Action-packed battles have always been the driving force behind Solo Leveling’s appeal. While its plot and core concept remain engaging, the real draw for fans has been witnessing Jinwoo’s continuous growth in power through combat.
The anime adaptation has elevated these confrontations even further, delivering stunning animation and expertly choreographed sequences, solidifying Solo Leveling as one of the standout series of early 2024.
The anime has revitalized some of the most iconic fights from the series, making them even more gripping than they were in the original manhwa.
The anime adaptation breathes new life into iconic fight scenes (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)While longtime readers anticipated certain clashes to be just as memorable as in the source material, the adaptation has also managed to enhance lesser-known battles, transforming them into unforgettable moments that stand alongside the very best.
Song Chiyul’s Experience Falls Short Against Taeshik’s Natural Ability
Episode 9, “You’ve Been Hiding Your Skills”
Kang Taeshik’s initial assault on Jinwoo, Joohee, and Song prompts Song to take charge as the highest-ranked member of the group.
Since Jinwoo is still concealing the full extent of his abilities, he allows Song and Joohee to handle the situation. However, it quickly becomes evident that Song is outmatched, despite putting up a commendable fight against Taeshik.
This early encounter underscores a harsh reality within the world of Hunters—sheer talent often outweighs dedication and experience.
Song Chiyul, possessing greater expertise in swordsmanship, is a clear example of how skill alone isn’t always enough. Against an opponent with raw strength like Taeshik, all his training could do was delay an inevitable defeat.
Jinwoo Earns the Title of “Wolf Assassin”
Episode 4, “I’ve Gotta Get Stronger”
From its eerie undertones to its intense plot developments, Solo Leveling shares similarities with classic manga known for their most chilling moments.
At the start of his journey through the instant dungeon, Jinwoo struggles against even the weakest creatures he encounters.
However, after just a few level-ups, he starts to recognize a noticeable move in his strength. The first real test of his growing abilities comes in a confrontation with a pack of Steel-fanged Lycans, creatures with reinforced jaws that make them nearly impervious to his attacks.
Despite nearly losing his life in his previous Raid, Jinwoo’s determination pushes him to enter the dungeon alone, proving that his resolve extends beyond the extraordinary powers he would later obtain.
His victory over the Steel-fanged Lycans serves as a pivotal moment, making it clear that he is already far stronger than he once was.
His relentless assault against these creatures eventually earns him the title of “Wolf Assassin,” as he cuts down countless Lycans while progressing through the dungeon.
Kasaka Proves Less Threatening Than Jinwoo’s Past Foes
Episode 4, “I’ve Gotta Get Stronger”
Until this point, only the Statue of God from the Double Dungeon had posed a greater threat to Jinwoo than the Blue Venom-fanged Kasaka, the boss of the instant dungeon. Kasaka’s formidable speed and nearly impenetrable outer shell presented a challenge, making the battle seem unwinnable.
However, unlike his helplessness in the face of the Statue’s overwhelming might, Jinwoo’s prior battles had given him the experience and strength to fight back against Kasaka.
In many ways, his recollection of the Statue’s power fueled his determination, making the battle against Kasaka far less intimidating in comparison. This mindset allowed him to push through his fear and emerge victorious.
The Giant Arachnid Buryura’s Trap Backfires
Episode 6, “The Real Hunt Begins”
Jinwoo never intended to go up against the monstrous Giant Arachnid Buryura, the boss of the C-Rank dungeon he entered alongside Hwang Dongsuk and Yoo Jinho. He wasn’t expected to fight at all.
His presence in the Raid was merely to fill out Dongsuk’s team, though it quickly became apparent that Dongsuk and his group had other sinister plans. Trapped in Buryura’s lair, Jinwoo and Jinho found themselves in grave danger.
Buryura, as a C-Rank dungeon boss, possessed overwhelming power, making it a formidable opponent even for Dongsuk’s entire team. However, by this point, Jinwoo had already grown into a warrior capable of taking on such a beast alone.
The battle serves as a symbolic moment, with Buryura’s web mirroring the trap Dongsuk had set for Jinwoo. In both cases, the predator ended up becoming the prey.
The Job Change Quest Pits Jinwoo Against His Most Formidable Opponents
Episode 11, “A Knight Who Defends an Empty Throne”
The dangers of Solo Leveling’s dystopian setting are amplified by its monstrous adversaries and experienced warriors, including figures like Sung Jinwoo and Thomas Andre.
When Jinwoo first entered the Gate to undertake the Job Change Quest, he was unsure of what awaited him. However, he knew that his strength had increased tremendously since his first dungeon encounter, giving him a sense of confidence. S
o much so that he didn’t even bother completing his Daily Quest beforehand, believing he would finish the challenge with time to spare.
Upon facing his enemies, Jinwoo quickly realized his mistake. The Knights, Mages, and Assassins within the Quest used techniques that mirrored those of past opponents, reinforcing the idea that this was a test of everything he had learned up to this point.
Hwang Dongsuk Underestimates the Hunter He Calls Weak
Episode 6, “The Real Hunt Begins”
Jinwoo’s clash with Hwang Dongsuk and his Raid party is one of the most iconic moments in the manhwa, and the anime adaptation enhances the scene even further.
Although some details from the original fight were altered, the expanded sequences made the battle even more intense.
One of the strongest elements of the anime’s portrayal was its focus on Jinwoo’s internal conflict over having to kill human opponents. While this was hinted at in the manhwa, the adaptation delves deeper into his thoughts, adding emotional depth to the scene.
Despite this, Jinwoo at length has no hesitation in eliminating his enemies, as the System makes it clear that survival means doing whatever it takes.
Jinwoo Outsmarts Kang Taeshik’s Stealth Tactics
Jinwoo’s rise to power is a spectacle of determination and strength (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)Episode 9, “You’ve Been Hiding Your Skills”
Jinwoo initially avoids interfering in the battle between Taeshik and Song Chiyul, but when Taeshik turns his attention toward Joohee, he has no choice but to step in.
His ability to counter Taeshik’s attacks reveals a level of skill far beyond that of an E-Rank Hunter, intriguing Taeshik enough to move his focus entirely onto Jinwoo.
While the manhwa effectively conveyed motion through still imagery, this fight benefits greatly from the animation, making every exchange feel more dynamic.
A major reason Jinwoo was shocked by the class he later received in the Job Change Quest stems from the techniques he displayed against Taeshik. Even Taeshik assumed Jinwoo was an Assassin Class
Hunter due to his combination of agility and strength. However, it wasn’t until he demonstrated his Status Recovery ability that Taeshik realized he was something else entirely.
For defeating him, Jinwoo was awarded a Rune containing the Assassin Class ability Stealth, granting him invisibility at the cost of mana.
The Necromancer Mages Pushed Jinwoo to His Breaking Point
The Job Change Quest provided the perfect way to close out part one of Season 1. Following his battle with Igris, Jinwoo’s final test forced him to face an unrelenting army of undead creatures, pushing him to his limits.
A surprising twist saved him from certain doom—his failure to complete the day’s Daily Quest resulted in him being teleported to the penalty area just before he would have been overwhelmed.
While it seemed like sheer luck, Jinwoo’s ability to confront death without hesitation had carried him this far. It was fitting that he had to endure one final ordeal before obtaining his new class: the “Shadow Monarch.”