Black Clover Season 4 officially premiered on December 8, 2020, and concluded its initial television run on March 30, 2021, with episode 170. While many fans searching for the release date may be looking for historical records, the most significant news regarding the franchise arrived in July 2025: the Black Clover anime is officially scheduled to return for a brand-new season in 2026. This upcoming project will continue the story of Asta and the Black Bulls exactly where the fourth season left off, adapting the climax of the Spade Kingdom Raid and beyond.

The journey of Black Clover has been one of consistent growth, moving from a standard Shonen setup to one of the most beloved modern battle series. The hiatus following episode 170 left a massive void in the anime community, but recent confirmations have provided a clear roadmap for the future. Understanding the context of Season 4 is essential to appreciating why the 2026 return is so highly anticipated.

The Historical Context of Black Clover Season 4

The fourth season of Black Clover represented a pivotal shift in the series' production and narrative intensity. Directed by Ayataka Tanemura at Studio Pierrot, this season covered episodes 155 through 170. Unlike previous seasons that had longer episode counts, Season 4 was a condensed, high-stakes run that focused primarily on the training for and the beginning of the Spade Kingdom invasion.

Key Release Milestones for Season 4

  • Japanese Premiere: December 8, 2020 (TV Tokyo)
  • English Simulcast: December 8, 2020 (Crunchyroll)
  • English Dub Premiere: June 20, 2021 (Adult Swim’s Toonami)
  • Season Finale: March 30, 2021 (Episode 170, "The Faraway Future")

Season 4 began with three anime-canon episodes supervised by the original manga creator, Yuki Tabata. These episodes provided much-needed context for the six-month time skip during which the Clover Kingdom knights trained in the Heart Kingdom. From episode 158 onwards, the anime returned to adapting the manga source material, specifically starting from the 24th volume.

Episode Breakdown and Narrative Arc of Season 4

The sixteen episodes comprising Season 4 are among the highest-rated in the entire franchise due to their exceptional animation quality and emotional weight. The narrative focused on the looming threat of the Spade Kingdom’s Dark Triad—Dante, Vanica, and Zenon Zogratis—who sought to open the Gates of the Underworld to bring devils into the human realm.

The Training Arc and Heart Kingdom Alliance

Episodes 155 to 157 detailed the specialized training of the Black Bulls and other Magic Knight squads. Under the guidance of Queen Lolopechka and the Spirit Guardians, characters like Noelle, Luck, and Leopold learned the "Mana Method," a technique using runes to enhance magical power. This section was crucial for establishing the power scaling necessary to face the Spade Kingdom's demonic forces.

The Spade Kingdom Invasion Begins

Starting with episode 158, "The Beginning of Hope and Despair," the animation quality saw a significant uptick. Asta's return with his massive Demon-Slayer sword and his ability to fly on it marked a transformation in his combat style. The season showcased the brutal power of the Dark Triad, particularly Zenon’s devastating attack on the Golden Dawn headquarters and Dante’s assault on the Black Bulls' hideout.

The Finale: Asta and Liebe

Episode 170, the final episode of Season 4, focused on the Devil-Binding Ritual. It explored the tragic backstory of Liebe, the devil residing within Asta’s grimoire, and his connection to Asta’s mother, Licita. Instead of a traditional forced contract, Asta chose to form a contract of equals with Liebe, leading to the birth of the "Devil Union" form. The season ended on a cliffhanger, with the Clover Kingdom’s elite forces, led by Nacht Faust, preparing for the final assault on the Spade Kingdom.

Why Did Black Clover Go on Hiatus?

The decision to end the anime at episode 170 was primarily driven by the proximity of the anime to the manga’s progression. At the time the final episode aired in March 2021, the anime had nearly caught up to the latest chapters of Yuki Tabata's manga. In the world of long-running Shonen anime, catching up to the manga usually results in one of two outcomes: the insertion of extensive "filler" arcs or a temporary hiatus to allow the manga to move ahead.

The production committee chose the latter, ensuring that when Black Clover returned, it would maintain the high quality and narrative integrity fans expected. Additionally, Yuki Tabata's health and the subsequent move of the manga from a weekly schedule to a quarterly schedule further extended this gap.

The Transition to Jump GIGA

In 2023, it was announced that the Black Clover manga would move from Weekly Shonen Jump to Jump GIGA. This transition allowed Tabata more time to focus on his health and the complex art required for the series' final arc. While this meant fewer chapters per year, it ensured that the story would reach its conclusion without being rushed. This shift was a major factor in the 2026 return date for the anime, as Studio Pierrot needed sufficient source material to produce a full new season without interruptions.

The Role of Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King

To keep the momentum of the franchise alive during the hiatus, a feature film titled Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King was released on Netflix and in select theaters in June 2023. While the film is considered a standalone story rather than a direct adaptation of the manga chapters following Season 4, it serves as a bridge for fans.

The movie explored the lore of past Wizard Kings and featured Asta and the Black Bulls in a high-budget spectacle that showcased what modern animation technology could do for the series. Its success confirmed that the global demand for Black Clover remained incredibly high, paving the way for the official 2026 announcement.

What to Expect from the 2026 Return

The 2026 return of Black Clover is being handled with the same care as the final episodes of Season 4. While some official materials refer to it as a "second season" (marking a distinct production cycle), most fans view it as Season 5. This new installment will cover the most intense battles of the Spade Kingdom Raid arc and potentially lead into the final "Ultimate Wizard King" arc.

Predicted Content for the New Season

  1. The Spade Kingdom Raid Climax: The battles against the Dark Triad's 100% devil forms and the emergence of the higher-ranking devils from the Tree of Qliphoth.
  2. Devil Union Mastery: Asta’s journey to perfect his synchronization with Liebe under the ticking clock of the underworld's opening.
  3. Noelle’s Power-Up: The introduction of Saint Stage magic and Noelle’s confrontation with Vanica Zogratis.
  4. The Final Arc: Depending on the pacing, the anime may begin the transition into the series' final narrative conflict involving the reveal of the ultimate antagonist.

Animation and Production

Studio Pierrot has recently shifted its strategy with long-running series, as seen with Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. There is speculation that the 2026 Black Clover return might adopt a seasonal format (12-13 episodes per "cour") rather than the continuous weekly format of the past. This would allow for consistently high animation quality and better pacing.

Where Can You Watch Black Clover?

For those looking to catch up before the 2026 premiere, the first four seasons (Episodes 1-170) are available on multiple platforms.

  • Crunchyroll: Offers the entire series in both subbed and dubbed formats.
  • Netflix: Availability varies by region, but the Sword of the Wizard King movie is a Netflix global exclusive.
  • Hulu: Carries a significant portion of the series, primarily in the United States.
  • Funimation: While merging with Crunchyroll, it still holds the legacy dub records for many users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Black Clover Season 4 the last season?

No, it is only the conclusion of the first major broadcast run. As of July 2025, it is officially confirmed that the anime will return in 2026 with a new season.

Why is there such a long gap between Season 4 and the 2026 return?

The main reasons are the manga's slow release schedule, the author's health, and the decision to prioritize animation quality over quantity. The production team waited for the manga to provide enough content for a meaningful continuation.

Does the Black Clover movie continue the story from Season 4?

The movie Sword of the Wizard King is a side story that takes place during the six-month time skip in the anime. It does not adapt the Spade Kingdom Raid chapters that follow episode 170, but it is considered "canon" in terms of world-building and character abilities.

How many episodes are in Black Clover Season 4?

Season 4 consists of 16 episodes, numbered 155 to 170.

What manga chapter should I read after Episode 170?

If you cannot wait for the 2026 return, you should begin reading from Chapter 270 of the manga. This chapter picks up exactly where the Devil-Binding Ritual in the anime finale leaves off.

Conclusion

The release of Black Clover Season 4 in late 2020 marked a high point for the series, but the journey is far from over. While the three-year hiatus after 170 episodes tested the patience of the fandom, the official 2026 return date confirms that the wait will be worth it. With the manga currently in its final stages and Studio Pierrot's renewed commitment to high-tier animation, the upcoming season promises to be the most explosive yet. Whether you are rewatching the Spade Kingdom arc or preparing for the new 2026 episodes, the world of the Clover Kingdom remains one of the most vibrant landscapes in modern anime.