One Piece Welcomes the Elbaf Arc: Giant Adventures Begin at LastBut With Only 26 Episodes a Year, This Saga Might Last Four
- Nov 7, 2025
- 2 min read
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The world of One Piece is gearing up for another colossal shift as the long-awaited Elbaf arc finally sails into view. Fans have waited years for the Straw Hats to set foot on the legendary land of giants—and it’s officially happening. But there’s a twist that’s got the fandom buzzing louder than a Den Den Mushi on vibrate.
For ages, the island of Elbaf has stood as a mythical realm—home to the giants, to warriors of unmatched honor and history stretching deep into pirate lore. Now, after years of teasing, the anime is ready to explore this massive new frontier. Yet the excitement is mingled with a new concern: the anime’s production schedule is changing dramatically.
Starting in 2026, One Piece will air only 26 episodes a year, effectively making it a seasonal anime. The series will now release two cours annually, with three-month breaks between them. It’s a seismic shift for a show that once ran continuously for decades. The new schedule means fewer episodes—and potentially longer waits between major story arcs. Fans aren’t thrilled, and who can blame them? After all, the seas feel a lot quieter during those off months.
