


It's not essential for understanding or experiencing any part of the main story in the way that no sequel to anything truly is. So it depends - if you're a big Higurashi and Rika fan it seems obvious. The main story is already over with the last episode of Kai, but if you're interested enough in the series, this is a sequel to show more of the aftermath with a different dilemma to face, and the one OVA which most feels like it's built on and acknowledges the events of the main series and how they influence the characters (primarily Rika's) thoughts and actions. The main story is contained in the 51 episodes (26 from the first season + 24 of the second season + the season one special Nekogoroshi-hen, a single episode).Īfter that it's all supplemental material and side stories, but out of all of the OVAs, Higurashi Rei, and specifically the three episode primary arc in the middle of the five episodes of Higurashi Rei, is the only one which feels like a direct sequel with a clear chain of continuity from the end of the last episode of Higurashi Kai.
