One Piece is one of the longest-running anime series of all time. It started in 1999 and, in 2025, it’s still going. That alone says a lot about its staying power. But if you’ve never watched it and you’re thinking about giving it a shot this year… it’s going to be rough.
With over a thousand episodes, a style that reflects another era of anime, and a complex world full of interwoven plot points, trying to jump in today is a major challenge. Here we break down exactly why starting One Piece in 2025 isn’t easy, and here’s the 6 main reasons.
1. There Are Over 1,100 Episodes
This is the biggest wall for new fans. As of April 2025, One Piece has more than 1,125 episodes and the story still isn’t done. The current arc, Egghead Island, began in episode 1086 and is still airing weekly.
Most anime today run for a single season, maybe two. So looking at a show that asks for hundreds of hours just to catch up, then stay up to date, can feel overwhelming before you’ve even started.
2. The Animation Starts Off Rough
One Piece began in 1999, and you can tell. If you’ve just finished watching something like Jujutsu Kaisen, Vinland Saga, or Demon Slayer, the early animation of One Piece might feel like a letdown. It has its charm, but it’s clearly a product of a different time in anime production.
For viewers used to slick, high-budget animation, it’s a jarring contrast. Longtime fans might appreciate the nostalgia, but new viewers could be put off right away.
3. The Pacing Is Extremely Slow Early On
One of the most common complaints about One Piece, especially its earlier arcs, is the pacing. The show adapted less than one manga chapter per episode for years, meaning there’s a lot of filler, reaction shots, and repeated flashbacks.
That slow start makes it tough to stick with. Even though the story does improve later, many people never make it far enough to see it. Fan efforts like One Pace, which cuts out filler and tightens the story, exist for a reason, it’s the only way some people can get through the early episodes.
Also Read: Eiichiro Oda Considered Ending One Piece Manga 10 Years Earlier
4. There’s A Lot To Keep Track Of
The worldbuilding in One Piece is on another level. There are different islands with their own rules, dozens of key characters, flashbacks tied to events from hundreds of episodes ago, and political storylines that tie into character arcs.
It’s deep and rewarding for those who’ve followed from the beginning, but it’s a lot for new fans to absorb all at once. And because everything connects, skipping around isn’t really an option.
5. You’re Signing Up For A Major Time Sink
The time it takes to catch up on One Piece is no joke. Some fans report spending months, sometimes years, working through it, depending on how many episodes they watch per day.
And in 2025, there are a million things pulling people’s attention: other anime, games, movies, life in general. Spending that much time on one series just isn’t realistic for a lot of viewers.
6. There Are Too Many Other Shows Competing For Your Time
One Piece used to be one of just a few big titles dominating anime discussions. Today? There are dozens of shows, many of which offer shorter, high-quality stories that don’t require such a massive commitment.
Whether it’s Attack on Titan, Chainsaw Man, The Apothecary Diaries, or any number of newer, tightly-written series, there are more accessible options that offer satisfying stories without asking for months of your life.
If you’re still tempted to check out One Piece, there are ways to make it more manageable:
Try the manga: It’s much faster to read, and skips the pacing issues of the early anime.
Watch One Pace: This fan-edited version removes unnecessary padding and is widely praised for making the show watchable again.
Wait for the remake: Studio WIT (Spy x Family, Attack on Titan) is currently working on a new adaptation. It promises a fresh start with updated animation and possibly faster storytelling.
One Piece has a lot to offer. The characters, the world, and the themes of friendship and freedom continue to draw people in, even after 25 years. But getting started in 2025 isn’t easy. Between the episode count, the pacing, and the stiff competition from other anime, it’s a much harder show to recommend than it used to be.
Still, if you’re up for the commitment, or willing to wait for the remake, there’s something rewarding waiting on the other side.
