My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON continued its thrilling narrative with Episode 163, titled “Quirk: Explosion!!”, which premiered on October 25, 2025. This pivotal episode sees the dramatic return of Katsuki Bakugo to the battlefield, providing a much-needed turning point in the ongoing conflict against All For One, while also delving deep into the villain’s origins.
Episode Overview: Bakugo’s Resurgence and All For One’s Trauma
Episode 163, which serves as the fourth episode of My Hero Academia‘s eighth and final season, picks up immediately from the preceding events of the final battle. The episode centers on the intense confrontation between the heroes, particularly Izuku Midoriya and a revived Katsuki Bakugo, against the formidable All For One.
Bakugo’s Fiery Comeback
A central highlight of “Quirk: Explosion!!” is the impactful return of Bakugo to the fray. Having been previously incapacitated, his re-entry into the battle is a critical moment for the heroes. His presence immediately shifts the dynamic, as he utilizes his powerful Explosion Quirk to challenge All For One directly. The episode emphasizes the significance of Bakugo’s resolve, with All For One noting that the look in Bakugo’s eyes reminds him of Kudo, a past adversary.
A Deep Dive into All For One’s Origins
Beyond the explosive action, Episode 163 masterfully integrates a substantial flashback sequence, providing a detailed backstory for All For One and his brother, Yoichi. This narrative journey takes viewers over a century into the past, revealing the tragic circumstances of their birth and All For One’s earliest acquisition of a Quirk by stealing his mother’s abilities. This exploration sheds light on the foundational elements of All For One’s villainy, tracing his deep-seated hatred and distrust back to his upbringing and his inability to let go of his brother, whom he viewed as a possession.
The flashback serves to contextualize All For One’s motivations in the present, particularly his relentless pursuit of One For All and his rage against Kudo’s legacy. It underscores how his past experiences shaped his desire for control and his view of those who would not provide for him with “utter distrust”.
The Final Season’s Stakes and Narrative Impact
My Hero Academia: FINAL SEASON, officially recognized as Season 8, premiered on October 4, 2025. The season is expected to feature at least 11 episodes, with new episodes releasing weekly on Saturdays. This final installment of the anime series is adapting the story from the beginning of the 40th volume through the end of the 42nd volume of Kohei Horikoshi’s original manga.
Episode 163, “Quirk: Explosion!!,” is praised for its ability to push the story forward effectively while simultaneously enriching the foundational understanding of the series’ primary antagonist. By weaving in All For One’s history, the episode elevates the stakes of the ongoing final battle, making Bakugo’s confrontation with him all the more meaningful.
Where to Watch
“My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON – Episode 163” is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. New episodes of the Final Season are typically released with English subtitles first, followed by English dubs two weeks after the original airing.
