Anime fans across the globe eagerly welcomed the return of Demon Slayer Season 3, also known as the Swordsmith Village Arc. With ufotable once again at the animation helm, this arc continues the high standards set by its predecessors while diving deeper into lore, emotional development, and jaw-dropping fights. This review on Animepalm.tv covers all Demon Slayer season 3 episodes, characters, visuals, and battles—everything you need to know about the Demon Slayer Season 3 journey.
What is Demon Slayer Season 3?
Demon Slayer Season 3 brings to life the Swordsmith Village Arc from Koyoharu Gotouge’s bestselling manga, continuing Tanjiro Kamado’s journey in the aftermath of the Entertainment District battle.
Seeking to repair his damaged Nichirin Blade, Tanjiro travels with Nezuko to a secluded village hidden deep within the mountains—home to the master swordsmiths of the Demon Slayer Corps. However, the brief moment of calm is shattered when two powerful Upper Rank demons, Hantengu and Gyokko, infiltrate the village, launching a brutal ambush that threatens the very heart of the Corps’ weapon supply.
This arc delivers some of the most stunning animation and intense fight choreography in the series to date. It also introduces standout characters such as the stoic Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and the vibrant Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji, while showcasing significant power shifts in both Tanjiro and Nezuko.
- Title of the Arc: Swordsmith Village Arc
- Total episodes: 11 episodes
- Premiere: April 9, 2023
- Animation Studio: Ufotable
- Director: Haruo Sotozaki
- Music Composers: Yuki Kajiura & Go Shiina
Plot Summary: The Swordsmith Village Arc
Tanjiro, after recovering from his wounds in the Entertainment District, travels to the Swordsmith Village to request a new sword. Joined by Nezuko, he encounters new Hashira and allies. But when Upper Moon Four and Five demons ambush the village, chaos erupts.
The arc is rich with themes of perseverance, legacy, and inner strength. Tanjiro and his companions must rise to the challenge to protect the heart of the Demon Slayer Corps’ weapon supply.
Episode-By-Episode Review
Episode 1: “Someone’s Dream”
The season kicks off with a cinematic 49-minute premiere. We see Muzan’s Infinity Castle and the upper-rank demon meeting. Tanjiro awakens after his injuries and heads to the Swordsmith Village. The visuals here are stunning, with vibrant backdrops and clean transitions.
Episode 2: “Yoriichi Type Zero”
Tanjiro discovers an ancient training doll modeled after Yoriichi. Through rigorous training, he begins pushing his limits. The episode also subtly teases the Yoriichi–Tanjiro connection, deepening the lore.
Episode 3: “A Sword from Over 300 Years Ago”
Tanjiro breaks the doll and finds a mysterious sword. Hotaru promises to polish it, showing his dedication. Meanwhile, upper demons draw closer to the village.
Episode 4: “Thank You, Tokito”
Upper Moon Five, Gyokko, attacks. Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito enters the battle. Despite his cold demeanor, his commitment to protecting others begins to surface.
Episode 5: “Bright Red Sword”
An all-out battle erupts. Nezuko uses her Blood Demon Art to ignite Tanjiro’s sword. The fiery visuals highlight ufotable’s signature style. This is one of the best demon slayer season 3 fight moments.
Episode 6: “Aren’t You Going to Become a Hashira?”
Genya’s backstory is explored, revealing his traumatic past. This deepens his character, adding emotional stakes to the ongoing battle.
Episode 7: “Awful Villain”
Muichiro confronts Gyokko, who mocks swordsmith artistry. The fight becomes a philosophical clash between creativity and destruction.
Episode 8: “The Mu in Muichiro”
We witness Muichiro’s full backstory. His transformation from emotionless warrior to self-aware protector is beautifully told.
Episode 9: “Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito”
Muichiro unlocks his Demon Slayer mark and defeats Gyokko in a high-stakes duel. The animation here is fluid, fast-paced, and emotionally charged.
Episode 10: “Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji”
Mitsuri arrives, taking center stage with her elegant ribbon-like sword. Her fight against Zohakuten, a form of Upper Moon Four, is dynamic and colorful.
Episode 11: “A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light”
Tanjiro, Genya, and Nezuko face the real Hantengu. As Tanjiro beheads the demon, Nezuko is exposed to sunlight and survives. The demon slayer season 3 last episode ends with hope and shock as Muzan learns Nezuko’s secret.
Animation, Visuals & OST
The visual quality of Demon Slayer Season 3 continues to set a new standard in modern anime, thanks to ufotable’s groundbreaking animation techniques. Every frame feels hand-painted, with fluid sword clashes, breathtaking elemental effects, and highly expressive facial animation that elevates each character’s emotional state. The fights – particularly those involving Mitsuri, Muichiro, and Tanjiro – are choreographed with cinematic precision and visual depth rarely seen in weekly anime.
Beyond the action, the backgrounds in the Swordsmith Village are stunningly crafted, capturing the serenity of hot springs, the eerie glow of demon-infested forests, and the grandeur of the hidden village’s architecture.
Equally impressive is the OST of Demon Slayer Season 3, composed by Go Shiina and Yuki Kajiura. The soundtrack blends traditional Japanese instruments like shakuhachi flutes and taiko drums with sweeping orchestral themes. Each musical cue enhances the tension, sorrow, and triumph of every moment – from quiet reflections to explosive final blows – immersing the viewer fully in the world of Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Characters and Development
Demon Slayer Season 3 places a strong emphasis on character growth, particularly for those introduced in this arc. It’s not just about intense battles or demon slaying — it’s about emotional scars, rediscovery, and the bonds that shape each warrior’s resolve.
Tanjiro Kamado
Tanjiro continues to evolve as both a combatant and a moral compass. In Season 3, we see him mastering new techniques by blending Hinokami Kagura with other breathing forms, adapting on the fly during high-stakes encounters.
Yet, his true strength lies in his empathy — his ability to see through hatred, even when surrounded by chaos and death. His protectiveness toward Nezuko, and his horror at seeing innocents suffer, remind us why he’s one of anime’s most beloved protagonists.
Nezuko Kamado
This season marks a turning point for Nezuko — no longer just the silent demon in a box. Her explosive Blood Demon Art helps Tanjiro ignite his sword, and in the final episode, she does the impossible: survives direct sunlight. It’s an emotional, game-changing moment that pushes the entire Demon Slayer mythos forward. She also showcases a new emotional intelligence, acting with calm clarity to protect her brother at all costs.
Muichiro Tokito (Mist Hashira)
Initially aloof and dismissive, Muichiro undergoes one of the most profound transformations in the arc. His amnesia fades as he regains painful memories of his twin brother and the trauma that shaped him.
From cold prodigy to selfless protector, Muichiro becomes the embodiment of the series’ central message: your past does not define your worth. His awakening of the Demon Slayer Mark and triumph over Gyokko mark a cathartic high point in Season 3.
Mitsuri Kanroji (Love Hashira)
Mitsuri proves that strength doesn’t always come from rage. Her cheerful demeanor masks incredible power, revealed through a flexible sword technique that blends speed, grace, and raw physical force.
More than just eye candy, she represents emotional openness and heart-driven strength — a refreshing counterbalance to the arc’s darker tones. Her role in the battle against Zohakuten cements her as one of the series’ most inspiring Hashira.
Genya Shinazugawa
Brash, misunderstood, and haunted by a violent past, Genya is perhaps the most controversial character of the arc. But it’s that very complexity that makes him compelling. His demon-consumption ability is unsettling, but effective — mirroring his internal battle for identity and redemption. His strained bond with his brother, Wind Hashira Sanemi, adds emotional weight and hints at deeper unresolved storylines.
Together, these characters bring emotional depth to Demon Slayer Season 3, transforming it from a simple battle arc into a profound exploration of trauma, growth, and resilience. Their journeys feel authentic and earned — and their evolution will undoubtedly shape the arcs still to come.
Final Verdict
After 11 explosive episodes, Demon Slayer Season 3 proves itself to be a stunning, emotional, and game-changing arc in the Kimetsu no Yaiba series. While not without flaws, it delivers some of the anime’s most beautiful and important moments to date.
Strengths
- Stunning Animation by Ufotable: Every frame is rich in color, detail, and motion, especially in battle scenes.
- Emotional Character Arcs: Strong development for Muichiro, Genya, Mitsuri, Nezuko, and Tanjiro.
- Lore Expansion: Introduces major world-building elements (Yoriichi, Demon Slayer Marks, Nezuko’s immunity to sunlight).
- Epic Battles: Tanjiro vs Hantengu, Muichiro vs Gyokko, and Mitsuri vs Zohakuten are all masterfully executed.
- Nezuko’s Evolution: The twist in the final episode adds new stakes to the series and stuns long-time fans.
Weaknesses
- Mid-Season Pacing Issues: Too many flashbacks interrupt action and slow momentum in episodes 6–8.
- Uneven Use of Villains: Upper Five (Gyokko) feels underwhelming compared to Upper Four.
- Limited Screen Time for Core Cast: Zenitsu and Inosuke are largely absent; the arc focuses heavily on new faces.
- Minimal Plot Advancement: Despite great battles, the main storyline doesn’t move forward as much as previous arcs.
Overall Rating: 8.7 / 10
- Visuals: ★★★★★ (10/10)
- Story Progression: ★★★☆☆ (6.5/10)
- Character Development: ★★★★☆ (9/10)
- Soundtrack & Direction: ★★★★★ (9.5/10)
- Pacing & Structure: ★★★☆☆ (7/10)
FAQs
How many episodes in Demon Slayer Season 3?
There are 11 episodes in Season 3.
What is the name of Demon Slayer Season 3 arc?
It’s called the Swordsmith Village Arc.
Who died in Demon Slayer Season 3?
Several swordsmiths are killed during the village attack. No major Hashira or demon slayer dies.
What is the last episode of Demon Slayer Season 3?
Episode 11, titled “A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light.”
Where can I watch Demon Slayer Season 3 full episodes?
All episodes are streaming on Crunchyroll with English subs and dubs.
Conclusion
Demon Slayer Season 3 is a thrilling, emotional, and visually stunning chapter that showcases the very best of modern anime. With its breathtaking animation, powerful character arcs, and game-changing moments – like Nezuko’s immunity to sunlight – the Swordsmith Village Arc cements the series as a standout in the shonen genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the story, this season delivers action, heart, and high-stakes drama in every episode.
Start watching or rewatching now on Animepalm, and experience why Demon Slayer Season 3 continues to captivate anime fans worldwide.
