Few anime have captured hearts and shattered records like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. With stunning animation by Ufotable and emotional storytelling, it’s become a global phenomenon. However, with multiple seasons, movies, and story arcs, many fans wonder: What’s the right way to watch the series?
This guide from AnimePalm covers the full journey of Tanjiro Kamado, walking you through every Demon Slayer Arc in Order – including chapters, episodes, and movie timelines – so you can follow the Demon Slayer Arc in Order exactly as intended.
Overview – The World of Demon Slayer
Step into the world of Demon Slayer, where stunning visuals, deep emotions, and fierce battles blend into a powerful story of loss, hope, and perseverance. This overview introduces the setting, characters, and themes that make the series a global phenomenon – and explains why experiencing each Demon Slayer Arc in Order is key to understanding its full impact.
A Shonen Masterpiece with Heart and Blade
Created by Koyoharu Gotouge, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy whose family is slaughtered by demons, leaving only his sister Nezuko, who herself has turned into one. Driven by grief and love, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, hoping to avenge his family and cure Nezuko.
Since its manga debut in 2016, Demon Slayer has become one of the best-selling series of all time, with 23 volumes spanning 12 main arcs. Its anime adaptation – powered by Ufotable’s stunning visuals – transformed the series into a cinematic experience, culminating in record-breaking films like Mugen Train and the upcoming Infinity Castle Trilogy. For those wanting to follow the journey properly, watching each Demon Slayer Arc in Order ensures the full impact of the story is experienced as intended.
Demon Slayer Arcs in Chronological Order
To fully enjoy the story of Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps, it’s important to follow the Demon Slayer Arc in Order. Each arc builds the world, deepens character development, and connects key plot points. This timeline will help you watch the series the right way – from the first mission to the final battle.
How Many Arcs Are in Demon Slayer?
There are 12 story arcs in total, covering both manga and anime. Each builds upon the previous, deepening the emotional core of Tanjiro quest and escalating the intensity of the battles against Muzan Kibutsuji and his Twelve Kizuki (Upper and Lower Rank Demons).
Below is the full Demon Slayer arc in order, including chapters and anime adaptation details.
The Complete Demon Slayer Arc Timeline
1. Final Selection Arc
- Chapters: 1–9 | Episodes: 1–5
The story begins with tragedy – Tanjiro family is murdered, and his sister Nezuko becomes a demon. Under the tutelage of Sakonji Urokodaki, Tanjiro trains tirelessly before facing the grueling Final Selection, an exam that decides his fate as a Demon Slayer.
2. Kidnapper’s Bog Arc
- Chapters: 10–13 | Episodes: 6–7
Tanjiro embarks on his first mission to hunt a demon that kidnaps young women in a nearby village. His battle against the Swamp Demon marks his first real victory – and showcases Nezuko fighting potential.
3. Asakusa Arc
- Chapters: 14–19 | Episodes: 8–10
In the bustling city of Asakusa, Tanjiro encounters Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King himself. This marks the first direct confrontation with the main antagonist. He also meets two peaceful demons, Tamayo and Yushiro, who help him uncover the mystery of demon transformation.
4. Tsuzumi Mansion Arc
- Chapters: 20–27 | Episodes: 11–14
Tanjiro meets his future allies, Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira, while investigating a haunted mansion. The trio faces off against Kyogai, a former member of the Twelve Kizuki.
5. Mount Natagumo Arc
- Chapters: 28–44 | Episodes: 15–21
The trio ventures to Mount Natagumo to confront the Spider Demon family. Tanjiro’s “Hinokami Kagura” (Sun Breathing) makes its first appearance, and the stakes soar. This arc also introduces Hashira Giyu Tomioka and Shinobu Kocho, setting the stage for greater conflicts.
6. Rehabilitation Training Arc
- Chapters: 45–53 | Episodes: 22–26
Following their near-fatal battle on Natagumo Mountain, Tanjiro and friends recuperate at the Butterfly Mansion. Here, they meet the Hashira – the Demon Slayer Corps’ elite warriors – and train to regain strength for future battles.
7. Mugen Train Arc
- Chapters: 54–66 | Episodes: 27–34 / Movie: “Mugen Train”
Aboard the mysterious Mugen Train, Tanjiro teams up with the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, to defeat the Lower Rank Demon Enmu. The emotional battle against Akaza, an Upper Rank demon, makes this one of the most unforgettable arcs in anime history.
The Mugen Train movie remains the highest-grossing anime film of all time.
8. Entertainment District Arc
- Chapters: 67–97 | Episodes: 34–44
Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu go undercover in the Red Light District with Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui. Their fight against sibling demons Daki and Gyutaro is explosive and visually stunning – one of the finest moments of Ufotable’s animation.
9. Swordsmith Village Arc
- Chapters: 98–127 | Episodes: 45–55
Tanjiro travels to the swordsmiths’ hidden village to repair his Nichirin blade but ends up facing two Upper Rank demons: Hantengu and Gyokko. Nezuko’s ability to withstand sunlight shocks the demon world, giving Muzan a terrifying new obsession.
10. Hashira Training Arc
- Chapters: 128–139 | Episodes: 56–63
A period of intense training begins as the Demon Slayer Corps prepares for the final confrontation. Each Hashira trains the younger slayers – a calm before the storm that strengthens every character.
11. Infinity Castle Arc
- Chapters: 140–183 | Movie Trilogy (2025–2027)
Trailer Demon Slayers Infinity Castle
The Corps storms Muzan’s lair, the Infinity Castle, in an all-out war. Iconic battles unfold: Shinobu vs. Doma, Tanjiro & Giyu vs. Akaza, and the legendary clash against Kokushibo, Upper Moon One. The animation studio Ufotable announced this arc will be adapted into a trilogy of feature films.
12. Sunrise Countdown Arc
- Chapters: 184–205 | Final Battle Arc
As dawn approaches, the Demon Slayer Corps faces Muzan in a desperate final showdown. Tanjiro’s humanity is tested to its core as he briefly transforms into a demon himself. In the end, Muzan falls – and peace finally returns.
How to Watch Demon Slayer arc in Order
To get the most out of the story, it’s important to follow the Demon Slayer arc in Order, combining both the anime and movies for the complete experience. While the core narrative remains consistent, choosing between movie versions and their anime counterparts can affect pacing and detail. Here’s the recommended chronological watch order to ensure you don’t miss a moment of Tanjiro’s journey.
Recommended Chronological Watch Order (Anime + Movies)
- Demon Slayer: Season 1
- Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (Movie) or Season 2 – Mugen Train Arc
- Demon Slayer: Season 2 – Entertainment District Arc
- Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village (Movie) or Season 3 – Swordsmith Village Arc
- Demon Slayer: To the Hashira Training (Movie) or Season 4 – Hashira Training Arc
- Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Movie Trilogy (Parts 1–3)
The movies have higher production quality, while the anime seasons offer extended story details.
Review of the Demon Slayer Arcs
Each Demon Slayer arc offers a unique blend of emotion, action, and visual artistry. In this section, we review the most impactful elements of the series – animation, character growth, storytelling, and music – showing why following the Demon Slayer Arc in Order enhances the full experience.
Visual Brilliance Meets Emotional Depth
Every arc in Demon Slayer is crafted like a cinematic poem. From the haunting serenity of the mountains to the neon glow of the Entertainment District, Ufotable delivers breathtaking animation that pushes the medium forward. Experiencing each Demon Slayer Arc in Order allows viewers to fully appreciate this visual journey as it was meant to unfold.
Thematic Growth and Character Evolution
Tanjiro compassion, Nezuko innocence, Zenitsu courage, and Inosuke’s wild heart – each arc peels back new layers of these beloved characters. The story transforms from revenge-driven shonen to a tale of resilience, family, and forgiveness.
Soundtrack and Direction
Composer Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina amplify every emotion through unforgettable music. The direction balances quiet, introspective moments with grand-scale battles – a signature that defines Demon Slayer lasting impact. Experiencing the Demon Slayer arc in Order allows viewers to fully appreciate how the soundtrack and direction evolve across each phase of the story.
Pros and Cons of Demon Slayer Arc Structure
The arc – based storytelling of Demon Slayer delivers a powerful mix of emotion, action, and visual excellence. While there are a few downsides, the structure overall keeps the narrative focused and consistently engaging. To get the most out of the experience, watching the Demon Slayer arc in Order ensures each moment lands with maximum impact.
Strengths
- Gorgeous, movie-level animation quality
- Deep character development with emotional payoffs
- Faithful manga adaptation by Ufotable
- Dynamic pacing that keeps viewers engaged
Weaknesses
- Overlap between movie and anime versions may confuse new viewers
- Some side characters receive limited exploration
- Long waits between major arc releases
FAQs – All About the Demon Slayer Arc in Order
Got questions about how to follow the Demon Slayer arc in Order? Whether you’re a first – time viewer or a longtime fan, this FAQ section answers the most common questions to help you watch the series the right way – from arc count and movie options to where to stream every episode.
How many arcs are there in Demon Slayer?
There are 12 major story arcs in total, spanning from Final Selection to Sunrise Countdown.
Do I need to watch the movies and anime seasons?
Not necessarily – movies like Mugen Train and Swordsmith Village cover the same stories as their TV counterparts but with higher cinematic quality.
What is the latest Demon Slayer arc?
As of 2025, the latest installment is the Infinity Castle Movie Trilogy, concluding the Final Battle Arc.
Where can I watch all Demon Slayer arcs?
You can stream all Demon Slayer seasons and films on Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu (availability varies by region).
Conclusion
In just a few years, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has carved its name into anime history. With each arc, it blends action, emotion, and artistry into something timeless. Whether you’re watching for the heart-wrenching story, the thunderous battles, or the luminous beauty of its animation – Demon Slayer remains an experience unlike any other. If you’re ready to journey through all Demon Slayer arcs in order, grab your Nichirin blade, light your lantern, and step into the fire-lit path of Tanjiro Kamado.
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