What Happens in Season 3 of Squid Game? Ending, Episodes & Fate of Player 456

New York: Netflix’s Squid Game Season 3 officially premiered on June 27, 2025, and it marks the final chapter of the globally popular survival series. Unlike previous seasons, this one is shorter, sharper, and far more emotionally intense.

The season was released globally at 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT, with six episodes available to stream in one go. This new season brings back many familiar faces and introduces new ones, while offering a definitive conclusion to the storyline.

This article covers all your top queries—how many episodes, who’s in the cast, what happens at the end, and whether Player 456 survives.

Also Read: Why Kannappa’s Climactic 40 Minutes Are Being Called ‘Spine‑Chilling’

How Many Episodes Are in Squid Game Season 3?

Squid Game Season 3 consists of six episodes, released simultaneously on June 27, 2025, exclusively on Netflix. This is the shortest season of the series, likely by design to provide a concise and final arc to the story.

Squid Game Season 3 Cast: Complete List of Returning and New Characters

Returning Cast:

1. Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun (Player 456)
2. Lee Byung-hun as The Front Man (In-ho)
3. Wi Ha-joon as Detective Hwang Jun-ho
4. Im Si-wan, Park Sung-hoon, Jo Yu-ri, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ha-neul, Lee David, Kang Ae-sim, Roh Jae-won, and Park Gyu-young

Rumored Cameo: Cate Blanchett appears briefly in a global recruitment teaser, though Netflix has not officially confirmed it.

Does Player 456 Die in Squid Game Season 3?

Yes, Player 456 (Seong Gi-hun) dies in the finale. In a final act of selflessness, Gi-hun sacrifices himself to allow Baby 222 to win the final game and escape the system. This concludes his redemption arc after two full seasons of conflict, guilt, and growth.

Squid Game Season 3 Ending Explained: What Happens in the Final Episode?

The final episode includes:

• Gi-hun and Myung-gi attempting to protect Baby 222
• Myung-gi dies before the final game begins
• Gi-hun lets himself fall, allowing Baby 222 to win
• The Front Man (In-ho) triggers the destruction of the island
• Jun-ho survives and rescues the child from the wreckage

The game ends, but a global recruitment scene hints at a future expansion of the concept

Squid Game Season 3 Release Date and Streaming Details

All six episodes premiered on June 27, 2025, at 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT on Netflix. The global release was simultaneous, meaning viewers in different time zones received access at the same moment.

Final Character Outcomes in Squid Game Season 3

What Makes Season 3 Different?

• Only 6 episodes — tightly packed
• Emotional, character-driven storytelling
• Clear ending with possibility for spinoffs or global expansion
• First season where the main protagonist dies