"Higurashi: When They Cry – SOTSU" serves as a direct continuation of "Higurashi: When They Cry – GOU," revisiting the events of the previous series from a different perspective. The story unfolds in the rural village of Hinamizawa, where a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances occur, tied to the annual Watanagashi Festival. The narrative alternates between timelines, exploring the cyclical nature of tragedy and the characters' struggles to break free from it.

The central protagonist, Keiichi Maebara, moves to Hinamizawa and befriends a group of girls: Rena Ryugu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Hojo, and Rika Furude. As the group grows closer, Keiichi begins to notice strange behavior among his friends and the villagers, eventually uncovering dark secrets tied to the village's history. Rika, who has lived through countless loops of the same events, seeks to escape the cycle of violence and death, while Satoko, driven by resentment and manipulation, becomes a key antagonist.

The series delves into the psychological and supernatural elements of the story, with characters experiencing paranoia, hallucinations, and the effects of the "Hinamizawa Syndrome," a condition that drives individuals to violent outbursts. The conflict between Rika and Satoko intensifies as their opposing goals—Rika's desire for freedom and Satoko's determination to trap her in the loop—come to a head. The narrative explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions, as the characters grapple with their fates and the forces manipulating them.

The plot is structured around key arcs, each revealing new layers of the mystery and the characters' motivations. The series builds on the foundation of the original "Higurashi" story while introducing new twists and developments, culminating in a climactic confrontation that challenges the characters' resolve and the nature of their reality. Through its intricate storytelling and character-driven drama, "Higurashi: When They Cry – SOTSU" provides a compelling exploration of the series' central mysteries and the enduring struggle for survival and redemption.