Last updated on November 17th, 2025 at 11:48 pm
The Egghead arc pushed the One Piece anime into a brand new era. With two full years of nonstop episodes, massive reveals, and a pace that finally matched the manga’s visual energy, Egghead has been the show’s most ambitious stretch since Wano.
And now we’re heading into the chapter fans have been waiting almost two decades for: Elbaf.
The homeland of giants. A dream destination teased since early East Blue. A place tied to Usopp’s ambitions, Luffy’s childhood fantasies, and some of the story’s oldest mysteries.
If you want a complete breakdown of when the Elbaf arc airs, what to expect, and how long it might run, here’s everything you should know.
Spoiler note: Light manga spoilers ahead. Nothing major, nothing plot-breaking.
Elbaf Arc Release Date in the One Piece Anime
The production team has already confirmed that Egghead will wrap up in 2025. After that, One Piece enters a short seasonal break while Toei prepares for the next massive arc.
Here’s the timeline:
• Egghead Arc Finale
Expected to end with Episode 1155 on December 28, 2025
• Season Break
January, February, March 2026
• Elbaf Arc Premiere
Expected to begin with Episode 1156 on April 5, 2026
April 5 is a Sunday, which perfectly matches One Piece’s traditional broadcast slot in Japan. Unless Toei changes its release pattern, this is the most likely premiere date.
What Is the Elbaf Arc About?
Since the earliest days of the story, Luffy and Usopp have talked about sailing to the land of Giants. The Egghead arc quietly set the stage for this when Vegapunk revealed that the next island on the log pose pointed straight to Elbaf.
And then came the moment that sealed everything:
Dorry, Brogy, and the Giant Warrior Pirates charging into the Buster Call to save the Straw Hats and escort them home.
That leads us to the heart of this arc.
What to expect on Elbaf
The Elbaf arc brings together several story threads Oda has been planting for years. It dives into the history of the giants, reintroduces major characters fans have long speculated about, and pushes the plot of the Final Saga forward with real force.
The calm arrival doesn’t last long.
The God’s Knights step onto the island with a mission of their own, and their presence turns everything upside down. What starts as a peaceful visit quickly becomes a clash that involves ancient lore, new antagonists, and some of the biggest reveals of the saga so far.
Elbaf is the second arc in the Final Saga and officially the 33rd arc of One Piece.
How Long Will the Elbaf Arc Be?
The Elbaf arc began in the manga with Chapter 1126 in September 2024.
Right now, the manga arc is still in progress with 40 plus chapters, and Oda shows n
o signs of wrapping it up immediately. Egghead had around 68 chapters in total, and Elbaf is tracking toward a similar length, likely landing somewhere around 50 to 60 chapters.
Why the anime version will be longer
Because the anime has shifted into a seasonal structure, Elbaf is expected to run longer. Realistically, fans can expect around two and a half to three years of anime content for this arc.
It’s one of the biggest islands in the story, both literally and narratively, so the expanded pacing makes sense.
Is Elbaf the Final Arc of One Piece?
No. Not even close.
Elbaf is major, but it isn’t the end. The Final Saga still has several critical arcs ahead:
• The journey to Lodestar Island
• The final search for the last Poneglyphs
• The climb toward Laugh Tale
• The last great war involving Imu and the World Government
Think of Elbaf as the arc where the final setup locks into place. The true endgame comes after this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which episode will the Elbaf arc start?
It is expected to begin with Episode 1156 on April 5, 2026.
Has the Elbaf arc started in the anime?
No. Egghead is nearing its conclusion, and Elbaf will begin after the seasonal break.
Is it Elbaph or Elbaf?
The official translation uses Elbaph, but fans have always called it Elbaf. Both are acceptable.
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