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One Piece Elbaf Arc: The Mid-Arc Check-In
The Elbaf arc is finally in full swing, and the first cour is closing out this July. If you have been on the fence about jumping back in after Wano, this is the arc that is convincing lapsed fans to come back.
Here is where the story stands and what is coming next.
The setup
After the fall of Egghead, the Straw Hats have arrived at Elbaf - the giants' island long teased since the very early East Blue arcs. This is where Usopp's dream lives. It is also where the crew crosses paths with:
- Loki - the imprisoned giant prince and one of the arc's biggest question marks.
- The Holy Knights - the World Government's most elite enforcement squad.
- Shanks - yes, that Shanks, and yes, he is on Elbaf.
What has happened in the first cour
Without full spoilers:
- The Straw Hats have made contact with the Elbaf leadership.
- Usopp's storyline is finally getting the payoff a decade in the making.
- The Holy Knights have made their move, and the fight has escalated fast.
- Ancient history reveals about the Void Century are dropping almost every episode.
What is next in the second cour
The manga is well ahead of the anime here, so we can safely say the second cour is building toward:
- A direct Straw Hats vs Holy Knights confrontation.
- Shanks' role becoming much clearer.
- A major revelation about the origins of the World Government.
Should you catch up?
Elbaf is one of the best-paced One Piece arcs in years. If you fell off during Wano's slower stretches, this is a genuinely good on-ramp. Start from the beginning of Egghead if you want full context, or use our One Piece watch order to skip fillers and jump in cleanly.
Where to watch
- Crunchyroll (subbed, week-of).
- Netflix in select regions (usually one season behind).
Elbaf is the "you should be watching this" arc for 2026. Do not sleep on it.