Some spoilers ahead
The main High School DxD watch order is High School DxD → New → BorN → Hero, with one important detail: watch Hero’s episode 0 before its numbered episodes. It addresses a continuity change that otherwise makes the jump between seasons rather confusing.
The series follows Issei Hyoudou, whose disastrous first date ends with him being resurrected as a devil by Rias Gremory. Supernatural rivalries, increasingly powerful enemies and the activities of the Occult Research Club follow. You’d think numbering the seasons would be the straightforward part.
Here’s the recommended High School DxD viewing order, where the optional extras fit and what you need to know before starting Hero.
What Order Should You Watch High School DxD In?
For a first watch, follow the television seasons in release order. The optional extras can be watched after their associated seasons:
| Order | Title | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | High School DxD (2012) | Season 1, episodes 1–12 |
| 2 | Season 1 extras — optional | Two full-length OVAs and the short home-video specials |
| 3 | High School DxD New (2013) | Season 2, episodes 1–12 |
| 4 | New OVA — optional | The additional episode released in 2015 |
| 5 | High School DxD BorN (2015) | Season 3, episodes 1–12; see the continuity note below |
| 6 | BorN extras — optional | The Unresurrected Phoenix OVA and short specials |
| 7 | High School DxD Hero: Episode 0 (2018) | Holiness Behind the Gym |
| 8 | High School DxD Hero (2018) | Season 4, episodes 1–12 |
The four television seasons and full-length OVA releases are detailed in the episode guide.
Treat the optional rows as convenient places to watch bonus material, rather than an attempt to arrange every scene chronologically. You don’t need to interrupt the main seasons to squeeze in a short special.
Why Does Hero Change BorN’s Ending?
BorN’s final three episodes tell an anime-original story, while Hero returns to the light novels’ continuity. Hero’s episode 0 revisits the preceding events and establishes the version its story follows.
For the complete broadcast experience, watch all of BorN and then Hero episode 0. Just understand that the original ending isn’t the basis for what follows.
If you want to avoid that detour, watch BorN episodes 1–9, then Hero episode 0, followed by Hero episodes 1–12. There will be some overlap because episode 0 revisits material; that is intentional.
Most importantly, don’t dismiss episode 0 as an ordinary recap. It is doing some necessary repairs before the next season gets moving.
Do You Need To Watch The OVAs And Specials?
The bonus OVAs and short specials are optional for following the main television storyline. They provide additional character moments and side stories, rather than another full season.
Hero episode 0 is the exception to keep in mind. Its numbering makes it look like an extra, but it belongs in your main viewing order.
If your streaming service doesn’t include the other bonus episodes, you can continue to the next season without treating their absence as a missing chapter.
Is High School DxD Hero A Reboot?
No. Hero is the fourth season, despite its noticeably different character designs. Production moved from TNK to Passione, explaining the visual change.
Start with the original series. Hero expects you to know the cast and their relationships, even if everyone appears to have returned from the break with a different illustrator.
Where Can You Watch High School DxD?
High School DxD is currently listed on Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, with digital purchases also listed through Apple TV Store. The Amazon channel requires a separate subscription beyond standard Prime membership.
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