Steins;Gate is one of the most popular and well-loved anime ever made, but what does the future hold for its characters? Do Kurisu and Okabe end up together?
Due to the mind-bending nature of the mystery anime and its co-existence with a highly successful visual novel, many fans still have questions after the end, including ones about the relationship status of the main characters.
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Steins;Gate – A Beloved Sci-Fi Anime
Steins;Gate is a psychological anime based on a visual novel. While video game adaptations aren't widely considered a recipe for success, this one did really well, and it's currently one of the best anime to watch on Hulu and elsewhere.
The mystery show follows a self-proclaimed mad scientist, Rintarou Okabe, who is obsessed with creating "future gadgets" with his fellow lab members: Mayuri Shiina, his childhood friend, and Hashida Itaru, a hacker.
The lab mates' lives change profoundly through an unexpected invention; the Phone Microwave, which can send emails to the past, influencing the course of history as we know it.
But while intriguing, this invention naturally causes trouble, and Okabe must shoulder more responsibility than he ever imagined he would when he began inventing gadgets as a hobby.
How Did Kurisu and Okabe Meet?
Kurisu, the series' female protagonist, is the perfect fit for Okabe since she's also an inquisitive, intelligent person who loves learning.
Okabe first meets Kurisu in Akihabara Radio Hall. Her claim that they met 15 minutes ago sets the tone for a time-defying bond Okabe must fight for.
In another timeline, their first encounter involves Okabe finding her dead body in the Akihabara Radio Hall.
Do Kurisu and Okabe End Up Together?
Kurisu and Okabe do end up together – partly so, due to the anime's complicated timeline. Let's break this down a bit below.
Kurisu is a genius girl who crosses paths with Okabe in an unexpected way. After a first, brief meeting, Okabe finds her dead body in a pool of blood.
But time operates in mysterious ways in the anime, so a few days later, he finds her unharmed.
Despite Okabe's hesitations, Kurisu joins his lab, and together, they explore the full potential of the Phone Microwave.
The two gradually develop romantic feelings for each other, and the first anime ends with them most likely together, although the future of their relationship is largely up to the viewer.
In the visual novel, there is a possibility of Okabe ending up with Mayuri instead, in which case, the timeline where Kurisu dies becomes the official one.
However, it seems that Kurisu and Okabe were the creators' intended pairing.
The now-canceled light novel titled Steins;Gate: The Committee of Antimatter was going to feature the two as 24-year-olds in a long-distance relationship.
At the end of the day, Steins;Gate is not a romance anime as such. Most Steins;Gate media leave some loose ends regarding the relationship, so fans can fill in the blanks and reach their own conclusions.
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