LIAR GAME Episode 22 Release Date, Time, Streaming Guide and Episode 21 Recap

The psychological battle anime LIAR GAME is moving closer to its ending with the release of episode 22. The show, produced by Studio Madhouse, has kept viewers on the edge of their seats with its high-stakes deception games. Episode 22, titled “Trap,” is set to arrive on August 31, 2026, for most global audiences. For viewers in some regions, the episode will be available on September 1, 2026. This episode marks a critical point in the series as the revival round reaches its peak.

The anime is based on the popular manga by Shinobu Kaitani and follows Nao Kanzaki, an honest college student who gets pulled into a dangerous game where lying and cheating are the main rules. She teams up with Shinichi Akiyama, a former con artist, to survive the twisted competition. With only a few episodes left in the 24-episode season, the tension is higher than ever.

When Does LIAR GAME Episode 22 Release?

LIAR GAME episode 22 releases on Monday, August 31, 2026, for most of the world. The episode will be available at different times depending on where you live. Here is the release schedule for major time zones:

• Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): 9:00 AM
• Eastern Daylight Time (EDT): 12:00 PM (noon)
• British Summer Time (BST): 5:00 PM
• Central European Summer Time (CEST): 6:00 PM
• India Standard Time (IST): 9:30 PM
• Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): September 1, 2:00 AM

For viewers in Japan, the episode airs on TV Tokyo at midnight (24:00) on Monday. Some international streaming platforms may list the episode as September 1, 2026, depending on your location and time zone. The series follows a weekly release schedule, with new episodes arriving every Monday.

Where to Watch LIAR GAME Episode 22

LIAR GAME streams worldwide on Crunchyroll. This is the main platform for international viewers. The service offers the show with subtitles in multiple languages. Crunchyroll is available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, and many other countries.

In Japan, the anime airs on TV Tokyo and other local networks. Japanese viewers can also stream the show on platforms like ABEMA, U-NEXT, d Anime Store, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and FOD. These services are mostly available only in Japan.

For viewers in Russia, the series is distributed by AMEDIATEKA. The show is not available on Crunchyroll in Japan and China. In the United Kingdom, you can also watch the show on Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. Some platforms may offer the episodes for purchase, but streaming with a subscription is the most common way to watch.

Episode 21 Recap: The Spearhead Match

Episode 21, titled “Spearhead Match,” set up the events for episode 22. The episode focused on a 3-on-3 loser’s revival round. The game was a high-risk version of Russian roulette using a 24-chamber revolver.

The rules were simple but brutal. Players took turns pulling the trigger. A shot meant “death” for that player, and their team had to pay 50 million yen to the opposing team. Players could also choose to “pass” and skip their turn. The game was played with only sound and vibration, but the stakes were very real.

Nao agreed to take part in a practice round and got hit on her first turn. She was shaken by the cold reality of probability. But Akiyama remained confident that they would win. He explained the best strategy to Nao. However, Nao worried that the opponent might also know the same strategy.

Akiyama pointed out that there was another weakness they could use. Nao was impressed by Fukunaga’s courage in the first game. But Akiyama corrected her. He said it was not courage. He called it an “opening” to exploit. This moment showed Akiyama’s sharp mind and his ability to see things others miss.

The episode built up the tension for the final rounds of the revival match. The outcome of this game would decide which players move forward in the competition. The episode ended with the game still in progress, leaving viewers eager for the next part.

What Happens in LIAR GAME Episode 22

Episode 22 is titled “Trap”. The official synopsis reveals that Fukunaga’s strategy gives Nao’s Eastern Army a big lead. But Nao soon realizes she has fallen into a terrible trap. Both the Eastern and Western armies face an ultimate choice.

Interestingly, both Akiyama and Fukunaga were already aware of the trap. In the middle of the action, Fukunaga pulls the trigger on the 12th shot. Nao questions his actions. Akiyama explains that Fukunaga is simply “greedy”.

As the game reaches a deciding moment, Nao calls for a time-out. Fukunaga explains why he has been able to stay ahead. Nao is shocked by his clever moves. Fukunaga knows that the next shot will contain a bullet. He decides to pass. But then Nao asks him to shoot anyway.

This request shows Nao’s unique approach to the game. She often tries to find solutions that help everyone, even her enemies. This puts her at odds with players like Fukunaga and Yokoya, who only care about winning. The episode will likely explore the conflict between Nao’s honesty and the game’s culture of deception.

The title “Trap” suggests that someone will be caught off guard. Given Nao’s realization, she might be the one in danger. But Akiyama’s awareness of the trap could mean he has a counter-plan. The episode promises to deliver the mind games and twists that fans of the series love.

Main Cast and Characters

The anime features a talented voice cast. Saya Hitomi voices Nao Kanzaki, the honest protagonist. Takeo Otsuka plays Shinichi Akiyama, the genius former con artist. Other key cast members include Kazuya Nakai as Leronira, Nobuo Tobita as Fujisawa Kazuo, and Natsuki Hanae as Yokoya Norihiko. The show also features Yuji Fukunaga, a rival player who often causes trouble for Nao and Akiyama.

Why LIAR GAME Stands Out

LIAR GAME is different from typical anime. It focuses on psychological battles rather than physical fights. The characters use intelligence, bluffing, and strategy to win. The show asks a simple question: in a world full of lies, can honesty win? This theme connects with viewers who enjoy thinking about human nature and morality.

The anime is produced by Studio Madhouse, known for high-quality animation. The studio has worked on popular shows like Death Note and One Punch Man. The director is Yuzo Sato, with Asami Kawano serving as the main director. The series composition and script are by Tatsuhiko Urahata. Music is composed by Yugo Kanno. The production values are top-notch, adding to the show’s appeal.

The manga, written by Shinobu Kaitani, ran for many years and gained a large following. The anime adaptation has brought the story to a new audience. With 24 episodes planned, the series will cover a significant portion of the manga. The show is currently in its second cour, which started in July 2026.

What to Expect After Episode 22

With episode 22 arriving on August 31, there are only two episodes left after it. Episode 23 is set for September 7, 2026, and episode 24 for September 14, 2026. The series is building toward its ending. Fans can expect major revelations and a final showdown between the main characters.

The revival round is a key part of the story. It gives eliminated players a chance to return. This adds more tension to the games. Every decision matters, and the stakes are life-changing money. The players must outthink each other to survive.

Also Read: LIAR GAME Episode 21 Release Date, Time, Streaming Guide and Episode 20 Recap

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