Pokémon Horizons Season 3-Rising Hope release date and time: Mega Evolution returns as Roy's Lucario steals the spotlight, fans say ‘This is peak Pokémon’

Finally, we have some great news for dedicated Pokéfans because Pokémon Horizons Season 3- Rising Hope is officially on the way. The series brought fresh storytelling and impressive animation, but also drew mixed reviews regarding its overall quality.

Now, following the events of Parts 1 and 2, Liko, Roy, Dot, and Ult are returning for another adventure filled with bigger challenges. After the saga first began on January 6, 2026, and continued with Part 2 on March 20, 2026, fans are eager to see where the story goes next.


So, what can fans expect? Is Ash Ketchum finally coming back? With so many questions still looming, let's explore what we may have on our hands. Scroll down!

Let's take a quick recap. The Laqua arc ended with a major showdown between the Rising Volt Tacklers and the Explorers at Laqua. During the battle, Liko's Floragato evolved into Meowscarada and successfully defeated Gibeon's White Zygarde using Flower Trick. After the fight, Zygarde abandoned Gibeon, who was able to reconcile with Amethio before disappearing alongside Lucius as the Laquium began to fade away.

However, did the conflict end there?. Spinel betrayed everyone, took control of the Explorers and Exceed, and used Laquium to send the Six Heroes into a frenzy. He then framed the Rising Volt Tacklers for the destruction of Laqua and the ensuing chaos, severely damaging their reputation.


The finale also featured a heartbreaking moment when Friede and Charizard were swept overboard during the Brave Olivine's Infinite Rising transformation as powerful winds tore through the area.

Fast-forward one year, the Rising Volt Tacklers had gone their separate ways. Roy continued his journey alongside Captain Pikachu and even caught a shiny Lucario, while Spinel successfully portrayed himself as a hero fighting the mysterious pink mist crisis. Meanwhile, the Rising Volt Tacklers were left dealing with a damaged public image about the events at Laqua.


One year after the events at Laqua, Liko, Roy, Dot, and a new teammate named Ult reunite to rebuild the Rising Volt Tacklers. Their main goal is to clear their names and uncover the truth behind Spinel and the Explorers, and at the same time, stop the remaining Laquium that is spreading a mysterious pink mist capable of harming Pokémon around the world.

As their new journey begins, the group undergoes intense training at Blueberry Academy, where they meet new Pokémon, strengthen their skills, and take on powerful opponents, including members of the Elite Four. Roy continues to grow as a trainer alongside his shiny Lucario, which can Mega Evolve, while Ult brings his own ambitions and develops a competitive rivalry within the team.


Throughout the season, the Rising Volt Tacklers investigate the lingering effects of Laquium and explore the connection between the mysterious substance and Terapagos. Along the way, they face difficult battles, form new alliances, and work to restore their damaged reputation.

Major storylines include the Mega Voltage training arc, a Kalos-based Mega Evolution mini-arc that reveals how Roy and Ult first met, and the Rising Again storyline, which focuses on stopping the dangerous pink crystal threat and saving Pokémon from the effects of Laquium once and for all.


Mega Evolution is set to play a much bigger role in Pokémon Horizons Season 3, marking its most significant return since the Pokémon X and Y anime era. Its comeback has generated plenty of discussion among fans, especially because of its connection to Kalos and the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

The new season highlights Mega Evolution through Roy's shiny Lucario and Ult's Sableye. However, not all fans agree on how it has been handled. One major talking point is how Pokémon adapt to Mega Evolution. For example, Ult's Sableye struggles to control its power after Mega Evolving, which has led some fans to compare the situation with earlier storylines such as Korrina and her Lucario in the Pokémon X and Y anime.


Fans are also discussing power scaling and how easily certain characters seem able to access Mega Evolution. Some believe it adds excitement and raises the stakes of battles, while others worry it could overshadow mechanics like Terastallization.


Simply put, as of the current episodes, Liko has not received a Mega Evolution for herself or any of her Pokémon. Instead, her journey continues to focus on the growth of her existing team, which includes Meowscarada, evolved from Floragato, and Terapagos, which can access its powerful Stellar Form. Fans have also speculated about possible future additions to her team, but nothing has been officially confirmed.

While Roy and his Mega Lucario, along with Ult and his Mega Sableye, have taken centre stage in the season's Mega Evolution storylines, Liko's development has followed a different path. Rather than focusing on Mega Evolution.

The series also continues to emphasise her connection to Terastallization and Terapagos, making those elements a key part of her journey. Although some fans have suggested Pokémon such as Gardevoir or Dragonite as potential future partners for Liko, no Mega Evolution plans have been revealed for her in Season 3 so far.



With some fresh narratives being talked about, fans look optimistic. One user on X(formerly Twitter) wrote: “Roy getting Mega Lucario this fast is insane, he already surpassed Ash’s Kalos feats!” Another mentioned, “The pink mist storyline is gripping, but Spinel as the big bad after the timeskip is chef’s kiss.”

A fan also wrote, “Liko and Roy leading the team now feels so earned after Friede’s loss. Heartbreaking but powerful.”

Meanwhile, Mega Evolution's return has sparked buzz, with one commenter saying, “Mega Evolution return is nostalgic, but the controversy on balance is real, hope they handle it better.”


Unfortunately for the Pokémon fanatics, Ash Ketchum does not appear in Pokémon Horizons Season 3, as the anime continues to focus on its new generation of protagonists instead of revisiting Ash's journey.

The anime continues to build its own identity by focusing on Liko, Roy, and the new generation of protagonists rather than connecting their story to Ash's long-running journey. While a crossover could still happen during a future anniversary or special event, the current storyline remains fully centered on Liko, Roy, their allies, and the ongoing Laquium crisis.



The anime releases on Netflix on June 26, 2026. Episodes typically drop in batches globally in the morning/early hours, depending on your timezone.