The introduction is a major turning point in the series. It's not just a power-up—it comes with a clear downside (severe stamina drain, inability to move afterward for 10 minutes). The design (bulky, bouncy "Boundman") caught fans off guard but quickly became iconic. The moment is visually stunning in the anime and perfectly paced in the manga. If you're watching/reading, it delivers on the hype built over the previous ~50 episodes/chapters of the Dressrosa battle.
726 Chapter: 784 Arc: Dressrosa Context: Luffy first uses Gear Fourth against Doflamingo after realizing his regular attacks (including Gear Second and Third) aren't enough to break Doflamingo's string-based defenses and overcome his awakened Devil Fruit powers. when is gear 4 introduced
A well-earned, high-impact power-up reveal that reshapes Luffy's fighting style for all future arcs. The introduction is a major turning point in the series