Solo Leveling thrives on its high-energy battles, where characters face off against powerful adversaries that threaten their lives and those around them. The main character, Jinwoo, not only fights against formidable monsters but also takes on other humans who pose a danger to him and innocent people.
With his unmatched abilities, he tackles opponents that even the most skilled hunters struggle to defeat, making every encounter unforgettable. Solo Leveling benefits from the animation prowess of A-1 Studios, a company renowned for delivering stunning fight sequences, ensuring that every battle scene remains visually striking.
As anticipation builds for the next season of Solo Leveling, it’s worth revisiting some of the standout fights from the first season. Even the briefest clashes leave an impression due to the outstanding animation, and watching Jinwoo evolve as a hunter makes each confrontation gripping.
A D-Rank opponent stands no chance against Jinwoo’s growing power (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)Fans of Solo Leveling might also enjoy anime like Demon Slayer and The Rising of the Shield Hero, both of which follow sword-wielding heroes battling against monstrous foes.
1. Jinwoo Defeats a Stone Golem Effortlessly, Even When Four Hunters Struggle
Fight: Stone Golem vs Jinwoo
In Episode 4, “I Gotta Get Stronger,” Jinwoo discreetly steps in to handle a rampaging Stone Golem. A group of four hunters had been struggling to subdue the creature, fighting hard but failing to bring it down.
Noticing Johee among the onlookers, Jinwoo decides to assist them from a distance without drawing attention to himself. Having already faced the deadly Fanged Kasaka, classified as a C-Rank enemy, this D-Rank opponent poses little challenge for him.
Jinwoo executes his attack with precision, throwing a broken sword he obtained from Kim Sangshik. His strike is so swift that the other hunters fail to realize what has happened, mistakenly believing they were the ones who took down the Stone Golem.
However, a Tanker in their group suspects that a high-ranking hunter was responsible for the victory. Though brief, this scene highlights Jinwoo’s incredible growth in strength since his awakening.
2. Jinwoo Takes On His First Solo Dungeon With Determination
Fight: Goblins & Steel-Faced Lycans vs Jinwoo
Viewers get to witness Jinwoo’s newly acquired strength in action during his first solo dungeon run in Episode 4, “I Gotta Get Stronger.” Before this moment, he struggled even against weaker enemies, often sustaining severe injuries.
However, he now dominates an entire horde of goblins, cutting through them with ease. Just as he starts to catch his breath, another wave of formidable monsters appears—Steel-Faced Lycans, creatures with razor-sharp teeth and a thirst for blood.
The role of Gates in Solo Leveling cannot be overlooked, as these portals serve as entryways to dungeons where hunters battle magical beasts.
Jinwoo meets these opponents with unshaken confidence, fully embracing his newfound combat prowess. Matching the Lycans’ aggression, he slaughters them one after another until he emerges victorious.
His exceptional performance in this battle earns him a new title: Wolf Assassin. Despite having the option to leave, he chooses to venture further into the dungeon, eager to become even stronger.
3. Jinwoo’s Strikes Are as Lethal as the Fangs of a Venomous Snake
Fight: Blue Venom-Fanged Kasaka vs Jinwoo
Jinwoo’s clash with the dungeon boss, Blue Venom-Fanged Kasaka, takes place shortly after his battle with the Goblins and Steel-Faced Lycans in Episode 4.
This fight presents a greater challenge, as Jinwoo lacks a weapon capable of piercing Kasaka’s steel-like scales. The creature takes the upper hand, landing consecutive blows that drain Jinwoo’s energy and weaken him drastically.
Just when it appears that he might be overwhelmed, Jinwoo makes a quick decision to abandon his weapon and rely solely on his raw physical strength.
Using his enhanced abilities, he tears through Kasaka’s defenses and defeats the powerful creature. As a reward for his hard-fought victory, he acquires Kasaka’s Venom Fang, a dagger imbued with poison that will serve him well in future battles.
4. Jinho is Stunned by Jinwoo’s Strength
Fight: Giant Arachnid Buryura vs Jinwoo
Episode 6, “The Real Hunt Begins,” sees Jinwoo and Jinho betrayed by their raid party, leaving them to fend for themselves against the C-Rank boss, Giant Arachnid Buryura.
Most hunters still believe Jinwoo is a weak E-Rank, expecting him and the inexperienced Jinho to meet their demise. This battle is important because it marks the first time Jinwoo fights in front of another hunter, making it clear just how extraordinary his power truly is.
Jinwoo demonstrates the extent of his improvement, combining combat skills with his newly acquired strength to eliminate Buryura with surprising ease. Jinho’s astonishment serves as a reminder of how unusual it is for an E-Rank hunter to display such overwhelming might.
Even Dongsuk and his group, who had abandoned Jinwoo and Jinho, are left in disbelief, realizing they would have struggled against the same opponent. The first season of Solo Leveling delivered exceptional battles and intense moments, cementing its reputation as one of the most exciting anime of the Winter season.
5. Jinwoo Faces an Almost Overwhelming Challenge Against a Multi-Headed Beast
Fight: Hell’s Gatekeeper Cerberus vs Jinwoo
In Episode 7, “Let’s See How Far I Can Go,” Jinwoo enters The Demon’s Castle, an S-Rank dungeon with a highly coveted reward—the Elixir of Life. This powerful elixir is said to cure any illness, offering Jinwoo the possibility of saving his mother.
Despite the extreme risks associated with the dungeon, he presses forward and soon comes face-to-face with the ferocious Hell’s Gatekeeper, Cerberus.
Jinwoo finds himself struggling to inflict any huge damage on Cerberus, and the situation takes a dire turn when the beast manages to rip off one of his arms. Even though he continuously consumes healing potions, they barely keep up with the relentless onslaught from Cerberus in Rage Mode.
Once the creature’s heightened state subsides, Jinwoo seizes the opportunity to strike back, relentlessly stabbing Cerberus until it falls. This battle serves as a harsh lesson for him, revealing that he still has much to learn before taking on even stronger foes.
6. The Raid That Marked the Beginning of Jinwoo’s Transformation
Fight: The Architect vs Mr. Song’s Raid Team
The first episode, “I’m Used to It,” wastes no time in delivering a brutal and intense battle that sets the tone for the series. Viewers are introduced to Jinwoo, who struggles as an E-Rank hunter due to his low combat capabilities.
A fight that marks the turning point in Jinwoo’s destiny (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)However, he compensates for his lack of strength with sharp decision-making skills, which play a crucial role in saving several members of Mr. Song’s Raid Team.
The fight keeps viewers on edge as one team member after another falls victim to The Architect. Jinwoo’s quick thinking allows him to prevent even greater losses, although the overwhelming power of The Architect turns the battle into a near-impossible challenge.
While this opponent treats the entire fight as a mere game due to his sheer strength, watching the Raid Team scramble to survive makes for a gripping spectacle.
7. Those Who Betray Jinwoo Meet a Fitting End
Fight: Hwan Dongsuk & Lizards vs Jinwoo & Jinho
In Episode 6, “The Real Hunt Begins,” Jinwoo faces a turning point when he receives his first mission to eliminate human enemies. Hwan Dongsuk and his group attempt to sacrifice him and Jinho to Buruya, prompting Jinwoo to take action against them. Given that they had already planned to let him die, he has no hesitation in striking back.
Jinwoo reveals his ruthless side, showing no mercy as he systematically eliminates them. His efficiency in dealing with them makes it seem like they posed even less of a challenge than Buruya, highlighting the vast difference in power between him and the Raid Group.
This fight is one of the most gratifying moments in the series, as it delivers well-deserved retribution against the traitorous hunters. Solo Leveling showcases numerous grand and action-packed raid battles, while others serve as routine missions for Sung Jinwoo.