After what feels like an epic ride through desperation, betrayal, and survival, the global sensation Squid Game is gearing up for its final chapter. The wildly popular South Korean drama returns with its third and last season this Friday on Netflix.
Picking up immediately after the jaw-dropping Season 2 finale—where main character Gi-hun’s rebellion leads to major casualties, including the death of his best friend Jung-bae, and the chilling reveal that the enigmatic Front Man is playing as Player 001—the final season promises even more high-stakes tension and life-or-death decisions.
According to Netflix’s Tudum, Gi-hun hits rock bottom emotionally in the aftermath, yet the deadly competition pushes on, evolving into the most dangerous and psychologically intense version of the game yet.
What to Expect in Season 3
In this climactic season, Gi-hun (Player 456) resumes his mission to dismantle the game and confront the Front Man head-on. As stated in the Season 3 synopsis, “Gi‑hun persists with his goal to put an end to the game, while the Front Man continues onto his next move, and the surviving players’ choices will lead to graver consequences with each round.” Thus, viewers can expect increasingly perilous challenges and deeper emotional stakes as the characters face even more lethal traps and ethical dilemmas than before.
When Does Season 3 Premiere?
Mark your calendars: Season 3 arrives on Netflix on Friday, June 27, at exactly 3 a.m. ET / midnight PT. Following Netflix’s all-at-once release strategy, all six episodes of the final season will be available to stream immediately at launch. For subscribers, that means you can binge the entire season in one sitting—if you dare.
How Many Episodes Are There?
Interestingly, Season 3 is the shortest installment of the series, consisting of just six episodes. In contrast, Season 2 had seven episodes and the original Season 1 had nine. Creator and showrunner Hwang Dong-hyuk explained to Deadline that he wrote Seasons 2 and 3 consecutively. He saw a natural pause point after Episode 7 of Season 2, which he believed was the perfect moment to end that season and shift into a separate finale arc for Season 3, making for a tighter, more focused conclusion.
Is This the Final Season?
Yes—Season 3 will be the grand finale of Squid Game. In a heartfelt letter to fans in 2024, Hwang confirmed that the third installment would conclude the series. As he put it, after crafting an intense battle between Gi-hun and the Front Man’s “two worlds,” it felt like the right time to bring the story to a close. That means the events that unfold this season will determine once and for all who triumphs—or who survives.
How to Watch Season 3
To watch Squid Game Season 3—and catch up on Seasons 1 and 2—you’ll need a Netflix subscription. The platform currently offers three tiers in the U.S.:
- Standard with ads: $7.99/month
- Standard (no ads): $17.99/month
- Premium (no ads, more screens/4K): $24.99/month
Unfortunately, Netflix no longer offers a free trial, so you’ll need one of these paid plans to stream the final season.
Can You Watch Squid Game for Free?
At this time, Netflix does not offer free trials. The only way to legally access Squid Game—including the final season—is through a paid Netflix subscription. Keep an eye out for any limited-time promotions or gift offers, but otherwise, prepare your account and gear up for the dramatic conclusion.
In short: Squid Game Season 3 release date on June 27 at 3 a.m. ET, delivering six episodes of escalating peril. It wraps up the story Hwang planned from the beginning—putting Gi-hun and the Front Man on a collision course for a final showdown. Whether you’re a binge-watch veteran or brand-new to the series, it’s time to settle in for an unforgettable finale.
