The second season of the popular anime series “Shangri-La Frontier” is diving into a new exciting arc titled “GGC (Global Game Competition),” introducing fresh characters and challenges for our protagonist, Sunraku. The staff behind the anime adaptation of Katarina’s web novel series revealed the visual and new cast members.
New Arc: Global Game Competition (GGC)
Following the broadcast of its 20th episode, “Shangri-La Frontier” Season 2 officially announced the “Global Game Competition” arc. This new arc promises to pit Rakuro, Towa, and Kei against formidable opponents in a worldwide gaming tournament.
New Cast Members
To add depth to the GGC arc, two new voice actors have joined the cast, lending their talents to key characters:
- Yumi Uchiyama as Megumi Natsume: A professional fighting gamer and a member of Kei Uomi’s (Oikatzo) team, Nitro Squad.
- Minami Takahashi as Sylvia Goldberg: The only female member of StarRain, one of the strongest fighting game teams in the U.S.
These additions suggest that the GGC arc will focus on the competitive gaming scene within the “Shangri-La Frontier” universe, exploring the dynamics and rivalries between professional players.
Production and Streaming
Toshiyuki Kubooka directs “Shangri-La Frontier” at studio C2C, with Hiroki Ikeshita as assistant director. Kazuyuki Fudeyasu handles series composition, Ayumi Kurashima designs the characters, and MONACA composes the music.
Crunchyroll streams the anime as it airs in Japan, including an English dub.
Premise of Shangri-La Frontier
“Shangri-La Frontier” follows Rakuro Hizutome, a skilled gamer known for his ability to master “crap games” – those riddled with bugs and glitches. Seeking a change of pace, he decides to try “Shangri-La Frontier,” a popular VR game with 30 million registered players. Entering the game as Sunraku, a bird-masked character, Rakuro utilizes his trash-game experience to conquer the challenges of this new virtual world.
Season 2 Overview
The second season of “Shangri-La Frontier” premiered on October 13, 2024, continuing the adventures of Sunraku and his friends. The season is set to run for two consecutive cours (quarters of a year).
Opening and Ending Themes:
- First Opening: “Queen” by Lisa
- First Ending: “Anya no Dancer: Dancer in the Dark Night” by Otoha
- Second Opening: “Frontiers” by Awich
- Second Ending: “realitYhurts” by CVLTE
“The Sky Above, The Spread-Out Sea, Beyond the Abyssal City” Arc
Prior to the GGC arc, the anime delved into “The Sky Above, The Spread-Out Sea, Beyond the Abyssal City” arc, starting on January 26, 2025. This arc saw Sunraku venturing into an undersea city to confront Ctarnidd of the Abyss, one of the Seven Colossi.
New Cast Members for the Abyssal City Arc:
- Aki Kanada as Stude: An NPC who can accept the unique scenario connected to Ctarnidd of the Abyss.
- Tōru Sakurai as Araba: An NPC who accompanies Sunraku to the Abyssal City.
Where to Watch
“Shangri-La Frontier” is available for streaming on Crunchyroll in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, Cis, Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.
Reception
The first season of “Shangri-La Frontier,” which aired from October 2023 to March 2024, was a massive hit, leading to high anticipation for the second season. The series has garnered praise for its engaging story, likable characters, and stunning animation. The manga adaptation had over 10 million copies in circulation by September 2024.
