The first part of Crystalized focuses on the ninja attempting to restore Nya to her human form, becoming fugitives in the process.

The rest of the season centers around the return of the Overlord, under a new alias called the Crystal King, as he assembles some of the greatest adversaries from the ninja's past to conquer Ninjago.

Francis was cast in the role following the loss of Morrow, who had previously voiced the character since the beginning of the series.

Series co-creator Tommy Andreasen released an open letter to fans explaining the decision to recast the part of Cole.

"[32] Andreasen revealed on Twitter that a new actor voicing a new character would be introduced in the season, which he described as, "one of the weirdest and wonderful ones [the writers] have ever come up with."

[37] The first twelve English episodes were released online on The Lego Group's YouTube channel on 20 May 2022, with viewing restricted by region but were removed three days later with no explanation,[38] but were made public again on 1 June 2022.

[42] The 13th and 14th episodes, titled A Sinister Shadow and The Spider's Design, respectively, were released earlier on Sky Go in New Zealand on 18 September 2022.

[N 8] The ninja eventually escape with the help of Nya, disguised as Samurai X, and Dareth, but find themselves wandering the desert while pursued by sheriff HoundDog McBrag.

[N 9] On the road they are picked up by a young singer who is making her way to Ninjago City and Zane learns the benefits of emotions.

[N 12] Harumi explains that, after her death,[a] she was resurrected by the Crystal King and agreed to serve him, even after learning his true identity as the Overlord.

[N 13] Kai, Jay, Zane, and Cole are attacked by explosive Crystal Spiders, trapping them underground.

[N 15] As Nya rescues the trapped ninja, Aspheera performs a ritual that corrupts the Golden Weapons and allows the Overlord to take physical form once again.

[N 19] Garmadon reveals that since his departure,[c] he has started a journey of self-improvement, by caring for a potted plant he called Christofern.

The Overlord defeats Wu and unleashes a powerful weapon that crystalizes all of Ninjago City, destroying the ninja's vehicles.

finds a broken Zane (who has returned to his Ice Emperor persona)[d] and brings him to Borg Tower.

[N 24] Kai and Cole are rescued by Skylor and join Wu and other refugees at the newspaper warehouse, while Lloyd and Garmadon search for the missing Serpentine.

[N 26] Nya uses her powers to contact the Merlopians, while Racer 7 escorts Cole across Ninjago City to broadcast a distress call to Shintaro.

[N 27] The ninja regroup at the warehouse and make their final stand against the Crystal Army, while Lloyd and Garmadon confront the Overlord.

Lloyd rides the dragon and defeats the Overlord before escaping the crumbling Oni Temple with Harumi and Garmadon, who faked his death.