How To Watch Demon Slayer: The Ultimate Watch Order Guide

By: Prince Lammy

Sometimes whenever I intend to download or stream anime online, especially those that contain multiple seasons, movies, and/or OVAs, one question I'm always bugged with is, "What is the correct order to watch this anime?". After some time, I found out I'm not alone in this dilemma, especially as some of these anime often have different suffixes and arcs denoting their different seasons. And one such anime is Kimetsu no Yaiba, popularly known as Demon Slayer.

So, I understand that it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start and what order to follow. That's where this article comes in – to provide the ultimate watch order guide for Demon Slayer.

Whether you're a newcomer or a longtime fan, this guide will help you enjoy the series to the fullest by watching it in the optimal order that enhances your viewing experience. But before we dive into the chronological order in which you're to watch Demon Slayer, let's have a quick review of the story told so far.

From the first episode of the series, titled "Cruelty," to where it's gotten, the Demon Slayer narrative has told the story of young Tanjiro, the first child of the Kamado family, who were all murdered (except the father, who'd died some years ago) by a demon, leaving only his younger sister, Nezuko alive.

Nezuko transformed into a demon, but due to her bond with her brother, she was able to use her humanity to suppress her demonic desires of killing humans, and instead, with Tanjiro, she learned to become a Demon Slayer and protect humanity from demons.

As Demon Slayer tells the story of Tanjiro as he journeys all through various places, meeting new people, evolving, learning more about, and slaying demons, all on a quest to turn his sister back to being a human.

So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of Demon Slayer, taking it all, a step at a time, for in this piece, we shall have a look at:

1. An overview of the different arcs and storylines in the series
2. Demon Slayer watch order
3. How to avoid spoilers
4. Where to watch demon slayer
5. FAQs
6. Conclusion

An Overview of The Different Arcs and Storylines in The Series
Demon Slayer is divided into different arcs and storylines that follow the journey of Tanjiro, the main protagonist, as he trains to become a demon slayer and hunts down demons to find a cure for his sister. Here is a brief overview of each arc and storyline:

Final Selection Arc: This is the first arc of the series and introduces the main character, Tanjiro, as well as his family. Tanjiro's family is attacked by a demon, and his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon. Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer and trains to participate in the Final Selection, a test for demon slayers to prove their worth.

First Mission Arc: After passing the Final Selection, Tanjiro is sent on his first mission to a mountain where several people have gone missing. There, he meets the swordsman Zenitsu and the boar-headed Inosuke, who become his companions.

Rehabilitation Training Arc: After their first mission, Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke head to the Demon Slayer headquarters for rehabilitation and training. During this arc, they train to become stronger and learn more about demon slaying.

Mugen Train Arc: In this arc, Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke board the Mugen Train on their way to their next mission. However, they soon realize that the train is being controlled by a demon, and they must defeat it to save the other passengers.

Entertainment District Arc: In this arc, Tanjiro and his companions are sent to investigate a series of disappearances in a red-light district. Here, they meet the powerful demon, Daki, and her brother, Gyutaro.

Swordsmith Village Arc: Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke travel to a village where a demon has been terrorizing the inhabitants. Here, they meet the swordsmiths who create the demon slayer swords and must help them defeat the demon.

And according to the manga, two other arcs haven't yet been adapted into the anime; these are:

Hashira Training Arc: This arc focuses on the Hashira, the most powerful demon slayers in the organization. Tanjiro and his companions train alongside them to improve their skills and prepare for their next mission.

Infinity Castle Arc: The final arc of the anime adaptation, this storyline sees Tanjiro and his companions infiltrating the Infinity Castle to defeat Muzan, the powerful demon responsible for creating demons.

What Are The Options Open to You for Viewing the Series?

There are a few different options for watching Demon Slayer, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main options:

Broadcast order: This is the order in which the episodes were originally aired on TV. The advantage of watching in broadcast order is that it is the order in which the creators intended for viewers to experience the story. The disadvantage is that some of the later episodes may contain references to events that occur earlier in the story, which can be confusing if you haven't watched them in chronological order.

Chronological order: This is the order in which the events of the story occur in-universe. The advantage of watching in chronological order is that it can help you better understand the sequence of events and character development. However, the disadvantage is that it may not be as narratively satisfying as other orders, as the story was not necessarily designed to be experienced in this way.

Manga order: This is the order in which the events of the story occur in the original manga series. The advantage of watching in manga order is that it is the most faithful adaptation of the source material. However, the disadvantage is that the pacing may feel off, as the anime adaptation may have chosen to add or remove certain scenes for pacing reasons.
Ultimately, the order in which you choose to watch Demon Slayer is up to personal preference. However, it is recommended that you at least watch in broadcast order for your first viewing, as it will give you the intended viewing experience.

Demon Slayer Watch Order
Following the above-recommended order, we'd be talking about all the episodes of demon slayer, all of which encompass its movies and series.

Season 1:
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

In Season 1 of Demon Slayer, we follow the journey of a young boy named Tanjiro Kamado, who becomes a demon slayer after his family is attacked by demons and his younger sister, Nezuko, is turned into one. He sets out on a quest to find a cure for his sister's condition and to avenge the death of his family.

Along the way, he joins forces with other demon slayers and encounters various demons, some of whom are members of the Twelve Kizuki, a group of powerful demons serving under the main antagonist, Muzan Kibutsuji. The season covers the "Final Selection" arc, which shows Tanjiro's training to become a demon slayer; the "Tsuzumi Mansion" arc, which features Tanjiro and his allies battling against demons in a mansion; and the "Drum House" arc, which sees Tanjiro and his friends confronting a demon with the ability to manipulate drums.

The season ends on a cliffhanger with the introduction of the Upper-Rank demons and the start of the "Mugen Train" arc.
Season one comprises a total of 26 episodes, which are:

1. Cruelty
2. Trainer Sakonji Urokodaki
3. Sabito and Makomo
4. Final Selection
5. My Own Steel
6. Swordsman Accompanying a Demon
7. Muzan Kibutsuji
8. The Smell of Enchanting Blood
9. Temari Demon and Arrow Demon
10. Together Forever
11. Tsuzumi Mansion
12. The Boar Bares its Fangs, Zenitsu Sleeps
13. Something More Important Than Life
14. The House with the Wisteria Family Crest
15. Mount Natagumo
16. Letting Someone Else Go First
17. You Must Master a Single Thing
18. A Forged Bond
19. Hinokami
20. Pretend Family
21. Against Corps Rules
22. Master of the Mansion
23. Hashira Meeting
24. Rehabilitation Training
25. Tsuguko, Kanao Tsuyuri
26. New Mission

Kimetsu no Yaiba:
The Movie: Mugen Train

The Demon Slayer movie: Mugen Train is a direct sequel to the first season of the Demon Slayer anime series. The movie follows Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke as they board the Mugen Train to investigate a series of disappearances that have taken place on the train. They soon encounter the demon Enmu, who has been manipulating the dreams of the passengers to feed on their life force.
The group must fight their way through Enmu's dream world and defeat him before he can kill them all. Along the way, they also learn more about the demon slayer organization and the history of the demon slayers.

Kimetsu no Yaiba:
Mugen Train Arc

The Mugen Train Arc is a storyline within the Demon Slayer anime that takes place immediately after the events of the first season. The story follows the main character, Tanjiro Kamado, and his companions, Inosuke Hashibira and Zenitsu Agatsuma, as they board the Mugen Train to investigate a series of disappearances.

They are joined on the train by a Flame Hashira named Kyojuro Rengoku. Once aboard, they encounter a powerful demon named Enmu, who uses his powers to manipulate the dreams of the passengers on the train, trapping them in an eternal slumber. The demon slayers must fight their way through Enmu's illusions and defeat him to save the passengers and put an end to his evil scheme.

Along the way, they learn more about the history of the demon slayers and the origins of their enemies, as well as the strength and determination required to face them.

This spin-off has a total of seven episodes, which are:

1. Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku
2. Deep Sleep
3. Should Have Been
4. Insult
5. Move Forward!
6. Akaza
7. Set Your Heart Ablaze

Season 2:
Kimetsu no Yaiba: Entertainment District Arc

The Entertainment District Arc is the second season of the Demon Slayer anime series. The arc follows Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu as they head to the red-light district in Yoshiwara to investigate a string of disappearances linked to demons. There they meet the mysterious and powerful Kyojuro Rengoku, Flame Hashira, who is also on a mission to eliminate demons in the district.

However, they soon discover that the district is under the control of a powerful demon named Daki and her brother Gyutaro, who has been kidnapping and feeding on the district's inhabitants. The trio, along with Rengoku, engage in a fierce battle against the demons to save the district and its people. The arc is filled with intense fight scenes, emotional moments, and breathtaking animation, making it one of the most popular arcs in the series.

This season undeniably is the most intense so far in the entire Demon Slayer series, and it's made up of a total of eleven episodes, which are:

1. Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui
2. Infiltrating the Entertainment District
3. What Are You?
4. Tonight
5. Things Are Gonna Get Real Flashy
6. Layered Memories
7. Transformation
8. Gathering
9. Defeating an Upper-Rank Demon
10. Never Give Up
11. No Matter How Many Lives

Kimetsu no Yaiba:
To The Swordsmith Village

This is a short film that fills the gap between the conclusion of the storyline set in the entertainment district and the beginning of the storyline set in the swordsmith village.
However, it has come to our attention that this particular piece is no longer accessible online through any of the streaming platforms that are now available.

Season 3:
Kimetsu no Yaiba: Swordsmith Village Arc

The Swordsmith Village arc begins with Tanjiro and his team traveling to the swordsmith village, where they hope to get a new sword for Tanjiro. Upon arrival, they find out that the village is haunted by demons who have been targeting the swordsmiths. The team meets a young blacksmith named Genya, who agrees to forge a new sword for Tanjiro while also revealing his tragic past.

As they investigate the demon attacks, they learn about the existence of a demon named Kokushibo, who is one of the original demons created by Muzan. They also encounter another demon named Gyokko, who is part of the Upper-Rank demon group and has a unique ability to manipulate flesh and bones.

After a series of battles and revelations, Tanjiro and his team can defeat Kokushibo, but at a great cost. One of their own, Kanao Tsuyuri, is gravely injured, and they must rush her to the hospital for treatment.

The Swordsmith Village arc also introduces new characters, including the swordsmiths who play a crucial role in Tanjiro's journey, as well as other demon slayers who assist in the fight against the demons. The arc is full of action-packed battles, emotional moments, and further developments in the overarching plot of the series.

As of the time of writing this blog, the Season Three of Demon Slayer has the following episodes:

1. Someone's Dream
2. Yoriichi Type Zero
3. A Sword From Over 300 Years Ago
4. Thank You, Tokito
5. Bright Red Sword
6. Aren't You Going to Become a Hashira?

How to Avoid Spoilers and Manage Expectations

Here are some recommendations for how to avoid spoilers and manage expectations while watching Demon Slayer:
Stay away from social media: Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can be a breeding ground for spoilers. It's best to avoid these platforms altogether until you catch up with the latest episodes.
Stick to official sources: Stick to official sources, such as the anime's website or streaming platform, and be wary of unofficial sources that might contain spoilers.
Don't Google characters or plot points: Avoid Googling characters or plot points that you're not familiar with, as this can lead to spoilers.
Manage your expectations: While it's natural to have high expectations for the show, it's important to remember that not every episode or arc will be equally thrilling. Try to enjoy the show for what it is rather than expecting every episode to be a masterpiece.
Engage with the community: Engage with the Demon Slayer community to discuss theories and opinions, but be mindful of spoilers. Join forums and groups that have strict spoiler policies and try to only engage with people who have watched up to the same point as you have.

Where to Watch Demon Slayer

• Demon Slayer can be watched on various platforms, such as:
• Crunchyroll
• Funimation
• Hulu
• Netflix (currently available only in certain regions)
• Amazon Prime Video
• Adult Swim (Toonami)
• Directly on the Aniplex website
• AnimePahe

It's important to note that availability may vary depending on the region.

FAQs

What episodes of Demon Slayer can I skip?
It is not advisable to skip or miss any of the episodes of the Demon Slayer series. However, you could do without watching the movies, namely Kimetsu no Yaiba: The Movie – Mugen Train and Kimetsu no Yaiba: To the Swordsmith Village. The Mugen Train movie is simply a summary of the Mugen Train Arc and hence can be skipped.

How many episodes are in Demon Slayer?
As of the time of writing this blog, there are a total of 50 episodes in the Demon Slayer Series.

What is Demon Slayer about?
Demon Slayer is an anime series about a young boy named Tanjiro Kamado who becomes a demon slayer after his family is killed by demons and his sister Nezuko turns into a demon.

Where can I watch Demon Slayer?
Demon Slayer can be streamed on platforms such as Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, and Hulu.

How many seasons of Demon Slayer are there?
There are currently three seasons of Demon Slayer. The first season consists of 26 episodes, the second season has 18 episodes (7 of Mugen Train Arc and 11 of Entertainment District Arc), and the third season is still ongoing.

Is Demon Slayer popular?
Yes, Demon Slayer has become a highly popular and successful anime series both in Japan and internationally. It has won several awards, including Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2019.

Is Demon Slayer appropriate for children?
Demon Slayer is rated TV-14 for its violent and intense scenes, so it may not be suitable for younger children. Parents should use their discretion in deciding whether or not their children can watch the series.

Are the Demon Slayer manga and anime the same?
The Demon Slayer anime is based on the manga series of the same name by Koyoharu Gotouge, but there may be some differences between the two.

Will there be a Demon Slayer movie?
Yes, there is a Demon Slayer movie titled "Demon Slayer: Mugen Train," which was released in 2020 in Japan and later in other countries.

What is the order to watch Demon Slayer in?
There are various orders to watch Demon Slayer in, such as the broadcast order, chronological order, and manga order. It is recommended for newcomers to watch it in broadcast order, which is the order in which the episodes were released.

Conclusion

In summary, the watch order of Demon Slayer can have a significant impact on the enjoyment and understanding of the series. While some viewers may prefer to follow the broadcast order, others may benefit from the chronological or manga order. By understanding the different options and the reasons behind them, viewers can make an informed decision on the watch order that best suits their preferences.

Regardless of the order chosen, the intricate and emotional storyline, coupled with stunning animation and dynamic characters, make Demon Slayer an anime worth watching.

Demon Slayer is a masterpiece of an anime series that has taken the world by storm. Its success can be attributed to its captivating storyline, breathtaking visuals, and endearing characters. Whether you're a longtime anime fan or a newcomer to the genre, this series has something for everyone to enjoy.

In conclusion, while the watch order for Demon Slayer can be confusing at first, taking the time to find the best order for you will enhance your viewing experience and allow you to fully appreciate the intricate plot and character development. With so much to offer, it's no wonder that Demon Slayer has become one of the most beloved anime series of recent years.