With two seasons out, Tate no Yūsha no Nariagari or better known as Rising of the Shield Hero, will definitely make you want to rewatch everything—and I mean everything! As the 2nd season is only sporting 2 episodes, why not take a trip down the memory lane and relive the awe and beauty of the first season? So here is a list of the best Rising of the Shield Hero episodes that are worth revisiting.
Table of Contents
THE BEST EPISODES, MOMENTS, AND FIGHTS OF THE RISING OF THE SHIELD HERO
14. Season 1 Episode 1: The Shield Hero
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
7/10 |
6/10 |
8/10 |
6/10 |
27/40 |
There is a reason why the first episode is one of the best in terms of the Isekai genre in anime. That is because of the information that it gives the audience. In this case, everything we need to know about Naofumi Iwatani is presented in the first episode.
Given his title “The Shield Hero,” the first episode introduces exactly that. We are taken to a very quick moment of how Naofumi obtained a hero title and how he was reduced into a criminal all in one episode. Seeing Malty smirk in that one scene had my blood boiling. Did yours as well? Well, you can join me on this hate train.
13. Season 1 Episode 3: Wave of Catastrophe
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
6/10 |
7/10 |
7/10 |
7/10 |
27/40 |
A month’s worth of leveling allowed Naofumi to unlock a variety of skills for his shield. This also allowed Raphtalia to mature into a young woman. As our favorite heroes make their way to the Dragon Hourglass, they bump into the other cardinal heroes who continue to shame Naofumi.
Soon enough, the wave arrives, and the other three cardinal heroes set their eyes on the boss monster. Naofumi notices that Lute village is near the wave and decides to protect the villagers. Naofumi and Raphtalia, along with a few of the knights, worked together to defeat multiple monsters.
After the battle, the villagers of Lute are grateful to the Shield Hero for his help. This particular episode shows how thoughtful Naofumi is. If only his name wasn’t so tarnished, so he could truly enjoy their gratitude.
12. Season 1 Episode 23: Cal Mira Archipelago
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
7/10 |
6/10 |
7/10 |
7/10 |
27/40 |
L’Arc and Therese introduce themselves to the Shield Hero’s party, but the problem is, they think Naofumi is using an alias and that he isn’t the real Shield Hero. It irks him the slightest, ‘til he eventually lets it go.
Meanwhile, the rest of the cardinal heroes are above deck, flopping like fish out of water. They all struggle to keep their lunches in their stomachs as the obvious seasickness takes them all over.
Upon arriving at Cal Mira, Governor Hadenburg greeted Naofumi’s party and escorted them to their rooms. They wasted no time and began grinding for levels, even fashioning new weapons for Rahptalia and Filo. This episode highlights the extra effort that Naofumi will make for the sake of his precious friends.
Soon enough, they were satisfied with their adventures and decided to relax at the beach. However, their relaxation soon ends as the Shield Hero party discovers the second Dragon Hourglass and finds out that the next catastrophic wave is to happen in Cal Mira in 48 hours.
11. Season 1 Episode 22: Four Heroes Council
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
8/10 |
6/10 |
7/10 |
7/10 |
28/40 |
Free from all the harassment they used to get, the Shield Hero party finally goes to the Dragon Hourglass to have their class upgrades. However, the ritual seems to fail as Fitoria’s blessing allegedly interferes with it.
The four heroes are seen in this episode having a secret meeting with Queen Mirellia. She informs them of a special Cal Mira Archipelago event that allows the heroes to accelerate their growth. As a sign of friendship, the different heroes shared secrets about their weapons’ functions and copy system, but still somehow managed to break out into a fight. The heroes still have a long way to go to get their act together.
The next day, Naofumi uses his new information to great use. Well, not so great for Erhard as Naofumi copies all his shields, potentially ruining Erhard’s business. Sorry, big guy.
The moment in this episode is refreshing to see as the Shield Hero party are all drowning in laughter, provided of what they’ve been through.
10. Season 1 Episode 18: A Conspiracy Linked
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
7/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
7/10 |
29/40 |
Fitoria escorts the Shield Hero party into a place where most of the heroes are in order to reconcile. However, just as Fitoria leaves, Motoyasu accuses him of killing Ren and Itsuki. No amount of reasoning by Naofumi could reach Motoyasu.
Malty continues the accusation by saying that the church has evidence against Naofumi. The fight turns into a battle, with Naofumi appearing as the victor. All of a sudden, Filo senses danger from above them and urges Naofumi to cast multiple shields onto everyone, yes, including the annoying Motoyasu.
Soon after, a massive beam of light incinerates the area surrounding them. It surprisingly came from Pope Balmus. He reveals that he is the one behind the murder of the other two heroes. He calls them fake and vows to deliver punishment.
9. Season 1 Episode 4: Lullaby for the Dawn
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
8/10 |
8/10 |
7/10 |
7/10 |
30/40 |
Picking up the pace in episode 4, the first wave of monsters was defeated and now the four cardinal heroes are seen enjoying a feast in their honor in Melromarc Castle. The dislike for Malty continued as she revealed to Motoyasu the relationship between Raphtalia and Naofumi, which then pushed for the duel between them.
But the annoying Malty had to ruin the fairness of the duel, leaving Naofumi defeated. Motoyasu proceeds to convince Raphtalia to free herself from slavery. Naturally, Raphtalia challenges Motoyasu’s attempt and defends Naofumi. Further strengthening her resolve that she is the sword of the Shield Hero.
Some style points are given to Raphtalia here as the crisp sound of her slapping Motoyasu did everyone a favor. For once, justice for the Shield Hero was given to him in the midst of his despair. He is no longer alone. The ending scene of this episode is a beautiful highlight, as it definitely fits the title.
8. Season 1 Episode 11: Catastrophe Returns
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
7/10 |
8/10 |
710 |
8/10 |
30/40 |
The second wave approaches and the party of the Shield Hero expands as the very same knights whom he fought with in the first wave have asked to join him. Our Naofumi has built walls when dealing with those associated with the royal palace (cue flashbacks of Malty and her evil schemes).
But along with his strong shield was a soft heart, as he allowed them to join him to defend the villagers from the second wave. Things turned dark again this time, and the three other heroes were facing a difficult opponent. This particular fight is included in this list because of Naofumi’s leadership.
We also begin to understand, little by little, the nature of the cursed shield. With a new combo move, Naofumi defeats the Soul Eater.
However, the episode doesn’t end here with celebration as another character has revealed herself to be the enemy of the four cardinal heroes. Which also makes her my favorite as she only acknowledges Naofumi as the only hero. Why don’t we just you know? Forget the other three.
7. Season 1 Episode 16: The Filolial Queen
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
6/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
30/40 |
Just as we learned of Raphtalia’s tragic past, an ancient monster (which definitely looked like a t-rex) was unsealed all of a sudden. Filo at once goes into attack mode—seeing that Filolials and Dragon species are mortal enemies.
As the Shield Hero’s party led the ancient monster away from the village, they formulated a plan to win against the monster. However, seeing that their plan seems to be not working. Naofumi carefully considered using the Rage Shield, but a voice stopped him.
On that cue, a flock of Filolials swarmed the area and supplied aid to the Shield Hero’s party. Poor t-rex got surrounded by a bunch of birds. Well, we shouldn’t underestimate the Filolials, especially when the Filolial Queen is present. The t-rex, well, ancient monster stood no chance against the Filolial Queen, Fitoria. All seemed well until Fitoria vowed that she would kill the heroes if their quarrel with each other continued.
6. Season 1 Episode 8: The Cursed Shield
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
8/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
31/40 |
Naofumi’s party accepted the job request to deliver medicine and clear the corpse in the East Village, but lo and behold, the supposed dead dragon decided to yeet itself back to life. With fear-stricken eyes, Naofumi orders his party to retreat.
This episode takes a dark turn as Naofumi falls into despair once again as he sees Filo getting devoured by the dragon. This fight scene in the anime is an important event as the curse series of the shield finally reveals itself to Naofumi. However, Raphtalia’s voice helped him return to his senses and focused on releasing himself from his hate.
In the end, everyone was alive, including Filo! But Raphtalia has now been wounded by Naofumi’s curse. Overall, I think we all felt relieved that no one died in the Shield Hero’s party. Personally, I wouldn’t be able to handle it… not after Akame ga Kill.
5. Season 1 Episode 19: Four Cardinal Heroes
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
8/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
32/40 |
The plot thickens as, in this episode, Pope Balmus claims that the Shield Hero was a demon. The pope aims to punish the “fake hero” (Shield Hero) by wiping him off the face of the world. With a mass army of the devout, the pope waves his weapon and strikes his spell again. Leaving Naofumi and Motoyasu party helpless.
It is later revealed that all four heroes are now against whatever delusional plans the pope had brewing. Naofumi shines here in this episode as he proves that he is innocent. All four cardinal heroes banded together, awaiting the judgment that the pope sought to administer.
4. Season 1 Episode 24: Guardians of Another World
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
8/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
32/40 |
With their knowledge of the wave, Naofumi informs the queen and prepares a naval fleet. Everyone plays their roles, and the four cardinal heroes are left to deal with the boss monster. A surprise twist shifts as L’Arc and Therese are also isekai’d from another world and their goal was to defeat the heroes in order to protect their own.
The two posed a great challenge to the Shield Hero’s party, but with the power of nakama shining through once more, Naofumi was able to best them. But the appearance of a familiar face wiped away the cheers.
Glass makes an entrance and reveals that she is allied with L’Arc and Therese. Glass prepares herself and urges him to battle her once more.
3. Season 1 Episode 20: Battle of Good and Evil
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
7/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
33/40 |
In this episode, the Shield Hero is left to try one last trick up his sleeve. He unleashes the Rage Shield and tries to overcome the wrath of the dragon sealed within. His resolve attempts to keep his mind intact as the dragon shows him images of his own hardships.
Almost succumbing to the hate, the power of nakama saves him from the anger consuming him. The other heroes come to an agreement to work with Naofumi. Not to mention, an epic fight song definitely helped set the mood for this amazing fight scene.
At the climax of this episode, a new skill can be seen here. Naofumi uses his Blood Sacrifice to defeat the pope… but at what cost?
2. Season 1 Episode 21: Naofumi Returns Triumphant
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
9/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
7/10 |
33/40 |
We have seen Naofumi recovering from his injuries from his earlier battle. Revealed in this episode is that other countries were supposed to summon one hero per country, but King Aultcray had evil plans without Queen Mirellia knowing.
These plans were to be unveiled during a trial where Malty and King Aultcray would be questioned. I know that this episode probably soothes the anger you held all this time. Believe me, I relate. Although the weight of their crimes was severe, I don’t think killing them would have solved everything.
Luckily, sporting that good heart that Naofumi has, he offered a compromise. Instead of having them beheaded, he asked to have their names changed. PERMANENTLY. And… uhh… well, these weren’t the greatest names so let’s leave it at that.
After the trial and having Naofumi’s name all cleared. The people of Melromarc bid them farewell, and Naofumi is seen finally accepting his title as the Shield Hero.
1. Season 1 Episode 25: The Rising of the Shield Hero
Emotion |
Impact |
Plot |
Animation |
Total |
9/10 |
10/10 |
9/10 |
10/10 |
38/40 |
A great battle between Glass and Naofumi happens as their goals are similar: to protect their world. In the battle, Naofumi finds that using his Soul Eater shield is effective against Glass. But he also considers that she is only doing this to protect her world. It took a group effort to defeat Glass and have L’Arc and Therese retreat for the time being.
As the wave ends, the cardinal heroes slowly return to continue preparing for the next catastrophe. This episode holds a number of events as it introduces a new party member, a new title, and a new goal for Naofumi. This is truly just the beginning of the Rising of the Shield Hero.
This episode provides a satisfying ending as it beckons us all to continue to support the Shield Hero and his party members.
WHICH EPISODE WAS YOUR FAVORITE?
If I could put the entirety of the season into this list, I would! However, I did my best to sort out the best episodes, so that we could revisit them and still understand the flow of the story. Is your favorite not on the list? Why not comment on it down below and we can talk. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
