blend of intense gaming metaphors and a hardcore fantasy setting.
Hell Mode: A Glimpse into the Hardcore Isekai
The Hell Mode anime adapts Hamuo and Mo’s light novel series, Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing. The story centers on Kenichi Yamada, an avid gamer who, after the shutdown of his favorite online game, finds himself reincarnated in a new world under “Hell Mode” difficulty. Now named Allen and starting as a serf, he must utilize his unique Summoner class and relentless work ethic to overcome the brutal challenges of this unforgiving reality.
The anime is directed by Masato Tamagawa (known for The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt) and produced by Yokohama Animation Lab. Daishiro Tanimura is handling the series scripts, while Kei Tsushima is responsible for character designs.
The Hell Mode anime is set to begin streaming on January 9, 2026, on platforms like ABEMA and d Anime Store, with television broadcasts on Tokyo MX, MBS, and BS NTV to follow. HIDIVE will stream the series for the winter season and previously held a North American premiere of the first episode at Anime Frontier in December.
