There’s something hauntingly beautiful about Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. From its breathtaking animation to its emotional storytelling, every Demon Slayer Arc feels like a chapter of a legend carved into anime history. With every battle, Tanjiro Kamado’s world expands — from the quiet mountains where his tragedy began to the burning dawn of humanity’s final stand against demons.
If you’ve ever wondered how many arcs are in Demon Slayer, or you want to revisit each one before the grand finale, this guide from Anime Palm will take you through every story arc — in order, with insight, highlights, and why they matter.
Overview of the Demon Slayer Arcs
The Demon Slayer manga, created by Koyoharu Gotouge, is divided into 12 official story arcs, spanning from Chapter 1 to Chapter 205. Each arc contributes to Tanjiro’s evolution from a humble charcoal seller into a demon slayer standing at the edge of destiny.
These arcs blend action, emotion, and philosophy — merging samurai discipline, spiritual lore, and human fragility into one of the most cinematic anime experiences ever animated by Ufotable.
Final Selection Arc:
- Manga chapters: 1 to 9
- Anime episodes: 1 to 5
Kidnapper’s Bog Arc:
- Manga chapters: 10 to 13
- Anime episodes: episode 6, episode 7
Asakusa Arc:
- Manga chapters: 14 to 19
- Anime episodes: 8 to 10
Tsuzumi Mansion Arc:
- Manga chapters: 20 to 27
- Anime episodes: 11 to 14
Mount Natagumo Arc:
- Manga chapters: 28 to 44
- Anime episodes: 15 to 21
Rehabilitation Training Arc:
- Manga chapters: 45 to 53
- Anime episodes: 22 to 26
Mugen Train Arc:
- Manga chapters: 54 to 66
- Anime episodes: 27 to 33
Entertainment District Arc:
- Manga chapters: 67 to 97
- Anime episodes: 34 to 44
Swordsmith Village Arc:
- Manga chapters: 98 to 127
- Anime episodes: 45 to 55
Hashira Training Arc
- Manga chapters: 128 to 139
- Anime episodes: 56 to 63
Infinity Castle Arc:
- Manga chapters: 140 to 183
- Anime episodes: N/A. Demon Slayer The Movie: Infinity Castle part 1
Sunrise Countdown Arc
- Manga chapters: 184 to 205
- Anime episodes: N/A
All Demon Slayer Arcs in Order
1. Final Selection Arc (Chapters 1–9)
The first Demon Slayer Arc introduces us to Tanjiro Kamado — a kind-hearted boy whose life collapses after his family is slaughtered by demons, leaving only his sister Nezuko, who is turned into one.
Under the guidance of Sakonji Urokodaki, Tanjiro trains to join the Demon Slayer Corps. This arc climaxes at the Final Selection, where candidates must survive seven days on Mount Fujikasane.
2. Kidnapper’s Bog Arc (Chapters 10–13)
Tanjiro first mission as an official Demon Slayer takes him to a rural village terrorized by a demon that abducts young girls. This arc balances horror with heroism, as Tanjiro’s Water Breathing techniques meet real battle conditions for the first time. It also deepens his connection with Nezuko, showing how she aids him in combat — the bond between them becoming the soul of the series.
3. Asakusa Arc (Chapters 14–19)
The Asakusa Demon Slayer Arc marks a pivotal shift in Demon Slayer, taking the story from rustic mountains to the bustling heart of Tokyo. Amid glowing lanterns and gaslights, Tanjiro encounters Muzan Kibutsuji, the first demon and the root of his family’s tragedy. This is also where he meets Tamayo and Yushiro, two sympathetic demons seeking redemption through science.
The arc introduces the idea that not all demons are evil — a profound turning point that adds moral depth and sets the stage for the emotional and philosophical conflicts that define the rest of the series.
4. Tsuzumi Mansion Arc (Chapters 20–27)
This eerie arc introduces Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira, who will become Tanjiro’s lifelong companions. The trio face the terrifying Drum Demon Kyogai, a fallen member of Muzan’s Twelve Kizuki.
Tsuzumi Mansion is notable for its haunting, Escher-like layout, reflecting Kyogai’s broken psyche and setting the tone for the artistic battles Ufotable would later immortalize.
5. Mount Natagumo Arc (Chapters 28–44)
Arguably the first “major” Demon Slayer Arc, this is where the story ascends into emotional devastation. On the spider-infested Mount Natagumo, Tanjiro’s group confronts the Spider Family, a chilling metaphor for warped family love.
This arc culminates in Tanjiro’s fight against Rui, the Lower Rank Five, featuring the legendary “Hinokami Kagura” sequence — a visual symphony of fire and sorrow that defined anime for a decade.
6. Rehabilitation Training Arc (Chapters 45–53)
Following the harrowing battle on Mount Natagumo, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke are taken to the Butterfly Mansion, where they recover under the care of Shinobu Kocho and Kanao Tsuyuri. This Demon Slayer Arc serves as a gentle pause between chaos — a chance for the trio to heal both physically and emotionally.
Through physical training, meditation, and introspection, they rediscover their strength and resolve. The arc beautifully captures themes of growth, discipline, and the quiet courage it takes to rise again after defeat, setting the emotional foundation for the story’s next major battles.
7. Mugen Train Arc (Chapters 54–66)
Immortalized in one of the most successful anime films of all time, the Mugen Train Arc is a masterpiece of pacing and tragedy. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke join the Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku aboard the Mugen Train to battle Enmu, Lower Rank One.
The arc crescendos into a heartbreaking duel against Akaza, Upper Rank Three. Rengoku’s sacrifice becomes a defining moment — a beacon of hope and honor that burns across the entire series.
8. Entertainment District Arc (Chapters 67–97)
Set in Yoshiwara’s red-light district, this arc injects sensual color and dangerous allure into the world of Demon Slayer. The Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui leads Tanjiro’s team against the demon siblings Gyutaro and Daki, resulting in some of the best choreographed battles in anime history. This is where Ufotable’s animation truly transcends its peers — every frame is a painting, every explosion a heartbeat.
9. Swordsmith Village Arc (Chapters 98–127)
Following the catastrophic battle at Yoshiwara, Tanjiro visits the hidden Swordsmith Village to repair his Nichirin sword. Here, he meets Mitsuri Kanroji (Love Hashira) and Muichiro Tokito (Mist Hashira), who shine in fierce confrontations with Hantengu and Gyokko, both Upper Rank demons.
The arc balances breathtaking fights with emotional revelations, especially around Nezuko’s evolving powers — a key shift in the story’s supernatural foundation.
10. Hashira Training Arc (Chapters 128–139)
The Demon Slayer Arc Hashira Training acts as the calm before the storm. Every Hashira trains the Corps in preparation for the coming final battle. It’s a refreshing slice of camaraderie, humor, and heart — giving fans moments of levity before the emotional tempest of the last arcs.
11. Infinity Castle Arc (Chapters 140–183)
Also known as the Infinity Castle Demon Slayer Arc, this arc marks the beginning of the end. Muzan’s fortress — a surreal labyrinth of shifting architecture — traps every surviving Hashira and Demon Slayer in a nightmarish confrontation.
Each Hashira faces an Upper Moon in grueling duels that push them to their limits.This arc will soon be adapted into a trilogy of movies by Ufotable, promising cinematic brilliance on an unprecedented scale.
12. Sunrise Countdown Arc (Chapters 184–205)
The final Demon Slayer Arc delivers the ultimate confrontation: Tanjiro and his allies against Muzan Kibutsuji himself. As dawn approaches, the battle turns apocalyptic. Each sacrifice, every fallen comrade, becomes a thread woven into the light that finally burns away Muzan’s darkness. The ending is both heartbreaking and uplifting — a perfect close to a saga about grief, love, and the will to live.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many arcs are in Demon Slayer?
There are 12 arcs in total, spanning Chapters 1–205 of the manga.
What is the first Demon Slayer arc?
The Final Selection Arc is the first arc, where Tanjiro trains under Urokodaki and becomes a Demon Slayer.
What comes after the Entertainment District Arc?
After the Entertainment District Arc, the story continues with the Swordsmith Village Arc.
What is the Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Arc?
The Infinity Castle Demon Slayer Arc is the beginning of the final battle against Muzan and the Upper Moons. It’s being adapted into a movie trilogy by Ufotable.
What’s the final arc of Demon Slayer?
The Sunrise Countdown Arc is the final arc, concluding the story of Tanjiro and Nezuko.
Conclusion
Every Demon Slayer Arc is a piece of art — a story of fire, grief, and rebirth. From Tanjiro first swing of the sword to the final sunrise, Demon Slayer proves that anime can be as profound as any classic legend.
If you haven’t yet experienced the journey, there’s no better time. Rewatch your favorite arc or dive into the next — and let the blades, the music, and the hearts of the slayers ignite your soul.
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