Why the Filler Debate Surrounds My Hero Academia’s Forest Training Camp Arc

The “Forest Training Camp” arc in My Hero Academia remains a fan-favorite stretch of the series, packed with high-stakes battles, emotional beats, and the brutal introduction of the League of Villains’ Vanguard Action Squad. Yet, like many long-running shonen adaptations, this arc has become entangled in the perennial question: are the filler episodes worth your time? A quick search might yield lists that claim certain episodes within or near this arc are skippable filler. But those lists often mislabel or conflate the arc’s boundaries, leaving you confused about what actually constitutes filler and whether any of it truly adds to the experience. This guide clarifies the reality of filler in and around the Forest Training Camp arc, helping you decide what to watch—and what you can safely skip—without missing a thing.

What Exactly Are Filler Episodes in MHA?

Before we dissect the arc, it’s essential to define “filler” in the context of anime. Filler episodes are segments of an anime that do not adapt material from the original manga. Studios use them to prevent the anime from catching up to the manga’s publication, to explore side stories, or to add character moments that weren’t present in the source material. In My Hero Academia, true filler episodes are relatively rare compared to other long-running series, but they do exist. They can range from totally original stories to recaps with a few new scenes. The key test: if the episode didn’t come from Kohei Horikoshi’s manga, it’s filler.

Navigating filler can be tricky because the anime also pads canon arcs with extended fights or original dialogue. Those expansions aren’t “filler episodes” but are often grouped into the same discussion. For a definitive breakdown of which episodes are filler, you can consult the My Hero Academia filler list on Anime Filler List, which clearly marks every episode’s status.

The Real Forest Training Camp Arc: Episodes 39–44

The official Forest Training Camp arc is adapted directly from chapters 70–83 of the manga. In the anime, this story unfolds across just six episodes at the beginning of season 3:

  • Episode 39: “Game Start” – The class arrives at the camp, meets the Wild, Wild Pussycats, and begins brutal quirk-strengthening exercises.
  • Episode 40: “Wild, Wild Pussycats” – Midoriya’s training intensifies; Kota’s backstory is explored.
  • Episode 41: “Kota” – Muscular attacks, and Midoriya’s desperate fight to protect Kota unfolds.
  • Episode 42: “My Hero” – The aftermath of Muscular’s defeat and the League’s coordinated attack on the camp.
  • Episode 43: “Drive It Home, Iron Fist!!!” – Bakugo’s kidnapping and the students’ scattered skirmishes.
  • Episode 44: “Roaring Upheaval” – The heroes regroup; the Vanguard Action Squad escapes with Bakugo.

Every single one of these episodes is canon. There is no filler episode within the Forest Training Camp arc. The common misconception stems from two later episodes (63 and 64) that some fans erroneously associate with the training camp due to timing or because certain filler lists bundle them carelessly. Rest assured, if you watch episodes 39 through 44, you are consuming the story exactly as Horikoshi intended—no filler padding, no detours.

Why Do People Think There’s Filler in This Arc?

Even though the arc itself is pure canon, a few factors fuel the filler myth. First, the anime adds small anime-original scenes to flesh out certain moments—like brief interactions between the Pussycats and the students, or extended reaction shots. These aren’t filler episodes, but they can feel like pacing fluff to eagle-eyed manga readers. Second, and more importantly, the episodes that actually are filler appear in the season 3 lineup and early season 4, and their placement near the exam and school festival arcs causes casual fans to lump them in with the training camp narrative.

Let’s untangle those actual filler episodes that occasionally get misattributed to the Forest Training Camp arc.

Episode 58: “A Season for Encounters”

Airing right after the chaotic Provisional Hero License Exam, episode 58 is a wholly anime-original breather. It follows several 1-A students as they bump into old acquaintances and deal with the emotional fallout of the exam. Todoroki has a quiet moment with his mother, Bakugo crosses paths with Best Jeanist again, and a lighthearted subplot sees Tokoyami being followed by a persistent reporter. Is it part of the Forest Training Camp arc? No. Does it contain any camp-related flashbacks or tie-ins? Barely. It’s a character-centric interlude that can be skipped, though fans of Todoroki’s family arc and Tokoyami’s quirks might appreciate the extra depth.

Episode 63: “The Perfect Team!” (Season 3 Finale)

This is the most frequently mislabeled filler. Episode 63 closes out season 3 and is a completely original story framed around the students’ summer training just before the School Festival arc. It features a joint exercise between Class 1-A and the U.A. Big Three, along with a recap of the season’s major events. Because it touches on the aftermath of the Kamino Ward incident (which directly follows the Forest Training Camp), some viewers associate it with the camp arc. In reality, it’s a standalone filler episode that functions as a bridge to season 4. It contains zero Forest Training Camp content. Skip it if you’re eager to get to season 4’s main story; watch it if you enjoy character interaction and don’t mind a recap with a few original scenes.

Episode 64: “The Scoop on U.A. Class 1-A!” (Season 4 Premiere)

Season 4 starts with an anime-only episode that revolves around the freelance reporter Taneo Tokuda as he profiles Class 1-A for a TV special. The episode includes awkward interviews, a tiny flashback to the summer camp (only as a news report), and a brief appearance of the character Gentle Criminal setting up his future arc. Again, this is not part of the Forest Training Camp arc, and skipping it won’t rob you of any camp-related plot points. However, if you enjoy the world-building aspects of how the public perceives heroes, this episode offers a light, comedic start to the new season.

The Value of Filler in MHA’s World

With the factual confusion cleared up, let’s address the core question: should you watch these filler episodes at all? The answer depends on what you’re looking to get out of My Hero Academia. While the Forest Training Camp arc itself contains no filler, the surrounding episodes (58, 63, 64) provide a different kind of narrative enrichment. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of engaging with this content.

What You Gain by Watching the Filler

  • Deeper character background. Episode 58 gives Todoroki a private conversation with his mother, showcasing his emotional progress and adding a layer not fully explored in the manga at that point. It makes the later moments in the Endeavor agency arc resonate more powerfully.
  • Lighter tonal breaks. After the trauma of Bakugo’s kidnapping and All Might’s retirement, a comedic episode like 64 offers a necessary respite. The humor and low-stakes setting remind you of the students’ everyday lives before diving into darker territory.
  • World-building and public perception. Episode 64’s focus on media and public relations gives insight into how society views UA students post-Kamino. This thematic layer ties into the broader commentary on hero society that the series builds.
  • Transitional cohesion. Episode 63 serves as a handy recap if you’re watching the series with gaps between seasons. It refreshes your memory of key events while teasing the upcoming cultural festival, making the narrative feel more connected.

What You Sacrifice by Skipping

  • Absolutely no plot progression. None of these episodes advance the main manga story. If you’re in a hurry to reach the Overhaul arc or the School Festival, you lose nothing by skipping them entirely.
  • Pacing disruption. For binge-watchers, a sudden filler episode can feel like slamming the brakes on momentum, especially after the adrenaline of the Kamino Ward climax.
  • Inconsistent canon. While generally harmless, some filler details (like certain character interactions in episode 63) may not align perfectly with later manga revelations. Purists who want only Horikoshi’s vision will find them unnecessary distractions.

A Filler Viewing Guide for the Camp Arc Era

Rather than asking “should I watch filler?”, it’s more helpful to frame the decision around your viewing style. Here’s a quick reference to help you navigate the episodes that orbit the Forest Training Camp:

  • For the first-time viewer who wants the core story: Watch episodes 39–44 (the camp arc), then continue straight through the Hideout Raid arc (45–50) and the Provisional License Exam (51–62). Skip episode 58, 63, and 64. You will miss no critical canon.
  • For the character-driven fan: Add episode 58 after the exam arc for its Todoroki and Bakugo moments. It’s the most substantive filler of the bunch. Episode 64 is worth it if you adore Tokoyami or want a fun class dynamic episode.
  • For the completionist or nostalgia seeker: Watch everything. Episode 63’s recap can be a fun look back at the season, and season 4’s opener sets a relaxed tone.
  • For the rewatcher: You can freely experiment. If you’re rewatching the series, filler episodes often gain appreciation because you already know where the plot is going and can savor the small character moments.

Common Myths About the Forest Training Camp Filler

Several myths persist that can mislead new viewers. Let’s set the record straight:

  • Myth: “The whole arc is full of padding.” Fact: Every scene in episodes 39–44 is from the manga. The pacing is brisk, and the only extensions are minimal, justified fight choreography or emotional beats.
  • Myth: “Episode 64 recaps the camp, so it’s filler attached to the arc.” Fact: The recap within that episode is a brief news clip shown on TV in-universe; the episode’s plot is wholly original and unrelated to the camp’s events.
  • Myth: “The anime changed the outcome of the camp training.” Fact: No narrative alterations exist. The major deaths, injuries, and Bakugo’s kidnapping all happen exactly as in the manga.

How Filler Affects Character Arcs Around the Camp Arc

One reason filler episodes like 58 and 64 remain polarizing is their subtle impact on character perception. For example, Todoroki’s relationship with his mother is handled more gracefully in the manga over time, but an anime-original scene in episode 58 front-loads some of that warmth. Some fans appreciate the early payoff; others feel it rushes the emotional pacing. Similarly, episode 64’s portrayal of Tokoyami’s dark humor aligns with his manga personality but undercuts his more serious moments later. The filler doesn’t ruin anything, but it does recontextualize how you absorb later canon events. Being aware of this distinction helps you decide what you want your experience to be.

If you’re ever unsure which episodes belong to which arc, the My Hero Academia wiki’s story arcs page provides a precise breakdown, including episode numbers and corresponding manga chapters. For a broader discussion on the philosophy of filler in anime, CBR’s analysis of MHA filler episodes offers a fan perspective on which ones hold up over time. And if you prefer watching the series with a filler-free roadmap, sites like Anime Filler List remain invaluable.

Final Verdict: Is the Filler Worth It?

The Forest Training Camp arc itself demands no filler debate: it’s a taut, faithful adaptation that you should absolutely watch in full. The filler episodes that sometimes get dragged into the conversation—58, 63, and 64—are separate entities that offer optional side-stories rather than missing pieces of the camp narrative. For most fans, skipping them is a safe choice that preserves the intensity of the canon storyline. However, if you’re the type of viewer who loves every extra moment with Class 1-A, you’ll find that the filler around this era serves up charming character interactions without derailing the plot. Ultimately, your decision rests on whether you treat My Hero Academia like a tightly scripted thriller or a sprawling hangout with your favorite heroes-in-training. Either way, the camp arc remains one of the series’ strongest stretches—no filler required.