Jujutsu Kaisen story arcs: A complete guide to all 11 story arcs

Jujutsu Kaisen has been a fan-favorite series in the shonen genre. It has earned its spot as one of the best due to its intense storyline and well-choreographed battles. The story is divided into 11 arcs, each adding new layers to the characters and world. After releasing 271 chapters, Jujutsu Kaisen finally came to its conclusion on September 30, 2024. Whether you're catching up or revisiting key moments, here’s a full guide to each arc.

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

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All 11 Jujutsu Kaisen story arcs in chronological order

1. Cursed Child Arc (Chapters: 0.1–0.4 and Movie: Jujutsu Kaisen 0)

This arc is the prequel to the main story of Jujutsu Kaisen. It introduces Yuta Okkotsu, who is haunted by the cursed spirit of his childhood friend, Rika. If compared to other curses, Rika is different as she is overwhelmingly powerful and protective of Yuta. The Cursed Child arc primarily sets the stage for the main plot as we also meet important characters like Maki, Toge, and Panda. This arc sets the tone for the series: emotional trauma, raw power, and moral complexity.

2. Fearsome Womb Arc (Chapters: 1–18 and Episodes: 1–8)

This arc is where the official plot begins. Yuji Itadori is a high schooler who has no idea about the world of curses and stumbles across Sukuna’s finger, a cursed object. He swallows it to save his friend and now becomes the vessel of Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses. Gojo then enrolls him at Tokyo Jujutsu High, where he meets Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki. This trio is put to their first test to eliminate a special grade curse.

3. Vs. Mahito Arc (Chapters: 19–31 and Episodes: 9-13)

This arc is when Jujutsu Kaisen takes a darker turn. Yuji and Junpei’s relationship is central. Additionally, Mahito, a curse born from humanity’s hatred, meets Itadori Yuji. But Junpei is manipulated and transformed into a curse victim by Mahito. This takes place in front of Itadori, and he is unable to do anything, making it one of the most heartbreaking moments. At this point, Itadori Yuji has the bitter realization that he might not be able to save everyone.

4. Kyoto Goodwill Event Arc (Chapters: 32–54 and Episodes: 14-21)

In this arc, Tokyo and Kyoto Jujutsu High students are in a tournament where they must battle each other. The Kyoto principal wants Itadori to be dead and orders his students to follow through with this. We are also introduced to our fan-favorite characters, Aoi Todo and the stoic Mai Zenin. Yuji begins to find his place in the sorcerer world, and his fight with Todo evolves into a bromance situation.

5. Death Painting Arc (Chapters: 55–64 and Episodes: 22-24)

Yuji, Nobara, and Megumi are sent on a mission involving special-grade curses born from Death Paintings—half-human, half-curse entities. In this, the main focus is on the trio and how they manage to beat their opponents. Nobara gets a standout moment when she uses her hairpin technique in a coordinated attack with Yuji, making it one of the most stylish and emotional fight scenes in the series. It also marks the point of season 1 of the anime wrapping up.

6. Gojo's Past Arc (Chapters: 65–79 and Episodes: 25-29)

It is also known as the Hidden Inventory Arc. Gojo Satoru is a teenager, and it shows us the time when he still was not the strongest. He and Geto were on a mission to escort Riko Amanai, a girl set to merge with Tengen. At this point, Gojo was still very reckless, while Geto was thoughtful and composed. After they fail to save her from an attack from Toji Fushiguro, both of them experience a big change. Geto loses his faith in the Jujutsu system, and Gojo unlocks his full power.

7. Shibuya Incident Arc (Chapters: 79–136 and Episodes: 30-47)

This is one of the central arcs in Jujutsu Kaisen, pushing all the characters to their limits as they fight against the villains. The antagonist only has one goal—to seal Gojo in the Prison Realm. This arc is full of bloodshed, betrayal, and irreversible change. While they are putting all their efforts into trapping Gojo Yuji, Megumi, Nobara, and others are scattered across the city, fighting cursed spirits and sorcerers. Many characters lose their lives, including Nobara, who is critically injured, and fate is left uncertain.

8. Itadori's Extermination Arc (Chapters: 137–143)

The after-effects of the Shibuya incident in Jujutsu Kaisen: Yuji is labeled a threat to society. The higher authority of the Jujutsu world now wants him executed. Itadori Yuji, who is exhausted and emotionally a wreck, is trying to defend himself. There are no major battles in this; rather, it is very emotional. It also reintroduces characters like Choso, who shifts from enemy to ally.

9. Perfect Preparation Arc (Chapters: 144–158)

After the catastrophic events of Shibuya in Jujutsu Kaisen, the surviving sorcerers begin preparing for the upcoming Culling Game. This one is also a quieter arc as it focuses on the cast to regroup, rebuild, and plan. We get more information on Tengen, who now is weakened. Meanwhile, the Jujutsu world has become more vulnerable. Maki also transforms after a devastating confrontation with the Zenin Clan.

10. Culling Game Arc (Chapters: 159–221)

The Culling Game is organized by Kenjaku. He makes sorcerers and awakened civilians fight. Kenjaku does this to fuel a ritual in which he would merge with Tengen and become even more powerful. The arc in Jujutsu Kaisen also introduces Kinji Hakari and Kashimo Hajime, who shake up the power system with their wits and skills. Meanwhile, Yuta dominates his colony with calm precision; this showcases his growth since his first appearance.

11. Shinjuku Showdown Arc (Chapters: 222–271)

The final arc of Jujutsu Kaisen is about all-out war against the antagonist. Gojo has escaped Prison Realm with the help of Angel. Sukuna has taken control over Megumi’s body and is now nearly invincible. The battle that was anticipated for the longest time finally happens—Gojo versus Sukuna. The outcome of this battle leaves everyone devastated. And after intense battles, they win against Sukuna, and the story comes to its conclusion.

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These are all of the 11 arcs in the Jujutsu Kaisen anime and manga series. Anime is yet to adapt from Itadori's Extermination Arc. Fans who wish to pick up the manga after the anime can do so from Chapter 137.