If you are strictly following the canon story, you can skip the immediately before Dressrosa and the Silver Mine Arc (747–750) immediately after it, as they are anime-original filler.
While praised for its deep world-building and emotional stakes, the anime adaptation of Dressrosa is often criticized for its . At 118 episodes, it adapted roughly one chapter of the manga per episode, leading to extended reaction shots and flashbacks. However, the payoff in the finale is considered one of the series' greatest peaks. One Piece - Episodes -629-746- -Dressrosa Arc-
Throughout the arc, the Straw Hats face numerous challenges and adversaries, including the treacherous gladiators of the Corrida Colosseum, the cunning officers of the Donquixote Pirates, and even Doflamingo's own tragic past. The arc expertly weaves together themes of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of playing with fire, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. If you are strictly following the canon story,
The pace shifts into a survival thriller. Doflamingo uses the Birdcage —an unbreakable cage of strings that shrinks inward, slicing everything in its path. Everyone in Dressrosa becomes a target. These episodes are tense, with Luffy chasing Doflamingo across the plateau while Zoro fights the mountain-sized Pica (Ep. 709 is a standout for Zoro fans). However, the payoff in the finale is considered
The Straw Hat Grand Fleet is officially established.
Clocking in at over 100 episodes, this arc tests the patience of even the most dedicated fans. While the source material is dense with plot threads (the Dwarves, the Royal Family, the Marines, the Colosseum fighters), the anime adaptation stretches scenes to their breaking point. The "Birdcage" shrinks agonizingly slowly in the anime, and there are moments where the tension sags under the weight of reaction shots and recaps.