Playing Death Games Ep 8: "Candle Woods" Story & Voice Cast Revealed

The 2026 winter buzz anime "Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table" continues to delve deeper into its plot, with discussion fervor constantly rising. The official team has formally unveiled the plot summary and preview images for Episode 8 "#08 ----It All", where the protagonist Yuki will face one of the most severe challenges of her career—"Candle Woods".

This episode not only introduces a brand-new forest maze setting and brutal game rules but also lifts the veil on a new cast of characters voiced by several renowned voice actors.

Episode 8 Plot Summary: The Forest Maze "Candle Woods"

In the Episode 8 preview, Yuki awakens to a synthesized voice within a massive, forest-like diorama, wearing a Bunny Suit complete with rabbit ear features.

The rules of this "Candle Woods" game are exceptionally cruel, dividing players into two opposing factions:

• 〈Rabbit Team〉: Regulars like Yuki and her revered master, Hakushi. Their goal is to escape and survive within the enormous forest maze.
• 〈Tree Stump Team〉: The hunter faction, including Moegi and others, tasked with pursuing and capturing the Rabbit Team.

As announced before the game begins: "Rabbits will be killed by tree stumps." This oppressive game of survival hide-and-seek will test Yuki's judgment and survival instincts under extreme pressure.

Episode 8 New Characters and Stellar Voice Cast

With the release of the game PV "Candle Woods", the official team simultaneously revealed the key characters for this arc and their voice cast:

• Airi — Voiced by: Yume Miyamoto Belongs to the 〈Tree Stump〉 faction. Possessing beautiful blue eyes, she is a newcomer participating in the game for the first time, yet exudes a composure beyond her years.

• Sumiyaka — Voiced by: Ayana Taketatsu Belongs to the 〈Rabbit〉 faction. One of the regular game participants, her appearance gives off a "delinquent girl" vibe, and she has crossed paths with Yuki once before.

• Hakushi — Voiced by: Shizuka Ito Yuki's master and a core member of the 〈Rabbit〉 faction, she is an extremely experienced veteran player.

• Moegi — Voiced by: Natsuko Abe Belongs to the opposing faction and will pose a lethal threat to the 〈Rabbit〉 team during the game.

The Profound Impact of "Candle Woods" on Yuki

For fans following the original light novel, "Candle Woods" is a highly significant arc within "Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table". This is Yuki's 9th game and a monumental trial she faces alongside her master, Hakushi.

Hakushi is the most senior player in the game, having achieved a record of 95 clears. Her existence profoundly influences Yuki's values and survival goals.

In this unprecedented maze confrontation, Yuki must not only contend with threats from the enemy faction but will also encounter the formidable killer, Chara. The outcome of this battle will become a crucial turning point, solidifying Yuki's resolve to inherit Hakushi's goal of "achieving ninety-nine consecutive victories".

Conclusion: Episode 8 Broadcast Information

"Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table" has attracted a large audience with its unique perspective on life and death and its suspenseful battle-of-wits design. Episode 8 "#08 ----It All" will begin airing from February 25, 2026. The thrilling game of wits between Yuki, Airi, Sumiyaka, and others within "Candle Woods" will be unveiled one by one. Tune in for this week's broadcast to witness this brutal, life-or-death chase!