My Hero Academia timeline: All 22 arcs, explained

In the world of My Hero Academia, people possess special abilities called ‘quirks’ and the timeline follows the story of Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku. It chronicles his transformation from a boy without a quirk to the most powerful hero in the world.

As Deku becomes more familiar with the Symbol of Peace and his role model, the No. 1 hero All Might, and inherits All Might’s quirk, One For All, his journey transforms into a mission to face the quirk’s archenemy, All For One. This complex plotline explores moments of personal development, obstacles, and meaningful relationships that shape Deku’s journey.

This is a detailed overview of the current timeline for My Hero Academia, covering all 22 story arcs that are currently included in the series at the time of writing.

Warning: This article contains spoilers from the My Hero Academia manga.

The 22 Current Narrative Arcs in My Hero Academia

1) Entrance Exam Arc

Deku before joining U.A. (Image via Bones)

The Entrance Exam Arc is the first story arc in the My Hero Academia timeline, which introduces Deku’s quest to become the world’s top hero. It is part of the U.A. Beginning Saga, including manga chapters 1-4 and the first four episodes of the anime.

This paragraph serves as an introduction to the narrative, providing background information on Deku’s beginnings as a quirkless boy with the dream of becoming a hero like the former No. 1 pro hero, All Might. It emphasizes their fateful meeting and Deku’s subsequent inheritance of All Might’s quirk, One For All. Additionally, it includes Deku’s enrollment in U.A. High and his commencement of his journey as a student hero through the entrance exam.

2) Quirk Apprehension Test Arc

The Quirk Apprehension Test Arc, which consists of manga chapters 5-7 and anime episodes 5-6, is the second arc in My Hero Academia and is part of the U.A. Beginning Saga. It follows Deku’s journey as a new student at U.A. and his participation in the Quirk Apprehension Test in the My Hero Academia timeline.

Shota Aizawa is introduced as their instructor and, with his guidance, Deku learns how to use OFA effectively while also minimizing the strain on his body. Bakugo witnesses Deku’s enhanced abilities and confronts him, while Deku forms new friendships with Iida and Ochako in his new environment.

3) Battle Trial Arc

The U.A. Beginning Saga in the My Hero Academia timeline is followed by the Battle Trial Arc, which encompasses manga chapters 8-11 and anime episodes 6-8. Once they have received their hero costumes, the 1-A students engage in an indoor battle trial to test their abilities against one another.

In the first round, Deku and Ochako are teamed up against Bakugo and Iida, marking the first time Deku confronts Bakugo. Despite initial doubts, Deku and Ochako come out as the winners. After the battle, Deku discloses to Bakugo that his quirk was inherited, but Bakugo remains unconvinced. This arc also introduces Shoto Todoroki and his unique quirk.

4) U.S.J. Arc

The narrative of the U.A. Beginning Saga progresses with the U.S.J. Arc, which marks the fourth installment in the My Hero Academia timeline. Spanning chapters 12-21 of the manga and episodes 9-13 of the anime, this arc plays a crucial role as it brings the League of Villains into the story.

During the students of class 1-A’s visit to the Unforeseen Simulation Joint (U.S.J.), they are suddenly ambushed by Tomura Shigaraki and a group of other villains, one of which is the dangerous Nomu. This is the students’ first encounter with actual villains, forcing them to fight for their lives amidst the chaos.

The arc features intense battles, such as Erasurehead’s confrontation with Shigaraki and the Nomu, as well as a face-off between the Nomu and All Might, resulting in a decline in All Might’s physical well-being.

U.A. Sports Festival Arc

The U.A. Sports Festival Arc, which includes manga chapters 22-44 and anime episodes 13.5-25, serves as a crucial element in the U.A. Beginning Saga. Following the intense confrontation with villains, the My Hero Academia timeline shifts its focus to the freshmen who are taking part in their inaugural U.A. Sports Festival.

During their debut on the world stage, they showcase their abilities and compete against one another. Deku is able to defeat Shinso, but he is later beaten by Shoto. During their match, Shoto’s past is revealed as he embraces his fire quirk. In the finals, Todoroki goes up against Bakugo, who ultimately becomes the winner among the first-year students.

6) Versus Hero Killer Arc

The Vs. Hero Killer Arc, which takes place in the U.A. Beginning Saga, spans across manga chapters 45-59 and anime episodes 26-33 in the timeline of My Hero Academia. Throughout this arc, the students receive their hero names and embark on a one-week field training/internship with professional heroes and agencies.

Deku’s trainer, Gran Torino, joins forces with him as they confront Nomus in Hosu City. Meanwhile, Iida faces off against the infamous Hero Killer, Stain, during his internship. Eventually, Deku and Shoto join Iida in apprehending both Stain and a Nomu.

7) Final Exams Arc

Deku and Bakugo as kids (Image via Bones)

The U.A. Beginning Saga in the My Hero Academia timeline is followed by the Final Exams Arc, which covers manga chapters 60-69 and anime episodes 34-38. In this arc, the first-year U.A. students must participate in their final exams, which involve facing their teachers in practical exams while being divided into two groups.

During their exam, Deku and Bakugo come face to face with their idol, All Might. At the same time, Giran brings in Dabi and Toga as the newest members of the League of Villains, and while at the mall, Deku also encounters Shigaraki.

8) Forest Training Camp Arc

The U.A. Beginning Saga’s Forest Training Camp Arc covers manga chapters 70-83 and episodes 39-45 of the anime. This section of the My Hero Academia timeline centers on the 1-A students’ summer training camp, which is supervised by the Wild, Wild Pussycats. However, their journey takes a turn for the worse when they are ambushed by the League of Villains and other villains.

Deku bravely faces off against Muscular in order to rescue Kota and successfully defeats the powerful villain, though not without sustaining serious wounds. The arc also uncovers the possibility of a traitor within U.A., as the battle results in the capture of Bakugo and Ragdoll by the League of Villains.

9) Hideout Raid Arc

The Forest Training Camp Arc is the final arc of the U.A. Beginning Saga in the My Hero Academia timeline. It spans from manga chapters 84 to 97 and anime episodes 46 to 50, and serves as the ninth story arc. This arc follows the heroes and students as they strategize and prepare to rescue Bakugo, who has been targeted for recruitment by the League of Villains.

During this time, AFO emerges and engages in a fierce battle with All Might, resulting in AFO’s apprehension and All Might’s official retirement as the Symbol of Peace.

10) Provisional Hero Licenses Exam Arc

Deku faces Bakugo again (Image via Bones)

The provisional hero licenses exam, which takes place during the Rise of Villains Saga in the My Hero Academia timeline, spans across manga chapters 98-121 and anime episodes 51-62. In order to increase security, the U.A. students relocate to dormitories and also take part in the exam for provisional hero licenses.

This arc serves as a significant moment in the relationship between Deku and Bakugo as they have a deep conversation about Deku’s quirk and solidify their rivalry. Additionally, Shinso makes a reappearance during this arc.

11) Shie Hassaikai Arc

Deku and Eri face Overhaul (Image via Bones)

The Shie Hassaikai Arc in My Hero Academia is considered the second arc of the Rise of Villains Saga. It covers manga chapters 122-162 and anime episodes 62-78, making it one of the most significant and extensive arcs in the My Hero Academia timeline.

This story arc centers on the heroes’ battle against the yakuza group, Shie Hassaikai, which is controlled by Kai Chisaki/Overhaul. In the midst of this conflict, Deku pursues an internship with Sir Nighteye, All Might’s previous sidekick. As tensions rise between Overhaul’s group and the League of Villains, a final showdown between the Shie Hassaikai and the heroes ensues.

The arc features notable occurrences such as the passing of Sir Nighteye, Mirio’s quirk being taken away, and the arrival of Eri, a pivotal character whose power plays a crucial role in Deku’s confrontation with Overhaul.

12) Remedial Course Arc

Bakugo, Todoroki, and the two Shiketsu High students (Image via Bones)

The Remedial Course Arc, which encompasses manga chapters 163-168 and anime episodes 78-80, is a significant part of the Rise of Villains Saga in My Hero Academia. During this twelfth arc, Bakugo and Todoroki are required to take remedial courses as a result of their failure in the Provisional License exam.

During this time, they team up with two students from Shiketsu High in order to enhance their abilities and acquire their licenses. In the meantime, Deku forges a connection with Aoyama, and learns more about Aoyama’s past.

13) U.A. School Festival Arc

The U.A. School Festival Arc, spanning manga chapters 169-183 and anime episodes 81-86, serves as a crucial part of the My Hero Academia timeline. It features the debut of two new adversaries, La Brava and Gentle Criminal, as Deku works to stop them from interfering with the preparations for the U.A. School Festival.

The climax of the arc occurs during a confrontation, in which Deku successfully captures both villains, guaranteeing a peaceful conclusion to the festival. In addition, the heartfelt band performance by the 1-A students impresses the audience and leaves a lasting, positive impression.

14) Pro Hero Arc

Endeavor becomes No. 1 hero (Image via Bones)

The Pro Hero Arc is a part of the My Hero Academia timeline’s Rise of Villains Saga, covering manga chapters 184-193 and anime episodes 87-90. In this arc, the updated hero rankings are revealed, with Endeavor becoming the new No. 1 pro hero, despite his conflicting emotions about the situation.

Endeavor and Hawks had intended to collaborate, but they were unexpectedly forced into battle due to a Nomu attack. Additionally, the arc delves into the Todoroki family’s history, while also showcasing Endeavor’s prowess as the No. 1 hero through his triumph over the Nomu.

15) Joint Training Arc

The Joint Training Arc follows the Rise of Villains Saga in the My Hero Academia timeline, covering manga chapters 194-217 and anime episodes 91-99. This arc centers on the joint training of Class 1-A and Class 1-B students, who engage in a series of mock battles.

Hitoshi Shinso enrolls in the training program to earn a spot among the hero students. While engaged in a battle, OFA becomes uncontrollable as Blackwhip emerges, revealing to Deku that he must now learn to control multiple quirks.

Chapter 16: Meta Liberation Army Arc

Shigaraki vs. Re-Destro (Image via Bones)

This arc, spanning manga chapters 218-240 and anime episodes 100-112, marks a pivotal moment in the My Hero Academia timeline. As part of the ongoing Rise of Villains Saga, Kyudai Garaki tasks Tomura Shigaraki with proving himself as the successor to AFO by conquering Gigantomachia.

The Meta Liberation Army is confronted by the League of Villains, and amidst the clashes, Shigaraki’s Decay quirk is reawakened and Twice’s quirk, Double, undergoes significant growth. The arc ends with the League of Villains strengthening their influence and assuming control over the Meta Liberation Army.

17) Endeavor Agency Arc

Deku and Bakugo visit Todoroki's house (Image via Bones) — Deku and Bakugo visit Todoroki’s house (Image via Bones)

The seventeenth arc in the My Hero Academia timeline is the Endeavor Agency Arc, which includes manga chapters 241-252 and anime episodes 101-106. During this arc, Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki become apprentices to the current No. 1 hero, Endeavor, at his agency.

At the same time, the Hawks sneak into the ranks of the villains. The story arc delves further into the history of the Todoroki family, shedding light on Toya’s past. Additionally, the three students are instrumental in rescuing Todoroki’s brother, Natsu, from Ending, a villain with ties to Endeavor’s past.

18) Paranormal Liberation War Arc

Deku trying to stop the fleeing AFOShigaraki (Image via Bones)

The My Hero Academia timeline features the second-longest story arc known as the Paranormal Liberation War Arc, which covers a span of 54 manga chapters (253-306) and 20 anime episodes (107-131). This particular arc marks the end of the Rise of Villains Saga, highlighting the heroes’ battle against the newly formed Meta Liberation Army and the League of Villains.

Despite their raid on both Jaku Hospital and the Liberation Front Mansion, the heroes still faced pivotal events such as the betrayal of Hawks, the death of Twice, and the capture of Dr. Garaki. However, their actions also led to the awakening of Shigaraki, which resulted in massive destruction. This ultimately led to a fierce battle between the heroes and the AFOShigaraki, resulting in Shigaraki’s escape with the assistance of Gigantomachia.

The arc concludes with the heroes enduring significant harm and Dabi’s public announcement of his true identity as Toya Todoroki, causing even more upheaval within the foundation of hero society.

19) Dark Hero Arc

Deku after coming back to U.A. (Image via Bones)

The opening plot of the Final Act Saga with the Dark Hero Arc is covered in Chapters 307-328 of the manga and episodes 132-138.3 of the anime. This arc holds significant importance in the My Hero Academia timeline as it depicts Deku’s toughest stage. In a crumbling hero society after the Paranormal Liberation War, Deku takes on the task of protecting his friends from being targeted by AFO on his own.

During this period, Deku battles Lady Nagant and successfully rescues her while also defeating Muscular for the second time. Eventually, Class 1-A arrives and rescues Deku before bringing him back to U.A. Uraraka’s powerful speech helps to restore people’s belief in the heroes.

20) Star and Stripe Arc

Star and Stripe's death (Image via Bones) — Star and Stripe’s death (Image via Bones)

Despite its brevity, the Star and Stripe Arc holds significant significance in the My Hero Academia timeline. Spanning 6 manga chapters (329-334) and anime episodes 139-140, this second arc of the Final Act Saga marks the introduction and conclusion of the USA’s No. 1 pro hero, Star and Stripe.

As preparations were being made to take down the villains, Star and Stripe engaged in a battle against AFO Shigaraki. Despite her eventual death, she succeeded in inflicting severe wounds on Shigaraki from within, giving the heroes additional time to prepare for the ultimate showdown.

21) U.A. Traitor Arc

The U.A. Traitor Arc, which is part of the Final Act Saga in the My Hero Academia timeline, finally reveals one of the series’ highly anticipated plot twists. This arc, encompassing manga chapters 335-342 and anime episodes 140-141, discloses the true identity of the U.A. traitor, who happens to be one of the students from Class 1-A.

Furthermore, Hagakure, the invisible girl, has her face exposed. In this storyline, Deku formulates a plan to employ the traitor as a lure to draw out AFO.

Final War Arc

Deku defeats AFOShogaraki in chapter 422 (Image via Kohei Horikoshi/Shueisha)

The Final War Arc, which began in manga chapter 343 and is currently ongoing in chapter 423, marks the conclusion of the My Hero Academia timeline. As the largest arc in the series, it is a crucial part of the Final Act Saga and has spanned 81 chapters to date.

This arc culminates in the ultimate confrontation between Deku and Shigaraki, as well as AFO and OFA. It signifies the defeat of all the villains, including those from the League of Villains, the remaining members of the Liberation Army, and the prisoners who were set free. Deku and his fellow young heroes press on, facing intense battles against their adversaries.