Hunter x Hunter is one of the best and most successful anime out there. It’s hard to find an arc you don’t like in this series. With that in mind, I’m going to list and review all the Hunter x Hunter arcs. Let’s get started.
Hunter Exam Arc
| Main event | Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika become Hunters |
| Antagonist | Hisoka |
“No, I don’t. But I want to understand. I want to find out why it was so important to my dad.”
Gon says this when questioned if he understands the dangers of becoming a Hunter.
Gon Freecss, a 12-year-old boy, dreams of becoming a Hunter to find his father, Ging Freecss, who is a legendary Hunter. Hunters are licensed individuals who take on dangerous tasks like treasure hunting, capturing criminals, and exploring uncharted territories. This journey leads Gon into the challenging Hunter Exam, where he meets friends and faces numerous trials.
First Phase: The Run
In the first phase of the exam, Gon meets Leorio, Kurapika, and Killua, each with their own reasons for taking the test. This phase, led by examiner Satotz, involves a grueling run through an underground tunnel and a treacherous forest filled with creatures trying to fool the participants.
During the run, Leorio and Kurapika, who were running together, encounter Hisoka. They wisely choose to run away, but Leorio returns, saying he couldn’t just run because it wasn’t his style. He decides to pick a fight with the clown. Meanwhile, Gon, worried about Leorio and Kurapika, separates from Killua to find them despite Killua’s advice to keep moving.
When things are about to go bad for Leorio in his fight against Hisoka, Gon intervenes, striking Hisoka with his fishing rod. Hisoka becomes interested in Gon due to his courage, just as he did with Leorio. Gon tries multiple times to hit the magician with his fishing rod but fails each time due to Hisoka’s superiority in speed. By the end of the fight, Gon makes a smart move by kicking up sand in front of Hisoka to block his vision and attacks from behind. However, Hisoka’s speed and experience make the difference again, as he avoids being hit despite Gon’s strategy. After his victory, Hisoka lets them go because he sees potential in them as future opponents.
Second Phase: The Gourmet Test
Next, the candidates face the Gourmet Test, overseen by Gourmet Hunters Menchi and Buhara. They have to prepare a dish using giant pigs from the Visca Forest, where this phase takes place. Todo and most of the participants complain about the test and mock the Gourmet Hunters.
The competitors start by hunting the pigs in the forest. After searching for a while, Gon and his team accidentally find them after sliding down a steep slope. They struggle with how to handle the pigs, but Gon figures out their weakness is attacking them on the forehead, thanks to his natural affinity and the hunting skills he’s practiced since he was younger. Using this tactic, Gon becomes the first participant to catch a pig. The other applicants notice his strategy and use it too, allowing everyone to get their pigs and move on to the cooking part of the test.
At first, Menchi fails everyone because she doesn’t like any of the dishes. But after Hunter Association chairman Netero steps in and asks Menchi to be more lenient, she gives the candidates another chance, admitting she was too rough. This time, most of the participants succeed.
Third Phase: The Trick Tower
The third phase takes place in the Trick Tower. Here, candidates must descend the tower while facing various challenges and enemies. Gon and his friends work together, using their skills and intelligence to overcome the obstacles. This phase highlights their teamwork and problem-solving abilities, as they navigate the tower’s traps and puzzles.
Fourth Phase: The Hunt on Zevil Island
In the fourth phase, candidates hunt each other on Zevil Island. Each candidate receives a badge with a number and must collect a certain number of badges to pass. Gon decides to hunt Hisoka, a dangerous and mysterious candidate. During this phase, Gon shows his tracking and strategic abilities. He successfully steals Hisoka’s badge, demonstrating his growth and cunning.
Fifth Phase: The Tournament
The final phase is a tournament where the goal is not to win but to avoid severe losses. Gon faces Hanzo, a skilled ninja. Although Gon is defeated, he impresses everyone with his determination and unbreakable spirit. Killua, on the other hand, is manipulated by his brother Illumi and ends up killing a candidate, which leads to his disqualification.
Conclusion
In the end, Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika pass the exam and become licensed Hunters. Despite being disqualified, Killua remains a close friend of Gon. The Hunter Exam arc sets the foundation for the characters’ development and their future adventures. This arc is where our main cast’s friendship is formed, and it serves as a training arc since they face countless challenges to get their licenses.
Zoldick Family Arc
| Main event | Killua joins Gon on his adventure to find his dad |
| Antagonists | Zoldyck Family |
“You can go, but Kil… promise me one thing. That you will never betray your friends.”
Silva letting Killua go with Gon
Introduction
The Zoldyck Family arc focuses on Killua Zoldyck, and his relationship with his family, composed of the world’s most infamous assassins.
Arrival at Kukuroo Mountain
After the Hunter Exam, Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika decide to rescue Killua, who has returned to his family home. They arrive at Kukuroo Mountain, where they encounter various obstacles, including the Testing Gate, a massive door that requires immense strength to open. With the help of Zebro, a former servant of the Zoldycks, they manage to open the gate and proceed with after days of harsh training.
Encounter with Canary
Inside the estate, they meet Canary, a young but strong apprentice butler. Her duty was to prevent Gon and his friends from entering. She beats Gon countless times, but he keeps getting up for hours. After so much time beating Gon, she is moved by the boy’s determination and allows them to proceed further. We also see flashbacks exposing Canary’s loyalty to Killua and her internal conflict.
Confrontation with Milluki and Silva
After those events, Milluki, Killua’s older brother, is tasked with punishing him for his disobedience. However, Killua’s grandfather, Zeno Zoldyck, intervenes and informs Killua that his father wants to see him, after that Killua goes to see Silva claiming he had no regret of his past actions. Silva then has a heart-to-heart conversation with Killua, acknowledging his son’s desire for freedom and friendship. In the end, he allows Killua to leave with Gon but expresses his belief that Killua will return one day.
Reunion and Departure
Killua reunites with Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika, and they leave the Zoldyck estate together. This arc not only deepens the bond between the main characters but also provides insight into Killua’s background and the complexities of his family dynamics.
Conclusion
The Zoldyck Family arc is crucial for understanding Killua’s character and motivations. It highlights the contrast between his assassin upbringing and his desire for a normal life with friends. This arc sets the stage for Killua’s growth and the challenges he will face alongside Gon and the others.
Heavens Arena Arc
| Main event | Nen is introduced, and Gon and Killua learn it |
| Antagonist | Hisoka |
“When he changed his stance, I got this real creepy feeling, like when I face my brother. I don’t know what it was, but it felt… dangerous.”
Killua talking about Nen before he knew what it was.
Introduction
The Heavens Arena arc is the third major arc in Hunter x Hunter, After the Zoldyck Family arc, Gon and Killua head to Heavens Arena. This massive skyscraper lets fighters earn money and improve their combat skills. This arc is crucial for developing their abilities, especially their understanding and mastery of Nen.
Arrival at Heavens Arena
Gon and Killua arrive at Heavens Arena, which has 251 floors. Fighters start at the first floor and must win matches to advance to higher floors. The higher the floor, the tougher the opponents and the greater the rewards. Gon and Killua quickly ascend the lower floors with no difficulty.
Meeting Zushi and Wing
On the 50th floor, Gon and Killua meet Zushi, a young martial artist, and his master, Wing. Zushi impresses them with his strength and technique, despite his small size. Wing, recognizing Gon and Killua’s potential, decides to teach them about Nen, a vital energy that enhances a fighter’s abilities.
Learning Nen
Wing explains the basics of Nen, including its four major principles: Ten, Zetsu, Ren, and Hatsu. Gon and Killua undergo rigorous training to learn and master these principles. This training is essential for their progress in Heavens Arena and their future battles.
Advancing to Higher Floors
With their newfound Nen abilities, Gon and Killua continue to climb the ranks of Heavens Arena. They face increasingly challenging opponents, including Gido, Sadaso, and Riehlvelt, who use various Nen techniques. Gon and Killua’s growth is evident as they adapt and overcome these challenges.
Battle with Hisoka
One of the most significant moments in this arc is Gon’s rematch with Hisoka, a powerful and enigmatic fighter who has taken an interest in Gon. Their battle takes place on the 200th floor of Heavens Arena, where the stakes are higher and the fights are more intense. Despite Gon’s determination and improved skills, Hisoka ultimately wins the match. However, Gon successfully lands a hit on Hisoka, and as promised, Hisoka returns the badge he took from him during the Hunter Exam. This was Gon’s main goal, as winning the battle against Hisoka at that point was nearly impossible.
Conclusion
After the battle with Hisoka, Gon and Killua continue their training and exploration of Nen. They decide to leave Heavens Arena to pursue other adventures, now equipped with a deeper understanding of their abilities and the world of Hunters.
Yorknew city arc
| Main event | Kurapika confronts the Phantom troupe |
| Antagonists | Phantom troupe |
“Uvo-san, can you hear us? We are playing a requiem for you.”
Chrollo Lucilfer during the invasion of the underground auction.
Introduction
The Yorknew City arc primarily focuses on Kurapika and his quest for revenge against the Phantom Troupe, the group responsible for the massacre of his Kurta Clan.
Arrival in Yorknew City
Gon, Killua, and Leorio travel to Yorknew City to participate in the annual auction, hoping to find valuable items to sell and raise money so they can buy the Greed Island game, which costs an astonishing 8.2 billion Jenny. Meanwhile, Kurapika has become a bodyguard for the Nostrade family, a Mafia family involved in the auction, as he knows the Phantom Troupe would have business there.
Kurapika’s Mission
Kurapika’s main goal is to retrieve the Scarlet Eyes of his clan, which were stolen by the Phantom Troupe. He uses his position within the Nostrade family to gather information and get closer to the Troupe. Kurapika’s Nen abilities, particularly his Chain Jail, are revealed to be specifically designed to capture and restrain members of the Troupe.
The Phantom Troupe
The Phantom Troupe is introduced in greater detail. Led by Chrollo Lucilfer, the Troupe is a group of highly skilled and dangerous criminals who have been given a Class A bounty by the Hunter Association. Each of its members is a world-class master of Nen. The Troupe plans to steal all items from the auction, leading to a confrontation with the Mafia.
The Auction and the Heist
The auction in Yorknew City becomes a battleground as the Phantom Troupe executes their heist. The mafia members follow them, setting the stage for the fight between Uvogin and the Shadow Beasts, a group of Nen users hired by the mafia to deal with powerful Nen users like the Phantom Troupe. The Shadow Beasts are no match for Uvogin alone, as he obliterates all of them with no difficulty. Kurapika manages to capture Uvogin, one of the Troupe’s strongest members, using his Chain Jail. This capture sets off a series of events that escalate the conflict between Kurapika and the Troupe.
Kurapika and Chrollo
Using his Nen abilities, Kurapika manages to place a Nen dagger on Chrollo, preventing him from using his Nen. After Gon and Killua get caught by the Troupe, negotiations start. Kurapika imposes conditions on Chrollo, preventing him from using Nen and making contact with any Phantom Troupe member. He also prevents Pakunoda from revealing any information about him. Eventually, Pakunoda breaks this condition, telling the Troupe everything that happened using her Nen ability, which ultimately causes her death.
Conclusion
The Yorknew City arc concludes with the Phantom Troupe retreating and Kurapika achieving a partial victory. Gon, Killua, and Leorio continue their journey, while Kurapika remains focused on his mission of vengeance. This arc significantly develops Kurapika’s character and sets the stage for future conflicts with the Phantom Troupe.
Greed Island arc
| Main event | Gon and Killua beat Greed Island and go to where Kite is |
| Antagonist | Genthru |
“Well, I’m essentially your master’s master, so you shouldn’t have any problems with me teaching you.”
Biscuit Krueger speaking to Gon and Killua.
Introduction
This arc follows Gon and Killua as they enter a mysterious and dangerous game called Greed Island, created by Gon’s father, Ging Freecss, and his friends. The game is known for its unique mechanics and the fact that only Nen users can participate.
Entering Greed Island
After failing to purchase a copy of Greed Island at the Yorknew City auction, Gon and Killua are recruited by Battera, a billionaire collector, to play the game and help him complete it. They enter the game using a special console and are transported to a game-like world with its own rules and challenges.
Learning the Game Mechanics
Inside Greed Island, Gon and Killua meet Biscuit Krueger, a seasoned Hunter who becomes their mentor. Biscuit helps them improve their Nen abilities and teaches them the intricacies of the game. The game involves collecting cards with various abilities and completing quests to progress.
The Bomber Threat
One of the main antagonists in this arc is Genthru, also known as “The Bomber.” Genthru and his accomplices use their Nen abilities to terrorize other players and steal their cards. Gon, Killua, and Biscuit devise a plan to confront and defeat Genthru, showcasing their strategic thinking and teamwork.
The Dodgeball Game
One of the most memorable moments in this arc is the dodgeball game against Razor, one of the game’s creators. Gon, Killua, and their allies, including Hisoka, must work together to defeat Razor and his team. This intense and creative battle highlights their growth and the importance of cooperation.
Final Confrontation
The final showdown with Genthru is a test of Gon and Killua’s skills and determination. They manage to outsmart and defeat Genthru, securing the necessary cards to complete the game. This victory is a significant milestone in their journey and demonstrates their development as Hunters.
Conclusion
After completing Greed Island, Gon and Killua obtain a special card that allows them to transport to a location of their choice. Gon chooses to use the card to find his father, Ging. This decision sets the stage for the next arc and continues their quest.
Chimera Ants arc
| Main event | Isaac Netero loses his life in the battle against Meruem, and Gon loses his Nen. |
| Antagonists | Chimera Ants |
“In human society, lands are split by borders marking the territory. On the right side of the border, children may starve to death, while on the left, idle dregs who do nothing have everything they need. It’s absolute madness. I shall crush that madness and create a world where the concept of inequality will be completely forgotten.”
Meruem speaking to Isaac Netero
Introduction to the Chimera Ants
The arc begins with the discovery of a rare and dangerous species known as the Chimera Ants. These creatures have the ability to consume other organisms and inherit their traits, which leads to the creation of incredibly powerful hybrid beings. The story kicks off when the Queen Chimera Ant washes ashore on the NGL (Neo-Green Life) island. She begins consuming animals and eventually humans, birthing a legion of Chimera Ants with human characteristics.
The Birth of the Royal Guard and Meruem
As the Queen continues to consume humans, she gives birth to increasingly powerful Chimera Ants, including three elite Royal Guards: Neferpitou, Shaiapouf, and Menthuthuyoupi. These Guards are fiercely loyal and possess immense strength and Nen, quickly learning it from the Nen users who enter their territory.
The Queen’s ultimate goal is to give birth to the Chimera Ant King, Meruem. Upon Meruem’s birth, he emerges as an extraordinarily powerful being, killing the Queen in the process. Meruem’s character is initially portrayed as ruthless, viewing humans as mere fodder for his sustenance.
Gon and Killua’s Involvement
Meanwhile, the protagonists Gon Freecss and Killua Zoldyck become involved in the situation after learning about the Chimera Ant threat. They join forces with experienced Hunters, including Kite, who serves as their mentor. Together, they venture into NGL to investigate the Chimera Ants. The group encounters Neferpitou, who effortlessly defeats Kite. Eventually, Gon and Killua come to terms with this sad truth and become depressed, but Gon still hopes there is some way for Pitou to revive Kite.
The Hunter Association’s Response
As the Chimera Ant threat escalates, the Hunter Association mobilizes its most powerful members to counter the crisis. Netero, the Chairman of the Hunter Association, assembles an elite team, including Morel, Knov, and the Zodiacs, to infiltrate the Chimera Ant palace in East Gorteau, where Meruem has established his base.
The Evolution of Meruem
During his reign, Meruem begins to evolve mentally and emotionally. He becomes fascinated with a blind human girl named Komugi, who is a master of a complex board game called Gungi, in which Meruem is unable to defeat her. This humbling experience sparks an internal conflict within Meruem as he starts to question his own nature and the value of human life. His relationship with Komugi becomes a central element of the entire arc, giving him the capacity for compassion and self-reflection.
The Palace Invasion
The arc reaches its climax with the Hunter Association’s invasion of the Chimera Ant palace. Netero confronts Meruem in a intense battle, showcasing his incredible Nen abilities. However, Meruem proves to be nearly invincible. Realizing that he cannot defeat Meruem through sheer strength, Netero resorts to his last resort, the Poor Man’s Rose, a powerful explosive device.
The explosion severely injures Meruem, but he survives, albeit gravely weakened. The bomb’s radiation eventually leads to Meruem’s slow demise. Before his death, Meruem’s character undergoes a significant transformation, as he reconciles with his humanity through his relationship with Komugi. They spend their final moments together, playing Gungi until they both succumb to the poison from the explosion.
Gon’s Revenge and Transformation
As the main conflict intensifies, Gon becomes increasingly obsessed with avenging Kite’s death. He confronts Neferpitou, demanding that she use her Nen abilities to revive Kite. When Pitou explains that reviving Kite is impossible and prepares to attack Gon, he makes a desperate choice, sacrificing his own future and potential, rapidly aging and gaining enough power to defeat Pitou. This decision leads to a tragic and one-sided confrontation where Gon emerges victorious, but at a great cost. Meanwhile, Killua watches Gon’s transformation and feels devastated by what his friend has done, which in turn drives his actions in the next arc.
Aftermath and Consequences
The end of the Chimera Ant Arc has a big impact on the world of Hunter x Hunter. The Chimera Ants who still have human consciousness struggle to find their place. Some, like Colt and Ikalgo, choose to live peacefully with humans, while others continue to struggle with their identity and purpose.
Netero’s death creates a power gap in the Hunter Association, and the need for a new Chairman leads to the Chairman Election Arc.
Chairman election arc
| Main event | Gon recover his life force |
| Antagonist | Pariston Hill |
Introduction
The 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc is the seventh arc in the Hunter x Hunter series, created by Yoshihiro Togashi. This arc is crucial as it takes place after the intense events of the Chimera Ants arc and focuses on the election of a new president for the Hunter Association following Netero’s death.
Election of the New Chairman
After Netero’s death, the Hunter Association needs to elect a new chairman. Pariston Hill, the vice-chairman, is one of the most prominent candidates. However, he faces strong opposition from other members of the Zodiacs, especially from Cheadle Yorkshire.
Election Rules
Pariston proposes a set of rules for the election. The rules include the need for an absolute majority to win and at least 95% of Hunters participating in the vote.
Gon’s Rescue
While the election is happening, Killua is focused on saving Gon, who is in critical condition after the battle against Neferpitou. He seeks help from his sister Alluka, who has special abilities.
Family Confrontation
Killua confronts his brother Illumi, who tries to control Alluka for his own purposes. This confrontation is intense and reveals much about the dynamics of the Zoldyck family.
Election Result
Pariston wins the election but surprisingly resigns, allowing Cheadle to become the new chairman of the Hunter Association.
Gon and Ging Reunion
After being healed by Alluka, Gon finally reunites with his father, Ging Freecss. This meeting is an emotional and long-awaited moment for fans since the beginning of the series.
Conclusion
This arc is filled with political intrigue, emotional battles, and significant character development. It also sets the stage for future events in the series, exploring new directions and challenges for the protagonists.
