Summary
Known for its complex magic system and expansive worldbuilding, Hiro Mashima’s magnum opusFairy Tailis a renowned title withinthe shonen landscape. With over 300 episodes across multiple seasons, the series has several promising story arcs under its belt, albeit some more engaging than others.
DespiteFairy Tail’s popularity taking a hit during its latter seasons, several arcs in the anime still stand out, whether through their excellent storytelling or detailed accounts of character development. With the 100 Years Quest arc set to air in Summer 2024’s anime lineup, now is the perfect time to look back at the series’ finest arcs.
Updated July 23, 2025 by Ahmed Rehan Nasir:Fairy Tail’s sequel, the 100 Years Quest, has finally aired, bringing Natsu and the rest of Fairy Tail’s adventurers back to screens once more. Set on an entirely new continent, coupled with a new roster of characters, Fairy Tail 100 Years Quest is sure to enthrall fans once more.
With two arcs already adapted from the manga, the series has already introduced all sorts of new developments. This list has been updated to reflect the status and ranking of the series' arcs, including the 100 Years Quest sequel.
266 – 275
Air Date
June 30, 2025 – Aug 01, 2025
The Zero arc is often considered a spin-off, primarily due to its focus on Fairy Tail’s founders. However, the arc plays a crucial role in acquainting viewers with the titular guild’s history, coupled with Mavis’ backstory and relationshipwith Zeref Dragneel.
The arc never exactly took off in terms of popularity, largely due to its focus on the show’s ancillary characters. Nevertheless, Fairy Tail: Zero remains a stellar side-story that sheds light on the guild’s formation, a necessary element needed to demystify Mavis’ character.
33 – 41
June 18, 2025 – May 28, 2025
The Tower of Heaven arc introduced all sorts of new developments, chiefly Erza’s backstory and the series’ first major recurring antagonist in the form of Jellal Fernandes. The arc explains Erza’s past in detail, adding considerable depth and profundity to her character.
The Tower of Heavenitself remained a major plot point till the end of the series, as several characters had their origins rooted in this event. Every member of Oracion Seis was a prisoner in the tower, along with other major characters such as Milliana and Jellal himself. The conclusion of the arc sets a slightly more somber tone for the anime, highlighting its significance.
76 – 95
June 29, 2025 – Jul 07, 2025
On the surface, the Edolas arc seems to be filled with nothing more than comedic moments and low-stake fights. However, the entire arc is laced with nuance, be itHappy and Carla’s Exceed originsor the political power struggle that ravaged this parallel world. The events fleshed out Happy’s origins and even brought a new Exceed companion into the series’ roster.
Fans were also able to witness alternate personas of their favorite characters, especially with Edolas Lucy and Natsu being polar opposites of their Earthland versions. The arc tied up Mystogan’s storyline by crowning him the King of Edolas, along with bringing the supposedly deceased Lisanna back.
Jun 05, 2025 – June 29, 2025
As the introductory arc ofFairy Tail’s100 Years Questsequel, the Water Dragon God arc was laced with new revelations and character exposition. From the revelation of Guiltina and the Five Dragon Gods to the introduction of new guilds such as Magia Dragon and Diabolos, the Water Dragon God arc has tremendously expandedFairy Tail’s worldbuilding.
While Mercphobia’s entry into the narrative and Diabolos' invasion served as intriguing plot points, the arc overall paled in comparison to its counterparts. However, introductory arcs are often overshadowed by their latter counterparts, and the Water Dragon God arc’s case is somewhat similar. Nevertheless, the arc serves as a solid introduction toFairy Tail’s100 Years Questsequel.
52 – 69
July 21, 2025 – June 20, 2025
While the Oracion Seis arc took place early on in the series, it soon became a hotbed of new developments and revelations. The arc marked the introduction ofseveral new guildsafter Fairy Tail allied with allied guilds to fight Oracion Seis. The most significant of these developments was the addition of Wendy to team Natsu.
The individual battles with each member of Oracion Seis were brimming with action, and the notion of various guilds working together in each fight added to the battles’ nuance. The arc is quite significant for the narrative, as the Oracion Seis becomes a recurring faction, eventually being redeemed by Jellal to join Crime Sorciere.
May 11, 2025 – June 20, 2025
The100 Years Questsequel has introduced all sorts of new elements, though the most enticing of these is the revelation of the Five Dragon Gods of Guiltina. Each Dragon God is set to receive an arc of its own, though for now, the Wood Dragon God arc is arguably the most intriguing one. Focusing on the Wood Dragon God Aldoron and his followers, the arc becomes the first in the sequel to showcase an antagonistic threat that is sure to rattle the series’ narrative.
Unlike the Water Dragon God who ended up being a pacifist, Aldoron truly boasted malicious intent for his followers, which led to a narrative laced with moral dilemmas, action-packed scenes, and new revelations about the White Mage Faris. The latter arcs may likely overshadow the Wood Dragon God arc, though it currently stands as the best one in the sequel.
96 – 122
July 01, 2025 – June 07, 2025
The Tenrou Island arc was the first set of episodes to truly up the ante, as the arc led up to enthralling battles, new characters, and most importantly, the first signs of both Zeref and Achnologia. Asthe Fairy Tail guildheld its S-Class Promotion Trial on Tenrou Island, the mages were invaded by the second dark guild of the Balam Alliance: Grimoire Heart.
The arc introduced several recurring characters that played an integral role down the line, such as Ultear, Meredy, Mest, and even the celestial spirit Capricorn. The conclusion of the arc with Achnologia’s reveal was truly despair-ridden, showcasing a glimpse of the horrors that awaited team Natsu.
285 – 328
Jul 17, 2025 – June 05, 2025
As the concluding Arc of the original Fairy Tail anime, the Alvarez Arc naturally became one of the series' most divisive arcs. While some lauded the introduction of new antagonistic threats and action-packed scenes, others were thoroughly disappointed by the low-stakes conclusion and abrupt ending of the finale.
Still, the Alvarez Arc has its strong suits, whether it was the final battle with Acnologia, the revelation of Zeref’s past, or the introduction of the fierce Spriggan 12. Similar to most shonen anime, Fairy Tail’s concluding arc failed to satisfy audiences, though the fans' gripes certainly hold merit considering the adaptation rushed through several of the manga’s chapters.
151 – 203
July 20, 2025 – Jul 22, 2025
Tournament arcsare the bane of the shonen series’ existence, as these arcs are complicated to nail, as all manner of troublesome elements accompany them. Luckily, Fairy Tail presents an engaging tournament in the form of the Grand Magic Games, an event where the eight strongest guilds duke it out for the title of the strongest guild in all of Fiore.
The tournament later becomes a secondary element, as the arc introduces time-travelers from the future, dragons from the past, and a secret plot that almost plunges the world into chaos. The arc served as the perfect welcome for the Fairy Tail guild after the series’ seven-year timeskip.
234 – 265
July 01, 2025 – July 29, 2025
Arguably the most thrilling arc in the entire series, the Tartaros arc introduced the final pillar of the Balam Alliance, along with a host of overarching revelations. Unlike previous antagonists, each member of Tartaros proved to be highly formidable, even leading to a few mortifying yet much-needed defeats on Fairy Tail’s part.
Every single member of team Natsu received new power-ups, withLucy summoning the Celestial Spirit Kingbeing one of the key highlights of the arc. The long-awaited reveal of Igneel and the rest of the dragons glued together the narrative, a perfect conclusion to the series’ most gripping set of episodes.
