The upcoming TV anime based on the isekai fantasy light novel series Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing revealed a new trailer and two new cast members today. The series broadcasts in Japan beginning on January 9, 2026. You can see the new trailer, previewing Kaya's "Sanctuary" ending song, below. Hell Mode Trailer 2 The new cast members include: Zenof voiced by Akio Otsuka Carnelle voiced by Takahiro Miyamoto Zenof Carnelle RELATED: Hell Mode Anime Reveals 3 Granvelle Family Cast Members The original Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing novels began publication on the Shosetsuka ni Naro website in November 2019. Earth Star Entertainment publishes a print version in Japan under their Earth Star Novel imprint. Hamuo writes and Mo illustrates the series. Masato Tamagawa directs the TV anime at animation studio Yokohama Animation Lab, with series composition by Daishiro Tanimura and character designs by Kei Tsushima. Yen Press publishes an English-language version of the light novels and describes the story as follows: "'Level up even while offline’?! That’s not a game on ‘easy mode’—that’s just an AFK game!” The online game Yamada Kenichi had been playing religiously is shutting down its servers, leaving him with a void in his heart. He looks for a new game to fill it, but everything he finds is way too easy. The kind of game he likes—the kind punishing enough to make players want to spend thousands of hours on it—just isn’t around anymore. “What’s this? ‘You are invited to a game that willnever end.’” Kenichi stumbles upon an untitled game, one promising incomparable challenge with unprecedented potential. Without hesitation, he selects the “Hell Mode” difficulty. Lo and behold, he finds himself reincarnated in another world as a serf! Now called Allen, he sets out to unlock the secrets of his mystery-laden Summoner class; without the convenience of walkthroughs, game guides, or online forums, he must grope his way to the top of his new world! Source: Official Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing TV anime home page
