The world of Pokémon is expanding again with Pokémon Horizons: Season 3—Rising Hope, set to premiere on Netflix in January 2026. Fans of the long-running franchise can look forward to more thrilling adventures as Liko and Roy return to lead the Rising Volt Tacklers in their quest to explore new regions and face new challenges. With fresh Pokémon, new characters, and a compelling storyline, Rising Hope is poised to deliver another season of action-packed fun.
Since its inception, Pokémon Horizons has brought new dynamics and fresh perspectives, replacing the iconic Ash Ketchum with new protagonists, Liko and Roy, who have brought a modern twist to the series. Now, with the third season on the horizon, there’s plenty to look forward to, from intriguing new rivalries to deeper exploration of the Pokémon world.
Here’s everything we know about Pokémon Horizons: Season 3—Rising Hope, including the release date, cast, episode list, and what fans can expect from this exciting new chapter.
Overview of Pokémon Horizons: Season 3—Rising Hope
Pokémon Horizons has captivated fans worldwide with its innovative storytelling, compelling new characters, and the continuation of the Pokémon franchise in a fresh direction. The third season, Rising Hope, picks up a year after the events of the second season and continues the journey of Liko and Roy, the new protagonists who have replaced Ash Ketchum.
Storyline and New Additions
In the third season, Liko and Roy are reunited and once again leading the Rising Volt Tacklers, a team of adventurous trainers and Pokémon. However, with a year having passed, the team is now leaderless and must re-establish itself.
Joining them on their journey are Roy’s new yellow Lucario, Dot (an expert intel gatherer), and Ult, who introduces a new rivalry with Roy. The characters and Pokémon dynamics in Rising Hope will provide new opportunities for growth, friendship, and rivalry, giving fans plenty of action and emotional moments.
What’s New in Season 3?
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from Pokémon Horizons: Season 3:
- New Pokémon: Fans can expect to see new Pokémon species, including Roy’s yellow Lucario, who is set to play a major role in the season. Lucario has been a fan favorite for years, and this new iteration of the Pokémon brings fresh potential for the season’s battles and plotlines.
- New Rivals: As if Liko and Roy didn’t have enough on their hands already, Roy’s new rival Ult will make things even more complicated. With new rivalries forming, the stakes are higher than ever.
- A Journey Across the Pokémon World: In this new season, the characters travel to several new regions, continuing their exploration of the vast Pokémon world. Expect exciting battles, new environments, and of course, new Pokémon to meet along the way.
- The Return of the Rising Volt Tacklers: The Rising Volt Tacklers, led by Liko and Roy, continue their journey together. The stakes are higher, and as the team faces off against powerful foes, teamwork, loyalty, and trust are tested.
Episode List for Pokémon Horizons: Season 3—Rising Hope (Part 1)
Here is a preview of the episodes you can expect to see in Part 1 of Pokémon Horizons: Season 3—Rising Hope:
| Episode No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | To the Skies Once More, Part 1 |
| 2 | To the Skies Once More, Part 2 |
| 3 | Follow the Rakurium Signs |
| 4 | Super-Stans?! A Gurumin Fan Battle!! |
| 5 | The Pokémon Center Lady |
| 6 | The Strong Sphere |
| 7 | Clash! The Dragon Speed Gang |
| 8 | The Mischievous Maggyo’s Lovely Smile? |
| 9 | Cercle Town, Site of Reunions! |
| 10 | A Flightless Orio and… |
| 11 | We Are the Rising Volteccers |
These episodes are expected to build on the foundation set by the first two seasons, bringing new plot twists and Pokémon battles into the mix. Part 1 will focus on Liko and Roy’s ongoing adventures, the development of their relationship with their Pokémon, and the introduction of new challenges as they grow as trainers and team leaders.
Release Dates and Schedule
As per official announcements, Pokémon Horizons: Season 3—Rising Hope will release in multiple parts on Netflix:
- Part 1: January 6, 2026
- Part 2: March 2026
- Part 3: June 2026
- Part 4: September 2026
This staggered release strategy mirrors the previous seasons, keeping fans hooked with a steady stream of episodes.
Expectations for the Future
What’s Next After Season 3?
As Pokémon Horizons Season 3 progresses, fans can look forward to more exciting episodes, with the introduction of new Pokémon and deeper character development for Liko, Roy, and their companions. The story will delve into themes of teamwork, friendship, and personal growth as the characters face greater threats and obstacles. Expect more rivalries, friendships, and dynamic battles as the seasons unfold.
While Season 4 is still far off, we can anticipate more new characters, Pokémon, and expanding world-building as the series moves forward, keeping the spirit of the original Pokémon series alive with a modern twist.
Why Pokémon Horizons: Season 3 Matters?
Pokémon Horizons has marked a major turning point in the Pokémon franchise. With Ash Ketchum stepping aside and Liko and Roy stepping up, the series has taken a fresh direction, breathing new life into the saga. The shift to new protagonists has drawn in both nostalgic fans and newcomers, making it one of the most highly anticipated series on Netflix.
The success of Pokémon Horizons continues to prove the franchise’s enduring appeal. It shows that the Pokémon world can continue to grow and evolve, keeping up with changing tastes while staying true to what makes Pokémon special: adventure, exploration, and the bond between Pokémon and trainers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Pokémon Horizons: Season 3 available on Netflix?
Pokémon Horizons: Season 3—Rising Hope will be released in four parts starting on January 6, 2026.
2. How many episodes will Season 3 have?
Season 3 will feature at least 44 episodes, with 11 episodes in Part 1, and future parts containing similar episode counts.
3. Who are the new characters in Season 3?
New characters include Roy’s yellow Lucario and Ult, Roy’s rival. Additionally, Dot, an expert intel gatherer, will join Liko and Roy on their journey.
4. How many parts will Pokémon Horizons: Season 3 be released in?
Season 3 will be released in four parts, spread out over the course of 2026.
5. Is there a chance for future seasons of Pokémon Horizons?
Given the success of the series and its reception, Pokémon Horizons will likely continue beyond Season 3, expanding the Pokémon universe with new characters and stories.
