Bleach Arcs: A Complete Guide of All Story Arcs

Bleach is a popular series that has been on air since 5 October 2004. It offers us intense battles and detailed power levels and keeps the audience hooked with an interesting storyline. Fans call this one of the four horsemen of classic shonen anime, and it has earned its place rightfully so.

If you are new viewers or someone who is picking up the anime again, here’s a complete guide to all the major and filler arcs in Bleach, following their anime chronology and impact on the story.

Disclaimer: Some of the sections in this article contain spoilers from the anime.

---

All 17 Bleach story arcs in chronological order

1) Agent of the Shinigami Arc (Episodes 1- 20)

The story begins with the introduction of Ichigo, the protagonist. One day, his life takes a turn when he encounters Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper, who transfers her powers to him after being injured in battle. Bleach uses this arc to focus on Ichigo and his initial training as he balances his school life. This arc lays the groundwork for the main story to start. Also introduces us to Orihime, Chad, and Uryū.

2) Soul Society: The Sneak Entry Arc (Episodes 21 - 41)

After Rukia gets her power back, she goes to the Soul Society to face her execution. This was the consequence of her lending her power to a human. This arc focuses on world-building as the audience gets more information about Soul Society and the Gotei 13 captains. Ichigo faces a powerful opponent and finds his fighting style, and undergoes further training to become stronger. With the introduction of iconic captains like Kenpachi Zaraki, Byakuya Kuchiki, and Sōsuke Aizen, this arc lays the groundwork for Bleach’s most intense conflicts to come.

3) Soul Society: The Rescue Arc (Episodes 42 - 63)

This is a continuation of the Sneak Entry Arc. The countdown of Rukia’s execution time is getting closer. Ichigo, Chad, Orihime, and Uryu are pushed to their limits by force into increasingly difficult battles against the captains and lieutenants of the Gotei 13. This arc is particularly known for its battles, such as Ichigo vs. Byakuya and the debut of his Bankai—Tensa Zangetsu. We also have a shocking revelation that Aizen, who was presumed to be dead, was alive all this time and was the mastermind behind the cause of chaos. Aizen is going to be one of the major antagonists of Bleach.

4) The Bount Arc (Episodes 64 - 91)

This is the first anime-only filler arc of Bleach. Ichigo and his allies are fighting against a group of enemies called the Bounts—they consume human souls to extend their lifespan. Characters like Yoshino and Kariya are introduced. Although the pacing might feel slow, it offers screen time to secondary characters and explores spiritual powers from a different perspective. This arc is not canon, but it added depth to the show.

5) Bount Assault on Soul Society Arc (Episodes 92 - 109)

The continuation of this story starts after the Bount arc storyline brings the conflict directly to the Soul Society in Bleach. Bounts that managed to survive manage to infiltrate Seireitei. We have an intense battle between them and members of the Soul Society, as the threat level has increased significantly. While it is still not canon, we see how most of the captains and lieutenants are in action, showcasing new abilities and tactics. Finally, they defeat Jin Kariya, the person responsible for leading them. This arc feels intense to watch as it is jam-packed with action and also offers satisfying conclusions to several long-running subplots.

6) Arrancar: The Arrival Arc (Episodes 110 - 131)

This arc is finally a re-entry to the official story. Aizen begins constructing his army in Hueco Mundo. Meanwhile, back in the human world, Ichigo and his friends face new threats from Espadas and other Arrancars who invade Karakura Town. Aizen is scheming his plans as he begins constructing his army in Hueco Mundo. The audience now has a fair idea of how much of a threat Aizen is. Ichigo and his group start their training for future battles, and it emphasizes how much Ichigo needs to work on himself to get stronger.

7) Arrancar: The Hueco Mundo Sneak Entry Arc (Episodes 132 - 151)

Ichigo, Chad, and Uryū infiltrate the Hollow realm to rescue Orihime after she was captured. Ichigo and his team split up to look for her and find themselves in battle against Arrancar, including the formidable Espada. This arc in Bleach gives Chad and Uryū some much-needed development. Each character is giving their best to save Orihime. Meanwhile, Ichigo starts his descent into morally gray territory as he struggles with his own Hollow.

8) Arrancar: The Fierce Fight Arc (Episodes 152 - 167)

The fight to save Orihime has gotten more intense as Ichigo and his teammates venture deeper into Las Noches. Ichigo’s fight with Grimmjow is one of the most iconic moments in Bleach. We see Espada like Nnoitra and Szayelaporro display terrifying levels of power, revealing just how outmatched the rescue team truly is. This arc offers back-to-back battles showcasing how much Ichigo and his teammates would go to save their friend.

9) The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai Arc (Episodes 168 - 189)

This is a filler arc and not canon to the original storyline. In this, the series explores the political unrest within the Soul Society by highlighting the corruption of the Kasumiōji noble family and their dangerous weapon, the Bakkoto. Amagai is presented as a principled and likable leader, contrasting with many traditional Soul Reapers. Ichigo is given the responsibility to protect a young noble, Rurichiyo, from an assassination attempt. The arc gives side characters more screen time and adds a fresh, if brief, perspective on the inner workings of Soul Society.

10) Arrancar vs. Shinigami Arc (Episodes 190 - 205)

This arc returns to the main storyline, as we see the conflict between the Espada and Soul Reapers just keeps on increasing. Key captains like Hitsugaya, Soi Fon, and Kyoraku are given importance as they showcase their abilities. The animation quality has significantly increased. Meanwhile, Ichigo continues his battle with increasingly powerful enemies, and Orihime’s emotional struggle deepens. It is setting the stage for the final confrontation between Soul Society and Aizen’s forces.

11) The Past Arc (Episodes 206 - 212)

The Past Arc is focused on flashbacks as it explains the origin of the Visoreds and Aizen’s betrayal. It starts with a hundred years before the current timeline. During this time, Urahara, Shinji, Yoruichi, and others were not exiled. Also, the viewers know that Urahara was the one who invented the Hōgyoku, an item that is used to cause Shinigami to undergo Hollowfication. Additionally, Aizen’s manipulations are also revealed, which shows how deep his deceptions have been going on for his master plan to succeed.

12) Arrancar: Decisive Battle of Karakura Arc (Episodes 213 - 229)

Finally, the battle audience is waiting for the start. A war is waged between Aizen’s Espada and the Gotei 13 in a fake Karakura Town. There are battles like Hitsugaya vs. Harribel, Soi Fon vs. Barragan, and Kyoraku vs. Starrk, which truly captivate the audience. This arc captures the gravity of war, the burden of leadership, and the desperation that comes with fighting overwhelming odds. Finally, Aizen is still shown to be scheming something as he waits to enter the battlefield himself.

13) Zanpakutō Unknown Tales Arc (Episodes 230 - 265)

This is a filler arc that explores the idea of Zanpakutō spirits materializing and rebelling against their masters. Muramasa is the antagonist behind this as he manipulates spirits, causing Spirits to rebel against their masters. The audience witnesses personified versions of Zanpakutō like Zabimaru, Hyōrinmaru, and Sode no Shirayuki. It is a simple arc, but it gives the viewers a better understanding of the bond between a Soul Reaper and their weapon.

14) Arrancar: Downfall Arc (Episodes 266 - 316)

This arc finally brings a conclusion to the long-running Arrancar saga. Aizen finally decides to enter the war, showing off these new powers after fusing with the Hōgyoku. The Ichigo battle with Ulquiorra is one of the series’ most iconic duels. As the climax comes closer, Ichigo achieves his final form, Mugetsu. He sacrifices his powers to defeat Aizen. It’s a fitting end to Bleach’s most significant saga and closes a major chapter in Ichigo’s journey.

15) Gotei 13 Invading Army Arc (Episodes 317 - 342)

It is an original Bleach anime arc. They introduce Inaba, a rogue mod soul who created an artificial army of Soul Reaper clones. Characters battle with a twisted version of themself. The action is entertaining, and it gives underused characters more spotlight. The highlight of this arc is its exploration of identity and the idea of being replaced. Although it's a filler, it provides a decent buffer before the final canon arc.

16) The Lost Substitute Shinigami Arc (Episodes 343 - 366)

This arc returns to the manga canon and introduces Kugo Ginjo and the Fullbringers. They are humans with high spiritual powers. Ichigo, who is left powerless after defeating Aizen, is struggling to find a purpose in his life. He also discovers the darker side of Soul Society's history. Eventually, he regains his Soul Reaper powers and is ready to face what is to come next.

17) The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc (Episodes 367- ongoing)

This arc adapts the final saga of the manga as it introduces a much darker and intense storyline. Quincy King Yhwach declares war on the Soul Society, leading to devastating battles and irreversible consequences. Many characters fall, and long-held mysteries are finally revealed. Additionally, there is more information about the lore of the Soul King, the origins of various powers, and the ultimate fate of Ichigo. As the story has reached its final saga, it promises a satisfying end to the viewers.

---

With the final arc still ongoing in Bleach, fans all over the world are excited to watch the show and witness the final saga as Ichigo battles through strong enemies, which is backed up with amazing visuals by Studio Pierrot.