Solo Leveling has cemented its place as one of the year’s most talked-about anime. The show is an adaptation of a widely acclaimed webtoon, which itself is based on the South Korean web novel written by Chugong. The series has gained immense popularity among fans on account of its striking visuals and a recognisable protagonist.
Individuals possessing unique abilities take on the responsibility of defending humanity from monstrous threats in Solo Leveling. Among them is Sung Jin-Woo, an infamously weak Hunter who barely survives a catastrophic raid.
The tragic tale of Min Byung-Gu, a healer with unmatched skill and sacrifice (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)However, he unexpectedly gains the power to level up indefinitely, allowing him to grow exponentially stronger. This newfound strength enables him to ascend the ranks and stand among the most powerful individuals. Throughout his rise, he crosses paths with some of the series’ strongest Hunters.
10. Min Byung-Gu Possesses A-Rank Combat Skills
This is a S-Rank Healer From South Korea. Min Byung-Gu’s exceptional healing abilities are often overshadowed by combat-focused figures like Baek Yoon-Ho and Choi Jong-In. Following the conclusion of the third Jeju Island Raid, he retires, aspiring to become a teacher.
Initially, he turns down an invitation from a friend to participate in the next Jeju Island Raid, but he later changes his mind and joins the South Korean party. Unfortunately, his life is cut short when the Ant King brutally kills him and later acquires his remarkable healing abilities as a shadow.
Byung-Gu’s immense skill is evident on Jeju Island, where he provides crucial support for five S-Rank Hunters all on his own. His ability to instantly heal two teammates from a poison attack and regenerate severed arms after an assault from the Ant King highlights his extraordinary power.
His strength is further demonstrated by his sheer willpower, which allows him to resist Jin-Woo’s extraction ability. Even in his shadow form, he continues to be a force to be reckoned with, as he successfully heals Cha Hae-In—one of South Korea’s top Hunters—just moments before her death.
Eventually, Beru inherits his extraordinary healing skills, cementing Byung-Gu’s status as the most powerful healer in the series.
9. Goto Ryuji Holds the Title of Japan’s Strongest Hunter
A formidable Japanese Hunter, Goto Ryuji serves as the Master of the Draw Sword Guild. When the Jeju Island ants launch an attack on Japan, he meets with Go Gun-Hee and offers to aid the South Korean government in their battle against the creatures.
However, his true motives are later revealed—he never intended to assist South Korea but rather sought to eliminate the country’s S-Rank Hunters. His plans are abruptly cut short when he is decapitated by the Ant King, meeting an instantaneous end.
As Japan’s most powerful Hunter, Ryuji’s reputation stems from his exceptional combat capabilities. During a confrontation with Jin-Woo, he manages to land a strike on his cheek, prompting the mage to take their battle more seriously.
Following the defeat of South Korea’s S-Rank Hunters, the Ant King acknowledges Ryuji as the strongest remaining opponent. Despite successfully deflecting the monster’s first attack, he is no match for the overwhelmingly powerful enemy.
8. Cha Hae-In Is Dubbed ‘The Fairy’ for Her Elegant Swordplay
Even though she surpasses her Guild Master in strength, Cha Hae-In serves as the Vice-Guild Master of the Hunters Guild. She wields an incredible talent for sword fighting, coupled with an extraordinary sensitivity to mana’s scent.
After noticing that Jin-Woo’s aura does not repel her like others do, she grows curious about his abilities. Hae-In later joins the fourth Jeju Island Raid as part of South Korea’s elite S-Rank team but ends up suffering grave injuries at the hands of the Ant King.
Her prowess is acknowledged by top-tier Hunters such as Sung Jin-Woo and Goto Ryuji. The Ant King immediately identifies her as the most formidable threat in the group and strikes her down with a nearly fatal attack.
Hae-In’s strength is further highlighted during her training session against Igris—one of Jin-Woo’s most powerful shadows—whom she successfully defeats. She also showcases her overwhelming combat ability by effortlessly overpowering Japan’s S-Rank Hunters and eliminating the Ant Queen with a single sword strike.
The anime adaptation of Solo Leveling is currently outpacing its competition, and its rapid rise in popularity is well deserved.
7. Lennart Niermann Stands as Germany’s Most Powerful Hunter
Holding the title of Germany’s strongest Hunter, Lennart Niermann serves as the Master of his country’s most elite guild and is ranked 12th worldwide. Unlike many others, he maintains a humble attitude and openly respects Jin-Woo’s overwhelming power.
When Rakan launches an attack, Lennart intervenes and activates his Charge skill to protect Thomas Andre. After Jin-Woo arrives on the scene, Lennart retreats, shifting his focus to assisting his American colleague in dealing with his injuries.
While specific details about Lennart’s abilities remain scarce, hints throughout the story suggest his remarkable strength. His global ranking as the 12th strongest Hunter implies his immense combat prowess.
Further evidence of his power is his ability to sense Jin-Woo’s hidden shadows, a feat only achievable by individuals with extraordinary perception or immense strength. During the fight against the Beast Monarch, Lennart manages to briefly weaken the monstrous foe using a powerful energy blast.
6. Go Gun-Hee Was Once the Most Powerful Hunter in South Korea
Go Gun-Hee, once a formidable S-Rank Hunter, later assumes the position of President of the Korean Hunters Association. Following Jin-Woo’s reawakening, he attempts to recruit him, but the young Hunter declines.
Despite this, Gun-Hee continues to support Jin-Woo, even leveraging his authority to permit him to raid dungeons solo. However, his life takes a tragic turn when the Frost Monarch unexpectedly confronts him in his office, leading to an intense battle that leaves him fatally wounded.
Goto Ryuji, Japan’s strongest Hunter, meets an unexpected fate (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)Recognized as one of the strongest Hunters due to his status as a Ruler’s vessel, Gun-Hee possesses the ability to counter the Frost Monarch’s attacks with his bare hands. His advanced age prevents him from sustaining the fight, despite his incredible resilience.
His abilities include Ruler’s Authority, a power that allows him to manipulate objects using telekinesis. Although he was once an exceptionally skilled Hunter, the toll of aging prevents him from fully utilizing his strength.
5. Christopher Reed Takes on Three Monarchs Alone
Christopher Reed is a National Level Hunter who exudes confidence in his abilities. Initially dismissing a warning from Norma Selner about an impending threat to his life, he later reconsiders after reflecting on her vision.
A few days after their conversation, he wakes up to an unsettling silence within his home, only to be met by three Monarchs. Engaging them in battle, he succumbs to their overwhelming power.
Although limited details exist regarding Christopher’s abilities, he is known to possess Ruler’s Authority as a vessel. Additionally, he is among the rare few, alongside Thomas Andre, capable of utilizing Spiritual Body Manifestation. This revelation shocks the Monarchs, hinting at his immense strength.
The flames produced by his body are so intense that it takes more than 1,800 firefighters and 14 S-Rank Hunters to extinguish them.
4. Liu Zhigang Holds a Seven-Star Rank in China’s Hunter System
Liu Zhigang is recognized as China’s most powerful Hunter and one of the few National Level Hunters. Alongside Lennart Niermann, he stands out as one of the rare S-Rank Hunters who genuinely respects Jin-Woo’s strength.
Following the Jeju Island Raid, Zhigang takes it upon himself to protect China’s shores from the onslaught of mutated ants. Later, he effortlessly eliminates a giant from the Tokyo S-Rank Gate, and his curiosity is piqued when he learns of Jin-Woo’s ability to vanquish the monsters with ease.
A naval officer witnessing their prowess remarks that Zhigang’s abilities far surpass those of Japan’s strongest Hunter, Goto Ryuji.
Like Go Gun-Hee and other National Level Hunters, Zhigang is a vessel for the Rulers and wields the power of Ruler’s Authority, granting him extraordinary telekinetic abilities. His raw strength is demonstrated when he obliterates hundreds of ants in a single blow.
Further showcasing his power, he effortlessly slices through monsters during the climactic battle and eliminates a giant with ease. Even from a considerable distance, his heightened perception allows him to detect the overwhelming mana radiating from Jin-Woo and Antares.
For fans searching for another gripping story to fill the void left by Solo Leveling, numerous manhwa offer a thrilling mix of monstrous battles, superhuman abilities, and apocalyptic struggles.
3. Thomas Andre Is the World’s Top-Ranked Hunter
Holding the title of the world’s strongest National Level Hunter, Thomas Andre is a powerhouse in combat. His battle with Kamish led to him crafting a pair of daggers from the dragon’s fang, which he later bestows upon Jin-Woo.
Despite his overwhelming strength, he is defeated by Jin-Woo after refusing to spare Hwang Dong-Soo. During his visit to South Korea, Thomas engages in a fierce clash with the Beast Monarch but sustains severe injuries in the process.
However, when the Iron Body Monarch launches a devastating attack on Canada, he teams up with Jin-Woo’s shadows to bring the monster down. As a vessel, Thomas possesses Ruler’s Authority, and when combined with his Reinforcement ability, it creates an immense gravitational pull akin to a black hole, powerful enough to restrain Jin-Woo.
The Shadow Monarch himself acknowledges that he would have struggled against Thomas had he not also possessed Ruler’s Authority. Thomas also manages to hold his ground against the Beast Monarch for an extended period, something few Hunters could achieve.
Alongside Christopher Reed, he stands out as one of the rare individuals capable of activating Spiritual Body Manifestation.
2. Sung Il-Hwan Demonstrates Strength on Par with National Level Hunters
Jin-Woo’s father, Sung Il-Hwan, spent ten years trapped in a dungeon before making his unexpected return. Since he vanished before the ranking system was introduced, he was never officially classified as an S-Rank Hunter.
While enduring his years in isolation, the Rulers originally tasked him with eliminating the Shadow Monarch. However, they later reconsidered and instead entrusted him with protecting their newfound ally. Upon reuniting with his son, Il-Hwan expresses deep remorse for his prolonged absence before passing away.
Solo Leveling’s world is filled with power, betrayal, and relentless battles (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)Years prior, Il-Hwan was chosen as a Ruler’s vessel, granting him the ability to wield Ruler’s Authority. His strength is vividly displayed when he effortlessly defeats Hwang Dong-Soo and reduces the Federal Bureau of Hunters headquarters to ruins.
During his intense battle with the Frost Monarch, the sheer force of their clash results in a massive explosion, yet Il-Hwan emerges unscathed. Later, he displays remarkable agility by matching the Frost Monarch’s speed and delivers a devastating kick that sends the monster flying. Additionally, he impales the Beast Monarch through the jaw with ease.
Though never formally ranked, his overwhelming power suggests he could have easily qualified as a National Level Hunter.
1. Sung Jin-Woo Stands as the Most Powerful Being
From the weakest E-Rank Hunter to becoming the most formidable existence, Sung Jin-Woo’s transformation begins when he narrowly survives the Double Dungeon. Chosen by the System as its Player, he gains the extraordinary ability to level up without limits, allowing him to reach unprecedented heights of power.
As he continues to grow stronger, he acquires the Necromancer class, granting him the ability to reanimate fallen enemies as shadows. Initially recognized as South Korea’s 10th S-Rank Hunter, Jin-Woo soon surpasses every other Hunter and ascends to the status of the new Shadow Monarch.
As a vessel for the Shadow Monarch, Jin-Woo gains access to Ruler’s Authority, in addition to commanding an army of extraordinarily powerful shadows. He singlehandedly overcomes formidable opponents, including Thomas Andre and the Ant King.
However, his true strength is revealed after he unlocks the full power of the Shadow Monarch, allowing him to eradicate the remaining Monarchs without assistance. Among his many abilities, he possesses hypnosis and memory manipulation, making him an intimidating figure even among the Rulers.
With seemingly limitless power at his disposal, Sung Jin-Woo reigns as both the strongest Hunter in Solo Leveling and the most powerful character in the entire series.