In the Berserk franchise, "Episode 22" refers to two distinct but equally pivotal moments in the 1997 and 2016 anime adaptations. Both episodes serve as critical turning points where the protagonist, Guts, reaches a new level of power or despair as the story transitions into darker territory. Berserk (1997): "Infiltration"
: As the armor takes hold, Guts begins to behave like a beast. The young witch Schierke must enter his consciousness to help him regain control before the armor drains his blood or destroys his sanity. Berserk Episode 22
: The mission is a success, but the victory is hollow. They find Griffith horribly disfigured, mute, and crippled from a year of unrelenting torture . In the Berserk franchise, "Episode 22" refers to
: After a year of searching, Guts, Casca, and a small elite group infiltrate the Tower of Rebirth to rescue Griffith from the king's dungeon. The young witch Schierke must enter his consciousness
: The episode features Guts's intense battle against the Apostle Grunbeld . Having just received the Berserker Armor , Guts fights with inhuman strength, effortlessly wielding his massive sword to crack Grunbeld's near-impenetrable corundum skin.
Aired on March 10, 1998, this episode is part of the legendary . It marks the beginning of the end for the original Band of the Falcon.