When Does Attack on Titan Season 4 Take Place?
Attack on Titan’s timeline is pretty straightforward, but the time skip and gaps between seasons can make it confusing to follow along. After the end of season 3 and the beginning of season 4, there was a time skip in-universe and a brief gap between seasons in the real world. When anime-only fans started watching the first episode of Attack on Titan season 4, they were surprised to see that the main cast had aged and the world looked very different. Among many new faces, Reiner was a familiar one, but he had aged and was sporting a beard. This is why the question of when Attack on Titan season 4 takes place became a discussion topic.
In the Attack on Titan universe, the events of season 4 take place in the year 854. There was a 4-year time skip between the end of season 3 and the beginning of season 4.
This kind of time skip can be quite startling, for we haven’t experienced this big of a time skip in Attack on Titan before. Read on to learn about how much time has passed in-between seasons, what was happening during that time, and to get an idea of the general timeline of the events in Attack on Titan.
How much time did we skip?
In the opening minutes of Attack on Titan season 4, part 1, we’re introduced to the new Eldian warrior candidates. They’re Gabi, Falco, Udo, and Zofia, and they’re hard at work to prove their worth as “good Eldians” to the nation of Marley.
Falco wakes up after being knocked out in the middle of a battlefield, is saved by his older brother, and is brought to his friends. Udo asks, “Do you remember how we’ve been at war for four years?” This is our first hint as to the timeline of events, although it’s not enough to determine the actual year. What if Marley is engaged in another war separate from the one with Paradis Island?
Our second hint comes from Commander Magath later on in the same episode. The Eldians’ anti-titan artillery is brought out, and Falco’s older brother suggests that Marley deploys Titans to combat it. Commander Magath shoots this idea down, stating that they can’t risk losing the Cart and the Jaw, especially after the failure of the operation to retake the Founding Titan from Paradis Island. Not only did Marley not retrieve the Founding Titan, but they also lost Berthhold’s Colossal Titan and Annie’s Female Titan.
In fact, Commander Magath says the very reason for this war is the failure of that operation nine years ago. From previous seasons, we know the operation commenced when the Colossal Titan broke Wall Maria in 845. By that logic, season 4 must begin in the year 854.
Later on, Zeke mentions the strange phenomenon of some Marleyan ships disappearing after they were sent to Paradis Island. These ships were sent to Paradis Island over three years, which fits the 4-year time skip.
What events transpired during the time skip?
The world we see pre and post-time skip has undergone some serious changes. Among many, the Mid-East Allied Forces and Marley are engaged in a war. The Mid-East Allied Forces are a military alliance of several smaller nations that have united against Marley due to wanting more political control.
When we enter season 4, the Mid-East Allied Forces have gained a lot of ground on Marley. Their Navy has control of the seas, and they can only be defeated through Marley’s clever use of the Titan Shifters in battle.
We also see Reiner and Zeke back in their homeland. Although we don’t realize we’ve seen her before, Pieck, the Cart Titan, is there too. We see them in a new light as they interact with their family and friends. Reiner is made especially sympathetic, with his mental wounds from his mission in Paradis still open.
Speaking of Reiner, we get introduced to the new Eldian Warriors. Special attention is paid to Gabi and Falco. Reiner seems to be close to the kids, as they remind him of his own fallen comrades.
During the time skip, Paradis Island made its first contact with the outside world. In the mysteriously disappearing ships were people willing to ally with Paradis Island against Marley, namely Yelena and Onyankopon. These disappearing Marley ships had Marleyan soldiers and technology inside, allowing Paradis Island to catch up to the rest of the world regarding infrastructure and technology.
Paradis Island enjoyed new and exciting technology and new food, drinks, and modern amenities. This was a much needed win for Paradis Island citizens and prepared them well for the grueling battles. This is why we see them in new all-black outfits and new weapons in season 4 rather than their signature Scout gear.