Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Story Arcs Guide
Episode ranges, plot summaries, and frequently asked questions for every major arc in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Updated 2026.
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East City & Lior Arc
What episodes are the opening arc in FMA Brotherhood?
Episodes 1–4. Edward and Alphonse Elric search for the Philosopher's Stone, beginning in Lior where a false prophet uses Alchemy to control the population.
What is the Law of Equivalent Exchange?
Alchemy's fundamental rule: to create something, sacrifice something of equal value. Human transmutation (reviving the dead) violates it — the brothers attempted it and paid with Edward's arm and leg, and Alphonse's entire body, bound to a suit of armor.
Ishval & Conspiracy Arc
What episodes reveal the conspiracy in FMA Brotherhood?
Episodes 15–30. The Homunculi are uncovered, Father's plan is revealed, and the horrifying history of the Ishval massacre is shown — a genocide engineered by Father to create a massive transmutation circle covering all of Amestris.
Who are the Homunculi in FMA Brotherhood?
Father's seven children named for the Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Lust, Greed, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth, and Wrath (King Bradley himself). Each has unique powers and an Ouroboros tattoo. They secretly control Amestris at every level of government and military.
Who is Roy Mustang and what happened at Ishval?
Mustang (Flame Alchemist) served in the Ishval Extermination Campaign — a state-ordered genocide he was forced to participate in. His guilt over Ishval drives his political ambition to reach Fuhrer and reform the system from within.
Promised Day Arc
What episodes are the Promised Day arc?
Episodes 44–64. The final battle across Central on the Promised Day — when Father attempts to activate the nationwide transmutation circle using five alchemist sacrifices.
Who is Father in FMA Brotherhood?
Father is the original Homunculus — created from Hohenheim's blood over 400 years ago in Xerxes. He consumed all the souls of Xerxes, then built Amestris as a giant transmutation circle to absorb God (the Truth) and become perfect.
How does Edward defeat Father?
Edward sacrifices his ability to use alchemy forever at the Gate of Truth to fully restore Alphonse's body. Without alchemy, he defeats Father physically using pure combat skill — symbolically rejecting the power he was using throughout the series.
Does Alphonse get his body back?
Yes — Alphonse's body is fully restored in episode 63 when Edward offers his alchemy to the Truth. Al returns with his original body and memories intact. Edward gets his right arm back when Alphonse offers his Gate in exchange for Ed's life.