Hunters with extraordinary abilities stand as humanity’s last line of defense against the perilous creatures that emerge from enigmatic Gates.
While most of them are categorized using an internationally recognized S-E ranking system, some individuals surpass conventional classifications and exist in a realm of unmatched power.
These elite combatants possess the capability to challenge the military forces of entire nations and are identified as national-level hunters. They have been evaluated based on their accomplishments, strength, and combat proficiency.
Siddharth Bachchan’s ambition burns brighter than his enemies(Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)The following list highlights the most formidable national-level hunters who have defied expectations and played crucial roles in shaping humanity’s future. This analysis includes spoilers for Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow and beyond.
To earn the title of a national-level hunter, individuals must meet specific criteria, such as successfully clearing an S-Rank gate.
Although the manhwa hints at the existence of only five officially recognized national-level hunters, this compilation includes those who are either equal to or surpass the original five who defeated the formidable dragon Kamish.
While some on this list have not been officially granted the title, their strength and achievements undeniably qualify them as national-level hunters.
6. Siddharth Bachchan -The National Hunter From India
Webnovel Debut: Chapter 198
Abilities/Skills: Spiritual Body Manifestation, Ruler’s Authority
As the leader of the Asura Guild, Siddharth Bachchan holds a position of great influence. His role in the battle against the dragon Kamish was instrumental, yet much about his abilities and personal history remains veiled in secrecy.
Those familiar with him describe him as a hunter fueled by ambition, constantly striving to ascend to the highest ranks of power.
Siddharth’s unwavering commitment to his cause has left a lasting imprint on history, securing his place as a formidable force who has triumphed over formidable adversaries in his quest to protect humanity.
5. Christopher Reed – One Of The Hunters Who Defeated Dragon Kamish
Webnovel Debut: Chapter 176
Abilities/Skills: Spiritual Body Manifestation, Ruler’s Authority
Among the ranks of national-level hunters, Christopher Reed was considered a force to be reckoned with, ranking just below Liu Zhigang and Thomas Andre. Before Sung Jin-Woo’s second awakening, he was regarded as the third most powerful hunter on the planet.
With an immense level of confidence and wealth accumulated through his remarkable abilities, Reed commanded both power and respect. His mastery of Spiritual Body Manifestation allowed him to assume the form of a one-eyed humanoid entity capable of unleashing destruction on an enormous scale.
The fires he conjured in this state were so intense that multiple S-Rank hunters were required to extinguish them.
Even when faced with overwhelming opposition from Tarnak, Rakan, and Queresha, Reed demonstrated his unwavering resolve, battling to his final breath and proving himself as a fearless warrior unafraid of death.
4. Liu Zhigang – China’s Greatest Hunter
Webnovel Debut: Chapter 185
Abilities/Skills: Spiritual Body Manifestation, Ruler’s Authority, Energy Slash Attack, Enhanced Strength, Enhanced Endurance
Liu Zhigang embodies the qualities of a seasoned warrior, blending skill with humility. Unlike some of his counterparts, he does not let arrogance cloud his decisions and readily acknowledges reality without hesitation. His honesty extends to his abilities, as he accepts when another hunter surpasses him in strength.
Zhigang is an exceptionally skilled swordsman capable of subduing even the most formidable opponents with precision. As both a national-level hunter and a vessel of the Ruler, he wields immense power through Spiritual Body Manifestation and Ruler’s Authority.
His years of experience in battle have equipped him with countless strategies, enabling him to outmaneuver nearly any adversary.
3. Thomas Andre – America’s Strongest Hunter
Webnovel Debut: Chapter 125
Abilities/Skills: Spiritual Body Manifestation, Power Smash, Reinforcement, Capture
The leader of the Scavenger Guild, Thomas Andre, held the title of the most powerful hunter before Sung Jin-Woo’s second awakening. As a national-level hunter, Andre commanded global influence and enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle that came with his unparalleled strength.
Before receiving his abilities from the Rulers, Andre’s background was rooted in street brawling. Born into a struggling immigrant family from Europe, he faced immense hardships before stepping into the hunter world.
His strength is so overwhelming that he could challenge an entire nation’s military forces. Among the five individuals who took down Kamish, Andre stood as one of the most formidable warriors.
2. Sung Il-Hwan – Sung Jin-Woo’s Father
Webnovel Debut: Chapter 68
Abilities/Skills: Spiritual Body Manifestation, Stealth, Ruler’s Authority
There has been ongoing debate about whether Sung Il-Hwan deserves recognition as a national-level hunter, considering he vanished before the ranking system was implemented and remained a rogue even after resurfacing in America.
Only the strongest can claim the title of national hunter (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)However, disregarding his strength would be an oversight, as he was chosen as a vessel by one of the Rulers, much like the other elite hunters. “Don’t ever step foot in Korea. This isn’t just about my son—it’s about your well-being. Even in death, you will never know peace.”
Simply being a Ruler’s vessel does not automatically place someone on the same level as national hunters—Go Gunhee serves as proof of this. However, Il-Hwan demonstrated his extraordinary prowess when he engaged in combat against Monarchs.
During the Monarchs War arc, he held his own against both Sillad and Rakan, briefly overpowering the duo. Given that Rakan nearly killed Thomas Andre and was only saved by Lennart Niermann’s intervention, Il-Hwan’s ability to take on two Monarchs simultaneously speaks volumes about his capabilities.
With the uncertainty surrounding whether Niermann and Andre together could have even bested Rakan, Il-Hwan’s display of power against two Monarchs is a testament to his incredible strength. Despite lacking official recognition, he surpasses the original five who battled Kamish in terms of raw power.
1. Sung Jin-Woo – The Shadow Monarch
Webnovel Debut: Chapter 1
Abilities/Skills: Ruler’s Authority, Dragon’s Fear, Mutilation, Bloodlust, Detoxification, Advanced Dagger Techniques, etc.
Sung Jin-Woo, the successor to Ashborn and the second Shadow Monarch, possesses abilities that upgrade him beyond what most Rulers and Monarchs can ever hope to attain. Even S-Rank dungeons posed little to no challenge for him as his strength continued to soar.
Initially regarded as the weakest hunter, Jin-Woo defied all odds and emerged as the most dominant figure to influence the course of history.
Even those classified as national-level hunters, including Thomas Andre, who was instrumental in defeating Kamish, were powerless against him.
Jin-Woo effortlessly overpowered America’s strongest hunter without sustaining any major injuries, and had he wished, he could have annihilated the entire Scavenger Guild. Given how decisively he defeated Andre, it is indisputable that Jin-Woo stands as the most powerful human ever to exist, fully deserving of national-level hunter status.