What order did each member of the Straw Hat Pirates join the crew?

Updated on March 15, 5:24 p.m. (GMT+8): Improved relevancy.

Since its debut in December 1997, One Piece has risen to unparalleled success, claiming its position as the world’s most renowned manga and anime series.

With its epic narrative, engaging plot, and clever comedic elements, One Piece stands as a truly unforgettable masterpiece.

If you’re eager to dive into the adventurous tale of Monkey D. Luffy and his companions, familiarizing yourself with each member of the Straw Hat Pirates crew is a great starting point.

Each member joined the crew at different points in the series. Let’s take a look at the chronological order in which these members became a part of the Straw Hat Pirates.

In what order did each member of the Straw Hat Pirates join the crew?

1. Monkey D. Luffy
2. Roronoa Zoro
3. Nami
4. Usopp
5. Vinsmoke Sanji
6. Tony Tony Chopper
7. Nico Robin
8. Franky
9. Brook
10. Jinbe

Luffy

First appearance in the manga: Chapter 1
First appearance in the anime: Episode 1
First appearance in the live action: Episode 1

Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of One Piece, is the driving force behind the establishment of the Straw Hat Pirates.

With a fervent dream of becoming the Pirate King and an unwavering spirit of freedom, Luffy sets out on his journey after consuming the Gum-Gum Fruit, which grants him incredible elasticity but renders him unable to swim.

Along the way, he assembles his diverse and loyal crew, known as the Straw Hat Pirates, each member bringing their unique abilities and dreams to the table.

Roronoa Zoro

First appearance in the manga: Chapter 3
First appearance in the anime: Episode 1
First appearance in the live action: Episode 1

Realizing his impending execution by the Marines, Zoro comes to a crucial decision. He understands that the only path to realizing his dream is to accept Luffy’s assistance and make an escape from the Marine base.

This moment marks Zoro’s official entry as the first member of Luffy’s crew.

Known for his dedication to becoming the world’s greatest swordsman, Zoro is a formidable swordsman, wielding three swords in a unique and deadly three-sword style.

Nami

First appearance in the manga: Chapter 8
First appearance in the anime: Episode 1
First appearance in the live action: Episode 1

Nami, a cat burglar, was on a mission to steal from the Buggy Pirates at Orange Town, where she crosses paths with Luffy.

Witnessing Luffy’s strength, she extends an invitation to collaborate in an attempt to steal from Buggy.

Impressed by Luffy’s protective spirit, Nami decides to join the crew as their navigator. However, her dark past resurfaces upon encountering Arlong, prompting her temporary departure from the crew.

Determined not to let her go, Luffy and the Straw Hat crew pursue her relentlessly. It culminates in a triumphant moment when Luffy defeats Arlong, relieving Nami of her obligations in the Arlong Pirates and officially welcoming her into the crew.

Some fans might argue about whether Nami is the third or fifth member to join the Straw Hat Pirates because her initial interactions with the crew were complex.

While she first appeared as an antagonist, she later joined the crew during the Arlong Park Arc. Some fans consider her initial appearance as a temporary alliance and only count her as a true crew member after certain events, leading to differing opinions on her position in the crew’s timeline.

Nami plays an important role as the crew’s skilled navigator. Her expertise in cartography, navigation, and meteorology guides the Straw Hat Pirates through the treacherous Grand Line and helps them reach their destinations.

Usopp

First appearance in the manga: Chapter 23
First appearance in the anime: Episode 8
First appearance in the live action: Episode 3

Usopp initially encounters the Straw Hat Pirates on Syrup Village, attempting to scare them away but failing when his deception is uncovered, leading to an immediate friendship.

The crew soon learns of the malevolent intentions of the Black Cat Pirates and rallies alongside Usopp to protect Syrup Village and Kaya. Following this, Usopp promptly joins the Straw Hat Pirates as their next member.

Usopp serves as an essential member of the Straw Hat Pirates in One Piece, bringing his exceptional skills as a sharpshooter and inventor to the crew. He’s known for his tall tales and elaborate stories, which sometimes border on outright lies but often serve to boost his companions’ morale.

Vinsmoke Sanji

First appearance in the manga: Chapter 43
First appearance in the anime: Episode 20
First appearance in the live action: Episode 5

When the Straw Hats found themselves in need of a cook, they arrived at the Baratie restaurant where they met Sanji.

After a clash at the Baratie with Don Krieg, Luffy recruited Sanji to join the Straw Hat Pirates and pursue his dream of finding the All Blue, a legendary sea with fish from all over the world.

Sanji plays a vital role in One Piece as the Straw Hat Pirates’ skilled chef and martial artist. With his exceptional culinary talents, he ensures the crew’s well-being by preparing delicious and nutritious meals.

Tony Tony Chopper

First appearance in the manga: Chapter 134
First appearance in the anime: Episode 81

Tony Tony Chopper’s story begins on the Drum Island Arc when the Straw Hat Pirates arrive on Drum Island in search of a doctor to treat their injured crewmate, Nami.

Chopper was initially living in Drum Island with Dr. Hiriluk and Dr. Kureha. He had a difficult past, living as an outcast due to his ability to transform into a human, and was often mistreated by the island’s inhabitants. However, Luffy and his crew discovered Chopper and helped him. They also met Dr. Kureha, who was a skilled doctor.

When Dr. Kureha pulled out an act to stop Chopper from leaving, the reindeer decided to set out with the Straw Hat Pirates and follow his dream of becoming a great doctor. He joined the crew and became their doctor, serving as both a skilled physician and a fighter of the Straw Hat Pirates.

Nico Robin

First appearance in the manga: Chapter 114
First appearance in the anime: Episode 67

Nico Robin joined the Straw Hat Pirates at the end of the Arabasta Arc in One Piece.

Robin was initially introduced as an archaeologist working for the criminal organization Baroque Works. She was searching for the ancient Poneglyphs, which contain important information about the Void Century, a mysterious and lost period in the world’s history. Initially, she served as one of the antagonists of the Arabasta arc.

However, her true motives and backstory were gradually revealed. Robin had a tragic and troubled past, as she had been pursued by the World Government her entire life due to her knowledge of the Void Century and the Poneglyphs. The World Government considered her a dangerous criminal and offered a huge bounty on her head.

During the Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs, Robin’s true history was unveiled to the Straw Hat Pirates, and they learned about her desire to uncover the world’s history and the Void Century. As they faced challenges and enemies in Enies Lobby, the Straw Hat Pirates, led by Luffy, made a rescue mission to save Robin from the clutches of the World Government. Luffy’s determination and friendship deeply moved Robin, and she decided to join the Straw Hat Pirates.

Robin’s calm and analytical demeanor, coupled with her resourcefulness in deciphering ancient texts, often provides critical insights into the mysteries of the One Piece world.

Franky

First appearance in the manga: Chapter 329
First appearance in the anime: Episode 233

Franky, the leader of a thug group called Franky Family, initially clashed with the Straw Hat Pirates in a hostile manner. He not only robbed them of their money but also attacked Usopp. In response, the Straw Hat crew took action by demolishing the Franky Family’s headquarters.

However, a turning point came when both groups found themselves facing a common adversary, the CP9 organization, responsible for the kidnapping of both Franky and Robin. Together, they united to combat this shared threat and became victorious against the CP9 agents.

Following their triumph, Franky used the funds acquired from the Straw Hats to purchase wood from the Adam tree, the strongest kind of wood in One Piece, which he then employed to construct a new ship for the Straw Hat Pirates.

This marked a significant shift for Franky, who chose to join them on their journey, driven by his dream of building a ship and circumnavigating the world with it.

Franky, also known as Cutty Flam, serves as the crew’s shipwright. With his remarkable engineering skills and ability to craft and repair ships, Franky plays a role in maintaining the crew’s vessel, the Thousand Sunny, and ensuring their continued journey across the Grand Line.

His cyborg body, powered by the Pluton blueprints he once possessed, grants him superhuman strength and versatility in battle.

Brook

First appearance in the manga: Chapter 442
First appearance in the anime: Episode 337

Brook joined the Straw Hat Pirates during the Thriller Bark arc after the crew helped him recover his stolen shadow, which was essential for his existence.

He had been a living skeleton and a former member of the Rumbar Pirates. The Straw Hat Pirates’ assistance and their shared adventures led to a strong bond, prompting Brook to become the crew’s musician and the ninth member.

Brook, the Straw Hat Pirates’ musician, brings a unique blend of music and combat to the crew.

With his exceptional skills as a musician and his ability to use the power of the Revive-Revive Fruit, which grants him a second life, Brook offers support to the crew during their adventures by uplifting their spirits through his music.

Jinbe

First appearance in the manga: Chapter 528
First appearance in the anime: Episode 430

Jinbe joined the Straw Hat Pirates after the events of the Whole Cake Island arc. He had been a longstanding ally of the crew, having previously offered his assistance multiple times. However, he couldn’t immediately join due to commitments to the Big Mom Pirates and the Fish-Man Island.

After severing ties with Big Mom and ensuring the safety of his homeland, Jinbe officially joined the crew, becoming their helmsman and the 10th member.

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