It is rare for a spin-off or side story to match the impact of a main series, especially in a cultural behemoth like Attack on Titan. With its harrowing story arcs, philosophical overtones, and intricate world-building, the anime has captivated millions across the globe. Fans devour every twist and theory, dissect each character’s evolution, and debate its controversial ending. But amidst all this ionate engagement, one crucial part of the Attack on Titan universe has been criminally overlooked, and that is Attack on Titan: No Regrets.

This two-episode OVA dives into the backstory of Levi Ackerman, a fan-favorite character known for his calm brutality and elite combat prowess. While main arcs like "The Return to Shiganshina" or "Marley" often take the spotlight in discussions, No Regrets offers a level of emotional depth and character nuance that stands on par with the series’ most iconic moments. And yet, many fans have either skipped it or remain unaware of its existence. It is not just an optional side story, it is a vital piece of the larger narrative puzzle of Attack on Titan.

No Regrets Is a Hidden Masterpiece

Attack on Titan: No Regrets Is One of Attack on Titan's Best Arcs

Levi’s character in Attack on Titan has always been steeped in mystery. From his earliest appearances, fans were drawn to his stoic demeanor, unmatched fighting skills, and subtle hints of emotional complexity. But it is in No Regrets that we truly get to see what forged him into humanity’s strongest soldier. The OVA pulls back the curtain to reveal Levi’s past as an underground thug, surviving in a brutal world beneath the surface of society. This backdrop is not just visually captivating, it is emotionally gripping, setting the tone for the tragedy that follows.

The emotional core of No Regrets lies in the relationship between Levi and his two closest friends, Isabel and Furlan. The trio starts off as a tight-knit group bound by survival and a shared desire to escape the darkness of their lives. Watching them interact is a rare glimpse into Levi’s lighter, more vulnerable side. It is this bond that makes the events of the OVA so heartbreaking. The story expertly builds these characters up, only to shatter their world with a cruel reminder of what it means to live in the Attack on Titan universe.

What makes No Regrets stand out is its balance of action and emotion. The fluid animation and intense combat sequences rival anything seen in the main series. But it is the storytelling of the quiet moments, the internal conflict, and the moral dilemmas, that take it beyond typical anime side content. The OVA does not just show us who Levi was, it shows us what he had to sacrifice to become who he is. For fans who ire him, this origin story offers not only insight but also devastating context.

Why So Many Fans Missed It

The Real Reason Why Attack on Titan Fans Missed No Regrets

One of the biggest reasons No Regrets flies under the radar is because it is technically an OVA, or Original Video Animation. OVAs often get released separately from the main series, sometimes bundled with manga volumes or special editions. This limited distribution means that unless you were specifically seeking it out, you might not even know it exists. Newer fans binge-watching the main anime on streaming platforms are especially likely to miss it, as it is rarely included in the standard watch order.

Another factor is how Attack on Titan was marketed globally. The main anime received extensive promotion, international streaming deals, and enormous fanfare with each new season. In contrast, No Regrets was treated more like bonus content, despite its narrative importance. For fans who are not deep into the fandom’s online spaces or who came to the series after its initial hype, No Regrets can feel more like a footnote than an essential chapter. That is a shame though, because its story directly helps how we understand key moments in the main anime.

No Regrets is a tale of pain, loyalty, and transformation that deeply affects how we view one of Attack on Titan’s most beloved characters.

There is also a misconception that side stories are not worth the time, and that if they were not included in the core seasons, they must be skippable. But this could not be further from the truth in the case of No Regrets. In fact, the OVA delivers some of the most emotionally charged moments in the entire franchise. It is not fluff or filler. No Regrets is a tale of pain, loyalty, and transformation that deeply affects how we view one of Attack on Titan’s most beloved characters. Skipping it means missing out on a key emotional thread.

How No Regrets Changes the Way We See Levi

Attack on Titan: No Regrets Helps You Understand Levi Funentally As a Character

When we meet Levi in the main series, he is already a legend. His skills are unmatched, his discipline is fierce, and his decisions are often brutal. Without context, it is easy to see him as cold or detached. But No Regrets changes that perspective entirely. Knowing where he came from, the literal underbelly of society, and what he lost to become a soldier re-frames his entire arc. He is not emotionless; he is hardened by the need to survive and the pain of betrayal and grief.

The OVA also adds a tragic layer to Levi’s loyalty to Erwin Smith. In No Regrets, Levi initially despises the Survey Corps and only s under the pretense of a mission. But through witnessing Erwin’s unwavering conviction and experiencing unimaginable loss, he begins to understand what it means to fight for something greater than himself. This shift does not just shape his future choices, it makes moments like Erwin’s death in the main series even more gut-wrenching. We see not just a soldier losing his commander, but a man losing the person who gave his life new purpose.

Ultimately, No Regrets makes Levi’s decisions in the main series feel earned, not just cool or convenient. His leadership, his ruthlessness, and even his comion are all rooted in the lessons and trauma he endured long before ing the Survey Corps. Without this context, fans are only seeing part of the picture. No Regrets gives depth to the silence behind Levi’s eyes, the kind of depth that transforms a great character into an unforgettable one.

Time to Give No Regrets the Recognition It Deserves

Attack on Titan: No Regrets

It is easy to get swept up in the big-picture drama of Attack on Titan, the shifting allegiances, world-changing battles, and the philosophical questions that drive its plot. But amid all that noise, it is often the quieter, more intimate stories that leave the deepest impact. Attack on Titan: No Regrets is one of those stories. It does not just add to the lore, it humanizes one of the franchise’s most iconic characters in a way the main series never could on its own.

The tragedy is that so many fans never experience it. Whether due to its obscure release format or a simple lack of awareness, No Regrets often gets lost in the shuffle. But for those willing to seek it out, it offers one of the richest, most emotionally resonant arcs in the Attack on Titan universe. It is a powerful reminder that the best stories are not always found in the spotlight. Sometimes, they are hidden in the shadows, waiting to be discovered.

So if you are a fan of Attack on Titan, whether you have been there since the beginning or you are just diving into the chaos, do yourself a favor and watch No Regrets. Experience the heartbreak. Feel the weight of Levi's past, and see the world of Attack on Titan through a lens that makes everything else hit just a little harder. You will not regret it.