Attack on Titan: Top 10 plot twists that shocked fans

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Attack on Titan is a series that thrives on suspense and shocking plot twists, constantly keeping viewers on edge. With its intricate narrative, the anime delves into themes of freedom, power, and humanity's darkest instincts. The show is packed with twists that challenge the characters' beliefs and force them to confront harsh realities. From hidden identities to shocking betrayals, these plot twists have not only surprised fans but have also added depth and complexity to the story. Here, we explore the 10 best plot twists in Attack on Titan, each one contributing to the series' legacy as a masterful tale of intrigue and surprise.

The Secret Within the Walls Revealed
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The revelation that titans are embedded within the walls of Paradis Island is one of the most chilling moments in Attack on Titan. This discovery occurs when Annie Leonhart, in her Female Titan form, attempts to climb Wall Sina, causing a chunk to fall off and exposing the titan within. The realisation that these colossal creatures have been hidden in plain sight raises numerous questions about the origins of the walls and the true history of the world. This plot twist significantly alters the characters' understanding of their environment and sets the stage for even more shocking revelations about the connection between titans and humans.

Eren Is the Titan He Hates
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Eren Jaeger's transformation into a titan during the battle of Trost is a game-changing moment in the series. Up until this point, Eren is portrayed as a determined, albeit hot-headed, young soldier with a deep hatred for titans due to the loss of his mother. However, when he miraculously survives being eaten by a titan, only to re-emerge from within its nape, it becomes clear that Eren himself possesses the power to transform into one of the very creatures he despises. This twist not only shocks the other characters but also adds a complex layer to Eren's mission to eradicate titans, as he grapples with his own identity and the burden of his newfound abilities.

Krista Lenz: The True Queen
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Krista Lenz, the gentle and compassionate soldier, is eventually revealed to be Historia Reiss, the true heir to the throne of the Walls. This twist not only adds depth to Krista's character but also significantly impacts the political landscape within the Walls. Raised under a false identity to protect her from those who would exploit her lineage, Historia's true identity as the daughter of the last ruling monarch introduces a power struggle that threatens the established order. Her revelation as the true queen forces her to confront her past and accept her role in the future of humanity, making her one of the most compelling characters in the series.

The Titan Who Killed Eren’s Mother
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The Female Titan's identity is a mystery that haunts the series, but when it is revealed that Dina Fritz, Eren's father's first wife, is the titan responsible for killing Eren's mother, the emotional stakes are raised to a new level. Dina's transformation into a titan and subsequent attack on Eren's home in Shiganshina is a twist that connects the fates of multiple characters in a tragic way. This revelation not only adds a personal vendetta to Eren's mission but also highlights the cruel ironies of the world they live in, where loved ones are often pitted against each other in the most horrifying ways.

Titans Were Once Human
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The discovery that titans are actually transformed humans is one of the most heart-wrenching twists in the series. This revelation is uncovered through various hints, including the fact that titan shifters like Eren can revert to human form and the existence of titan villages where inhabitants were forcibly turned into titans. This twist redefines the enemy and forces the characters to confront the grim reality that they are fighting against their own kind. It adds a layer of tragedy to the conflict, as the soldiers realise that every titan they kill was once a human being, possibly with a family, dreams, and a life of their own.

Reiner and Bertholdt's Shocking Reveal
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Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover's casual confession that they are the Armored and Colossal Titans is one of the most unexpected and understated reveals in Attack on Titan. The two soldiers, who have fought alongside Eren and his comrades, reveal their true identities in a matter-of-fact manner, leaving the others in shock. This twist flips the narrative on its head, turning trusted allies into formidable enemies. Reiner and Bertholdt's betrayal not only changes the dynamics within the group but also sets in motion a series of events that lead to the devastating battles that follow. Their reveal is a masterclass in building tension and subverting expectations.

Eren Turns Antagonist
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Eren Jaeger's transformation from a protagonist fighting for humanity's survival to an antagonist with a radical agenda is one of the most controversial and impactful twists in the series. As Eren's understanding of the world expands, so does his sense of disillusionment. His actions, driven by a desire to secure freedom for his people, become increasingly ruthless, culminating in his decision to initiate the Rumbling, a catastrophic event that threatens the lives of millions. This twist challenges the audience's perception of Eren and raises ethical questions about the lengths one should go to achieve their goals.

Eren's Most Traumatizing Act
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One of the most shocking moments in Attack on Titan is Eren's decision to cause mass destruction, leading to the deaths of countless innocents. His role in the genocide of the Marleyan population through the Rumbling is a horrifying twist that cements his transformation into a figure willing to commit atrocities for what he believes is the greater good. This act not only devastates his friends and allies but also forces them to reconsider their loyalty to him. The emotional impact of this twist is profound, as it marks the point of no return for Eren and sets the stage for the series' tragic conclusion.

The World Beyond the Walls
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The revelation that there is a vast world beyond the walls of Paradis Island is a twist that completely changes the scope of the series. Up until this point, the characters and viewers alike believed that the walls were the last bastion of humanity. However, when Eren and his friends finally reach the ocean and discover the existence of other nations and civilizations, it becomes clear that their understanding of the world has been limited and manipulated. This twist expands the narrative beyond the walls, introducing new political and military conflicts and challenging the characters to rethink their place in the world.

Eren Manipulates His Father
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One of the most mind-bending twists in Attack on Titan is the revelation that Eren has been manipulating events from behind the scenes, including influencing his father, Grisha Jaeger, to slaughter the Reiss family and steal the Founding Titan. Through his connection to the Attack Titan, Eren can send memories back in time, effectively shaping the course of history. This twist adds a new layer of complexity to the series' already intricate plot and raises questions about free will, destiny, and the cyclical nature of violence. It also highlights Eren's descent into a darker, more calculating figure willing to manipulate even those closest to him to achieve his ends.


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