intrduction
I started Durararax2 with episode 25. Not episode 1—episode 25. I saw “Durarara x2 Ketsu” on Crunchyroll, assumed “Ketsu” meant it was some kind of movie or OVA spin-off, and dove straight in. Thirty minutes later, I was drowning in character names I didn’t recognize, plotlines referencing events I never saw, and the creeping realization I’d screwed up badly.
The Durarara x2 watch order isn’t intuitive. Streaming platforms split the 36-episode sequel into three separate listings—Shou, Ten, and Ketsu—without explaining what those terms mean or how they connect. Add in the four-year gap since the original series, and you’ve got a recipe for confusion that sends viewers bouncing between Reddit threads and anime databases trying to figure out where to start.
This guide gives you the definitive Durarara x2 watch order, explains why the series is structured the way it is, and helps you avoid the mistakes that ruined my first viewing attempt. Whether you just finished the original series or you’re returning after years away, you’ll know exactly what to watch and where to find it.
What is Durararax2? (And Why Order Actually Matters)
Durarara x2 is the direct sequel to the 2010 Durarara!! anime, continuing the story with 36 new episodes split into three 12-episode parts: Shou (beginning), Ten (middle), and Ketsu (end). It adapts light novel volumes 4-13 and requires watching the original series first.
Durararax2 is not a reboot, remake, or standalone story. It picks up six months after the original 24-episode series ended, throwing you immediately into ongoing conflicts with established characters. If you haven’t watched the 2010 Durarara!!, you’ll miss critical context—who these people are, why they hate each other, what the Dollars are, why a headless woman is riding a motorcycle.
The sequel aired between January 2015 and March 2016, split into three broadcast seasons the anime community calls “cours.” Each course has 12 episodes and a Japanese subtitle:
- Shou (承) = “beginning” or “continuation”
- Ten (転) = “turn” or “development”
- Ketsu (結) = “conclusion”
These aren’t random Netflix-style season names. They reference the traditional Japanese narrative structure “kishoutenketsu,” a four-act storytelling framework. Durarara x2 uses the last three acts (the original series was “ki,” the introduction).
Why this matters: Durarara tells multiple simultaneous storylines from different character perspectives, with events shown out of chronological order. The series constantly rewinds to show you the same day from five different viewpoints. Watching episodes out of sequence doesn’t just spoil surprises—it makes the deliberately complex narrative completely incomprehensible.
The Correct Durarara x2 Watch Order
Watch all 24 episodes of the original Durarara!! (2010) first, then watch Durarara x2 in release order: Shou episodes 1-12, Ten episodes 13-24, Ketsu episodes 25-36. Please do not skip parts or rearrange the order.
Here’s the only watch order you need:
Step 1: Durarara!! (2010) – Episodes 1-24
The original series. Not optional.
Step 2: Durararax2 Shou – Episodes 1-12
Aired January-March 2015
Covers light novel volumes 4-6
Sets up new conflicts and introduces new cast members
Step 3: Durarara x2 Ten – Episodes 13-24
Aired July-September 2015
Covers light novel volumes 7-9
Escalates existing conflicts to crisis points
Step 4: Durarara x2 Ketsu – Episodes 25-36
Aired January-March 2016
Covers light novel volumes 10-13
Resolves all storylines and concludes the anime adaptation
Episode numbering note: Streaming platforms sometimes list x2 Shou as “episodes 1-12,” then restart Ten at “episode 1” again. Ignore platform numbering. The community (and this guide) treats x2 as one continuous 36-episode series: Shou = 1-12, Ten = 13-24, Ketsu = 25-36.
It’s split into three parts: Production committee decisions and broadcast scheduling. The light novel source material was complete, but anime production takes time. Rather than wait years for all 36 episodes, the studio (Shuka, taking over from Brain’s Base) produced them in three batches across 15 months. This isn’t a marketing gimmick—it’s how the show was made and aired.
Watch them in release order. Chronological order doesn’t exist here because the show itself jumps through time constantly. Release order is chronological order.
Do You Need to Watch the Original Durarara First?
Yes, absolutely. Durarara x2 is a direct continuation that immediately references original series events, assumes you know all characters, and builds on established relationships. Starting with x2 guarantees confusion and spoils major original series reveals.
Skipping the 2010 Durarara!! is like starting Game of Thrones at Season 5. You’ll recognize it’s a show with characters doing things, but you won’t understand why anyone cares or what any of it means.
What you’ll miss without watching the original:
- Who is Celty Sturluson, and why is she searching for her head?
- The formation and purpose of the Dollars gang.
- Mikado’s transformation from innocent transfer student to calculating gang leader.
- Why Izaya and Shizuo try to murder each other on sight.
- The Saika blade backstory and previous wielders.
- Character relationships were established over 24 episodes of development.
Durarara x2 Shou episode 1 opens with Mikado making a morally questionable decision based on original series character development. If you don’t know who Mikado is or what he’s been through, the scene has zero emotional weight. The entire sequel assumes you have context.
For returning viewers who watched the original years ago:
The 2010 series aired 14 years ago as of 2024. If you watched it during the original broadcast or shortly after, you’ve probably forgotten major details. Here’s your rewatch criteria:
You should rewatch the original if you:
- Can’t remember what the Dollars are or how they work
- Forgot character names beyond the main trio (Mikado, Masaomi, Anri)
- Don’t recall the Saika arc resolution
- Watched it once 5+ years ago
You can probably skip rewatching if you:
- Remember major plot beats and character relationships clearly
- Watched it within the past 2-3 years
- Have rewatched it multiple times before
A middle option: Watch a recap video (10-15 minutes) covering original series events, then read episode summaries for the final four episodes specifically. This refreshes your memory without requiring a full 9-hour rewatch.
Breaking Down Each Durararax2 Part
Each x2 part adapts roughly four light novel volumes. Shou introduces new antagonists and complications; Ten escalates conflicts to breaking points with major betrayals; Ketsu delivers climactic confrontations and series conclusion. Together they form one continuous 36-episode story arc.
Understanding what each part covers helps you track the deliberately tangled storylines.
Durarara x2 Shou (Episodes 1-12)
Covers: Light novel volumes 4-6
Core focus: New players enter Ikebukuro’s gang landscape
Six months after the original series ended, Ikebukuro’s fragile peace collapses. New color gangs (Blue Squares, Yellow Scarves returnees, Dollars splinter groups) fight for territory. Hollywood, a high schooler with disturbing charisma, begins manipulating gang conflicts from behind the scenes.
Key new characters introduced:
- Akane Awakusu (young girl with assassin bodyguards)
- Vorona (Russian assassin hunting Shizuo)
- Hollywood (real name: Jinnai Yodogiri—mysterious orchestrator)
What happens to the original cast: Celty continues searching for her head while dealing with stalkers. Shinra faces the consequences of hiding information from her. Mikado becomes increasingly ruthless managing the Dollars. Masaomi returns to Ikebukuro despite swearing he wouldn’t. Anri struggles with Saika’s influence.
Why this part matters: Shou sets up the powder keg that explodes in Ten and Ketsu. If you skip it, you won’t understand why characters are where they are emotionally or how new players connect to original cast.
Durarara x2 Ten (Episodes 13-24)
Covers: Light novel volumes 7-9
Core focus: Alliances shatter and true motives surface
The middle act cranks tension to maximum. Characters forced to choose sides discover their allies have been lying to them. Izaya’s manipulations reach critical mass. Multiple assassination attempts, gang wars, and personal betrayals happen simultaneously across the same 48-hour period shown from different perspectives.
Major developments:
- The truth about Hollywood’s identity and goals
- Mikado’s descent into genuine villainy
- Celty’s head mystery advances significantly
- Shizuo vs. Vorona confrontation
- Dollar’s internal civil war
Pacing warning: Ten uses Durarara’s signature time-jumping structure more aggressively than any other part. You’ll watch the same conversations from different angles across multiple episodes. This is intentional—the narrative is showing you how simultaneous events connect. Don’t worry if you feel confused mid-course; pieces click into place by episode 24.
Cliffhanger setup: Ten ends with multiple characters in life-threatening situations, major secrets revealed, and Ikebukuro on the brink of complete chaos. The wait between Ten (September 2015) and Ketsu (January 2016) was brutal for fans watching during original broadcast.
Durarara x2 Ketsu (Episodes 25-36)
Covers: Light novel volumes 10-13
Core focus: Everything collides; all storylines resolve
The conclusion brings every character, every plot thread, and every gang conflict into a single massive showdown. Durarara Ketsu delivers what the series promised from episode 1 of the original: showing how dozens of seemingly unconnected people are actually part of one enormous interconnected story.
Payoff moments (no specific spoilers):
- Celty’s head mystery complete resolution
- Mikado, Masaomi, and Anri’s friendship confrontation
- Izaya finally faces consequences for years of manipulation
- Shizuo vs. Izaya climactic fight
- The Dollars’ ultimate fate
- Every new character’s storyline concludes
Does it actually end? Yes. The anime adaptation covers all 13 light novels (volumes 1-13). The story has a definitive conclusion. No cliffhangers, no “read the manga” endings. Durararax2 Ketsu episode 36 is the final episode, and it delivers closure.
Quality note: Some fans debate whether Ketsu sticks the landing (it juggles many simultaneous climaxes), but it absolutely provides an ending. You won’t finish episode 36 wondering what happens next.
Where to Watch Durarara x2 in 2024
Crunchyroll hosts all 36 Durarara x2 episodes (Shou, Ten, Ketsu) with both subtitles and English dub. It’s the most reliable legal streaming option in North America, the UK, and most regions as of 2024 following the Crunchyroll-Funimation merger.
Primary streaming platform:
Crunchyroll (subscription required for ad-free; free tier available with ads)
- All three parts (Shou, Ten, Ketsu) are available
- English sub and dub are both included
- 1080p quality
- Available in: US, Canada, UK, Australia, most of Europe
- Note: Search “Durarara” and you’ll see four separate listings (original series + three x2 parts)
Historical note: Funimation originally streamed Durarara x2 Ten and Ketsu, while Crunchyroll had Shou. The 2022 merger consolidated everything under Crunchyroll. Older guides may reference Funimation—ignore them and use Crunchyroll.
Alternative legal options:
- Hulu (US only) – Carries original series, inconsistent x2 availability
- Microsoft Store / Apple TV – Digital purchase option ($1.99/episode or season bundles)
Region restrictions: Durarara x2 licensing varies by country. If Crunchyroll shows “not available in your region,” check Microsoft Store for digital purchase, or use to access Crunchyroll’s North American catalog.
Sub vs. Dub quality:
Both are excellent. The English dub cast (Bryce Papenbrook as Masaomi, Johnny Yong Bosch as Izaya, Crispin Freeman as Shizuo) returned for x2 after voicing the original series. The dub is professional quality, maintains character consistency, and matches lip-flaps well.
Subtitle track uses official translations that better preserve Japanese wordplay and cultural references. If you watched the original subbed, continue with subs for consistency. If you watched dubbed, the dub is equally solid.
Mobile viewing: Crunchyroll’s mobile apps (iOS, Android) work smoothly for offline download (premium subscription required). All 36 episodes downloaded consume approximately 8-10GB at the highest quality settings.
Character Refresher: Who’s Who in Ikebukuro
Durarara follows dozens of characters, but eight form the core: Mikado (Dollars founder), Masaomi (Yellow Scarves leader), Anri (Saika wielder), Celty (headless rider), Shinra (underground doctor), Shizuo (superhuman strength fighter), Izaya (information broker/manipulator), and Kyohei (Dollars enforcer). Understanding their original series roles prevents x2 confusion.
If you’re returning to Durarara after years, here’s a spoiler-free refresher on who matters:
Mikado Ryuugamine: Innocent transfer student in the original series who founded the Dollars online gang almost accidentally. By x2, he’s become calculating and willing to make harsh decisions to maintain control. Main protagonist alongside Masaomi and Anri.
Masaomi Kida: Mikado’s best friend, a former Yellow Scarves gang leader who left Ikebukuro at the original series end. Returns in x2, trying to protect Mikado from himself. Provides a moral counterpoint to Mikado’s descent.
Anri Sonohara: Quiet classmate who wields Saika, a demonic blade that possesses victims with “love.” Struggles with Saika’s influence while trying to protect her friends. Forms a protagonist trio with Mikado and Masaomi.
Celty Sturluson: Headless Irish dullahan (fairy) searching for her stolen head in Ikebukuro. Rides a motorcycle, communicates via smartphone text, and works as an underground courier. Central to overarching mythology. In relation to Shinra.
Shinra Kishitani: Underground doctor treating Ikebukuro’s criminals and fighters. Obsessively in love with Celty. Knows more than he reveals. His father took Celty’s head 20 years ago.
Shizuo Heiwajima: Blonde man with superhuman strength triggered by anger. Can throw vending machines like baseballs. Works as a bodyguard/debt collector. Morally good despite violent methods. Hates Izaya with murderous passion.
Izaya Orihara: Information broker who manipulates Ikebukuro’s conflicts for entertainment. Claims to love humanity while treating people as chess pieces. Primary antagonist across both series. Shizuo’s nemesis.
Kyohei Kadota: Level-headed Dollars member who runs with a small crew (Walker, Erika, Saburo). Acts as the Dollars enforcer and voice of reason. Bridges the gap between street-level gang members and leadership.
Why these eight matter: Durarara x2 expands the cast to 30+ named characters with individual arcs, but everything revolves around how these eight interact. If you remember their relationships and motivations from the original series, you can follow x2. If you forgot them, even a quick wiki read of these eight will help enormously.
Common Durararax2 Watch Order Mistakes to Avoid
The three most common mistakes are: (1) watching Ketsu first, thinking it’s standalone, (2) skipping the original 2010 series entirely, and (3) attempting chronological order by rearranging episodes. All three guarantee confusion and diminished experience.
Based on three years of discussing Durarara in anime communities, here are the mistakes I see repeatedly:
Mistake #1: Watching Ketsu first (my mistake)
Streaming platforms list “Durarara x2 Ketsu” as a separate show. The title sounds like it could be a movie or OVA. It’s not. It’s episodes 25-36 of a 36-episode series. Starting here spoils everything and makes zero narrative sense. You’ll watch characters resolve conflicts you never saw develop.
Mistake #2: Skipping the original series
Some viewers see “x2” and assume it’s a reboot or reimagining. Others think they can pick up context from x2 itself. Neither is true. x2’s first scene references original series finale events. By episode 3, you’re expected to know 15+ characters and their complicated histories. There’s no recap episode or tutorial.
Mistake #3: Trying to watch chronologically
Durarara intentionally shows events out of chronological order. Fans have created “chronological order” guides that rearrange scenes and episodes to follow linear time. These ruin the entire point of the narrative structure. The series is designed to reveal information in a specific sequence to create mystery and dramatic irony. Chronological viewing eliminates both.
Watch in release order. The creators chose this sequence deliberately.
Mistake #4: Using outdated streaming guides
Guides written in 2015-2017 reference Funimation, Hulu, and dead piracy sites. Licensing changed after the Crunchyroll-Funimation merger. If a guide doesn’t mention Crunchyroll as the primary platform, it’s outdated.
Mistake #5: Watching only x2 and skipping OVAs
The original Durarara!! includes a 12.5 OVA (recap) and a 25 OVA (side story). You can skip episode 12.5 (pure recap), but episode 25 is worth watching—it’s a standalone story set between episodes 24 and x2. Not required, but enjoyable if you want more content.
FAQs About Durarara x2 Watch Order
What is the correct order to watch Durararax2?
Watch the original Durarara!! (episodes 1-24) First, then watch x2 in release order: Shou (episodes 1-12), Ten (episodes 13-24), and Ketsu (episodes 25-36). Do not skip the original series or rearrange x2 parts. This is the only order that makes narrative sense.
Do I need to watch Durarara before x2
Yes, absolutely. Durararax2 is a direct sequel that continues storylines and character arcs from the original series. It does not recap previous events or reintroduce characters. Starting with x2 without watching the 2010 series will result in complete confusion and spoil major original series reveals.
Is Durararax2 a continuation or a reboot?
Durararax2 is a continuation, not a reboot. It picks up six months after the original series ended and adapts light novel volumes 4-13 (the original adapted volumes 1-3). All characters, relationships, and conflicts carry over directly. There is no “fresh start” entry point.
What do Shou, Ten, and Ketsu mean in Durararax2?
Shou (承), Ten (転), and Ketsu (結) are Japanese terms meaning “continuation,” “development,” and “conclusion.” They reference the traditional “kishoutenketsu” four-act narrative structure. Together with the original series (ki = introduction), they form a complete story arc across all four acts.
How many episodes are in Durarara x2?
Durarara x2 is 36 episodes total, split into three 12-episode parts: Shou (episodes 1-12), Ten (episodes 13-24), and Ketsu (episodes 25-36). Combined with the original series (24 episodes), the complete Durarara anime adaptation is 60 episodes.
Is Durararax2 on Crunchyroll?
Yes, all three parts of Durarara x2 (Shou, Ten, Ketsu) are available on Crunchyroll as of 2024 with both English subtitles and dub. This includes availability in North America, UK, Australia, and most European regions. Following the Crunchyroll-Funimation merger, Crunchyroll is now the primary legal streaming platform for the entire series.
Why is Durararax2 split into three parts?
Durararax2 is split into three parts due to anime production scheduling. Rather than waiting years to produce all 36 episodes at once, the studio (Shuka) released them in three 12-episode cours across 15 months (January 2015 to March 2016). This allowed fans to watch sooner while giving staff time to maintain quality across the full adaptation.
Does Durararax2 have a proper ending?
Yes, Durararax2 Ketsu episode 36 provides a definitive conclusion to the entire series. The anime adaptation covers all 13 light novels completely, resolving every major storyline, including Celty’s head mystery, the Dollars’ fate, and all character arcs. No cliffhangers or unresolved plotlines require additional material.
Final Recommendations: Start With the Right Foundation
After learning the hard way by starting 25 episodes deep, here’s what actually works:
The watch order is simple: Original Durarara!! (24 episodes) → x2 Shou (12 episodes) → x2 Ten (12 episodes) → x2 Ketsu (12 episodes). Sixty episodes total telling one complete story. Any other sequence breaks the narrative.
Your next action depends on where you are:
- Never seen Durarara: Start with episode 1 of the 2010 original series on Crunchyroll. Do not skip to x2.
- Finished original years ago: Decide if you need a rewatch based on how much you remember (use the criteria from earlier). If your memory is fuzzy, at minimum watch a recap video before starting x2 Shou.
- Currently watching x2: If you somehow started x2 first, stop immediately. Go back and watch the original series, then restart x2 from Shou episode 1. Yes, this means rewatching x2 episodes you’ve seen—but they’ll actually make sense this time.
Durarara x2 rewards patient viewers who embrace its complexity. The interwoven timelines, massive cast, and simultaneous storylines create a narrative puzzle that’s deeply satisfying when all pieces connect. But only if you give yourself the foundation to understand what you’re watching.
Don’t make my mistake. Start at the beginning, trust the watch order, and let the story unfold as intended.