Goblin Slayer's First Team Mission Explained: Why It Changes the Story

Goblin Slayer begins as a dark fantasy centered on a lone adventurer obsessed with exterminating goblins. Following the tragic opening episode, Goblin Slayer appears emotionally detached, choosing to work alone while treating every quest as a calculated military operation. However, the series gradually shifts when Priestess, High Elf Archer, Dwarf Shaman, and Lizard Priest begin accompanying him on missions. Their first true team mission represents far more than a routine goblin hunt—it fundamentally changes the direction of the story.

Instead of focusing solely on Goblin Slayer’s personal crusade, the anime begins exploring trust, friendship, and teamwork without abandoning its grounded approach to combat. The mission also introduces new perspectives on adventure, showing how different races and personalities can overcome their differences while facing a common enemy. Here’s why Goblin Slayer’s first full team mission becomes one of the most important moments in the series.

The First Team Mission’s Importance

Goblin Slayer’s first complete party mission takes place when he joins Priestess, High Elf Archer, Dwarf Shaman, and Lizard Priest to investigate goblin activity beyond the small cave raids he usually accepts. Unlike earlier quests where Goblin Slayer and Priestess fought mostly by themselves, this mission brings together experienced adventurers with unique abilities and personalities. Their cooperation immediately expands the scope of the story while demonstrating that Goblin Slayer’s methods can work alongside traditional adventuring tactics.

One of the biggest changes is Goblin Slayer himself. Initially, he views companions primarily as additional resources rather than friends, always prioritizing efficiency over emotion. Working with a permanent party slowly changes that mindset as he begins listening to others, accepting advice, and relying on their strengths instead of carrying every burden alone. Although he rarely expresses his feelings openly, his actions show growing trust in his teammates.

The mission also highlights how balanced the party becomes. Priestess provides healing and support, High Elf Archer excels at long-range combat, Dwarf Shaman uses powerful earth and elemental magic, and Lizard Priest contributes both frontline strength and unique spiritual abilities. Combined with Goblin Slayer’s unmatched experience fighting goblins, the group covers weaknesses that would have been impossible to overcome individually.

Goblin Slayer and Priestess begin building trust that becomes the foundation of the party’s future adventures (Image via White Fox)

Another reason the mission matters is that it broadens the world of Goblin Slayer. Earlier episodes focus almost exclusively on goblin nests near frontier villages, but the team’s adventures introduce ancient ruins, larger dungeons, and more complex threats. Even when facing different environments, Goblin Slayer continues applying practical tactics instead of relying on overwhelming power, reinforcing the series’ grounded approach to fantasy combat.

The first team mission also changes Priestess’s role in the story. Rather than remaining an inexperienced survivor who depends entirely on Goblin Slayer, she becomes a confident adventurer capable of making important decisions during battle. Her growth mirrors the series’ broader message that experience, preparation, and teamwork are just as valuable as raw strength.

Equally important is the chemistry between the party members. High Elf Archer frequently challenges Goblin Slayer’s rigid thinking, while Dwarf Shaman and Lizard Priest add humor and wisdom that balance the anime’s darker moments. These interactions prevent the story from becoming repetitive and give every mission greater emotional weight alongside the intense action.

By establishing a permanent adventuring party, Goblin Slayer evolves from a revenge-driven survival story into a broader fantasy adventure without losing its identity. The first team mission proves that Goblin Slayer’s greatest strength is no longer simply his knowledge of goblins, but his willingness to trust companions who fight beside him. That shift transforms both his character and the series, making every future mission feel larger, more personal, and far more rewarding.