Eren vs Reiner Rematch Explained: Marley Invades Paradis in Attack on Titan

The rematch between Eren Yeager and Reiner Braun is one of the most anticipated confrontations in Attack on Titan. After years of rivalry, betrayals, and ideological clashes, the two former comrades finally face each other again during the War for Paradis arc. Unlike their earlier battles, this fight is not simply about personal grudges. It represents the culmination of the conflict between Marley and Paradis, with the future of the world hanging in the balance.

The battle begins shortly after Eren’s devastating attack on Liberio. By killing key Marleyan leaders and stealing the War Hammer Titan, Eren forces Marley into a corner. Rather than waiting for a larger global alliance to form, Reiner convinces Marley to launch an immediate surprise attack on Paradis. Their goal is simple: stop Eren before he can use the Founding Titan’s power. This decision sets the stage for one of the most intense battles in the series and marks the beginning of the final phase of Attack on Titan’s story.

Why Marley Invades Paradis

Following the raid on Liberio, Marley realizes that Eren has become a far greater threat than they originally imagined. Not only does he possess the Attack Titan and Founding Titan, but he also acquires the War Hammer Titan. This gives him access to multiple Titan abilities that could potentially change the balance of power across the world.

Reiner understands better than anyone how dangerous Eren has become. He argues that waiting several months for a coordinated international invasion would only give Eren more time to prepare. As a result, Marley launches a surprise assault on Shiganshina District to eliminate Eren and prevent him from making contact with Zeke Yeager, whose royal blood could unlock the Founding Titan’s full power.

This invasion is not merely an act of revenge. Marley views it as its last opportunity to prevent a catastrophic event that could threaten the entire world. The attack therefore becomes a race against time for both sides.

Eren uses the War Hammer Titan’s abilities to gain the upper hand in battle against multiple enemies. (Image via MAPPA)

The rematch takes place in Shiganshina, the very district where the story began years earlier. Eren is initially caught off guard when Marley suddenly attacks. Reiner transforms into the Armored Titan and immediately confronts Eren, determined to finish what started during their previous encounters.

However, this battle is very different from their earlier fights. Eren is no longer the inexperienced soldier who relied purely on rage and determination. He now possesses the War Hammer Titan’s abilities, allowing him to create hardened weapons and structures during combat. These new powers give him a significant advantage against Reiner’s armor.

The fight quickly escalates into a large-scale battlefield involving multiple Titan shifters. Reiner receives support from Porco’s Jaw Titan, Pieck’s Cart Titan, and the Marleyan military. Eren, meanwhile, fights largely on his own while waiting for help from his allies.

Why This Fight Is Different From Their Previous Battles

The earlier Eren and Reiner fights were driven largely by betrayal and revenge. Reiner was the warrior who destroyed Wall Maria, while Eren sought justice for the devastation inflicted on Paradis. By the time of their rematch, both characters have evolved dramatically.

Reiner no longer fights because he believes completely in Marley’s cause. Years of warfare and guilt have left him emotionally exhausted. Instead, he fights because he believes stopping Eren is necessary to save innocent lives. Eren, on the other hand, has embraced a far darker path and is willing to sacrifice countless people to secure freedom for Paradis.

This ideological shift gives the battle far greater emotional weight. The conflict is no longer about heroes and villains. It is about two individuals who have reached different conclusions about how to protect the people they care about.

Although Eren demonstrates his growth by holding off Reiner and multiple enemies simultaneously, the battle ultimately serves a larger purpose. The real objective is Eren’s reunion with Zeke. Both Marley and Paradis understand that this meeting could determine the fate of the world.

The battle also highlights how much the series has evolved from a simple survival story into a complex political and ideological war. Every major faction has its own version of justice, and every character is forced to make impossible choices. The Eren vs Reiner rematch symbolizes this transformation perfectly.

In the end, the fight is not remembered merely for its action. It is remembered because it marks the moment when the conflict between Marley and Paradis reaches its breaking point, setting the stage for the Rumbling and the dramatic conclusion of Attack on Titan.