Why I Would Never Live in the World of The Promised Neverland

The Promised Neverland

Why I Would Never Live in the World of The Promised Neverland

(And Why You Shouldn’t Either)

As anime fans, we’ve all fantasized about living in some of the amazing worlds we see on screen. But let me tell you, The Promised Neverland is not one of them. On the surface, it might seem like a warm and idyllic place to grow up, but peel back the curtain, and you’ll find one of the most horrifying settings in anime history. Here’s why I would absolutely, positively, never set foot in this nightmare of a world.

1. The False Sense of Security

At first glance, Grace Field House—the orphanage where much of the story begins—looks perfect. The children are happy, well-fed, and deeply loved by their caretaker, “Mom.” They play games, learn together, and live carefree lives. But that’s the catch—it’s all a carefully crafted lie. The children are being raised not to grow up and live full lives but to be sold as meat to demons. This façade of love and safety makes the betrayal hit even harder. The idea of trusting someone only to find out they’ve been grooming you for slaughter is pure psychological horror.

2. A Society Designed for Fear

The world outside the orphanages isn’t any better. Society is ruled by demons who view humans as livestock. Entire systems are in place to ensure that humans are bred, fed, and harvested efficiently. There’s no real sense of freedom in this world, even for those who escape. The human population is dwindling, and those who remain are either subjugated or in hiding. It’s a dystopian nightmare where survival depends on your ability to outsmart a system designed to keep you in fear.

3. The Demons Are Terrifying

Let’s talk about the demons for a moment. These aren’t your typical villains—they’re monstrous, intelligent beings who require human brains, particularly those of children, to maintain their sentience and strength. Their insatiable hunger and horrifying designs make them both physically and psychologically terrifying. And if that wasn’t enough, the demons are cunning. They’ve created a system that keeps humans ignorant of their fate until it’s too late. You’re not just up against brute strength; you’re up against a highly organized, manipulative, and nearly invincible enemy.

4. The Risks Are Overwhelming

Living in this world means taking risks at every turn. If you’re in an orphanage, you’re on borrowed time until the demons harvest you. If you manage to escape, you face a dangerous, unknown outside world full of demons, traps, and hostile environments. Even the smallest mistake could mean death. Forget tripping over a root or missing a jump—if the demons catch you, it’s game over. And unlike in a shonen anime, there’s no last-minute save or second chance. In The Promised Neverland, failure means a gruesome and immediate end.

5. The Psychological Toll

This isn’t just a physical survival game—it’s a psychological one. Living in constant fear of discovery, betrayal, and death would wear anyone down. The children in The Promised Neverland are geniuses, but they’re still just kids. Imagine trying to solve life-and-death puzzles every day while knowing the odds are stacked against you. The sheer amount of stress and paranoia would break even the strongest of minds. And for the lucky few who survive, the trauma of what they’ve endured would linger forever. Living here isn’t just dangerous—it’s soul-crushing.

6. You Can’t Trust Anyone

One of the most insidious aspects of The Promised Neverland is how it plays with trust. The “Moms” who care for the children are actually their captors, ensuring they’re fattened up and ready for slaughter. Even outside the orphanages, you can’t be sure who is truly on your side. Other humans might betray you to save themselves or strike a deal with the demons to gain temporary safety. In a world where survival is the only goal, alliances are fragile, and betrayal is always a possibility.

7. There’s No Real Safe Haven

Even if you escape the demons, where do you go? The human world is isolated and nearly inaccessible. The demon-controlled territories are vast, and survival in the wild is almost impossible. It’s a constant game of running, hiding, and hoping the next day isn’t your last.

No matter how far you run, the looming threat of the demons is always there. You’re constantly looking over your shoulder, wondering when your luck will run out.

Why I’m Staying Far Away

In short, the world of The Promised Neverland is a terrifying blend of dystopia, psychological horror, and survival drama. The society is built on lies and exploitation, the people you meet might betray you, and the ever-present threat of demons makes every day a gamble. Even if you manage to survive, the scars of living in such a world would never fade.

I’ll stick to enjoying the gripping story from the comfort of my couch, thank you very much. While the world of The Promised Neverland makes for one of the most compelling anime settings ever, it’s also one of the last places anyone would actually want to live. If you’re still tempted, just remember: in this world, even the smartest kids are fighting a losing battle. Do you really think you’d do any better?