Demon Slayer: Blood Demon Arts, Explained

Pavas Gagneja
Aug 4
3 min read

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains major spoilers from the Demon Slayer manga, including shocking plot points, final battles, and major plot twists not yet covered in the anime. Proceed only if you're caught up or don't mind having key story elements revealed.

In Demon Slayer, Blood Demon Arts are the peak of Demon evolution. Any Demon who gets access to his BDA is no joke. And Demon Slayers understand that. But some of us still don't understand how these powers work, how Demons develop them, and what is in store for them once they unlock it.

With all the regeneration and invincibility, Blood Demon Arts present a new challenge for Demon Slayers as they try to fight Muzan's Demons. So here is everything you need to know about Blood Demon Arts in Demon Slayer.

ALSO READ: Strongest Demons In Demon Slayer, Ranked

Origins & Fundamentals Of Blood Demon Art In Demon Slayer

Blood Demon Art goes all the way back to Muzan’s earliest experiments. When he became the first Demon, he sought followers who could help him conquer and survive. By injecting his blood into humans, he turned them into Demons. Those rare people who survived Muzan’s infusion became the first Demons to have and use Blood Demon Arts.

Every Blood Demon Art is tied to the Demon’s identity. For example, a Demon who died of frostbite might gain ice-based powers, while a Demon who died in flames could control fire. Because these abilities stem from a Demon’s personal history and psyche, they cannot be copied or transferred. This means every Demon’s Blood Demon Art is as unique as a fingerprint.

Power Structure & Mechanics

Upper Moon Demons have the greatest share of Muzan’s blood, granting them exceptional strength and advanced Blood Demon Arts. These Demons can practice and refine their powers, developing sub-techniques that expand their powers. The more humans a Demon consumes, the more their art grows in potency — some Demons may even develop multiple techniques under a single art.

Blood Demon Arts can be purely offensive, like firing razor-sharp projectiles, or used for defense or support. A Demon might use their art to create barriers, change the battlefield, or hide themselves. This blood magic is unpredictable, forcing Demon Slayers to constantly change their approach. Even after a Demon’s apparent defeat, traps or hazards created by their art can pose deadly risks.

Notable Upper Moon Abilities

Among the Upper Moons, several Blood Demon Arts shine for their power and creativity:

Kokushibo (Upper Moon 1) uses his art, Crescent Moon Blades, wielding dozens of crescent-shaped slashes from his flesh katana. Combined with his Moon Breathing, he overwhelms enemies with fast, inescapable strikes.
Doma (Upper Moon 2) uses cryokinesis, freezing the air and wet surfaces to create ice constructs. His Frost Demon Art techniques can trap victims in ice or summon blizzard-like storms.
Akaza (Upper Moon 3) uses Destructive Death, fusing martial arts with shockwave energy. His punches and kicks release blue energy waves that strike through thin air.
Hantengu (Upper Moon 4) manifests split versions of himself through Emotion Manifestation, each clone representing a different emotion and having its own distinct power.
Nakime (Upper Moon 4) controls the Infinity Castle. By strumming her biwa, she reshapes space, creating mazes that trap and disorient her enemies.

Unique Demon Abilities

Several other Demons also display memorable Blood Demon Arts:

Nezuko Kamado: Her Exploding Blood ignites her own blood into flames that harm only Demons, leaving humans unharmed.
Gyutaro (Upper Moon 6) uses Blood Manipulation to form poisoned sickles from his blood, which regenerate endlessly.
Daki (Upper Moon 6) employs Obi Slash Manipulation, transforming her obi sashes into razor-sharp silk ribbons that can slice through steel.
Enmu (Lower Moon 1) uses Dream Manipulation by entering victims’ dreams to trap and destroy their spiritual cores.
Rui (Lower Moon 5) unleashes Cutting Thread and shoots near-invisible threads that can break Nichirin blades and slice through flesh easily.

Limitations & Weaknesses

Despite their might, Demons still remain vulnerable to sunlight and the Demon Slayers’ Nichirin Blades. Any Demon, no matter how skilled it is, will die if exposed to sunlight. Sharp Nichirin swords can decapitate and destroy a Demon’s core, nullifying any Blood Demon Art.

Moreover, some Arts require specific conditions or resources. Cryokinesis weakens in scorching heat, and smoke-based arts diminish in open skies. Blood Demon Arts are also affected by a Demon’s emotional state; trauma or shock can disrupt their control, leaving them open to attack. Skilled Demon Slayers use these flaws to turn the tide, showing us that careful analysis and adaptability can overcome anything.