What is the plot?

Arisu, a young man who is disillusioned with his life, is hanging out with his friends, Chota and Karube, in Tokyo. They are playing video games and discussing their lack of direction in life. Suddenly, they find themselves transported to a deserted version of Tokyo, where they are confused and frightened. They soon discover that they are in a parallel world known as "Borderland," where they must participate in deadly games to survive.

The trio encounters a group of people who explain the rules of the games. They learn that each game is marked by a playing card, with the difficulty increasing with the card's value. The first game they face is a "tag" game, where they must avoid being caught by a masked figure known as the "dealer." The stakes are high, as failure to win results in death. Arisu, Chota, and Karube work together, using their wits and agility to evade the dealer. In a tense climax, they manage to outsmart the dealer, winning the game and earning a "visa" that allows them to stay alive for another day.

After their victory, they meet Usagi, a skilled survivalist who has been navigating the games on her own. She joins their group, and they form a bond as they share their experiences and fears. They learn that the games are orchestrated by mysterious figures who watch from above, and they begin to strategize on how to survive and possibly escape this twisted reality. The group decides to seek out other players to form alliances, believing that strength in numbers will increase their chances of survival.

Their next game is a "death match" where they must face off against another group of players. The game takes place in a large, abandoned building filled with traps and obstacles. Tensions rise as they confront the other players, leading to a brutal fight. Arisu's quick thinking and strategic planning help them gain the upper hand, but not without casualties. They manage to win the game, but the emotional toll weighs heavily on them, especially as they witness the loss of fellow players.

As they continue to navigate the games, Arisu becomes increasingly determined to uncover the truth behind Borderland. He begins to question the nature of the games and the reasons for their existence. The group learns about the "King of Spades," a powerful player who has been eliminating others with ruthless efficiency. They realize that they must confront this figure to survive and potentially find a way out of Borderland.

In a subsequent game, they face a psychological challenge that tests their trust in one another. The game forces them to make difficult choices, revealing hidden fears and insecurities. Arisu struggles with his leadership role, feeling the weight of responsibility for his friends' lives. The game ends with a narrow victory, but it deepens the group's bond as they confront their vulnerabilities.

As they gather more information about the games, they encounter other players, including a group led by a charismatic but dangerous individual named "The Queen of Hearts." This group has its own agenda, and tensions rise as they clash with Arisu's group. A confrontation ensues, leading to a chaotic battle where alliances are tested, and sacrifices are made. Arisu's resolve strengthens as he fights to protect his friends, but the cost of survival becomes increasingly apparent.

The climax of the season builds as they finally confront the King of Spades in a high-stakes game that combines physical prowess with strategic thinking. The game is intense, filled with traps and unexpected twists. Arisu and his friends must rely on their skills and teamwork to outmaneuver the King and his followers. The battle is fierce, and they face overwhelming odds, but their determination drives them forward.

In the final moments of the season, after a hard-fought victory, Arisu and his friends are left with more questions than answers. They stand amidst the ruins of the game, contemplating their next move. The season ends on a cliffhanger, with the group realizing that their fight for survival is far from over, and the true nature of Borderland remains shrouded in mystery.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "Alice in Borderland" Season 1, Arisu, Usagi, and their remaining companions confront the final game, which is a deadly showdown against the King of Spades. After a tense and brutal battle, they manage to defeat him, but the victory comes at a high cost. The group learns that they must continue playing games to survive, as the world they are in is not what it seems. The season concludes with Arisu and Usagi standing together, contemplating their uncertain future.


As the final episode unfolds, the atmosphere is thick with tension. The scene opens in a desolate urban landscape, where Arisu, Usagi, and their remaining allies, including Chishiya and Kuina, prepare for the ultimate confrontation against the King of Spades. The stakes are higher than ever, as the group understands that this game could determine their fates.

The camera pans over the group, capturing the determination etched on their faces. Arisu, driven by a mix of fear and resolve, rallies his friends, reminding them of the importance of their bond and the need to fight for their lives. Usagi, with her fierce spirit, stands by his side, her eyes reflecting both hope and the weight of their grim reality.

As they enter the arena for the final game, the King of Spades makes a dramatic entrance, exuding an aura of menace. The game is a chaotic battle, filled with gunfire and strategic maneuvers. Each character's skills are put to the test, showcasing their growth throughout the season. Chishiya's cunning and Kuina's agility play crucial roles in their survival.

The fight is brutal, with moments of intense action interspersed with emotional beats. Arisu's internal struggle is palpable; he grapples with the fear of losing his friends and the desire to escape this nightmarish world. Usagi, fighting alongside him, embodies resilience, her determination to protect those she cares about shining through.

As the battle reaches its climax, the group manages to outsmart the King of Spades, culminating in a tense standoff. With a final, desperate move, Arisu delivers the decisive blow, defeating the King. The victory is bittersweet, as the cost of their survival weighs heavily on them. The camera captures the aftermath, showing the group battered but alive, their expressions a mix of relief and sorrow.

In the wake of their victory, the group learns a shocking truth: the games are far from over. They are informed that they must continue to participate in these deadly challenges to survive in this twisted version of reality. The revelation leaves them reeling, the hope of escape dimmed.

The season concludes with Arisu and Usagi standing together, gazing out at the desolate cityscape. Their bond has deepened through the trials they faced, but the uncertainty of their future looms large. The final shot lingers on their faces, capturing a moment of shared understanding and determination to face whatever comes next, even as the world around them remains shrouded in mystery and danger.

As the credits roll, the fates of the main characters are left hanging in the balance. Arisu and Usagi are poised to continue their fight for survival, while Chishiya and Kuina's paths remain uncertain, hinting at the complexities of trust and alliance in a world where every decision could mean life or death. The season closes, leaving viewers with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead in this harrowing game of survival.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In "Alice in Borderland" Season 1, there is no post-credit scene. The season concludes with a tense and dramatic finale, leaving viewers with a sense of uncertainty and anticipation for what might come next. The final moments focus on the characters' struggles and the implications of their experiences in the deadly games, setting the stage for potential developments in future seasons. The absence of a post-credit scene emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the unresolved fates of the characters, rather than providing additional content or closure.

What games do the characters play in Alice in Borderland season 1?

In season 1 of Alice in Borderland, the characters participate in various deadly games that test their wits and survival skills. Some notable games include 'The Joker,' where players must identify the Joker among them, 'The Tag,' which involves a deadly game of tag with a time limit, and 'The Beach,' where players must solve puzzles to avoid elimination. Each game is designed to challenge the players both mentally and physically, often leading to intense and emotional moments.

What is Arisu's motivation throughout the season?

Arisu, the main protagonist, is driven by a desire to escape the dystopian world he finds himself in. Initially feeling lost and directionless in his life, the games force him to confront his fears and insecurities. As he navigates through the challenges, his motivation evolves from mere survival to a determination to uncover the truth behind the games and find a way back to reality, fueled by his growing bond with his friends.

How does Usagi's backstory influence her actions in the games?

Usagi, a skilled athlete, has a tragic backstory that deeply influences her character. She lost her father, which instilled in her a sense of loneliness and a fierce will to survive. Her past experiences shape her approach to the games, making her both resilient and resourceful. Usagi's emotional struggles are evident as she grapples with her desire to protect her newfound friends while also confronting her own vulnerabilities.

What role does the character Chishiya play in the group dynamics?

Chishiya is a cunning and enigmatic character who often operates on his own agenda. His intelligence and strategic thinking make him a valuable asset in the games, but his self-serving nature creates tension within the group. He often manipulates situations to his advantage, leading to distrust among the players. Chishiya's complex personality adds layers to the group dynamics, as his actions force others to question their alliances and moral choices.

What is the significance of the 'Beach' location in the story?

The 'Beach' serves as a pivotal location in Alice in Borderland, acting as a sanctuary for players who have survived the initial games. It is a place where they can regroup and strategize, but it also harbors dark secrets. The Beach is run by a charismatic yet dangerous leader, and it becomes a microcosm of the larger game, highlighting themes of power, control, and the fragility of human relationships. The allure of safety at the Beach contrasts sharply with the deadly nature of the games, creating a tense atmosphere.

Is this family friendly?

"Alice in Borderland" is not considered family-friendly due to its intense themes and graphic content. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects that may affect children or sensitive viewers:

  1. Violence: The show features numerous scenes of graphic violence, including characters being killed in brutal ways, which can be disturbing.

  2. Death and Despair: The overarching theme involves life-and-death situations, leading to emotional distress as characters face their mortality and the loss of friends.

  3. Psychological Tension: The atmosphere is filled with suspense and anxiety, as characters are often placed in high-stakes games that test their mental and emotional limits.

  4. Gore: There are scenes that depict blood and injuries in a graphic manner, which may be unsettling for some viewers.

  5. Mature Themes: The show explores themes of survival, betrayal, and the darker aspects of human nature, which may not be suitable for younger audiences.

  6. Emotional Trauma: Characters experience significant emotional turmoil, including fear, hopelessness, and trauma from their experiences, which can be heavy for sensitive viewers.

Overall, the series is intended for a mature audience and contains elements that may be distressing for children or those who are sensitive to such content.