Code Geass is one of the best anime that were not manga adaptations, which makes its arcs a bit harder to discern. So, we explain and detail all the Code Geass story arcs below.
RELATED: The Best Fantasy Anime You Should Watch
What Is an Anime or Manga Arc?
There's much talk about anime arcs, which refer to big stories within the main plot that take up more than one episode or chapter.
For instance, a series of episodes devoted to defeating a single enemy, or a series of chapters that unfold in a different location than usual can be considered as arcs.
Think of the Eternity Devil arc in Chainsaw Man, or the College arc in The Ancient Magus' Bride, for instance.
Does Code Geass Have Story Arcs?
Code Geass has story arcs, but these aren't officially divided because it is an original anime that did not adapt a manga.
The idea of a story arc is as old as literature, so it isn't exclusive to manga and anime.
Anime without manga still have arcs. However, since anime aren't divided into volumes like manga, their arcs can be harder to detect, given that most anime seasons cover more than one arc.
That being said, Code Geass is one of the most popular anime of all time and, by now, there's an arc division the majority of fans agree with.
So, What Are Code Geass' Story Arcs?
While Code Geass doesn't have official arcs, here are the ones everyone agrees upon in the main Code Geass timeline:
- The Introduction Arc: Episodes 1-4
- The Great Game of Chess: Episodes 5-13
- The Mao Arc: Episodes 14-16
- Operation Downfall: Episodes 16-21
- Uprising: Episodes 22-25
- The Reintroduction Arc: Episodes 26-32 (or Episodes 1-7 of Season 2)
- Journey to the West: Episodes 33-36 (or Episodes 8-11 of Season 2)
- The Honor of Jeremiah Gottwald: Episodes 37-39 (or Episodes 12-14 of Season 2)
- The F.L.E.I.J.A.: Episodes 40-44 (or Episodes 15-19 of Season 2)
- Ragnarok: Episodes 45-46 (or Episodes 20-21 of Season 2)
- The Demon Emperor: Episodes 47-50 (or Episodes 22-25 of Season 2)
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Code Geass Watch Order
What Happens in Each Code Geass Arc?
Without too many spoilers, here's a brief overview of what each arc involves:
The Introduction Arc
Code Geass' first arc introduces Lelouch's character, his wants, fears, and dilemmas.
We follow him in his first steps as a Geass user and meet the characters close to him, with a focus on his rivalry with Prince Clovis.
The Great Game of Chess
The second Code Geass arc consolidates Lelouch's enmity with Cornelia and sees the foundation of the Black Knights.
Kallen and Suzaku's stories are both elaborated upon while C.C. becomes a regular character.
The Mao Arc
The next arc of Code Geass introduces Mao, a Geass user who can manipulate people by seeing their deepest insecurities with his mind-reading abilities.
This proves to be a huge threat to both Lelouch's friend, Shirley, and his sister, Nunnally.
Operation Downfall
In the arc that fans refer to as "Operation Downfall," Euphemia, one of the Britannian Princesses, becomes a major player.
Her pacifist nature and dream of unity bring hope into the mecha anime; but for how long?
Uprising
In the Uprising arc, Lelouch loses control of his Geass, with a detrimental impact on his and Euphemia's collaboration.
Lelouch uses the disaster to his advantage to announce his plan to create the United States of Japan.
The Reintroduction Arc
Season 2's first arc is also conventionally known as "Back to Basics."
In it, a brainwashed Lelouch lives a normal life with his memories erased.
Therefore, he has to relearn everything that happened so far and reconnect with important allies.
Journey to the West
This arc takes most of our characters to the Chinese Federation to prevent a forced marriage between Empress Tianzi and the Britannian Prince Odysseus.
The Honor of Jeremiah Gottwald
In this arc, Jeremiah Gottwald plays a pivotal role. Moreover, Lelouch's earlier choices regarding Shirley come back to haunt him.
The F.L.E.I.J.A.
This arc, which is short for "Field Limitary Effective Implosion Armament" is full of revelations.
We delve into C.C.'s past and her true goal, while Suzaku and Lelouch discuss the possibility of working together.
Ragnarok
In Code Geass' penultimate arc, we learn more about the nature of the Geass powers.
Lelouch comes face to face with his nemesis, the Britannian Emperor, and finds out what really happened to his mother.
The Demon Emperor
Code Geass' final arc unfolds Lelouch's final master plan, known as Zero's Requiem.
This shocking, beautiful, and moving conclusion remains one of the best anime endings.
Discover more of our insights and the latest anime news by following us on Twitter @epicstreamanime.
READ NEXT: Code Geass' Ending Explained
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!