Dragon Ball Super arcs: A complete guide of all story arcs

Goku in Ultra Instinct
Goku in Ultra Instinct (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

There are next to no series whose names resonate with fans like Dragon Ball has achieved. It began as a simple story about Goku as a child, and has now become a global phenomenon. Dragon Ball Super is the continuation of the previous part, and while it doesn’t match Z's raw emotional intensity for some, it delivers on pure, unfiltered hype.

Although this anime ended much earlier than the manga, it concluded with the Tournament of Power in 2018. The result still gave fans a well-packaged, beautifully animated, and emotionally high-octane ride that solidified its place in modern shonen history. This is one of those shows that prides itself on keeping the viewers hyped throughout the episode.

Nearly every character is overpowered in some way, and watching them clash on galactic stages becomes not only a spectacle but also an emotional release. In this article, we will cover all the arcs in Dragon Ball Super, from the return of the gods to the ultimate battle for universal survival.


The guide to all story arcs for Dragon Ball Super

1) God of Destruction Beerus Saga (Episodes 1–15)

Goku fighting Beerus (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Goku fighting Beerus (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

This is the first Saga of Dragon Ball Super. It starts with a retelling of the Battle of Gods. Although the key difference is that the saga has expanded scenes and deeper character interaction. It follows Beerus, who is finally awake.

He is the God of Destruction and comes to Earth after dreaming about fighting a Super Saiyan God. When the inevitable battle between Goku and Beerus does take place, the outcome leaves the fans shocked.

Even after unlocking power-ups, Goku does not win, although he did manage to earn Beerus’s respect. This arc is important because it sets up the rest of the story. It doesn’t focus much on big drama but instead shows a new level of power in the Dragon Ball world.


2) Golden Frieza Saga (Episodes 16–27)

Dragon Ball Super (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Dragon Ball Super (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

This saga of Dragon Ball Super introduces Frieza, who is one of the most iconic characters and is known to be a tyrant. His character was believed to be dead, but with a twist of fate, he was revived by his loyal followers.

This time, after coming back to life, Frieza did something that no one thought of: he trained to become stronger. And this worked in his favor because he unlocked a new form known as the Golden Frieza.

Meanwhile, Goku and Vegeta were training under Whis. This arc stands out because it resurrects a classic villain while raising the bar for new power scales. Frieza's return is not just fan service; his presence foreshadows his deeper involvement in later arcs.


3) Universe 6 Saga (Episodes 28–41)

From this point, the main plot begins to pick up in Dragon Ball Super. It starts with a healthy competition between two twin brothers, Beerus and Champa. Then they decide to start a tournament. This was finalized to determine which universe has the strongest warriors. And the one who would win this tournament would get the ultimate prize.

It was a wish orb that could grant any wish. Interestingly, this arc introduced an existential threat, but it is more than just that. Also, as it has all the strongest characters in one location, it delivers thrilling matches that feel both strategic and powerful.


4) Copy-Vegeta Saga (Episodes 42–46)

Goku and Vegeta, in the Broly Saga (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Goku and Vegeta, in the Broly Saga (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

Often considered a filler arc, the Copy-Vegeta Saga is a short, light-hearted breather. After the intense tournament with Universe 6, this arc sends Goku, Trunks, and others to the planet Potaufeu. There, they encounter a strange purple goo called Commeson that creates a powerful copy of Vegeta.

The main conflict comes from Goku having to battle this copy while the real Vegeta slowly fades due to his energy being sapped. It’s a short and funny side story with some action, giving fans more time with Goten and Trunks.

It’s not important to the main plot, but it adds some fun and shows that Dragon Ball can still be light and silly. Finally, it also shows how proud Vegeta is, even when he’s disappearing.


5) Future Trunks Saga (Episodes 47–76)

Zamasu and Goku Black (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Zamasu and Goku Black (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

Fans have argued that this arc is one of the most emotionally intense arcs in Dragon Ball Super. Additionally, what makes this arc stand out is how it explores themes like fate, divine justice, and the consequences of power. Moreover, there are new characters that make an appearance.

Trunks becomes a central hero, embodying hope and survival against nihilism. Finally, the conclusion of the arc is satisfying as the Omni-King erases the corrupted timeline, showcasing the terrifying weight of divine authority in the Dragon Ball world.


6) Universe Survival Saga (Episodes 77–131)

UI Goku as seen in anime (Image credit: Toei Animations)
UI Goku as seen in anime (Image credit: Toei Animations)

This is the arc that turned Dragon Ball Super into a global spectacle. The Tournament of Power brings eight universes together, each with ten fighters, for one big fight. As the battle goes on, fighters are knocked out one by one, which keeps it exciting. Every character gets a chance to do something cool, and Goku reaches new levels of strength and understanding. In the end, the story finishes with hope instead of everything being destroyed.


Where can fans watch Dragon Ball Super?

Goku and other characters as seen in DBZ anime (Image credit: Toei Animations)
Goku and other characters as seen in DBZ anime (Image credit: Toei Animations)

Fans can watch Dragon Ball Super on streaming apps like Crunchyroll and Hulu. It has both English dub and subtitles. Viewers can also buy episodes on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. In some places, it also airs on TV channels like Toonami.


Final Thoughts

While those who have not experienced this anime have often reduced it to memes, Dragon Ball Super has ensured to evolve to be a worthy continuation of Toriyama’s legacy. While this anime might not be the best to watch for those who loved the emotional weight of the previous instalments.

The Super series is heavy on battles and has constantly maintained the hype that keeps the viewers constantly on the edge of their seats. It’s about never being satisfied with your current power, about breaking limits, not just in combat, but in storytelling, scale, and imagination.

Edited by Nimisha