Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game - Rules, Tengen, and What to Expect

Jujutsu Kaisen is often celebrated for its original techniques and abilities, but it is even more famous for its complex world-building. We have finally reached the main plot of the third season: the Culling Game.

This new arc has left many fans, and even Itadori himself, quite confused. In terms of complexity, it rivals Satoru Gojo’s own abilities. Since the game was devised by Kenjaku, one of the series' primary antagonists, it features very specific rules that make it difficult to grasp exactly what is happening. Below, we break down the current context.

Before explaining the rules, let’s look at the stakes. Tengen is one of the oldest and most powerful jujutsu sorcerers. Her immortality technique prevents her from dying, but it does not stop her from aging. Over centuries, her body eventually warps, requiring her to merge with a new human body approximately every 500 years. This vessel is known as the Star Plasma Vessel.

Because Toji Fushiguro interrupted the process where Tengen was meant to merge with Riko Amanai, Tengen’s prolonged existence caused her to evolve. She is now in a state more akin to a cursed spirit than a human.

Kenjaku’s ultimate goal is to force humanity to evolve by merging the entire population of Japan with Tengen. This would essentially turn all survivors into a single entity. However, this process requires a massive amount of cursed energy. To generate this power, Kenjaku orchestrated a large scale massacre and high intensity battles to the death. It is, in essence, a nationwide Battle Royale.

To populate the game, Kenjaku spent centuries turning ancient sorcerers into cursed objects. He uses these objects to turn modern humans into vessels, much like how Itadori became a vessel for Sukuna. Many people, including Megumi’s sister, are now forced to participate against their will.

Kenjaku attempted to execute this plan several times throughout history, but he was always thwarted by a user of the Six Eyes. By using his body swapping technique, he simply waited and restarted his efforts. Currently, he inhabits the body of Suguru Geto. Since Geto possessed Cursed Spirit Manipulation, Kenjaku is now capable of absorbing Tengen if he finds her.

The situation is extremely favorable for the villain. Gojo is sealed within the Prison Realm and cannot interfere. Furthermore, since Tengen is now more spirit than human, she is vulnerable to the manipulation technique inherited from Geto's body. Everything is falling into place for Kenjaku.

Now, let’s get to the core of the season:

The start of Season 3 introduces this tournament, which initially features eight rules. There is a "Game Master," but it is not Kenjaku himself. If he were the master, the game would end instantly if he were defeated. Ten barriers have been erected across Japan to function as arenas. When a player enters a barrier, they are randomly teleported to a location within that space.

Rules of the Culling Game

1. After awakening their cursed technique, players have 19 days to go to a barrier of their choice and declare their participation.

2. Players who break the previous rule will have their cursed techniques revoked.

Since many people were forced into the game when their cursed energy awakened, the "revocation" of their techniques actually results in death. This forces the protagonists to try and save as many people as possible.

3. Non-players become participants in the Culling Game the moment they enter a barrier.

4. Players receive points by ending the lives of other players.

5. Points are determined by the value the Game Master assigns to a life. Initially, sorcerers are worth 5 points and non-sorcerers are worth 1 point.

6. Excluding the points representing the player's own life, participants may spend 100 points to add a new rule to the game through negotiation with the Game Master.

7. The Game Master must approve any rule requested, unless it significantly affects the long term progress of the game.

8. Players whose score remains unchanged for 19 days will have their cursed techniques revoked.

Finally, Kogane acts as the interface for the Game Master. It functions as an assistant that resembles a cute pet following the players. Every participant receives one, and all requests to add rules are made through them.

To keep the hype going, Episode 6 ends with the addition of the ninth rule, which effectively starts the game in earnest.

Click to read the spoiler: 9. Players may access the following personal information about one another: Name, Score, Number of rules added, and their current barrier location.

I expect this season to be incredibly dynamic because it is structured entirely around combat. The highlight will likely be the blend of high octane fights and strategic planning. The characters must manipulate the rules to bypass the villain’s goals, such as finding ways to communicate and regroup. If they succeed, they can rescue Gojo from the Prison Realm and save those forced to play while stopping the forced evolution of humanity. I am also looking forward to meeting new characters with even more eccentric techniques.

The fact that the protagonists have split up to handle different tasks might actually play into Kenjaku’s hands. By dividing them, he makes them easier to defeat. This is especially relevant given his interest in Itadori, Sukuna, and Megumi. Could he be planning to capture the King of Curses himself? Or is he creating a path for Sukuna to possess Megumi Fushiguro?

Are you excited for the new season, my brothers? Let us know in the comments below!