Every Demon Slayer Arc, Ranked!

Koyoharu Gotouge’s work has become a massive success, selling countless tankobon volumes since its debut. The accompanying anime series also found great favor, and the subsequent films only served to cement its place in popular culture as a significant cultural milestone. Even though other shows like “Jujutsu Kaisen” have eclipsed it in terms of popularity, “Demon Slayer” is far from fading away.

The narrative centers around Tanjiro Kamado, a youth who enlists in the Demon Slayer Corps following Muzan Kibutsuji’s slaughter of his family. Remarkably, his sister Nezuko survived the attack, but she was transformed into a demon. Eager to heal his sister and exact vengeance on his loved ones, Tanjiro embarks on this journey. The manga encompasses 23 volumes and 12 separate story arcs, with the concluding arc divided into two sub-arcs. Each successive part of the tale surpasses the last as the narrative progressively darkens at an accelerated pace.

How Many Arcs Are In Demon Slayer?

For individuals who have only watched anime, it’s worth noting that the manga version of Demon Slayer encompassed a total of 12 story arcs. The concluding arc was divided into two segments, delving into a time skip spanning generations, showcasing the reincarnations of characters who perished throughout the series, as well as the future descendants of those who managed to survive. Although brief, this finale offers fans a satisfying resolution regarding many cherished characters who met their end at the hands of Muzan and his demon horde.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but marvel at the captivating brilliance of “Demon Slayer” unfolding across its 12 thrilling arcs. While there may be instances where the pace slows, it never feels like a moment is wasted. Even in the quieter scenes, themes of the series are skillfully explored, making each scene feel purposeful and enriching.

There are still many emotional and thrilling moments left for animation, as the anime version is rapidly approaching its final episode. Since the manga has ended, the story of Tanjiro Kamado and his comrades in demon slaying draws nearer to its conclusion. Although it’s difficult for fans to imagine parting ways with their beloved characters, here are all the arcs from Demon Slayer, presented in order:

1. Entertainment District Arc
2. Mugen Train Arc
3. Infinity Castle Arc (also known as Hashira Meeting Arc)
4. Hashira Training Arc
5. Mugikawa Valley Arc (also known as Upper Moon Four Arc)
6. Lower Ranker Extermination Mission Arc
7. Final Battle Arc (also known as Entire Demon Slayer Corps Arc or Swordsmith Village Arc)

The Final Selection Arc Introduces Protagonist Tanjiro Kamado and His Sister, Nezuko

Chapters 1-9, Episodes 1-5

The anime series Demon Slayer begins with the arc of the Final Selection. This opening storyline moves swiftly from a tranquil start to an exhilarating pace. Initially, Tanjiro is simply a humble charcoal vendor, but before you know it, he’s wielding a Nichirin sword to battle demons. To fans of the shonen genre, his transformation from ordinary to extraordinary after experiencing a devastating tragedy isn’t surprising. In this instance, Tanjiro seeks a means to restore his sister Nezuko’s human qualities.

Following several years under Urokodaki’s tutelage, Tanjiro embarks on the Final Selection – a rigorous test for aspiring Demon Slayers to demonstrate their abilities. Surviving the mountain for seven days is the key to passing this exam. This storyline marked the introduction of significant characters such as Tanjiro, his sister Nezuko, Zenitsu, and later, Giyu Tomioka. This arc is considered one of the stronger ones in the “Demon Slayer” series.

The Kidnapper’s Bog Arc Follows Tanjiro’s First Mission As a Demon Slayer

Chapters 10-13, Episodes 6-7

In the “Kidnapper’s Bog” or “First Mission” storyline, we witness Tanjiro embarking on his initial journey towards full demon slayer status. On this inaugural assignment, he delves into the mystery surrounding missing girls within a nearby village. As events unfold, Tanjiro unearths the perpetrator – his first formidable adversary. The climactic encounter in this story arc features Tanjiro and Nezuko facing off against the Swamp Demon.

In Muzan’s elite group of twelve demons, neither the highest nor the lowest ranked one was involved in the fight. However, it served to highlight the ferocity of these demonic creatures. It also demonstrated Tanjiro and Nezuko’s exceptional teamwork, a rare feat among the early story arcs of Demon Slayer. The Swamp Demon was eventually vanquished, signifying Tanjiro’s first significant triumph as a Demon Slayer. Moreover, the Swamp Demon’s palpable fear when confronting Muzan provided a glimpse into the imposing threat posed by the final antagonist of Demon Slayer.

The Asakusa Arc Reveals That Not All Demons Are Evil

Chapters 14-19, Episodes 8-10

Most demons from the series “Demon Slayer” aren’t gentle or tame like Nezuko, instead they are brutal and bloodthirsty creatures that feed on human lives. However, exceptions such as Tamayo and Yushiro exist, who can live harmoniously with humans. Nevertheless, these two aren’t the only notable events in this story arc. Tanjiro encounters Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King, during his journey in Tokyo, an event that leaves him deeply shaken. To evade capture, Muzan transforms a bystander into a demon, further revealing his sinister nature.

Following a harrowing incident, Tanjiro encounters Tamayo and Yushiro, who offer him shelter and consider his proposition to develop a cure for demons. Yet, their peaceful dwelling is swiftly disrupted by Susamaru and Yahaba, ambitious aspirants aiming to serve Muzan within the Twelve Kizuki, who stop at nothing to sabotage them. The Akasuka storyline may not be heavy on combat, but it undeniably ranks among the most significant arcs in the Demon Slayer series due to its profound impact on the plot.

The Tsuzumi Mansion Arc Formally Introduces Zenitsu and Inosuke

Chapters 20-27, Episodes 11-14

The Tsuzumi Mansion storyline was among the most thrilling sections of the “Demon Slayer” series. Tanjiro was dispatched to explore a house where Kyogai, a former member of the Twelve Kizuki, had been causing chaos. This arc marked the introduction of Inosuke Hashibira, a stubborn boar-headed character who later became crucial to the plot despite his imperfections.

Initially appearing as a frail character, Zenitsu later demonstrated his hidden strength when he faced off against the Tongue Demon, leaving viewers amazed by his display of Thunder Breathing abilities. Moreover, Inosuke’s potential was hinted at during his battle with the Horned Demon. Tanjiro’s fight with Kyogai was a spectacle to behold, and it underscored his immense compassion as he tended to the injured afterward. Considering everything that unfolded, our heroes succeeded in saving several lives throughout this ordeal.

The Mount Natagumo Arc Brings Tanjiro’s Hinokami Kagura to the Forefront

Chapters 28-44, Episodes 15-21

On their inaugural team assignment, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke embarked on a climb up Mount Natagumo, with the objective being to eliminate the terrifying Spider Family. These demons represented their toughest adversaries yet. The danger they posed was so immense that it kept Zenitsu largely inactive throughout much of the storyline – until he was compelled to use his abilities against the Son Spider Demon. Rui, a current member of the Twelve Kizuki, was the first one we encountered, and it required every ounce of Tanjiro and Nezuko’s strength to emerge victorious against him.

For the very first time, I unleashed my Blood Demon Art, but to my surprise, it didn’t manage to end Rui. As the battle reached its climax, Giyu and Shinobu, the Insect Hashira, miraculously reappeared. Without their intervention, our young heroes would have undoubtedly met their doom. What’s more, it was none other than Mount Natagumo, also known as Hinokami Kagura, who made his presence known, proving that he wasn’t just an ordinary Water Breather.

The Rehabilitation Training Arc Introduces the Hashira and Their Leader

Chapters 45-53, Episodes 22-26

Regardless of Tanjiro and Nezuko’s crucial part in defeating the Spider Family, having a demon companion is considered illegal under the Corps’ regulations. In this storyline, we finally got to meet the other six Hashira members, along with their leader, Kagaya Ubuyashiki. Despite some of the Hashira trying to belittle and discredit Nezuko, Kagaya found no grounds for punishment and permitted Nezuko to continue living.

In the Demon Slayer’s Rehabilitation Training arc, I found myself being led to the Butterfly Mansion alongside my comrades. Here, we took a breather after our last fierce battle. But the adventure didn’t end there! Tanjiro and Inosuke met Kanao Tsuyuri and Aoi Kanzaki, sparking potential romantic connections. The three of us then embarked on a rigorous training journey to boost our strength and speed.

Meanwhile, Muzan was readying his Lower Rank demons for the upcoming battles, secretly hoping to track down Nezuko and Tanjiro before it was too late. It was an exciting time filled with anticipation and hard work!

The Mugen Train Arc Highlights Kyojuro Rengoku’s Heroic Endeavors

Chapters 54-66, Episodes 27-34

One standout storyline from “Demon Slayer” is the Mugen Train arc, which was successfully transformed into a hit film. In this narrative, Rengoku emerged as the star character, joining forces with the main trio to vanquish Enmu, a Lower Rank demon who had merged his essence with the train. Defeating Enmu proved difficult since the Slayers were primarily in dreamland during his assault. Nevertheless, it was Tanjiro who finally dispatched Enmu, paving the way for the Upper Moon 3 to seek retribution for Muzan’s shame.

As I looked on, by its end, the Mugen Train arc stood out as one of the most intense in Demon Slayer. Akaza, with a gleam in his eye, stepped forward and challenged the Flame Hashira to battle. After an awe-inspiring exchange of strikes, it was Akaza who emerged victorious against Rengoku, demonstrating the seemingly boundless power of the Upper Rank demons. However, it wasn’t long before Rengoku lay defeated, and with his last breath, he fled into the forest, leaving Tanjiro in hot pursuit.

The Entertainment District Arc Features the Flashiest Hashira

Chapters 67-97, Episodes 34-44

In this storyline, known as the Entertainment District Arc, the primary characters were led to the district notorious for its adult entertainment. Here, they assumed undercover roles within brothels to track down the demon causing chaos in the city. This arc is when we were first introduced to Tengen Uzui, a charismatic and powerful member of the Hashira known as Flashy Sound. Interestingly, he was accompanied by his three ‘companions’.

The fights in this arc are among the most exciting in the series, and it also marked the debut of Upper Rank demons Daki and Gyutaro. These demons displayed an unprecedented level of fear and danger that left a lasting impression on the readers.

Observing the events unfold, Nezuko undergoes an extraordinary metamorphosis, gaining the strength to stun Daki, albeit at a heavy personal cost. Despite this being one of the most captivating arcs in the Demon Slayer anime, it left Tengen, the Hashira, unable to carry on with the fight. Fortunately, the Sound Hashira would reappear later to aid in training. Unfortunately, the revelation of Gyutaro and Daki’s agonizing childhood sparked a wave of empathy among fans, implying that even demons are capable of affection for each other.

The Swordsmith Village Arc Reveals That Sunlight Doesn’t Harm Nezuko

Chapters 98-127, Episodes 45-55

In the second-to-last “Demon Slayer” anime arc, known as the Swordsmith Village arc, our hero Tanjiro visits this village to mend his blade. However, chance encounters with Muichiro and Genya lead him into a battle against two Upper Rank demons instead. Alongside Nezuko, Genya, and Mitsuri, Tanjiro confronted Hantengu, a demon capable of creating emotion duplicates. It was a long night filled with numerous attempts before they finally managed to weaken Hantengu, with Tanjiro delivering the final blow in the end.

During the course of their battle, Muichiro managed to subdue Gyokko, the Upper Rank 4 demon, following the activation of his Demon Slayer Mark. It was during this arc that it was revealed that Nezuko had a unique trait – she could survive in sunlight. This revelation intrigued Muzan greatly, as it offered him a way to overcome one of his most significant weaknesses. The Swordsmith Village arc presented several captivating events that ultimately laid the foundation for the subsequent chapters in the series.

The Hashira Training Arc Feels Like the Calm Before the Storm

Chapters 128-136, Episodes 56-63

On May 12, 2024, the inaugural episode of the Hashira Training arc was unveiled, concluding on June 30, 2024. Although training arcs are frequently seen in Shonen anime, Demon Slayer gives it a unique twist. The Hashira training provides an opportunity for lower-ranked slayers to learn from the best, revealing strengths they never knew they possessed. Throughout this arc, Tanjiro and other Demon Slayers undergo daily training sessions with each Hashira. Although not overly thrilling, these trainings are crucial for the characters’ psychological and physical development.

In this context, Mitsuri focuses on flexibility, Muichiro boosts their speed, Obanai offers guidance for becoming a superior swordsman, Sanemi takes charge of strength training, and Gyomei assists in muscle development among the Demon Slayers. This brutal phase of Demon Slayer reaches new heights with Kagaya Ubuyashiki’s daring attack on Muzan, leaving fans impatient for the final arc of the series. The Hashira Training arc serves as a tranquil prelude to the impending turmoil, indeed.

The Infinity Castle Arc Includes Some of the Best Fights In Demon Slayer

Volumes 16-21, Chapters 137-183

The Final Battle in Demon Slayer is divided into two segments, signaling the conclusion of the entire series. The Demon Slayer Corps has prepared to confront Muzan Kibutsuji. The Infinity Castle arc initiates the first segment, and it’s packed with intense battles. Regrettably, some beloved characters met their end during this near-final Demon Slayer storyline. Concurrently, some of the most detested antagonists’ tragic pasts were unveiled, offering a sense of resolution to many.

In this epic battle, everyone is fully engaged in defeating the evil ruler, as our heroes storm his fortress. The storyline boasts numerous thrilling encounters, such as Shinobu dueling with Doma, Tanjiro and Giyu confronting Akaza, and Obanai and Mitsuri squaring off against Nakime. Tanjiro achieves a remarkable feat by accessing the Transparent World for the first time, granting him an advantage over Upper Moon 3, Akaza. Lastly, Kokushibo, the Upper Moon 1, joins the conflict, facing off against a group consisting of Sanemi, Muichiro, Genya, and Gyomei.

The Sunrise Countdown Arc Spells the End For Muzan and His Kin

Volumes 21-23, Chapters 184-205

The Sunrise Countdown plotline marks the conclusion of the Demon Slayer series, wrapping up this widely recognized tale. While the Infinity Castle arc featured intense conflicts, the Sunrise Countdown arc’s premise is straightforward: the Corps aim to vanquish Muzan and his followers before sunrise. Eventually, the Corps manage to defeat Muzan, but his former allies lend a hand in helping him regain his humanity. Fortunately, Tanjiro reverts to being human, and Nezuko is also healed.

In the face of substantial hardships, our beloved trio (Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Inosuke) experienced a heartwarming conclusion. Tanjiro found love with Kanao, Inosuke bonded with Aoi, and Zenitsu discovered happiness in a beautiful relationship with Nezuko – a turn of events that took the entire Demon Slayer storyline by surprise!

In Chapter 204, our quartet (Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke) move into the Kamado household together. However, the last page of the second-to-last chapter hints at something extraordinary – the timeline has jumped forward to the 21st century!

The Epilogue Takes the Story Into the Future

Finally, Readers Can Rest Easy In Seeing Their Favorite Characters at Peace In a Different Lifetime

It’s worth noting that the final chapter of the Demon Slayer manga, Chapter 205, fast-forwards through several decades, offering glimpses of many offspring and reborn versions of beloved characters. Among Tanjiro’s lineage, we find Kanata and Sumihiko Kamado. Zenitsu and Nezuko’s descendants are unveiled as Yoshiteru and Toko Agatsuma. Interestingly, Inosuke’s descendant, Aoba Hashibira, stumbles upon the Blue Spider Lily, a flower that Muzan had sought for over a millennium.

As a die-hard fan, let me share some fascinating connections between characters from my favorite series! Tenma, a relative of Tengen Uzui, has brought home an Olympic medal, while Sanehiro, a descendant of Sanemi Shinzagawa, serves as a police officer. Tojuro Rengoku and Giichi Tomioka are current students, their lineage tracing back to Senjuro Rengoku and Giyu Tomioka. There’s also speculation that Muichiro Tokito, the Kocho sisters, Gyomei Himejima, Mitsuri Kanroji, Obanai Iguro, Sakonji Urokodaki, Jigoro Kuwajima, and Genya Shinazugawa might be reincarnations. Lastly, it’s intriguing to know that the oldest man in Japan is Kiriya Ubuyashiki, a son of none other than Kagaya himself!

How Much of the Demon Slayer Manga Has Been Animated?

Fans Can Look Forward to a Thrilling End In Theaters

If you’re among those who haven’t been keeping up with Demon Slayer, whether you prefer to wait for shows to finish before binge-watching or if you’re new to the series and curious about its future, here’s some good news! The anime adaptation of Demon Slayer has completed the Hashira Training Arc. The latest arc aired during the Summer 2024 season, garnering much praise. Earlier, a compilation film titled “To the Hashira Training” was released in US cinemas in February 2024. Initially, some manga readers were hesitant about the anime dedicating an entire season to what they considered a less engaging arc of the story. However, the anime handles this arc skillfully and even offers a thrilling conclusion that has left fans eager for the Infinity Castle arc. As always, the visuals and soundtracks are top-notch!

The anime adaptation of the Demon Slayer story will unfold its grand finale in a unique manner: The Infinity Castle arc is set to be divided into three films, each one premiering exclusively in cinemas. These movies are expected to encompass both the Infinity Castle arc and the Sunrise Countdown arc. The first of these films, titled “Infinity Castle,” will hit the screens on September 12, 2025. Similar to the Mugen Train film, there’s a strong possibility that these movies might eventually be adapted into a series or become available for streaming on platforms such as Crunchyroll.

In case you haven’t seen it yet, the Mugen Train movie is being re-released in 4K quality in theaters. As fans eagerly anticipate September, they can pass the time by streaming Demon Slayer seasons on various platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and even Netflix, or catch a screening of Mugen Train.

What Is the Best Demon Slayer Arc?

And, Which Demon Slayer Arc Is Considered the Worst?

Every tale, regardless of its origin, will contain both captivating moments and sections that may not live up to expectations. “Demon Slayer” is no different in this regard. Although there are aspects that are universally praised, others might be considered less favorable based on individual perspectives. Not every fan will agree on their favorite storyline, but there are a few that most fans of “Demon Slayer” can concur are exceptional. The Infinity Castle arc is undeniably one of the finest in “Demon Slayer”. It marks the start of the climactic battle that many have eagerly anticipated. Characters both friendly and adversarial meet their end, keeping viewers on edge with a tension that never subsides. Naturally, those who have only watched the anime are yet to witness what awaits them in this arc.

In a similar vein, the Mugen Train serves as another near-flawless segment in Demon Slayer. Here, Akaza is unveiled as a formidable adversary, and for the first time, Tanjiro and his companions (alongside viewers) grasp the reality that this enemy is no ordinary foe. This initial encounter sets the stage for the ensuing events within Demon Slayer, with Rengoku’s memory serving as motivation throughout their journey. Other notable episodes include the Swordsmith Village arc and the Entertainment District arc. The battle between the Demon Slayers and Daki and Gyutaro also ranks among the best in Demon Slayer, offering one of the greatest anime battles ever witnessed.

Regarding the least favorite arcs in “Demon Slayer,” it seems that many viewers find the Rehabilitation Training arc not as thrilling. While this arc is crucial for introducing the Hashira, it’s hard not to notice its slower pace compared to the usual intense battles and ferocious demons that “Demon Slayer” is known for. It serves as a pause from the constant life-threatening fights, offering characters a chance to bond with their seniors and take a breather.

Given that context, it’s not unexpected that the Hashira Training arc appears less intense compared to other arcs. Every shonen protagonist needs a training arc, however, these arcs aren’t always captivating. However, the climax of the Hashira Training arc compensates for its slow pace and seemingly unimportant moments. For now, fans can relive the Infinity Castle experience only through the manga, but Demon Slayer enthusiasts should re-explore the most memorable arcs and chapters in anticipation of the Infinity Castle movie.

2025-05-02 23:42