In What Order Should I Read Up To Hunter X Hunter Vol 3?

Someone told me to read the Yu Yu Hakusho manga first to appreciate Togashi’s evolution. That’s a whole project in itself, though. For ‘Hunter x Hunter,’ just start with its own volume 1.

Reading manga online for free can be tricky, especially when it comes to popular series like 'Hunter x Hunter'. While I totally get the appeal of wanting to dive into Gon's adventure without spending a dime, it’s important to consider the legal and ethical side of things. Shonen Jump’s official platforms, like VIZ Media or the Manga Plus app, often offer the first few chapters for free as a way to hook readers. They rotate free chapters, so you might catch Vol. 01 there occasionally. It’s a great way to support the creators while still getting a taste of the story. If you’re tight on cash, libraries can be a goldmine—many now offer digital manga through services like Hoopla or OverDrive. I’ve borrowed entire volumes this way, and it’s completely legal. Some fan sites host scans, but the quality is inconsistent, and it doesn’t help the industry. Plus, Togashi’s art deserves to be seen in its best form! If you fall in love with the series, saving up for the physical or digital volumes is worth it. The journey through the Hunter Exam is just the start of something epic, and owning the books feels like joining Gon’s quest for real.

Library. Libby. Hoopla. Seriously, you'd be surprised. If your library doesn't have it, they might be part of a network that does. It's free, it's legal, and it supports libraries. If you love it after borrowing, then you can embark on the purchase quest. For purchase, all roads lead to Viz's license, so any major ebook retailer or book seller carrying Viz titles is valid.

What's the publication status in your country? That's the first question. In some regions, the digital rights might be held by a smaller, local publisher instead of VIZ or Shueisha directly. A quick search for 'Hunter x Hunter publisher [Your Country]' can point you to the right storefront. Using a VPN to access US services is an option, but then payment can become an issue. Truly global access is still a patchwork, but it's getting better every year.

Here's the list that hooked me the hardest in 'Hunter x Hunter': Hunter Exam, Heavens Arena, Zoldyck Family, Yorknew City, Greed Island, Chimera Ant, and the Election/Chairman arc. I know that’s a lot, but each one layers something new onto the story — from the raw wonder of the world to its darker, philosophical cores. The Hunter Exam is where the series earns your trust. It’s not just tests and weird characters; it’s where Gon and Killua start to feel like real people. You get introduced to the series’ tone shifts: goofy, brutal, and surprisingly tender. Heavens Arena matters less for immediate drama and more for mechanics — this is where Nen gets teased and then explained, which is crucial. The Zoldyck Family bits are short but essential for Killua’s arc; they give real stakes to his backstory and the weight of his choices. Yorknew City and Greed Island are my favorite mid-series stretches because they show two very different flavors: Yorknew’s noir-crime tension with the Phantom Troupe and emotional wreckage for characters like Kurapika, and Greed Island’s playful, game-like structure that still deepens Gon and Killua’s bond. Then everything pivots in the Chimera Ant arc — it elevates the series to philosophical heights, rethinking morality, sacrifice, and leadership. The Election/Chairman arc winds things down in a more reflective way and then teases the Dark Continent and succession drama. If you want the full emotional and intellectual punch of 'Hunter x Hunter', these arcs are the spine — each has at least one scene or theme that still haunts me.

The pacing feels almost leisurely compared to later arcs, but in a good way. It takes time to let Gon say goodbye to Whale Island. It lingers on the boat journey. This allows the setting and emotions to breathe. The arc isn't rushed. It feels like a proper farewell to childhood before plunging into the adult world of the Hunters. That emotional weight is what makes the subsequent action meaningful.