In a medieval Europe-inspired dark fantasy world, Guts is born from the corpse of his hanged mother and raised by Gambino, an abusive mercenary captain. After his mentor's death, he becomes a wandering warrior whose unparalleled combat prowess attracts the attention of Griffith, the charismatic leader of the Band of the Hawk.

Forced to join the mercenary group, Guts rises through their ranks, forging bonds with his comrades—including the sole female commander Casca. But when Griffith sacrifices them all to achieve his dream of ruling a kingdom, Guts becomes marked by the Brand of Sacrifice, condemned to a fate of relentless pursuit by demonic forces.

Now known as the Black Swordsman, Guts wields the massive Dragonslayer in his quest for vengeance against Griffith, who has ascended to godhood as a member of the Godhand. His journey is one of survival, revenge, and searching for meaning in a cruel, chaotic universe.