Hunter x Hunter (2011) Story Arcs Guide
Episode ranges, plot summaries, and frequently asked questions for every major arc in Hunter x Hunter (2011). Updated 2026.
Filter by arc
Hunter Exam Arc
What episodes are the Hunter Exam arc in HxH?
Episodes 1–21 of the 2011 series. Gon, Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika compete for a Hunter License through a multi-phase exam with an extremely low pass rate.
What is a Hunter in HxH?
A licensed elite with access to restricted areas, international bounties, and unique legal privileges. The exam tests intelligence, combat ability, and determination simultaneously — most applicants fail.
Does Killua pass the Hunter Exam?
No — Killua is disqualified after killing a fellow examiner, manipulated into doing so by his older brother Illumi who infiltrated the exam. Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio all pass.
Yorknew City Arc
What episodes are the Yorknew City arc?
Episodes 54–75. Kurapika's revenge mission against the Phantom Troupe — the group that massacred his entire clan for their scarlet eyes.
Who are the Phantom Troupe?
13 thieves with spider tattoos, each numbered 0–13, led by Chrollo Lucilfer. Each member is capable of fighting hundreds of enemies — considered the world's most dangerous criminal organization.
What is Kurapika's Nen ability?
Kurapika is a Conjurer who becomes a Specialist when his eyes turn scarlet. His Judgment Chain is a vow-enforced chain that kills its target if they violate a stated rule. He uses it to capture Chrollo and strip him of his Nen.
Greed Island Arc
What episodes are the Greed Island arc?
Episodes 58–63 and 76–92. Gon and Killua enter Greed Island — a video game that physically transports players into a real alternate world — to collect 100 designated cards.
What is Gon's Nen type and main ability?
Gon is an Enhancer — he strengthens his own body and attacks. His primary ability Jajanken (Rock-Scissors-Paper) channels Nen into three forms: Rock (powerful concentrated punch), Scissors (energy blade), and Paper (ranged energy blast).
Chimera Ant Arc
What episodes are the Chimera Ant arc in HxH?
Episodes 76–136 — the longest and darkest arc. Chimera Ants (beings that inherit traits from any species their Queen consumes) emerge, led by the Ant King Meruem.
Who is Meruem and why is he compelling?
Meruem is born at the apex of evolution — surpassing all human intelligence and power immediately at birth. His arc becomes devastating when he meets Komugi, a blind Gungi prodigy who consistently beats him. Through their games he develops genuine empathy for the first time.
How is Meruem defeated?
Netero detonates the Mini-Rose bomb built into his own body after Meruem defeats him. The explosion doesn't kill Meruem — but the poison slowly spreads. He and Komugi die together during their final Gungi game.
What is Gon's sacrifice in this arc?
Gon trades all his potential future Nen — his entire lifespan of growth — to transform into an adult form powerful enough to confront Neferpitou. He loses all his Nen afterward and nearly dies permanently.
Election Arc
What episodes are the Election arc?
Episodes 137–148. The Hunter Association elects a new Chairman after Netero's death, while Killua executes a desperate mission to save his sister Alluka.
What is Alluka's ability?
Alluka hosts Nanika — a wish-granting entity. Nanika grants any wish, then makes three requests of others in escalating scale. Refusing three times kills that person and people they love. Killua can interact with Nanika safely because he approaches her with genuine love, not exploitation.