isekai genre has been dominating the anime industry for decades—and for good reason. Since the classics of the 1990s, such as Digimon Adventure and Fushigi Yugi , stories of characters transported to other worlds have become an essential part of the otaku universe. Among so many titles, Overlord managed to stand out with a different approach: a protagonist who not only adapts to the new world but is completely transformed in the process.
Throughout the seasons, fans have wondered: to what extent Ainz Ooal Gown still the same man who began this journey?
Who is Ainz Ooal Gown, the Undead Sorcerer King?
It all begins with a simple Japanese salaryman Momonga , who spends his nights playing Yggdrasil , a virtual reality MMORPG. After the servers shut down, he finds himself trapped inside the game—but this time, in real life. His former virtual home, the Great Tomb of Nazarick , and all the NPCs created by his guildmates have now come to life.
Alone, Momonga decides to take the name Ainz Ooal Gown , in homage to his former group, and begins to gain power and respect in a new world where magic and monsters are real. At first, he still shows insecurity and even a certain humanity. But, little by little, this begins to change.
From reluctant hero to ruthless strategist
In the first season , Ainz is still an inexperienced ruler, often uncomfortable with his position. Despite being undead, he demonstrates empathy and tries to act justly—killing only when he deems it necessary.
But in the second season , morality begins to unravel. Following Albedo's suggestions, Ainz declares war against the lizard clans simply to strengthen his army of the undead. He begins to see other peoples as mere instruments, and his sense of compassion almost disappears.
Even when he tries to be rational, his decisions reveal an increasingly cold and calculating side. He accepts massacres, manipulations, and mass deaths without hesitation—all for the "good" of Nazarick.
The Rise of the Sorcerer King
In the third season , Ainz takes a definitive step towards tyranny. He manipulates the Baharuth Empire, deceives Emperor Jircniv himself, and provokes wars simply to expand his influence. The height of his cruelty comes when he unleashes a devastating spell and eliminates nearly 100,000 soldiers at once —one of the darkest moments in Overlord .
Ainz then creates the Sorcerer Kingdom , an empire ruled by fear and awe. He becomes, in effect, the absolute ruler of Nazarick—and of the new world he desires to dominate.
The balance between reason and destruction.
In the fourth season , Ainz seems more controlled. He defeats warriors, manipulates empires, and subdues dragons with ease, but spares lives when he sees a use in doing so. His cruelty is now strategic, no longer impulsive.
According to the rules of Dungeons & Dragons , Ainz can now be classified as chaotic neutral , bordering on lawful evil — a character who acts according to his own rules, without caring about the suffering of others, but who still follows a code of loyalty to Nazarick and its guardians.
From a simple, lone gambler, Ainz became a true ruler, willing to do anything to strengthen his kingdom and leave his mark on this new world.
Adapted from: GameRant – Overlord: How Much Has Ainz Changed Since Season 1?
Translation and adaptation: Otaku Saver , Original author: Hayley Andrews
