<p>The following Index anime series follow each other sequentially:</p>

<ol>
<li><em>A Certain Magical Index</em> (2008): adapts LN volumes 1-6</li>
<li><em>A Certain Magical Index II</em> (2010): adapts LN volumes 7-13</li>
<li><em>A Certain Magical Index III</em> (2018): adapts LN volumes 14-22</li>
</ol>

<p>Yes, the seasons are connected, and you should definitely watch them in order. Even some people who watched the previous two series felt a bit lost with the new series because it's been so long that they'd forgotten some of the details. There's a lot of continuity to keep track of here.</p>

<p>If you're interested in the Railgun series as well (same universe), see also: <a href="https://anime.stackexchange.com/questions/2675/how-are-a-certain-magical-index-and-a-certain-scientific-railgun-connected">How are “A Certain Magical Index” and “A Certain Scientific Railgun” connected?</a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-12-05T11:55:17.813Z
2018-12-05T11:55:17.813Z
ahiijny
<p>The seasons of the anime adapt the light novel series which tells a single, continuous story following the same set of characters across many volumes. As such it's not recommended that you start with season 3 of the anime, since it assumes you already know who the main characters are and what major events already transpired in the previous story arcs. </p>

<p>Starting with season 1 is generally recommended for any sci-fi/fantasy series with a long, complicated narrative like Index. Missing even one episode can often mean missing crucial information that helps piece together character motivations and plot developments. </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-30T20:58:46.543Z
You could probably watch the Railgun series without the main Index series, though I think some knowledge is assumed.
pboss3010
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-26T21:13:31.433Z
2018-11-26T21:13:31.433Z
Dmann
<p>Can you watch <em>A Certain Magical Index</em> season 3 without watching the other seasons first? Do you have to watch them in order? Are all the <em>Index</em> seasons connected or is season 3 a new story?</p>

<a-certain-magical-index>
Are the "A Certain Magical Index" seasons connected?
# Are the "A Certain Magical Index" seasons connected?
Posted by: username_0 on 2018-11-26
Can you watch *A Certain Magical Index* season 3 without watching the other seasons first? Do you have to watch them in order? Are all the *Index* seasons connected or is season 3 a new story?
**Tags:** a-certain-magical-index
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## 2 answers
### Answer by username_1 on 2018-12-05. Score: 1
The following Index anime series follow each other sequentially:

1. *A Certain Magical Index* (2008): adapts LN volumes 1-6
2. *A Certain Magical Index II* (2010): adapts LN volumes 7-13
3. *A Certain Magical Index III* (2018): adapts LN volumes 14-22

Yes, the seasons are connected, and you should definitely watch them in order. Even some people who watched the previous two series felt a bit lost with the new series because it's been so long that they'd forgotten some of the details. There's a lot of continuity to keep track of here.

If you're interested in the Railgun series as well (same universe), see also: [How are “A Certain Magical Index” and “A Certain Scientific Railgun” connected?](https://anime.stackexchange.com/questions/2675/how-are-a-certain-magical-index-and-a-certain-scientific-railgun-connected)
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### Answer by username_2 on 2018-11-26. Score: 1
The seasons of the anime adapt the light novel series which tells a single, continuous story following the same set of characters across many volumes. As such it's not recommended that you start with season 3 of the anime, since it assumes you already know who the main characters are and what major events already transpired in the previous story arcs.

Starting with season 1 is generally recommended for any sci-fi/fantasy series with a long, complicated narrative like Index. Missing even one episode can often mean missing crucial information that helps piece together character motivations and plot developments.
> **Comments:**
> **username_3** (2018-11-30): You could probably watch the Railgun series without the main Index series, though I think some knowledge is assumed.  
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