The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4 continues to unfold, with Episode 4 having premiered on July 30, 2025. This season, which began on July 9, 2025, is slated for a 12-episode run, focusing on the highly anticipated Siltvelt Succession Arc and potentially parts of the Heavenly Emperor Arc. Fans can stream new episodes weekly on Crunchyroll, which also offers English dubs.
Episode 4: Duels, Revelations, and Transformations
Episode 4 of The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4, titled “The Rising Of The Shield Hero Season 4 Episode 4 Review | FOHL TRANSFORMS?!”, primarily focused on the intense duels involving Atla and Fohl against Jaralis and his warrior. The episode delivered significant plot developments, including shocking revelations about the white tiger siblings’ past and the true nature of their father’s death.
Atla’s Dominance and Fohl’s Struggle
The episode prominently featured Atla’s combat prowess as she faced off against a Minotaur-like opponent. Viewers noted Atla’s impressive performance, highlighting her agility and resilience throughout the fight. Meanwhile, Fohl engaged in a direct confrontation with Jaralis. The battle saw Jaralis resort to deceptive tactics, including the use of poison, which began to affect Fohl.
The Truth Behind Tyrant’s Death
A pivotal moment in Episode 4 was the backstory revelation surrounding the death of Fohl and Atla’s father, Tyrant. Jaralis confessed to assassinating Tyrant, driven by resentment and a desire for glory that he felt Tyrant overshadowed. This revelation shed light on the circumstances that led to Fohl and Atla’s difficult past and their eventual enslavement. The episode also depicted Fohl’s internal struggle and his transformation during the fight as he grappled with his past and the desire to protect his sister.
Critiques and Pacing
While the episode provided crucial character development and plot progression, some viewers expressed mixed feelings regarding the action sequences and pacing. Some felt the fight choreography lacked impact and felt slow despite the anticipated conflict. However, others appreciated the deeper dive into character backstories and the slower pacing, suggesting it allowed for more in-depth storytelling, a departure from the faster pace of previous seasons.
The Road Ahead for Season 4
With Episode 4 now released, the season is progressing through its confirmed 12-episode run. New episodes are released every Wednesday. The next episode, Episode 5, is scheduled to premiere on August 6, 2025.
Story Arcs and Future Expectations
Season 4 is expected to continue adapting the Siltvelt Succession Arc from the light novels, potentially moving into parts of the Heavenly Emperor Arc. This suggests a continued focus on political intrigue, new challenges for Naofumi and his party, and further exploration of the world and its diverse inhabitants. The revelations in Episode 4 regarding the white tiger siblings’ lineage and their connection to Jaralis are likely to have significant ramifications for the ongoing narrative.
Where to Watch The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4
The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4 is available for streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll outside of Japan. Crunchyroll offers both subbed and same-day English dubbed versions of the episodes. While Netflix Asia has streamed previous seasons in some regions, Crunchyroll remains the primary platform for new episodes internationally.