Solo Leveling Arcs: Complete Guide & Fan Favorites
Whether you’re new to Solo Leveling or revisiting your favorite moments, here’s a definitive breakdown of every major arc—from Jin‑woo’s rookie horrors to cosmic-scale battles.
Story Arcs in Release Order (Webtoon / Manhwa)
Based on up-to-date arc listings, here’s how the story unfolds:
| Arc Order | Arc Name | Webtoon Chapters | Novel/Anime Episodes* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D‑Rank Dungeon Arc | 1–10 | Anime eps 1–3 |
| 2 | Reawakening Arc | 11–12 | Anime ep 3 |
| 3 | Instant Dungeon Arc | 13–17 | Anime ep 3–4 |
| 4 | Dungeon & Lizards Arc | 18–24 | Anime ep 5–6 |
| 5 | Dungeon & Prisoners Arc | 25–34 | Episodes 7–9 |
| 6 | Yoo Jinho Raid Party Arc | 35–37 | Episode 10 |
| 7 | Job Change Arc | 38–45 | Episodes 11–12 |
| 8 | Red Gate Arc | 46–55 | Episodes 13–14 |
| 9 | Demon Castle Arc | 56–61 | Episode 15 |
| 10 | Retesting Rank Arc | 61–64 | Episode 16 |
| 11 | Hunters Guild Gate Arc | 65–75 | Episodes 16–18 |
| 12 | Return to Demon Castle Arc | 76–89 | Episodes 18–21 |
| 13 | Jeju Island Arc | 90–107 | Episodes 21–25 |
| 14 | Recruitment Arc | 108–110 | — |
| 15 | Ahjin Guild Arc | 111–122 | — |
| 16 | Double Dungeon Arc | 123–131 | — |
| 17 | Japan Crisis (Tokyo) Arc | 132–139 | — |
| 18 | International Guild Conference Arc | 140–149 | — |
| 19 | Monarchs War Arc | 150–166 | — |
| 20 | Final Battle Arc | 167–177 | — |
| 21 | Epilogue | 178–179 | — |
| 22 | Academy Arc (side-story) | 180–200 | — |
*Not all arcs adapted into the anime yet. Anime episodes correspond to Season 1 and 2.
Highlighted Arcs & What Makes Them Stand Out
1. D‑Rank Dungeon Arc
The series starts with a bang—Jin‑woo’s squad discovers a Double Dungeon full of deadly statues. Trapped and terror-stricken, this arc defines the underdog narrative and sets the tone. Fans and critics agree: it’s one of the most emotionally powerful beginnings.
2. Job Change Arc
When the System sends Jin‑woo to a challenge-heavy dungeon, he battles Igris and finally says “Arise”—becoming a Necromancer. This pivotal moment transitions the story into high-stakes power fantasy territory.
3. Red Gate Arc
What starts as a training raid becomes a fight for survival within a Red Gate. Jin‑woo’s protective instincts shine as he commands shadows to save Han Song‑Yi and crush boss Baruka.
4. Jeju Island Arc
Often ranked as the best arc—Jin‑woo and alliance hunts evolve mutant ants in Jeju Island. The Ant King fight showcases stunning action and Jin‑woo’s dominance.
5. International Guild Conference Arc
Jin‑woo represents Korea on the global hunter stage. Battles vs Thomas Andre and Hwang Dong‑soo earn legendary status, and Monarchs begin their attack mid‑conference—upping the stakes to global scale.
6. Monarchs War Arc
The war heats up: Monarchs hunt Ruler vessels on Earth. Jin‑woo withstands assassination attempts and battles multiple Monarchs, solidifying his status as the Shadow Monarch.
7. Final Battle Arc
All power unleashed: Jin‑woo confronts Antares, the most brutal Monarch. This battle wraps up the main storyline with massive action and reveals the full gravity of the world’s lore.
What Fans Say: Top Arcs From Reddit
Fan polls echo critical acclaim:
- International Guild Conference, Monarchs War, and Jeju Island consistently top favorites.
- One fan gushes:
“For me international guild conference is the top1 … Thomas vs sun fight was awesome” - Many call Jeju Island iconic:
“Jeju Island arc was Amazinggg” / “Monarch war arc was straight heat”
Final Thoughts
Solo Leveling is the ultimate underdog-turned-god story, and the arcs reflect that evolution—from D‑Rank Dungeon to Final Battle against cosmic Titans. Whether you loved Jin‑woo’s soul-crushing early trials or were mesmerized by the global and cosmic stakes, these arcs capture the full power fantasy spectrum.
Drop a comment below to share your favorite arcs or where you’re currently reading.