Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a complete manga series by Koyoharu Gotouge, published by Shueisha from 2016 to 2020. It ran for 205 chapters across 23 tankōbon volumes. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a Demon Slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons and his sister Nezuko is transformed into one. Demon Slayer is one of the best-selling manga series of all time and the source of the highest-grossing anime film ever made. It is a complete series — all 23 volumes are available now, making it a perfect binge read from start to finish.

Quick Answer Read Demon Slayer in publication order, Volumes 1–23. It is a single continuous story with no spinoffs required. Start at Vol. 1 and read straight through — the series is complete and all volumes are available now.

Use the sections below for the full reading order, volume list, and follow-up recommendations.

All 23 Demon Slayer Volumes in Order

The complete Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga — all 23 volumes available now from Viz Media.

  1. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 1
  2. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 2
  3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 3
  4. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 4: Robust Blade
  5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 5: To Hell
  6. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 6
  7. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 7
  8. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 8
  9. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 9
  10. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 10
  11. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 11
  12. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 12
  13. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 13
  14. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 14
  15. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 15
  16. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 16
  17. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 17
  18. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 18
  19. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 19
  20. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 20
  21. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 21
  22. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 22: The Wheel Of Fate
  23. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 23

Demon Slayer Manga Reading Order

1. Final Selection Arc (Volumes 1–2)

Tanjiro Kamado returns home to find his family murdered and his sister Nezuko transformed into a demon. Guided by the Demon Slayer Sakonji Urokodaki, Tanjiro trains for two years and passes the Final Selection — a life-or-death exam in a demon-filled forest. This arc establishes the world of demons vs. the Demon Slayer Corps and introduces Tanjiro’s Water Breathing sword style.

2. Early Missions Arc (Volumes 2–4)

Tanjiro takes on his first solo missions as a Demon Slayer, eventually meeting companions Zenitsu Agatsuma (Thunder Breathing) and the wild, boar-masked Inosuke Hashibira (Beast Breathing). This segment features the Tsuzumi Mansion and Mount Natagumo arcs, where the crew battles spider-demon hybrids and draws the attention of the elite Hashira demon slayers. The Hashira hold a council at the end of this arc.

3. Mugen Train Arc (Volumes 7–8)

Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke join the Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku aboard the Mugen Train to investigate disappearing passengers. They face the Upper Moon Three demon Akaza in a climactic battle. This arc was adapted into the 2020 Demon Slayer: Mugen Train film — the highest-grossing anime film in history. The emotional conclusion makes this the series’ first major turning point.

4. Entertainment District Arc (Volumes 8–11)

Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui leads Tanjiro’s group undercover into Yoshiwara’s entertainment district to investigate demon activity. They face the Upper Moon Six siblings Daki and Gyutaro in a multi-chapter battle that pushes Tanjiro and Inosuke to their absolute limits. This arc shows the brutal cost of fighting Upper Moon demons and delivers one of the series’ most emotionally resonant endings.

5. Swordsmith Village Arc (Volumes 11–14)

Tanjiro travels to the secret Swordsmith Village to retrieve a new blade. Upper Moon demons attack — Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji and Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito fight Upper Moons Four and Five in simultaneous battles. This arc delivers major revelations about Nezuko’s demon bloodline and Tanjiro’s own heritage through the Hinokami Kagura sun-breathing technique.

6. Hashira Training Arc (Volumes 15–16)

With the final battle approaching, Tanjiro undergoes intensive training under each of the remaining Hashira to push his body beyond its limits. A shorter but important arc that develops character bonds and sets up the power levels for the climactic finale. The Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima’s training is brutal, and Muzan Kibutsuji makes a decisive move at the arc’s end.

7. Infinity Castle / Final Battle Arc (Volumes 16–23)

The entire Demon Slayer Corps storms Muzan Kibutsuji’s Infinity Castle for the final showdown. Every Hashira faces an Upper Moon demon simultaneously, and Tanjiro’s ultimate battle with Muzan spans multiple chapters of escalating intensity. The finale is emotionally devastating and widely praised as one of the best manga conclusions of its era. Do not read spoilers — read straight through to the end.

Demon Slayer Spinoffs and Light Novels

Demon Slayer has a small number of companion works. None are required to enjoy the main series.

Kimetsu no Yaiba: Stories of Water and Flame

A two-chapter spinoff following Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka and Flame Hashira Shinjuro Rengoku (Kyojuro’s father). Released as a bonus in the final volume. Recommended for fans who want more Hashira backstory after finishing the main series.

Kimetsu Academy (Spin-off)

A non-canon comedy spinoff reimagining the Demon Slayer characters as modern high school students at “Kimetsu Academy.” Serialized as bonus content in Weekly Shonen Jump. It is light-hearted and funny, best enjoyed after finishing the main series. Not required and has no bearing on the main plot.

Demon Slayer Light Novels

Several light novels have been released, including Flower of Happiness, Signs from the Wind, and One-Winged Butterfly. These provide additional backstory for characters like Kanao, Shinobu, and Aoi. All are optional and best read after the main manga is complete.

Should You Watch the Demon Slayer Anime or Read the Manga?

Both are excellent — but they offer genuinely different experiences, and this is one of the rare cases where the choice is close.

The anime is visually exceptional. Ufotable’s production quality is arguably the best in the industry, and the fight scenes — especially the Mugen Train climax and the Entertainment District finale — are widely regarded as animation landmarks. The music score by Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina is outstanding.

The manga is faster and complete. The anime has not fully adapted the series as of 2026 (the Hashira Training Arc adaptation is ongoing), so reading the manga is the only way to experience the full story including the complete finale right now.

Recommendation: Read the manga for the full experience. Then rewatch the anime adaptations of your favorite arcs for Ufotable’s stunning visuals.

Where to Read Demon Slayer Manga

Officially online: Manga Plus and Viz Media both offer the first three chapters free. A Viz subscription ($2.99/month) unlocks the full 23-volume run.

Physical volumes: All 23 volumes are available from Viz Media. The Box Set collecting Vols 1–23 is excellent value and includes a booklet and special cover. This is a complete series — it makes a great collection purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions About Demon Slayer

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