High School DxD – Season 3 (2015)

Devils at War and the Cost of Power

Season 3 of High School DxD, titled High School DxD BorN, is where the franchise fully commits to large-scale supernatural conflict. The playful balance between comedy and danger that defined earlier seasons begins to tip decisively toward war, betrayal, and political chaos. What once felt like isolated skirmishes now reveals itself as part of a far larger power struggle spanning devils, heroes, fallen angels, and ancient mythological forces.

This season challenges every character—not just physically, but ideologically. Power is no longer something to be discovered; it is something to be controlled, defended, and sometimes questioned. The consequences of ambition become unavoidable, and the cost of loyalty grows heavier with each battle.

Season 3 acts as a narrative bridge: it escalates the stakes beyond Season 2’s rivalries while setting the foundation for the structured conflicts and ideological wars that define Season 4.

Season Overview

Title: High School DxD BorN – Season 3
Japanese Title: ハイスクールD×D BorN
Episodes: 12
Air Date: April 4, 2015 – June 20, 2015
Studio: TNK
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Blu-ray, DVD
Opening Theme: “BLESS YoUr NAME” by Choucho
Ending Theme: “Give me Secret” by StylipS

Story Summary

In the aftermath of Season 2, Issei Hyoudou has grown significantly stronger—but strength alone no longer guarantees safety. The supernatural world begins to fracture as old grudges resurface and new factions emerge from the shadows.

Season 3 introduces the Hero Faction, a group of reincarnated legendary figures who view devils as enemies of humanity. Unlike fallen angels or rogue devils, these opponents see themselves as righteous, blurring the moral boundaries of the conflict.

As battles intensify, Issei’s dragon power continues to evolve at an alarming rate. While this growth grants him terrifying strength, it also threatens to overwhelm his sense of self. The season places heavy emphasis on control versus instinct, a theme that directly impacts Issei’s trajectory in later arcs.

Meanwhile, political tension within devil society escalates. Noble families clash, alliances strain, and secrets buried since ancient wars resurface. The carefree school-life illusion finally breaks—this is no longer a hidden conflict. It is a war waiting to explode.

Major Arcs Covered

• Hero Faction Arc — The introduction of reincarnated heroes reframes the conflict as ideological rather than purely supernatural, a concept expanded further in later seasons.

• Dragon Power Escalation Arc — Issei’s Boosted Gear evolves dangerously fast, foreshadowing the control-based challenges central to Season 4.

• Betrayal & Manipulation Arc — Hidden agendas emerge, proving that not all enemies stand on opposing sides—and not all allies are trustworthy.

• Devil Civil Conflict Arc — Internal disputes among devils hint at the structured Rating Games and political order that will later redefine combat.

Character Growth & Turning Points

• Issei Hyoudou — Season 3 forces Issei to confront the reality that unchecked power can destroy everything he values. His struggles here directly inform his disciplined growth in Season 4.

• Rias Gremory — Rias faces increasing pressure as a noble devil leader. Her decisions in this season shape her role as a commander rather than just a protector.

• Vali Lucifer — Though not always in direct conflict, Vali’s presence looms large, reinforcing the standard Issei must reach to survive future wars.

• Akeno Himejima — Akeno’s emotional conflicts deepen, revealing how trauma and loyalty coexist in moments of crisis.

• Yuuto Kiba — Yuuto’s past with Holy Swords resurfaces, strengthening the series’ recurring theme of betrayal by so-called “holy” institutions.

World-Building & Lore Expansion

Season 3 significantly broadens the DxD universe by introducing:

• Reincarnated Hero systems

• Deeper Sacred Gear classifications

• Ancient grudges between factions

• Early groundwork for formalized battles

• Mythological crossovers that expand in Season 4

These additions shift the series firmly into multi-faction fantasy territory.

Themes & Tone

• Power Has Consequences — Strength without restraint invites destruction.

• Moral Ambiguity — Enemies believe they are heroes, complicating traditional good-versus-evil narratives.

• Loyalty Under Pressure — Friendship is tested when ideals collide.

• The End of Innocence — The supernatural world is no longer hidden—or playful.

Animation & Music

Studio TNK delivers some of its most visually ambitious work in the series during Season 3, particularly in large-scale battles and Sacred Gear transformations. While animation quality fluctuated, the emotional intensity of fights remained high.

The opening theme “BLESS YoUr NAME” reflects the season’s explosive tone, while “Give me Secret” provides a reflective counterbalance, emphasizing the emotional fallout of conflict.

Where to Watch

You can watch High School DxD – Season 3 on:

• Crunchyroll

• Amazon Prime Video

• Netflix

• Blu-ray

• DVD

Availability may vary by region.

Popularity & Reception

Season 3 sparked strong discussion within the fandom. Many praised its darker tone, expanded mythology, and escalating stakes. However, deviations from the original light novel material became a point of contention—leading to structural changes that would later be addressed in Season 4.

Despite mixed reactions, Season 3 remains pivotal, as it transitions High School DxD from rising action into full-scale supernatural warfare.

Final Thoughts

Season 3 of High School DxD is the breaking point.

It strips away the safety net of early seasons and forces its characters to face the cost of power, loyalty, and ambition. While imperfect, it plays a crucial role in shaping the disciplined, structured conflicts that follow.

This season doesn’t just raise the stakes—it proves that the world of High School DxD is big enough to burn.