Dragon Ball Story Arcs Guide
Episode ranges, plot summaries, and frequently asked questions for every major arc in Dragon Ball. Updated 2026.
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Emperor Pilaf Arc
Eps 1–13 · 13 epsWhat episodes are the Emperor Pilaf arc in Dragon Ball?
Episodes 1–13. Young Goku meets Bulma, who is collecting the seven Dragon Balls — magical orbs that summon a wish-granting dragon. Their quest runs into the bumbling villain Emperor Pilaf.
What is Dragon Ball about?
Dragon Ball (1986) follows young Goku's adventures searching for the Dragon Balls, training in martial arts, and growing stronger through tournaments and battles. It is lighter in tone than Dragon Ball Z, blending adventure comedy with action.
World Tournament Arc
Eps 14–28 · 15 epsWhat episodes are the first World Tournament arc in Dragon Ball?
Episodes 14–28. Goku and Krillin train under Master Roshi and compete in the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament. Goku reaches the finals and faces Jackie Chun (Master Roshi in disguise).
Red Ribbon Army Arc
Eps 29–67 · 39 epsWhat episodes are the Red Ribbon Army arc in Dragon Ball?
Episodes 29–67. Goku takes on the Red Ribbon Army — a militaristic organisation collecting Dragon Balls for their leader — single-handedly. He defeats their entire base and finds most of the Dragon Balls.
Fortune Teller Baba Arc
Eps 68–83 · 16 epsWhat episodes are the Fortune Teller Baba arc in Dragon Ball?
Episodes 68–83. Goku seeks Fortuneteller Baba to find the last Dragon Ball — but must first defeat her five fighters. Goku is reunited with his deceased grandfather.
Tien Shinhan Arc
Eps 84–101 · 18 epsWhat episodes are the Tien Shinhan arc in Dragon Ball?
Episodes 84–101. The 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament introduces Tien Shinhan and Chiaotzu — students of the rival Master Shen. Goku narrowly loses the finals to Tien.
King Piccolo Arc
Eps 102–122 · 21 epsWhat episodes are the King Piccolo arc in Dragon Ball?
Episodes 102–122. King Piccolo — the most powerful villain yet — is released and begins eliminating martial arts masters to take over the world. Krillin and Master Roshi die. Goku faces Piccolo in a brutal final battle.
Is King Piccolo important to Dragon Ball Z?
Absolutely. King Piccolo is the father/previous incarnation of Piccolo Jr. (the Z series Piccolo). His defeat and the egg he lays before dying sets up the next arc and eventually becomes one of Goku's closest allies.
Piccolo Jr. Arc
Eps 123–153 · 31 epsWhat episodes are the Piccolo Jr. arc in Dragon Ball?
Episodes 123–153. Three years later at the 23rd World Tournament, Piccolo Jr. — raised to avenge his father — enters to defeat Goku. Their rematch is the finale of the original Dragon Ball series.