Demon Slayer Arcs: The Complete List of All 12 Arcs

Fans must know how many arcs are in Demon Slayer before starting this manga series. This bestselling hit from mangaka Koyoharu Gotouge ticks off all the essential ingredients that a narrative needs to become a joyride.

It chronicles the journey of Tanjiro Kamado as he turns out to be one of the strongest demon slayers after a tragedy struck his family, leaving him and his sister Nezuko orphaned.

In this article, fans can see how many arcs are in Demon Slayer, 12 arcs, and in chronological order, with their corresponding chapters and anime episodes.

Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in this article solely belong to the author.

The list of 12 Demon Slayer Arcs in chronological order

1) Final Selection Arc (Chapters 1-9 & Episodes 1-5)

Tanjiro and Nezuko as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

The opening arc of the series which introduces the fans to the lead siblings, Tanjiro and Nezuko. Their normal and mundane world turns upside down as a demon wipes out his entire family, leaving them as the sole survivors. Adding to the tragedy, Nezuko gets transformed into a demon.

Also read: Demon Slayer: Why does Tanjiro's scar change?

After meeting the Water Pillar, Giyuu Tomioka, Tanjiro decides to join the Demon Slayer Corps. In a true shonen-style narrative, Tanjiro heads off to become a demon slayer by taking the Final Selection entrance exam after undergoing rigorous training from Urokodaki.

2) Kidnapper’s Bog Arc (Chapters 10-13 & Episodes 6-7)

Swamp Demon as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

Now a rookie demon slayer, Tanjiro resumes his quest to find the demon that slaughtered his family. His journey leads him to investigate the sudden disappearance of young girls in a neighboring village.

This results in the battle with the culprit, the Swamp Demon, which is the highlight of the arc. This is also the arc where Tanjiro is forced to take Nezuko's help in battle and this becomes a recurring trend in the upcoming arcs too.

3) Asakusa Arc (Chapters 14-19 & Episodes 8-10)

Tamayo and Yoshiro as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

This arc features the debut of the demons Tamayo and Yoshiro, who ally with Tanjiro. Like Nezuko, these two demons are not hungry for human flesh and have learned to coexist with the rest of humanity.

We also learn more about Muzan Kibutsuji, the primary antagonist, and his Twelve Kizuki, as Tanjiro faces off against two demons from this group, Susamaru and Yahaba. This arc introduces the first ray of hope in curing Nezuko.

4) Tsuzumi Mansion Arc (Chapters 20-27 & Episodes 11-14)

Kyogai as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

Two of the beloved major characters of the series are introduced in this arc, namely Zenitsu, the cowardly demon slayer, and Inosuke, the boar-head masked swordsman.

Also read: Will Zenitsu ever become a Hashira in Demon Slayer?

Both showcased their phenomenal strength when they engaged in battle with the Tongue Demon and the Horned Demon. Tanjiro battles Kyogai, a former Twelve Kizuki member, and reunites Kiyoshi with his siblings, Teruko and Shoichi.

5) Mount Natagumo Arc (Chapters 28-44 & Episodes 15-21)

Rui as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke meet their next opponents in Mount Natagumo, the family of Spider Demons, which includes a lower moon demon. They are quite the formidable enemies, forcing the trio to pull out their maximum strength.

This arc introduces Rui, a lower moon of the Twelve Kizuki demons. The trio's true fighting power is explored in this arc, alongside a proper introduction to Shinobu, the Insect Hashira, and Kanao, the Hashira's apprentice.

6) Rehabilitation Training Arc (Chapters 45-53 & Episodes 22-26)

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

This arc sees Tanjiro and his group reaching the Hashira, the strongest and highest-ranking demon slayers who possess unrivaled strength. But the first introduction between Tanjiro and the Hashira doesn't go too well.

The arc follows Tanjiro’s affiliation with Nezuko, who is being judged as a criminal by the Hashira because Nezuko is a demon, and it is against the law to protect their kind. However, all is well in the end when Kaguya, the leader of the demon-slaying corps, chooses to overlook the situation.

7) Mugen Train Arc (Chapters 54-69 & Episodes 27-34, Infinity Train Movie)

Rengoku as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

The core part of this arc was adapted into the 2019 movie Mugen Train, and the story follows the demonic encounters of the protagonists aboard the eponymous Train. Rengoku is re-introduced in this arc, and he steals the spotlight as he joins the main trio in fighting the demon spirit of the Train.

The arc also introduced the Upper Demon Moon three, Akaza, who would play an important role throughout the series. the arc also explored Tanjiro's mental fortitude and compassion.

8) Entertainment District Arc (Chapters 70-97 & Episodes 34-44)

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

This Demon Slayer arc introduces Tengen Uzui and his three wives. the Sound Hashira takes the three boys and Nezuko to the Red Light District on a mission where they encounter the Upper Moon Six, Daki, and her brother Gyuutarou.

The Entertainment District Arc is one of the most popular animated arcs of the series. it is lauded for both the animation and the incredible voice acting by Miyuki Sawashiro as Daki/Ume and Ryota Osaka as Gyuutarou.

9) Swordsmith Village Arc (Chapters 98-127 & Episode 45-55)

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

The Swordsmith Village arc follows Tanjiro and Nezuko as they travel to the Swordsmith Village to repair the former's katana. This arc reintroduces Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji and Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito after their introduction during the Rehabilition Training arc.

Genya Shinazugawa makes his first official appearance in this arc. The main villains of this arc are Hantengu and Gyokko, Upper Demon Moons Four and Five, respectively.

10) Hashira Training Arc (Chapters 128-136 & Episode 56-TBA)

The Sound and Serpent Hashira as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

The Hashira Training engages the crème de la crème of the demon slayers, the Hashira, and allows the lower ranks of demon slayers to train alongside the best. Tanjiro must take on this training to earn the approval of Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima.

Also Read: Will Demon Slayer season 4 show Akaza's backstory? Explored

This arc is famous amongst manga readers for explaining Giyu Tomioka's backstory and for showing the breathing techniques of each Hashira so that fans can get an idea about each Hashira's power level.

11) Infinity Castle Arc (Chapters 137-183)

An Upper-Rank Demon standing in the Infinity Castle (Image via Ufotable)

The first part of the finale arc pits the demon slayers against Muzan and the remaining Upper Moons. As the name suggests, the battle takes place mainly inside the Infinity Castle, created by Nakime's Blood Demon Art.

The intense fight sequences had made this arc one of the most loved among manga readers. Ufotable has excellently adapted the story, and fans are hopeful that they will give justice to this arc as well. The three strongest Upper Moons will fight alongside the King of Demons, Kibutsuji Muzan.

12) Sunrise Countdown Arc (Chapters 183-205)

Kibutsuji Muzan as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

Directly following the Infinity Castle arc, all the Upper Moons are defeated, and Muzan is brought out to the open. Now, the remaining Hashiras and Tanjiro must face the Demon King with all their strength. However, they can't cut his head off because he instantly regenerates it; thus, waiting for sunrise is their last resort.

Yoriichi appears briefly in Tanjiro's flashbacks, and we get a better glimpse of his past life and how he became close to the Kamado family. The whole arc pushes the Demon Slayer Corps to its limit, but all of them leave no expense to bring Muzan down. Many slayers willingly threw themselves in front of Muzan's attacks to save the Hashiras and stall him even for a moment.

And that is a complete guide for anime fans about how many arcs are in Demon Slayer alongside their corresponding chapters and anime episodes. With the anime now reaching its finale, it's a perfect time to pick up the series and enjoy it.

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