Demon Slayer arcs: A complete guide of all 12 story arcs

Demon Slayer is an exceptionally successful modern Shonen anime title. There are several reasons why this series is a cut above the rest. The anime adaptation has treated fans to some of the most stunning visuals, which played a big reason in how fans perceive this series. This is a show that constantly attracts newer fans who wish to explore the medium of anime and manga. Therefore, new viewers wish to know to understand how many story arcs this series contains.

The Demon Slayer series has a total of 12 story arcs. These story arcs cover the entirety of the manga series, which concluded in 2020. The anime adaptation, however, has not concluded as it has yet to adapt the last two story arcs.

Demon Slayer is relatively shorter in comparison to other Shonen titles. The likes of Bleach and One Piece have been going on for decades. Koyoharu Gotouge’s magnum opus on the other hand is shorter, exploring the story efficiently. There aren’t long drawn-out filler contents in the manga or the anime adaptation.

Let’s take a closer look at all 12 story arcs in the anime series, along with all the necessary information that any anime viewer would require.

Disclaimer: The final section of the article contains spoilers from the manga chapters.

All 12 Demon Slayer story arcs in chronological order

Final Selection arc (Episodes 1-5 and Chapters 1-9)

Tanjiro Kamado as seen in the Final Selection arc (Image via Ufotable)

This is the introductory part of the anime series. It explores all the events that take place in Tanjiro’s life that influenced his decision to become a demon hunter. Furthermore, it provides fans with an understanding of how the battle system works, and how the Demon Slayer Corps chooses its demon hunters. The protagonist, his mentor, and other supporting characters are introduced in this story arc.

Kidnapper’s Bog arc (Episodes 6-7 and Chapters 10-13)

The swamp demon as seen in the Kidnapper's Bog arc (Image via Ufotable)

This is one of the shortest story arcs in the anime series. It gives fans a glimpse of Tanjiro’s base abilities fresh out of the Final Selection. Viewers get an understanding of the protagonist’s abilities in comparison to demons. Furthermore, this arc also shows how Tanjiro can take on demons while fighting with his younger sister who became a demon. This is a unique team-up that sets the tone for the remainder of the series.

Asakusa arc (Episodes 8-10 and Chapter 14-19)

Tamayo as seen in the Asakusa arc (Image via Ufotable)

This is yet another short story arc that introduces one of the most important characters in the series—Tamayo. She plays a key role towards the end of the story, which the manga readers are aware of. Furthermore, it introduces fans to the primary antagonist of the series. Tanjiro is the first demon hunter to have made contact with Kibutsuji Muzan, which is a sign that the Demon Slayer Corps are about to wage an all-out war against the demons.

Tsuzumi Mansion arc (Episodes 11-14 and Chapters 20-27)

Inosuke and Zenitsu as seen in the anime seires (Image via Ufotable)

This is an important story arc as it introduces the two most important supporting characters in the Demon Slayer anime—Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira. Fans got a glimpse of their traits in the Final Selection arc. However, this story arc explores their Breathing Styles and their dynamics with the protagonist. Once again, this arc set the tone for the remainder of the series with respect to the characters’ relationship with Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado.

Mount Natagumo arc (Episodes 15-21 and Chapters 28-44)

Tanjiro shows his affinity for the Breath of the Sun in the Mount Natagumo arc of Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

This is the penultimate story arc within the first season of the anime series. Tanjiro and his squad face off against their first Lower Moon demon. The fight sequence in this story arc skyrocketed Ufotable’s popularity owing to their animation quality. Furthermore, we also get some insight into the sheer difference in the abilities between the likes of Tanjiro and a Hashira. Furthermore, fans are able to grasp just how powerful demons can become, and it raises the stakes for the demon hunters in the anime series.

Rehabilitation Training arc (Episodes 22-26 and Chapters 45-53)

Tanjiro leaves a lasting impressionn on Kanao in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

This story arc takes a look at Kanao Tsuyuri’s backstory. Furthermore, it implies the fact that Tanjiro and Kanao might explore a romantic relationship at some point in the anime and manga series. Moreover, it introduces all the Hashira as well as the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. While the initial interactions were turbulent, they accepted Nezuko into the organization despite being a demon.

Mugen Train arc (Episodes 27-33 and Chapters 54-66 )

The Flame Hashira as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

This marks the beginning of the second story arc and focuses completely on Kyojuro Rengoku. This is one of the most emotionally impactful story arcs in Demon Slayer. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke experience the loss of an important character and vow to become stronger to protect the people they love.

Entertainment District arc (Episodes 34-44 and Chapters 67-97)

Tengen Uzui as seen in Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

It is an exceptionally entertaining story arc as there are plenty of scenes that effectively use humor in the anime series. Furthermore, it focuses on Tengen Uzui, who is one of the most charismatic Hashira in the series. They also fight their first Upper Moon demon while Tanjiro manages to unlock the Demon Slayer Mark. There are several important plot points in this arc.

Swordsmith Village arc (Episodes 45-55 and Chapters 98-127)

Muichiro as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

This story arc focuses on Muichiro Tokito and Mitsuri Kanroji, who are the Mist and Love Hahsira respectively. They take on two Upper Moon demons along with Tanjiro and his squad. Furthermore, fans get some insight into Genya Shinazugawa’s unique fighting style in the anime series. Last but not least, Nezuko also conquers the sun—one of the key plot points in the anime.

Hashira Training arc (Episodes 56-63 and Chapters 128-139)

Tanjiro and Tengen Uzui partaking in the Hashira training (Image via Ufotable)

This is the only story arc with anime-original scenes. There isn’t much that takes place in this story arc. The Corps prepare to wage an all-out war as they attempt to hunt down the remaining Upper Moon demons and finally put an end to Muzan’s tyrannical ways.

Infinity Castle arc (Chapters 140-183)

Tanjiro enters the Infinity Castle as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

The anime adaptation isn’t out yet. However, a trilogy of movies is set to adapt the entire story arc. All the remaining Upper Moon demon fights will take place during this arc. Furthermore, we will also see the fighting styles of Gyomei Himejima, Sanemi Shinazugawa, and Obanai Iguro in the anime. The concluding portion of the anime marks the fight against Kibutsuji Muzan in Demon Slayer.

Sunrise Countdown arc (Chapters 184-205)

Muzan will take on the demon hunters in the final arc of the animanga series (Image via Ufotable)

This story arc marks the conclusion of the manga series. It explores the final fight between the Demon Slayer Corps and Kibutsuji Muzan. Several important events unfold in this portion of the story, and fans come to realize just how important Tamayo and Shinobu are to the narrative.

These are all 12 story arcs in the anime and manga series. The anime has yet to adapt the last two story arcs of the manga. Fans can pick up chapter 140 if they wish to get a headstart on the anime-only fans to read the conclusion of the story.

Edited by Amey Mirashi

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