Is Darling in the Franxx Finished? The Anime’s Ending and Complete Story Explained

Hiro and Zero Two's journey reaches a heartbreaking conclusion in the 24-episode anime, but its final scenes reveal a hopeful twist about their love and future.

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Squad 13 rebuilds its life on Earth after Hiro and Zero Two sacrifice themselves to protect humanity. (Image via A-1 Pictures and Studio Trigger)

Is Darling in the Franxx finished, or is there more to Hiro and Zero Two’s story? The science-fiction romance anime premiered in 2018 and concluded with its 24th episode, bringing its central conflict to a dramatic end. Created through a collaboration between Studio Trigger and A-1 Pictures, the series follows young pilots who operate giant robots called Franxx to protect humanity from monstrous creatures known as Klaxosaurs.

At the heart of the story is Hiro, a former prodigy who struggles to find his purpose, and Zero Two, a mysterious fighter with horns who longs to become fully human. Their partnership gradually develops into a romance that challenges the society controlling their lives. However, the story eventually expands beyond their relationship, revealing humanity’s hidden history, the truth behind the Klaxosaurs, and an extraterrestrial threat that changes the direction of the final episodes.

How Darling in the Franxx Ends and What Happens to Hiro and Zero Two

Darling in the Franxx ends with two children resembling Hiro and Zero Two meeting again, suggesting their souls have been reunited. (Image via A-1 Pictures and Studio Trigger)

Yes, the Darling in the Franxx anime is finished, with its original story concluding in Episode 24, “Never Let Me Go,” which aired in July 2018. The anime does not end with a traditional happy reunion, but its final moments provide closure for Hiro and Zero Two while leaving room for a hopeful interpretation of their future. There is also a manga adaptation with a different ending, so readers may encounter variations in how the story concludes.

The final arc reveals that APE, the organization controlling humanity, is connected to VIRM, an alien force seeking to absorb other forms of life. After discovering the truth about the Klaxosaurs and their conflict with humanity, Hiro and Zero Two join the fight against VIRM. Their mission takes them into space, where they ultimately sacrifice themselves to destroy the enemy’s homeworld and protect Earth.

Back on Earth, their friends begin rebuilding civilization without relying on the systems that controlled their lives. The surviving members of Squad 13 pursue ordinary human experiences, including raising families and creating a future free from the old world’s destructive cycle. Although Hiro and Zero Two do not return to their friends in their original bodies, the ending suggests their story is not truly over.

The anime’s final scene jumps forward approximately a thousand years, showing a boy and a girl who resemble Hiro and Zero Two meeting beneath a tree. The scene strongly suggests that the pair have been reincarnated and are destined to find each other again. It gives their tragic sacrifice a romantic conclusion, even though the anime does not show them recovering their former lives.

As for Darling in the Franxx Season 2, the original anime’s story has concluded, and no official second season has been announced. Fans hoping for a direct continuation should therefore treat the reincarnation scene as the intended ending rather than a confirmed setup for another season. The manga offers an alternative version of the story for anyone who wants to explore a different conclusion.

Verified since 2018 Staff Writer

Christian Enoc is a junior writer contributing to Animenagi’s coverage of anime, manga, and general entertainment news. His role centers on compiling timely updates, drafting concise news pieces, and supporting senior staff with research and fact-checking. He focuses on tracking announcements, release schedules, and emerging trends, ensuring that content remains accurate and current. His work helps maintain consistency across daily publishing while developing a strong foundation in industry-focused reporting.

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