One Piece Arcs: A Complete Guide of All 33 Canon Arcs

One of the most beloved anime and manga series of all time is Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece. While fans’ reasons for loving it are as numerous as the episodes and chapters themselves, common choices are its story, world, and characters. Having gone on for more than 25 years and claimed the title of best-selling manga series of all time, it’s considered a staple of the medium.

One Piece follows protagonist Monkey D. Luffy’s journey to find the titular treasure, which will crown him the next King of the Pirates. While certainly a simple narrative at its core, Oda’s ever-expanding world and story eventually grow more and more complex. Each of the series’ arcs and sagas plays a key role in expanding the series’ scope and focus.

The material covering the Straw Hats' journey is almost as expansive as the series' world itself (Image credit: Toei Animation)

As of this article’s writing, the One Piece manga has released 1,147 chapters, while Toei Animation’s anime adaptation has aired 1,128 episodes. Unsurprisingly, these numbers are very intimidating to prospective fans, many of whom feel overwhelmed as a result. Thankfully, there is an easy way to break down this large amount of story material.

Currently, the manga series has 33 total arcs. These 33 arcs are grouped into larger sagas, which can be made up of anywhere from one to six arcs. These sagas are then grouped into even larger sagas, which make up the two halves of the series. The first is known as the Sea of Survival: Super Rookies Saga, and the second as The Final Sea: The New World Saga.

One Piece’s Sea of Survival: Super Rookies Saga

1) East Blue Saga: Romance Dawn Arc

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The first story saga in One Piece’s first half is the East Blue Saga, with its first arc being the Romance Dawn Arc. The Romance Dawn Arc lasts from chapters 1-7 in the manga and episodes 1-4 in the anime. The arc follows the origins of Luffy’s journey, which chronologically starts with the bond he develops with Red-Haired Shanks, an influential pirate.

After starting his journey at the appropriate age, he battles pirate captain Alvida and frees Koby from her clutches. Luffy and Koby then journey to Shells Town, where they meet and fight the corrupt Marine Axe-Hand Morgan and his son Helmeppo. Luffy also meets his first crewmate, Roronoa Zoro, here, with the two parting ways from Koby after defeating Morgan and Helmeppo.

2) East Blue Saga: Orange Town Arc

The East Blue Saga’s second arc is the Orange Town Arc, lasting from chapters 8-21 in the manga and 4-8 in the anime. Luffy and Zoro sail to Orange Town, where they meet a thief named Nami who first appeared in the prior arc, but was unnamed. While Nami says she hates pirates, she agrees to form a temporary alliance with the pair.

She does so to go against Buggy the Clown, whom they fight in order to free the titular town from his clutches and control. This arc also marks the first mention of the Grand Line, which is where an overwhelming majority of the series is set. Nami also unofficially joins Luffy’s crew, with her decision to officially join coming later on in the East Blue Saga.

3) East Blue Saga: Syrup Village Arc

Fan-favorite cowardly liar Usopp is introduced in One Piece's Syrup Village Arc (Image credit: Toei Animation)

Next up is the East Blue Saga’s Syrup Village Arc, running from chapters 22-41 of the One Piece manga and episodes 9-18 of Toei’s anime. Following the formation of the trio’s unofficial partnership, they land in Syrup Village to search for a true pirate ship to purchase. This is where they meet fan-favorite chronic liar Usopp.

His introduction leads to the introduction of Kaya, Usopp’s longtime friend, who has the means to provide them with a pirate ship. However, their involvement with Kaya leads to the introduction of the Black Cat Pirates and the foursome’s fight with them. After saving Kaya, she gives them a ship called the Going Merry, and Usopp officially joins Luffy’s crew as the fourth member.

4) East Blue Saga: Baratie Arc

The East Blue Saga’s Baratie Arc is next up, running from chapters 42-68 and episodes 19-30. The arc sees Luffy’s crew search for a cook after Usopp joins as their sniper. They go to the sea restaurant Baratie to do so, meeting Sanji here for the first time. While he and Luffy do develop a bond, the young chef shows no interest in becoming a pirate.

However, the powerful Don Krieg and his right-hand man Gin later attack the restaurant, with legendary pirate Dracule Mihawk right behind him. Luffy defeats Krieg, but Zoro loses to Mihawk in an attempt to accomplish his dream of becoming the world’s strongest swordsman. Sanji joins Luffy’s crew after, but Nami inexplicably steals the Going Merry and slips away in the chaos.

5) East Blue Saga: Arlong Park Arc

The Arlong Park Arc is home to one of the most iconic One Piece scenes (Image credit: Toei Animation)

The Arlong Park Arc is both the East Blue Saga and One Piece’s fifth story arc overall. It runs from chapters 69-95 and episodes 31-44. Luffy and co track Nami to Cocoyasi Village in the Conomi Islands, controlled by the fish-man pirate Arlong. Here, it’s revealed that Nami is actually a member of the Arlong Pirates, and intended to steal Luffy and co’s treasure.

While the crew is initially upset, the dark and horrifying truth of Nami’s actions and the intent behind them is slowly revealed. This eventually leads to Luffy and co confronting Arlong for her sake, in turn leading to Luffy getting his first wanted poster and bounty of 30 million Beri. Nami also officially joins the crew as their navigator.

6) East Blue Saga: Loguetown Arc

The Loguetown Arc is the East Blue Saga’s last, and runs from chapters 96-100 and episodes 45- 48-53. Episodes 46 and 47 technically adapt cover stories from the manga, and thus aren’t considered part of the arc. Episodes 50 and 51 are also considered filler, and can likewise be skipped if fans so desire.

Luffy and his crew make their last stop in the titular Loguetown before entering the Grand Line. However, their previous enemies have followed them here and are now looking for revenge. New threats are also introduced in two powerful Marines, as well as a mysterious figure who seems to know Luffy. Zoro also gets two new swords following Mihawk's destruction of his old ones.

7) Alabasta Saga: Reverse Mountain Arc

Fan-favorite Nefertari Vivi's introduction in the Reverse Mountain Arc begins One Piece's Alabasta Saga (Image credit: Toei Animation)

One Piece’s second story saga begins with the Reverse Mountain Arc, which makes up chapters 101-105 and episodes 61-63. The skipped episodes from 55-60 are a filler arc, and likewise aren’t considered canon. The crew officially enters the Grand Line, but are swallowed by a giant whale as soon as they enter.

Inside, they meet a strange doctor named Crocus who not only lives inside but also cares for the whale, called Laboon. The Straw Hats also find two mysterious characters inside of Laboon, who are the first of a group of enemies fans will soon get quite familiar with. This arc also introduces key plot points and technology, such as Log Poses and the island Laugh Tale.

8) Alabasta Saga: Whisky Peak Arc

The Alabasta Saga’s Whisky Peak Arc lasts from chapters 106-114 and episodes 64-67. The two characters introduced in the previous arc, Mr. 9 and Mrs. Wednesday, lead Luffy and his crew to Whisky Peak. While the townspeople throw them a party at first, it’s eventually revealed that they have more sinister motives.

Thankfully, Zoro is wary enough to stay on his toes and prevent the worst from happening. Unfortunately, this leads to a major conflict between him and Luffy as a result of a misunderstanding. The arc also gives a name to the saga’s enemies in Baroque Works, and introduces one of their leaders in the enigmatic Miss All Sunday.

9) Alabasta Saga: Little Garden Arc

Dorry and Brogy's introduction in One Piece's Little Garden Arc paves the way for greater things to come (Image credit: Toei Animation)

One Piece’s next section is the Little Garden Arc, which spans chapters 115-129 and episodes 70-77. After the events at Whisky Peak, Ms. Wednesday is revealed to truly be the undercover princess Nefertari Vivi of the Alabasta Kingdom. The crew’s next stop is the titular island, Little Garden, an ironically large island stuck in the prehistoric era.

However, more than just dinosaurs await in the form of two Giants named Dorry and Brogy, who have a serious grudge. Many high-ranking Baroque Works members are also present, making moves against both the Giants and the Straw Hats themselves. Nami is also bitten by a strange insect, a seemingly inconsequential event which, in reality, shapes the series’ near future.

10) Alabasta Saga: Drum Island Arc

The Alabasta Saga’s Drum Island Arc sees the consequences of the crew’s excursion to Little Garden come into full play. It spans chapters 130-154 and episodes 78-91. Nami catches a fatal illness from the bug bite she received, forcing the crew to stop at Drum Island. The country is kingless and is now trying to establish a new government.

However, it’s also revealed that the island only has one doctor thanks to the previous king Wapol’s actions. This forces the crew to take drastic measures to meet the doctor known as Kureha, and her strange reindeer assistant, Tony Tony Chopper. Eventually, Wapol also returns, forcing the Straw Hats to involve themselves in the island’s political power struggle.

11) Alabasta Saga: Alabasta Arc

The Straw Hats and Baroque Works finally confront each other in One Piece's Alabasta Arc (Image credit: Toei Animation)

The Alabasta Saga’s titular story arc is One Piece’s largest up to this point, spanning chapters 155-217 and episodes 92-130. After Chopper joins the crew as their doctor, the Straw Hat Pirates set sail to Alabasta to help Vivi rescue her country from the Shichibukai member Crocodile. However, it won’t be easy as the country is on the brink of a revolutionary war.

Crocodile also throws several obstacles at the crew, who must also dodge Marine forces, the country’s royal guards, and the rebel army. The arc also introduces several major concepts, such as the aforementioned Shichibukai group, Poneglyphs, Vivre cards, and Luffy’s adoptive brother Ace. Zoro also receives his first wanted poster and bounty of 60 million Beri.

12) Sky Island Saga: Jaya Arc

The Sky Island Saga is up next, starting with the Jaya Arc, which spans chapters 218-236 and episodes 144-152. After parting ways with Vivi, former enemy Miss All Sunday, real name Nico Robin, invites herself into the crew. However, the bigger issue is the crew’s Log Pose, which is telling them their next destination is in the skies above.

The crew decides to first head to the nearby island of Jaya to gather information on the so-called “Sky Island.” Here, they encounter new friends and enemies alike, with Luffy proving his mettle against the latter. The arc also introduces Marshall D. Teech, also known as Blackbeard, his crew, and several other pirates who play significant roles in the series.

13) Sky Island Saga: Skypiea Arc

The Straw Hats and their newfound allies oppose a god in One Piece's Skypiea Arc (Image credit: Toei Animation)

One Piece’s Skypiea Arc rounds out the Sky Island Saga from chapters 237-302 and episodes 153-195. After fitting the Going Merry appropriately and riding the Knock Up Stream into the sky, they find an ocean of clouds known as the White Sea. They eventually discover the island of Skypiea, where they’re initially welcomed.

However, they also quickly learn of a battle between the Sky People and a group of natives known as Shandorians over territory called the Upper Yard. At the center of this is the cruel God Enel, whom the Straw Hats eventually find themselves opposing. This arc is notable for introducing several concepts that become significant in later story arcs.

14) Water 7 Saga: Long Ring Long Land Arc

The first arc in the Water 7 Saga is also one of the most disliked in all of One Piece, often incorrectly asserted to be filler by fans. The Long Ring Long Land Arc runs from chapters 303-21, and episodes 207-219, with episodes 213-214 as skippable fillers.

The bulk of the arc features the Straw Hats playing a Davy Back Fight against Foxy the Silver Fox’s Foxy Pirates. However, the arc is best known for introducing Kuzan, also known as Admiral Aokiji, and starting to touch on the newest crewmate, Nico Robin’s harrowing past.

15) Water 7 Saga: Water 7 Arc

Nico Robin's tragic past is explored throughout One Piece's Water 7 Saga (Image credit: Toei Animation)

The titular arc in One Piece's Water 7 Saga runs from chapters 322-374 and episodes 229-263. After landing at Water 7, the crew immediately searches for a shipwright. However, this leads to them learning that the Going Merry is unrepairable. This and their money being stolen led to a major fight between Usopp and Luffy, which ended with Usopp leaving the crew in defeat.

Nico Robin also leaves the crew at this time and assists a shady government intelligence group known as CP9 in framing the crew for the mayor’s assassination. As this plot goes on, it’s revealed that the same shipwrights who helped the Straw Hats are CP9. Franky is also introduced here and caught up in CP9’s plan alongside Robin due to his own origins.

16) Water 7 Saga: Enies Lobby Arc

One Piece’s beloved Enies Lobby Arc runs from chapters 375-430 and episodes 264-290, 293-302, and 304-312, with those in between being fillers. The Straw Hats and their newfound allies decide to follow CP9 and co to the government judicial island of Enies Lobby. Here, they face their toughest enemies yet while also learning of Robin’s tragic past.

After Robin declares she wants to live alongside them, the crew springs into action to save her. Many members get significant power-ups here, with the most notable being Luffy’s Gear 2 and Gear 3. After defeating the members of CP9, the crew escapes Enies Lobby and the overwhelming forces with Robin thanks to an old friend, whom they must now say goodbye to.

17) Post-Enies Lobby Arc

The unique Monkey family tree is revealed in One Piece's Post-Enies Lobby Arc (Image credit: Toei Animation)

Closing out the Water 7 Saga, the Post-Enies Lobby Arc runs from chapters 431-441 and episodes 313-325, with 317-319 being fillers. After returning, Franky and his adoptive brother, Iceberg (Water 7’s mayor), decide to build the Straw Hats a ship called the Thousand Sunny as thanks. Robin also rejoins the crew, as does Usopp, and the new member and shipwright Franky.

Before departing, however, a familiar face from Lufffy’s past returns, revealing a major secret about his familial origins. Elsewhere in the Grand Line, Portgas D. Ace is confronted by the Blackbeard Pirates, with the fight’s result left unstated. The entire Straw Hat crew also receives wanted posters, marking the first ones yet for most of them.

18) Thriller Bark Saga: Thriller Bark Arc

One Piece’s Thriller Bark Arc comprises the entirety of the saga of the same name, and runs from chapters 442-489 and episodes 337-381. After entering the Florian Triangle, the Straw Hats fall prey to a trap which lands them on Shichibukai member Gecko Moria’s Thriller Bark island-ship.

The crew faces their greatest challenge yet here, with some of the strongest members racing against time for their very lives. New character Brook is also introduced and joins the crew after realizing he has a major connection with them. It’s also revealed that Blackbeard has become a Shichibukai himself following his fight with Ace.

19) Summit War Saga: Sabaody Archipelago Arc

Luffy is forced to watch his crew utterly defeated in One Piece's Sabaody Archipelago Arc (Image credit: Toei Animation)

Kicking off the Summit War Saga is the Sabaody Archipelago Arc from chapters 490-513 and episodes 385-405. The Straw Hats arrive at the Red Line to search for a way to Fish-Man Island and the New World. However, they’re distracted by the return of an old enemy and his friends, whom the Straw Hats eventually elect to save from being auctioned off.

Unfortunately, an encounter with a Celestial Dragon derails this and puts them squarely in the sights of a Marine Admiral and several other powerful enemies. Eventually, the challenge proves too much for them, and the crew is fully separated in what can only be called their most crushing defeat yet.

20) Summit War Saga: Amazon Lily Arc

The first of several arcs to focus almost exclusively on One Piece protagonist Monkey D. Luffy, the Amazon Lily Arc runs from chapters 514-524 and episodes 408-421. After landing on an island where only women live, Luffy soon discovers he’s in the sights of another Shichibukai in Boa Hancock.

Unfortunately, Luffy does not get on her good side initially and is pushed to his limits while opposing her, which causes a strange power to awaken in him. Thankfully, he eventually gets on her good side, and she reveals to him some unfortunate news regarding his adoptive brother Ace.

21) Summit War Saga: Impel Down Arc

One Piece's Impel Down Arc sees Luffy push himself to his limits to save his brother (Image credit: Toei Animation)

One Piece's Impel Down Arc marks the start of Luffy’s efforts to rescue his brother, and runs from chapters 525-549 and episodes 422-425 and 430-452. With Hancock having fallen for Luffy, she elects to help sneak him into the underwater prison known as Impel Down so he can save his brother Ace.

Along the way, he meets old enemies and new allies, all of whom align their interests and efforts with his, whether for their own benefit or to support him. Unfortunately, the roadblocks Luffy faces are too much to overcome, and he’s unable to rescue Ace before his transfer to Marine headquarters.

22) Summit War Saga: Marineford Arc

Often called One Piece’s best arc, the Marineford Arc runs from chapters 550-580, and episodes 457-489, with 457 and 458 serving as skippable recaps. At Marineford, the Marine headquarters where Ace is to be executed, several major groups clash over the young pirate’s life.

Luffy and his gang of escapees enter the fray shortly after it begins, gaining support from Whitebeard and eventually freeing Ace from his chains. Unfortunately, this doesn’t prove enough, with the arc ultimately ending in Luffy’s failure, which causes him to enter a mentally broken and unresponsive state.

23) Summit War Saga: Post-War Arc

One Piece's Post-War Arc sees Luffy accept Ace's death and use it as motivation to never lose anyone again (Image credit: Toei Animation)

The Summit War Saga’s Post-War Arc runs from chapters 581-597 and episodes 490-491, and 493-516. The entire world reels from the events of the Marineford War, which included Whitebeard and Ace’s deaths, and Blackbeard somehow acquiring two Devil Fruit powers.

Luffy, too, is forced to face reality, but eventually realizes he still has his crew left. After Silvers Rayleigh forces him to realize his own weakness, he decides to delay the reunion of his crew with a message only they would understand. The Super Rookies Saga ends with Luffy and his friends electing to train for over two years and become strong enough to never lose again.

One Piece’s The Final Sea: The New World Saga

24) Fish-Man Island Saga: Return to Sabaody Arc

One Piece's post-time skip begins with a Straw Hat reunion and new character designs for all (Image credit: Toei Animation)

One Piece’s post-time skip portion begins with the Fish-Man Island Saga’s Return to Sabaody Arc from chapters 598-602 and episodes 517-522. After spending two years training, the Straw Hat Pirates slowly but surely arrive at their promised reunion point of the Sabaody Archipelago. The arc also introduces Caribou, who becomes a significant character over time.

25) Fish-Man Island Saga: Fish-Man Island Arc

The Fish-Man Island Saga’s titular arc runs from chapters 603-653 and episodes 523-541, and 543-574. The arc finally sees the Straw Hats set out for the New World as they intended during their first time at Sabaody two years ago. Upon arriving at the titular island, they meet with Luffy’s friend Jinbe, the former Shichibukai.

However, chaos quickly begins brewing as Luffy is predicted to bring the island’s destruction. This sets off a chain of events that is only complicated by an alliance between the shady Vander Decken IX and the powerful Hody Jones. Eventually, the Straw Hats show how much their training has paid off as they’re given the chance to defend the island from its enemies.

26) Dressrosa Saga: Punk Hazard Arc

Trafalgar Law allies with Luffy's crew in One Piece's Punk Hazard Arc, but quickly comes to regret it (Image credit: Toei Animation)

The first story arc, formally set in One Piece’s New World seas, the Punk Hazard Arc runs from chapters 654-699 and episodes 579-589 and 591-625. Here, fans learn just how much the world of piracy has changed during the time skip, with old allies and enemies also reappearing.

The most significant among them is Trafalgar Law, who offers Luffy’s crew a chance to help eliminate some of their strongest mutual enemies. After agreeing to the alliance, efforts begin to capture the island’s resident mad scientist, Caesar Clown and use him against the fearsome Donquixote Doflamingo.

27) Dressrosa Saga: Dressrosa Arc

The Dressrosa Saga’s titular arc runs from chapters 700-801 and episodes 629-746. With preparations set, the Straw Hats, Law, and their newfound Wano samurai friends head to Dressrosa to confront Donquixote Doflamingo. However, the arrival of a new Marine Admiral, Doflamingo’s true plan, and the reveal of the country’s dark past all pose major issues.

Eventually, Doflamingo is proven too crafty to fall for their tricks, forcing Luffy and Law to confront the sinister Shichibukai directly. The fruits of Luffy’s training are fully displayed here in his Gear 4 form, which proves integral to the group’s eventual victory.

28) Whole Cake Island Saga: Zou Arc

The all-important Road Poneglyphs are introduced in One Piece's Zou Arc (Image credit: Toei Animation)

One Piece’s Whole Cake Island Saga begins with the Zou Arc from chapters 802-824 and episodes 751-779. After heading to Zou to reunite with their other crewmates, Luffy and those who stayed on Dressrosa discover that Sanji has left the crew. However, it’s revealed this is due to a scheme being cooked up by his family and the Big Mom Pirates.

The crew also learns of the Yonko Kaido’s Beast Pirates and their efforts against the Momoko Dukedom. A new alliance is also formed, as Kin’emon and Momonosuke reveal to them their true purpose and goal in sailing the seas to return to Wano.

29) Whole Cake Island Saga: Whole Cake Island Arc

The Whole Cake Island Saga’s titular arc runs from chapters 825-902 and episodes 751-779. After deciding to split up the crew once again, Luffy and others head to Big Mom’s territory to get Sanji back or die trying. However, their initial meeting and pleas with him don’t quite go as planned.

Meanwhile, Sanji discovers the truth of his family’s plot, which eventually forces him to reunite with Luffy and the others to ask for their help. After forming an alliance with new Big Mom Pirates crewmember Jinbe and several others, they eventually achieve all their goals before heading to Wano.

30) Whole Cake Island Saga: Levely Arc

The World Government's enigmatic true leader Imu is introduced in One Piece's Levely Arc (Image credit: Toei Animation)

Concluding One Piece’s Whole Cake Island Saga is the Levely Arc from chapters 903-908 and episodes 878-889. As the world’s royalty gathers at Mariejois for the titular political conference, the news and fallout of Luffy’s battle against Big Mom’s crew becomes global news.

As the conference begins and Luffy is dubbed the unofficial fifth Emperor of the Yonko, the World Government’s true leader is revealed in Imu. The Revolutionary Army also begins planning to make their move, which seemingly hinges on the political conference’s gathering of royalty.

31) Wano Country Saga: Wano Country Arc

The Wano Country Saga’s lone arc of the same name is One Piece’s longest yet, running from chapters 909-1057 and episodes 890-894, 897-906, 908-1028, and 1031-1085. With all their preparations made, the Straw Hats and their alliance prepare to reclaim Wano from Kaido. However, more and more roadblocks appear along the way.

Eventually, the crew makes their way to Kaido’s headquarters and confronts him, with Jinbe officially joining ahead of this. What follows is the series’ biggest conflict yet, which sees several Straw Hats get notable power-ups, with Luffy’s iconic Gear 5 being the most significant.

32) Final Saga: Egghead Arc

One Piece's Egghead Arc sees the Straw Hats fight their toughest World Government enemies yet (Image credit: Toei Animation)

The first story arc in One Piece's Final Saga, the Egghead Arc runs from chapters 1058-1125, and begins with episode 1086 in the anime, which is still adapting it. The aftermath of both the events at Wano and around the world, which happened at the same time, is revealed. Meanwhile, the Straw Hats carry on, being guided to Egghead Island next.

While the arc seems uneventful at first, things quickly go awry when the World Government learns of Dr. Vegapunk’s Void Century research. The Straw Hats elect to protect him, and are forced to face some of the toughest enemies the Marines and World Government have to offer. At the center of it all is a secret of the series’ world which will shake it to its very core.

33) Final Saga: Elbaph Arc

The current ongoing story arc, as of this article’s initial writing, One Piece’s highly anticipated Elbaph Arc began with chapter 1126. Currently, the arc has seen the Straw Hats arrive on the titular island of Giants and learn of Prince Loki’s heinous murder of his own father.

However, the more pressing matter is the invasion of the Holy Knights, who seek to bend Elbaph’s Giants to their will. As this situation unfolds, it has been teased more and more that they, not Loki, are truly the ones behind King Harald’s untimely death.

In summation