Every Demon Slayer Arc, In Order

Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba is a smash hit, having sold millions of tankobon volumes since its inception. The anime series proved to be just as popular, and the additional films effectively made the series a pop-cultural landmark. Although shows like Jujutsu Kaisen have since surpassed it in terms of popularity, Demon Slayer isn't going away any time soon.

The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who joins the Demon Slayer Corps after Muzan Kibutsuji kills his entire family. Although his sister Nezuko survived the attack, she ended up becoming a demon. Tanjiro hopes to find a cure for his sister and avenge his family. The series spanned 23 manga volumes and 12 arcs, with the final one split into two sub-arcs. Each phase of the story manages to outdo the last as the story rapidly becomes darker.

Updated on October 15, 2025 by Kennedy Michael King: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has broken box office records around the world en route to becoming the highest-grossing anime film of all time. The beloved shonen anime is still far from its conclusion, but with the franchise's final two films on the distant horizon, it's the perfect time for fans to familiarize themselves with its narrative arcs. Accordingly, this article has been updated to reflect the most up-to-date information about the series.

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

Chapters 1-9, Episodes 1-5

Demon Slayer kicks off with the Final Selection arc. As far as introductory anime arcs go, this one quickly hops from zero to one hundred. One minute, Tanjiro is just an average charcoal seller, and the next, he's picking up a Nichirin blade to fight demons. His transformation isn't shocking to shonen audiences, who are used to protagonists suffering great tragedies to become stronger. In this case, Tanjiro wants to find a way to restore his sister, Nezuko's, humanity.

After enduring a few years of training under Urokodaki's guidance, Tanjiro heads off to the Final Selection, an entrance exam for aspiring Demon Slayers to prove their worth. They pass if they make it off the mountain alive after seven days. This arc introduced some main characters: Tanjiro, his sister Nezuko, and later Zenitsu. One of the better Demon Slayer arcs, it also introduced the concept of the Hashira, starting with Giyu Tomioka.

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

Chapters 10-13, Episodes 6-7

The Kidnapper's Bog Arc, or the First Mission Arc, follows Tanjiro's first steps to becoming a full-fledged demon slayer. He goes on his first mission during this arc to investigate why young women have been inexplicably disappearing in a local town. Eventually, Tanjro traces a path back to the killer, who turns out to be his first proper opponent. The main event of this arc was Tanjiro and Nezuko's battle against the Swamp Demon.

It wasn't an Upper Rank or even a Lower Rank in Muzan's Twelve Kizuki, but the resulting fight certainly proved just how vicious these demons could be. It also showcased Tanjiro and Nezuko's impressive teamwork, one of the first Demon Slayer arcs to do so. The Swamp Demon was eventually defeated, marking Tanjiro's first major victory as a demon slayer. At the same time, the Swamp Demon's abject terror at facing Muzan helped contextualize the final Demon Slayer villain's threat.

The Asakusa Arc Shows That Not All Demons Are Evil

Chapters 14-19, Episodes 8-10

The vast majority of Demon Slayer's demons aren't docile and kind like Nezuko, but rather vicious monsters hellbent on murdering and devouring innocent humans. That said, Tamayo and Yushiro are two rare examples of demons who can coexist with humanity. However, their debut wasn't the only exciting event in this arc. Tanjiro finally has a run-in with Muzan Kibutsuji while traveling in Tokyo, which shakes him to his core. The Demon King even converts a passerby into a demon so he can escape, demonstrating just how vile he is.

After that terrifying event, Tanjiro meets Tamayo and Yushiro, who take him in and listen to his idea about finding a cure for demons. However, they are soon attacked by Susamaru and Yahaba, two Twelve Kizuki hopefuls who would do anything to serve Muzan. The Akasuka Arc might not have much fighting, but it's certainly one of the most important Demon Slayer arcs in terms of story.

The Tsuzumi Mansion Arc Formally Introduces Zenitsu and Inosuke

Chapters 20-27, Episodes 11-14

The Tsuzumi Mansion Arc was one of the most action-packed Demon Slayer arcs. Tanjiro was sent on a mission to investigate a house where Kyogai, a former Twelve Kizuki member, was wreaking havoc. This arc formally introduced the lovable coward Zenitsu Agatsuma and the hard-headed boar-child Inosuke Hashibira. Both these two characters might be filled with flaws, but they would go on to play seminal roles in the story.

Although he initially seemed like a weakling, Zenitsu eventually unveiled his true power against the Tongue Demon, offering viewers an electric showcase of Thunder Breathing. Fans also got their first glimpse of Inosuke's potential during his fight against the Horned Demon. Tanjiro's fight against Kyogai was epic, and its aftermath proved the young demon slayer's boundless compassion. All things considered, the heroes managed to save at least a few lives in the process.

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

Chapters 28-44, Episodes 15-21

Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke trekked up Mount Natagumo on their first group mission to take down the dreadful Spider Family. These demons were the most powerful foes they had met until that point. This threat was enough to make Zenitsu sit on the sidelines for most of the Arc — until he was forced to unleash his powers against the Son Spider Demon. Rui was the first current member of the Twelve Kizuki introduced, and it took everything Tanjiro and Nezuko had to defeat him.

Nezuko awakened her Blood Demon Art for the first time, but even this failed to deal fatal damage to Rui. By the end, Giyu reappeared alongside Shinobu, the Insect Hashira, without whom the young heroes would have certainly perished. Most importantly, Mount Natagumo was the first Demon Slayer arc to introduce Tanjiro's Sun Breathing, also known as Hinokami Kagura, confirming that he wasn't an ordinary Water Breather.

The Rehabilitation Training Arc Introduces the Hashira and Their Leader

Chapters 45-53, Episodes 22-26

Even though Tanjiro and Nezuko played a significant role in taking down the Spider Family, the fact that he was traveling with a demon is a crime, at least according to the Corps' laws. After teasing so much about the elusive Hashira, this arc introduced the other seven members, as well as their leader, Kagaya Ubuyashiki. Despite some of the Hashira's attempts to disparage and discredit Nezuko, Kagaya decided there was no reason to punish anyone and allowed Nezuko to live.

After that, the main gang was taken to the Butterfly Mansion, where they spent time recuperating from the previous battle. In Demon Slayer's Rehabilitation Training Arc, Tanjiro and Inosuke also encounter Kanao Tsuyuri and Aoi Kanzaki, initiating the possibility of a blossoming romance. The three boys go through a grueling training regimen meant to make them stronger and faster overall. At the same time, Muzan was preparing his Lower Rank troops for the battles ahead, hoping that he would be able to locate Nezuko and Tanjiro before it was too late.

The Mugen Train Arc Highlights Kyojuro Rengoku's Heroic Endeavors

Chapters 54-66, Episodes 27-34

One of the most exciting Demon Slayer arcs, Mugen Train was adapted into a popular movie. Rengoku stole the show in this arc as the leading trio fought alongside him to defeat Enmu, a Lower Rank demon who had fused his spirit with the train. He was challenging to defeat, especially since the Slayers were all in dreamland for most of his attack. Ultimately, however, Enmu was dispatched by Tanjiro, leaving the Upper Moon 3 to avenge Muzan's disgrace.

By its conclusion, the Mugen Train Arc turned out to be one of Demon Slayer's most brutal. Akaza soon popped in and gleefully challenged the Flame Hashira to a fight. After an epic exchange of blows, Akaza somehow managed to defeat Rengoku, proving the seemingly limitless strength of the Upper Rank demons. That said, Akaza barely escaped the aftermath with his life, fleeing into the forest with Tanjiro furiously chasing after him.

The Entertainment District Arc Features the Flashiest Hashira

Chapters 67-97, Episodes 34-44

The Entertainment District Arc took the main trio into the Red Light District, where they had to go undercover in brothels to locate the demon wreaking havoc in the city. This arc introduced Tengen Uzui, the Flashy Sound Hashira, and all three of his "wives." The arc had some of the best fights in the series and introduced the Upper Rank demons Daki and Gyutaro, who demonstrated the true terror of Muzan's Twelve Kizuki.

This arc also puts Nezuko through a bizarre transformation where she becomes strong enough to stun Daki, although she nearly loses herself in the process. Although one of the best Demon Slayer arcs in the anime, the battle with Gyutaro left Tengen unable to continue fighting for the Hashira. On a positive note, the Sound Hashira would return later to help with training. On a sadder note, fans were understandably upset after learning about Gyutaro and Daki's painful childhood, suggesting that even demons could love each other.

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

Chapters 98-127, Episodes 45-55

The penultimate Demon Slayer arc in the anime is the Swordsmith Village Arc. Tanjiro only goes to the swordsmith village to get his sword repaired, but after running into Muichiro and Genya, he has to take on two Upper Rank demons. Tanjiro, Nezuko, Genya, and Mitsuri took on Hantengu, an Upper Rank Demon who could generate emotion clones. It took the entire night and multiple attempts to wear Hantengu down, with Tanjiro ultimately dealing the finishing blow.

Muichiro was fighting Gyokko in the meantime, eventually defeating the Upper Rank 4 demon after awakening his Demon Slayer Mark. The Swordsmith Village Arc also revealed that Nezuko develops the rare ability to survive in the sunlight. Muzan was delighted to hear about this unexpected development because it meant he could finally overcome his greatest disadvantage. There were some pretty interesting incidents in this arc, all of which set the stage for the rest of the series.

The Hashira Training Arc Feels Like the Calm Before the Storm

Chapters 128-136, Episodes 56-63

While training arcs are common occurrences across Shonen anime, Demon Slayer makes it feel much less orthodox. The Hashira Training Arc is a chance for slayers in the lower ranks to train with the best, giving them the strength they never knew they had. Tanjiro and the other Demon Slayers must spend their days training with each Hashira. While not extraordinarily exciting, it's imperative for the mental and physical growth of the characters.

Tengen Uzui teaches stamina training, Mitsuri handles flexibility, and Muichiro helps the slayers improve their overall speed. Meanwhile, Obanai gives tips on how to be a better overall swordsman, Sanemi manages strength training, and Gyomei helps the slayers build their muscles. It's a brutal Demon Slayer arc, especially with Kagaya Ubuyashiki's explosive attempt on Muzan's life. At this point, fans eagerly await the concluding arc of the series. The Hashira Training Arc is the calm before the storm, truly.

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

Volumes 16-21, Chapters 137-183

The Final Battle Arc is split into two sub-arcs, marking the end of the entire series. The Infinity Castle Arc is the first sub-arc, and it's filled with some of Demon Slayer's most explosive battles. Unfortunately, some fan favorites were taken out during this penultimate Demon Slayer arc. At the same time, some of the most despised villains had their tragic backstories revealed, providing some much-needed closure all around.

All hands are on deck to take down the demonic overlord, as the heroes invade the titular stronghold. The arc has tons of great fights, like Shinobu versus Doma, Tanjiro and Giyu versus Akaza, and Obanai and Mitsuri versus Nakime. Tanjiro manages to attain the Transparent World for the first time, giving him an edge over the Upper Moon 3 Akaza. Kokushibo, the Upper Moon 1, finally enters the fray against a combination 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 storyline is the last of the Demon Slayer arcs, finally bringing an end to this iconic story. There were intense battles during the Infinity Castle arc, but the Sunrise Countdown Arc has a pretty self-explanatory premise: the Corps must take down Muzan and his regime before the sun rises. The Corps eventually defeat Muzan, but Tanjiro becomes a demon and his former comrades have to help him regain his humanity. Luckily, Tanjiro reawakens as a human, and Nezuko is also cured.

Despite their considerable losses, the main trio had a happy ending. Tanjiro ended up with Kanao, Inosuke ended up with Aoi, and Zenitsu found himself in a loving relationship with Nezuko. That last one is probably the most unexpected event in all the Demon Slayer arcs. Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke begin to live together in the Kamado household in Chapter 204, but the final panel of the penultimate chapter shows that the timeline has entered the 21st century.

Demon Slayer's Epilogue Takes the Story Into the Future

Chapter 205

Interestingly, the Demon Slayer manga's final Chapter 205 flashes forward several decades, briefly introducing numerous descendants and reincarnations of fan-favorite characters. Tanjiro's descendants include Kanata and Sumihiko Kamado, while Zenitsu and Nezuko's great-grandchildren are revealed to be Yoshiteru and Toko Agatsuma. Meanwhile, Inosuke's descendant Aoba Hashibira discovers the Blue Spider Lily that Muzan had been hunting for a thousand years.

Tengen Uzui's descendant Tenma is an Olympic medallist, while Sanemi Shinzagawa's descendant Sanehiro is a police officer. Tojuro Rengoku and Giichi Tomioka are school students descended from Senjuro Rengoku and Giyu Tomioka. Many other characters have been potentially reincarnated, including Muichiro Tokito, the Kocho sisters, Gyomei Himejima, Mitsuri Kanroji, Obanai Iguro, Sakonji Urokodaki, Jigoro Kuwajima, and Genya Shinazugawa. Interestingly, the oldest man in Japan is Kiriya Ubuyashiki, the son of Kagaya himself.