What Chapter and Episode Does Luffy Use Gear 5 in One Piece? Answered

Warning: The following article contains spoilers for One Piece!

The revelations of Luffy’s transformations have been some of the most exciting moments in One Piece. These new forms are the fruit of the Straw Hat Captain’s training and his deep desire to help his friends and allies.

Related: One Piece Dub Schedule (2023): When Can You Watch New Episodes in English?

Among these transformations, Gear 5 has been arguably the most relevant and has caused the most hype among fans. Still, new fans of the franchise, or those who have not seen the series in a long time, may be confused as to when this transformation was revealed. Below, you can find in what chapter and episode Luffy uses Gear 5 in One Piece.

One Piece Chapter and Episode Where Luffy Uses Gear 5

Luffy’s first time using the Gear 5 technique in the One Piece manga occurred during Chapter 1044. In the anime, this moment was not animated until Episode 1071. Luffy used this ability during his battle against Kaido, after having awakened the power of his Devil Fruit.

Related: How Many Seasons of One Piece are There? Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll Episodes Explained

However, Episode 1077 was not the first time that Gear 5 was animated, as it debuted in the One Piece Film: Red movie that was released months before the episode. The technique was used briefly during the final battle of the movie.

What is Gear 5?

Gear 5 is the most recent and powerful transformation Luffy can access. He was able to achieve this form after his fruit awakened due to the severe stress of his battle against Kaido. While fans previously believed Luffy’s Devil Fruit to be the Gum-Gum Fruit, it was later revealed that this was a trick to keep pirates from wanting to steal the fruit.

Related: How Many People Has Luffy Killed in One Piece?

The real name of his fruit is Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika. Gear 5 turns Luffy into the vivid image of the legendary Sun God Nika, also known as the Warrior of Liberation. This deity was said to be the one to bring smiles and freedom to slaves. Kaido has also claimed that while using this technique, Luffy reminds him of Joyboy, a freedom fighter who lived during the Void Century and the first person to arrive at Laugh Tale, the last island in the world.

What are Luffy’s Powers in Gear 5?

Due to Gear 5 being an awakening of Luffy’s Devil Fruit, the Straw Hat Captain’s rubber abilities become stronger, He can turn anything he touches into rubber, including his opponents. He used this ability to avoid damage from Kaido’s powerful attacks.

Yet, his strongest power is the ability to bend the laws of nature itself. In this form, Luffy becomes a cartoon character inside the universe of the franchise, capable of almost anything. The only limits to this ability seem to be Luffy’s imagination and endurance, as he cannot hold this form for extended periods.

Can Other Characters Use Gear 5?

In One Piece chapter 1118, the Five Elders attack the Elbaf ship, and in an effort to defend themselves, Luffey gives Jewelry Bonney the encouragement to transform in the same way that he has. She succeeds, remembering Luffey’s words about what it means to be free and reaches Gear 5. During this experience, she makes references to Nika, and states that Luffey looks like him – which initially makes her apprehensive to try and transform.

The moment was huge for the series, and hints that it’s possible for other characters – perhaps even other members of the Straw Hat crew – to achieve Gear 5.