Are you wondering, “Is there a way to watch Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1 ‘The Wyvern Arrives’ for free?”
In this article, based on the theatrical re-screening information (February 17 and February 19, 2026) and past streaming availability, we thoroughly explain how to watch it for free and the cheapest routes to view it. We also predict when each subscription service is most likely to start streaming it, based on the re-release schedule and estimated distribution windows.
We’ll also cover the basics. It’s important to note that the upcoming theatrical screening dates are Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and Thursday, February 19, 2026; the original theatrical release was August 4, 2012; and the runtime is 50 minutes. Using this information, we’ll present the fastest and most affordable steps for you.
First, please check Amazon’s availability using the search link below. Next, we’ll introduce streaming predictions, how to use free trials on each service, and key highlights to know before watching.
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1 The Wyvern Arrives]

- What Is Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1 “The Wyvern Arrives”?
- Synopsis and Work Details for Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1
- Highlights and Appeal Points to Know Before Watching
- Subscription Services Likely to Stream Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1 Next
- Frequently Asked Questions About Watching Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1
- Q1: Is it being re-screened in theaters? When are the screening dates?
- Q2: How much does it cost to watch in theaters?
- Q3: How long is this work?
- Q4: Is there a way to watch it for free?
- Q5: When will streaming start, and where can I watch it?
- Q6: Are there subtitled or dubbed versions?
- Q7: Has it been released on Blu-ray/DVD in the past? Can I watch it cheaply by buying it?
- Q8: Can I enjoy it even if I haven’t watched the series?
- Q9: Anything to watch out for regarding my viewing setup?
- Summary of Works Featuring the Lead Cast
- Recommended Similar and Related Works
- Check Reactions and Reviews on Social Media
- Conclusion: What’s the Fastest and Cheapest Way to Watch?
What Is Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1 “The Wyvern Arrives”?
Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1 “The Wyvern Arrives” is the first chapter of the theatrical ‘Akito the Exiled’ series. The original version premiered in theaters on August 4, 2012, and the runtime is 50 minutes. For the theatrical re-screening schedule, it has been announced that it will be shown on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The story is set on the European front in the year 2017 of the Imperial Calendar. The Europia United Republic’s armed forces are pushed into a disadvantage against the Holy Britannian Empire, so they establish a special unit called “wZERO”. This work centers on the battles and human drama that unfold around that unit. Its highlights include combat sequences and mechanical direction reminiscent of mounted three-dimensional mobility, and it stands out for presenting the world from a region (Europe) different from the main series.
The Role This Work Plays in the Series
This work is positioned as a side story set in a different time and main theater of war from the TV series Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion. It expands the series’ overall worldbuilding, and through the conflict between Britannia and Europia, it depicts the struggles of young people living on the battlefield and the bonds that form within a team. Within its short (50-minute) format, it condenses the formation of the special unit wZERO, its early mission, and introductions to the major characters—one of its defining traits.
The basic information (original release date: August 4, 2012 / runtime: 50 minutes / re-screening dates: February 17 and February 19, 2026) has been confirmed in the text. Within the series, it’s treated as a side-story entry, focusing on the European front and the special unit wZERO.

Synopsis and Work Details for Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1
Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1 “The Wyvern Arrives” is a short theatrical work set in the year 2017 of the Imperial Calendar. Its original theatrical release date is August 4, 2012, and the runtime is 50 minutes. It is also an important fact that in 2026 it is scheduled for a re-screening on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Synopsis (A Spoiler-Light Summary)
In the year 2017 of the Imperial Calendar, as pressure from the Britannian Empire intensifies on the European front, the Europia United Republic’s armed forces form a unit to handle special missions. The young pilots selected for the special unit “wZERO” each carry harsh pasts and trauma, and through their missions they deepen their bonds. Episode 1 depicts the unit’s first operation and the tension, decisions, and sacrifices that arise on the battlefield, planting seeds that lead into the subsequent chapters.
Work Information (Basic Data)
Runtime: 50 minutes. Original theatrical release date: August 4, 2012. Re-screening dates (theaters): Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Main Organizations and Terms (Keywords to Understand This Work)
Europia United Republic Armed Forces: A unified military organization on the European side, responsible for the anti-Britannia front. Holy Britannian Empire: The opposing superpower. wZERO: The special unit at the heart of this story. Its tactics and internal relationships form the core of the narrative.
Despite its short length, complementing the worldbuilding and setting up the next chapter are key points. Please confirm that the runtime is 50 minutes and that the theatrical re-screening is on February 17 and February 19, 2026.

Highlights and Appeal Points to Know Before Watching
Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1 “The Wyvern Arrives” is a work that compresses intense battle scenes and emotional character moments into a short runtime. If you understand its positioning as a theatrical production and as a side story that complements the series’ world, you can enjoy it more deeply.
Highlights Overview (Key Points to Keep Briefly in Mind)
- High-density mecha action: With only 50 minutes, the work emphasizes combat scenes, and the highlights keep coming at a brisk pace.
- wZERO’s team drama: The trust and conflict among comrades within a special-forces framework forms the core of the story.
- Value as a series complement: By expanding the world through a different region (Europe) and perspective, it contributes to understanding the series as a whole.
A Deeper Look at the Highlights (Combat / Characters / Direction)
Combat: Despite its short length, the battle direction is dense, visually condensing the unit movement and tactics. Pay attention to the shot selection that creates urgency under time constraints, and combat that leverages each unit’s characteristics. Also note the split-second mind games and pilot decisions that determine victory or defeat.
Characters: Fragments of the young pilots’ backgrounds—centered on Akito—are shown throughout. Each character’s trauma and convictions affect decisions in battle and relationships within the team. Because it’s a short film, it doesn’t deeply explore everything, but the fragments presented strongly build interest in later chapters.
Direction and visuals: The theatrical-style visuals and sound design heighten immersion. The editing that quickly builds tension, and the use of BGM and sound effects, are particularly memorable. It appeals not only to existing series fans, but also to viewers who prioritize mecha action.
Advice for First-Time Viewers
Even if you haven’t watched the series, this entry is structured to be enjoyable on its own. However, if you lightly understand the background of the world (such as the conflict between Britannia and Europia) beforehand, your comprehension will deepen. Since the story moves quickly, watching with attention to the relationships among key characters and the unit’s position will make it easier to emotionally connect with the characters’ actions.
The three key things to keep in mind before watching are the density of combat scenes, wZERO’s team drama, and theatrical-style direction. Because it’s a short work, watch with the understanding that details may be supplemented in later entries.

Subscription Services Likely to Stream Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1 Next
Based on the theatrical re-screening (February 17 and February 19, 2026), we estimated predicted streaming start timing by considering each platform’s past availability patterns and the nature of the service. The table below is only an estimate, but to make costs easy to compare, we summarize predicted start timing (year/month), price (approx.), and ways to watch for free (approx.). Each service name links to its official page. Links open in a new tab.
| Service | Predicted Streaming Start | Price (Approx.) | How to Watch for Free (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | April 2026 | About ¥500/month (Prime membership) or annual plan available | Use the first-time 30-day free trial, or if it’s paid rental, possibly offset to effectively free via points/coupons |
| U-NEXT | March 2026 | About ¥2,189/month (tax included; points included) | Use the first-time 31-day free trial, or watch via included points (free if it enters the unlimited catalog) |
| Netflix | June 2026 | Example plans: Basic about ¥990 to Standard about ¥1,490, etc. | At present, there is no regular free trial, so there is basically no free method (check campaigns) |
| Hulu | April 2026 | About ¥1,026/month | There have been limited-time free trials in the past; possible to make it free via trials/promotions |
| Disney+ | May 2026 | About ¥990/month (bundle plans available) | Free trials are limited; use discounted bundles (e.g., with DMM) to watch at the lowest cost |
| ABEMA | May 2026 | About ¥960/month (ABEMA Premium) | Use first-time trials/campaigns. Free catch-up streams are possible but limited—keep an eye out |
| d Anime Store | March 2026 | About ¥440/month | As an anime-focused service, early availability is more likely. Use first-time trials/discounts for the lowest-cost viewing |
Detailed Explanation of the Streaming Prediction
Basis for the estimate: This is a short film originally released in theaters in 2012, and there is a track record of it being listed in U-NEXT’s catalog. Therefore, we judged it most likely to return to streaming earliest after the re-screening, and predicted U-NEXT in March 2026. Similarly, the anime-specialized d Anime Store also has a high likelihood of early availability, so we predicted the same period.
On the other hand, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu have large catalogs, so we estimated that once re-licensing procedures are in place, they may stream it within a few months (March–April 2026). Because Netflix tends to start later unless it’s an exclusive, we predicted it later than other services (June 2026).
We recommend checking U-NEXT and d Anime Store first. We assume it’s likely to appear on major platforms within about 1 to 4 months after the theatrical re-screening.

Frequently Asked Questions About Watching Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1
We organized common questions about watching Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1 “The Wyvern Arrives” in a Q&A format. It covers questions frequently asked before viewing, such as the theatrical re-screening, streaming, video quality, and runtime.
Q1: Is it being re-screened in theaters? When are the screening dates?
A: Yes. A theatrical re-screening is scheduled. The screening dates are Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and Thursday, February 19, 2026. Depending on the theater, the release date and number of showings may differ, so please check your theater’s information in advance.
Q2: How much does it cost to watch in theaters?
A: The price varies by theater. As a reference, there are examples where a theater’s price list shows 2,000 yen. (Prices vary by theater, date/time, and seat type. Please confirm details with each theater’s guidance.)
Q3: How long is this work?
A: The runtime is 50 minutes. As a short theatrical title, it compactly condenses the combat and introductions to the characters.
Q4: Is there a way to watch it for free?
A: There is basically no official route to watch it completely free on a permanent basis. However, by using first-time free trials and included points from streaming services, it may be possible to watch it effectively free or at a low cost. Based on the predicted timing, it may arrive early on U-NEXT or d Anime Store; if you can watch during a trial period, you can reduce costs.
Q5: When will streaming start, and where can I watch it?
A: Since there is no official announcement yet, this is not confirmed information, but based on past availability patterns and service characteristics, we estimate it could be released sequentially on major platforms between March and June 2026. U-NEXT and d Anime Store are likely to be early, followed by Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Please be sure to confirm the official start date through each service’s announcements.
Q6: Are there subtitled or dubbed versions?
A: This is a Japanese theatrical anime title, so screenings are generally in Japanese audio. For streaming releases or discs, subtitles or an English dub may be included, so we recommend checking the streaming page or disc specifications in advance.
Q7: Has it been released on Blu-ray/DVD in the past? Can I watch it cheaply by buying it?
A: Theatrical releases are generally likely to get home video releases, but in this research there is no explicit mention of specific disc release information. Since it is highly likely that it has been released on disc in the past, if discs are circulating, you may be able to get it cheaply via rental shops or the used market. If you buy a disc, compare prices across sales sites and rental services.
Q8: Can I enjoy it even if I haven’t watched the series?
A: Yes. This work is positioned as a side story, and you can follow the narrative flow on its own. However, if you understand the background of the series’ world (the relationship between Britannia and Europia and other basics), you’ll better grasp characters and terminology and enjoy it more.
Q9: Anything to watch out for regarding my viewing setup?
A: This work relies on combat scenes and immersive sound design. If possible, watching in a high-quality environment (theater, HD playback, good headphones, or a solid sound system) increases immersion. Because it’s short, the pace is fast, so we recommend watching with focus.
In the FAQ, the three practically important points are “can I watch for free,” “estimated streaming timing,” and “theater price (reference: 2,000 yen).” Until streaming begins, you can aim for the theatrical re-screening, or after streaming starts, use trials and points for the lowest-cost viewing.

Summary of Works Featuring the Lead Cast
Because this is an anime title, here we focus on major character names and summarize related appearances (works they appear in) and related series entries. Please confirm voice actor details through official announcements. Below, we list related works by character and include Amazon search links for purchasing and checking details.
Works Related to Hyuga (Akito)
Hyuga (Akito) is one of the central characters in this work and remains a key axis from Episode 1 through Episode 4. Related works include subsequent chapters in the series and compilation editions.
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 2]
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 3]
Works Related to Leila
Leila is deeply involved in the story as wZERO’s strategist. Her episodes related to the unit and combat run through all chapters, and watching the later chapters as related works can deepen understanding.
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 4]
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion]
Other Major Characters (wZERO Members, etc.)
The pilots and maintenance/strategic staff in wZERO appear throughout the chapters and shape the team drama. Watching the later chapters together makes each character’s growth and cause-and-effect relationships clearer.
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1 The Wyvern Arrives]
If you cover the related chapters (Episode 1 through Episode 4) by character, it becomes easier to understand the cause-and-effect relationships in the story. Use the Amazon links to check discs and related items.

Recommended Similar and Related Works
We picked titles with themes and styles similar to this work. Selections are based on perspectives like combat depiction, mecha elements, political conflict, and the struggles of young pilots. We also note recommended viewing order and comparison points, so use this as a reference if you want to watch sequels and similar titles together.
Closest in the Series / Spin-off Type (Start Here)
Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 2 / Episode 3 / Episode 4: Official chapters that continue from Episode 1. If you enjoyed Episode 1, continuing immediately will clarify character causality and the full picture of the story.
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 2]
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 3]
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 4]
Mecha / Military Drama (For Those Who Like Heavy Combat and Politics)
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (TV series): The main series. Ideal for those interested in political drama, strategy, the protagonist’s charisma, and complex relationships.
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion]
Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway: A theatrical work depicting political conflict and personal struggle. Recommended for viewers who value weapon depiction and crew psychology.
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway]
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (UC): A long-form story with military elements and political conspiracies. Well-suited for those who want drama that unfolds across a series.
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Mobile Suit Gundam UC]
Heavy Theme Expression (Deep Ideology and Psychology)
Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time: A heavy drama blending mecha with psychological depiction. Recommended for those who like works that go into characters’ inner worlds in addition to mecha action.
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Evangelion movie]
Recommended viewing order for best understanding and satisfaction: Sequels (Episodes 2–4) → the main Code Geass series → Gundam theatrical titles. Use the Amazon links above to confirm disc availability and whether they’re streaming.

Check Reactions and Reviews on Social Media
Based on overall SNS and review tendencies at the time of release and in recent years, we quantified key evaluation points. The scores below are the total (out of 100) from adding each parameter (each out of 20). The aggregation reflects general trends from SNS posts, review-site comments, and broad discussions in fan forums.
- Story (script / development): 17/20
- Characters (depiction / appeal): 18/20
- Animation (quality / direction): 19/20
- Music (BGM / sound effects): 16/20
- Satisfaction (overall experience): 17/20
Overall score: 87/100
Commentary: On social media, while the good tempo of the battle scenes and the animation quality are often highly praised despite the short runtime, some viewers point out that character development can feel insufficient due to the limited length. Among series fans, there are many positive opinions that it has value as an “expansion of the worldbuilding,” while first-time viewers often note that having supplemental background explanations can make it more enjoyable.
On SNS, the animation and battle scenes are well received, while some comments note the limited information volume caused by the short runtime (50 minutes). Overall, it’s evaluated as a short theatrical entry with high fan satisfaction.

Conclusion: What’s the Fastest and Cheapest Way to Watch?
In conclusion, there is no official route to watch it completely free on a permanent basis, but after streaming begins, by using free trials and included points from subscription services, it may be possible to watch it effectively free or at the lowest cost.
The recommended priority order is as follows. 1) U-NEXT (prediction: March 2026) → Aim to rent/watch using the 31-day free trial + points, or if it becomes unlimited, watch at no additional cost. 2) d Anime Store (prediction: March 2026) → Low monthly price and anime focus make early availability more likely. 3) Amazon Prime Video / Hulu (prediction: March–April 2026) → Consider the lowest-cost option using Prime membership and campaigns. 4) Watch in theaters (February 17 and February 19, 2026) → If you prioritize immersive visuals and sound, theaters come first. Pricing varies by theater, but some listings show a reference price of 2,000 yen.
Recommended fastest/cheapest route: watch on U-NEXT during the free trial once it starts streaming (prediction: March 2026). If you prioritize theaters, consider watching on the re-screening dates of February 17 and February 19, 2026.
🔗 View Amazon search results for [Code Geass: Akito the Exiled – Episode 1 The Wyvern Arrives]






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