The anime adaptation of Solo Leveling continues to dominate its competition, showcasing its immense popularity. Derived from a widely acclaimed webtoon, which itself is an adaptation of Chugong’s South Korean web novel, the series thrills audiences with its striking visuals and an unforgettable protagonist.
Fans of manhwa have embraced the story, solidifying its presence as a standout in the genre. Solo Leveling presents a world where individuals with supernatural abilities defend humanity against monstrous threats.
Solo Leveling dominates the anime scene with stunning visuals and intense battles (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)Sung Jin-Woo, an infamously weak Hunter, experiences a life-altering transformation after a disastrous raid grants him the capability to grow stronger without limits. With this newfound power, he steadily climbs the ranks to become one of the most formidable Hunters in existence.
Throughout his progression, he crosses paths with many of the series’ strongest individuals.
10. Min Byung-Gu Possesses A-Rank Combat Abilities
The healing talents of Min Byung-Gu often remain overshadowed by battle-focused Hunters such as Baek Yoon-Ho and Choi Jong-In. Following the finals of the third Jeju Island Raid, he chooses to retire and aspires to become a teacher.
Initially, he turns down a friend’s request to participate in another Jeju Island Raid but eventually changes his mind, deciding to accompany the South Korean team. Tragically, Byung-Gu falls victim to the Ant King, who later acquires his healing capabilities as a shadow.
On Jeju Island, Byung-Gu demonstrates extraordinary resilience, single-handedly supporting five S-Rank Hunters. He swiftly heals two comrades poisoned during battle and regenerates a pair of arms after the Ant King savagely tears them off.
His sheer determination is evident in his ability to resist Jin-Woo’s extraction attempts through willpower alone. Once transformed into a shadow, he seamlessly heals Cha Hae-In, one of South Korea’s elite Hunters, from the brink of death.
Byung-Gu’s incredible abilities live on through Beru, who inherits his exceptional healing powers.
9. Goto Ryuji Earns Recognition As Japan’s Greatest Hunter
As the master of Japan’s Draw Sword Guild, Goto Ryuji commands considerable influence and strength. When Jeju Island’s mutated ants launch an assault on Japan, he meets with Go Gunhee, offering assistance to the South Korean government in eliminating the monstrous threat.
However, his true motives are far from altruistic—he intends to wipe out Korea’s S-Rank Hunters. His plans come to an abrupt end when the Ant King swiftly decapitates him, killing him instantly. Recognized as Japan’s mightiest Hunter, Ryuji’s combat prowess places him among the elite.
During a confrontation, he manages to land a blow on Jin-Woo’s cheek, compelling the mage to take the battle more seriously. Even the Ant King, after defeating the South Korean S-Rank Hunters, acknowledges Ryuji as the strongest among them.
Though he successfully deflects an initial assault from the monster, his opponent’s overwhelming power ensures his swift demise.
8. Cha Hae-In Is Known As “The Fairy” For Her Elegant Swordsmanship
Despite surpassing her Guild Master in strength, Cha Hae-In serves as the Vice-Guild Master of the Hunters Guild. Her unmatched swordsmanship and an extraordinary sensitivity to the scent of mana distinguish her among Hunters.
She takes an interest in Jin-Woo after noticing that his presence does not bother her, unlike others. As one of South Korea’s elite Hunters, she joins the fourth Jeju Island Raid but suffers severe injuries at the hands of the Ant King.
Jin-Woo and Goto Ryuji both acknowledge Hae-In’s exceptional abilities. The Ant King immediately identifies her as the most dangerous individual in the group and delivers a near-fatal attack.
Her skills become further evident when she successfully overcomes Igris—one of Jin-Woo’s strongest shadows—in a sparring match.
Additionally, her strength surpasses that of Japan’s S-Rank Hunters, and she effortlessly slays the Ant Queen with a single stroke of her blade.
7. Lennart Niermann Stands As Germany’s Strongest Hunter
As the leader of Germany’s most powerful guild and the twelfth strongest Hunter worldwide, Lennart Niermann commands respect. Unlike many others, he exhibits humility and admiration for Jin-Woo’s immense strength.
When Rakan attacks, he rushes into action, activating his Charge skill to assist Thomas Andre. Upon Jin-Woo’s arrival, Lennart steps aside, ensuring his injured American ally receives medical attention. While little information is available regarding Lennart’s specific abilities, multiple instances hint at his power.
Though ranking systems are not always precise, his status as the world’s twelfth-strongest Hunter speaks volumes. Another testament to his strength is his rare ability to detect Jin-Woo’s hidden shadows—an ability limited to only those with extreme power or perception.
During the battle against the Beast Monarch, Lennart’s energy blast proves strong enough to momentarily weaken the formidable creature.
6. Go Gun-Hee Was Korea’s Strongest Hunter Before Retirement
After retiring from his role as an S-Rank Hunter, Go Gun-Hee assumed leadership as President of the Korean Hunters Association. Recognizing Jin-Woo’s potential following his reawakening, he attempts to recruit him, though the young Hunter declines.
Regardless, Gun-Hee remains a steadfast supporter, leveraging his position to grant Jin-Woo special privileges, such as raiding dungeons solo. When the Frost Monarch abruptly appears in his office, Gun-Hee engages in battle but succumbs to his injuries.
As a vessel of the Rulers, Gun-Hee wields extraordinary strength. He expertly evades and counters multiple attacks from the Frost Monarch using only his bare hands. However, despite his formidable skills, his aging body limits his ability to sustain prolonged combat.
His unique ability, Ruler’s Authority, enables him to move objects through telekinesis. Though once among the world’s strongest Hunters, the toll of age has left him unable to unleash his full potential.
5. Christopher Reed Stands Alone Against Three Monarchs
Christopher Reed, a National Level Hunter, carries unwavering confidence in his abilities. When Norma Selner warns him of an impending threat, he initially dismisses her concerns. However, after further contemplation, he takes her words seriously.
A few days later, he awakens to an eerie silence within his home, only to be confronted by three Monarchs. He engages them in battle but loses his life. While details regarding Christopher’s full abilities remain scarce, his power as a vessel grants him the use of Ruler’s Authority.
He also demonstrates mastery over Spiritual Body Manifestation, an ability rarely seen among humans. The sheer intensity of the flames he generates engulfs the surrounding area, requiring over 1,800 firefighters and 14 S-Rank Hunters to contain the fire.
4. Liu Zhigang Holds A Seven-Star Rank In China’s System
Liu Zhigang, China’s most formidable Hunter, commands immense strength. Unlike many others, he respects Jin-Woo and acknowledges his superior abilities. Following the Jeju Island Raid, he defends China’s coastline against mutated ants.
His interest in Jin-Woo grows after learning how effortlessly the latter dispatches monsters. A navy captain observing both warriors remarks that Liu’s power surpasses that of Japan’s greatest Hunter, Goto Ryuji.
Zhigang, much like other National Level Hunters, serves as a vessel of the Rulers and wields Ruler’s Authority. His overwhelming combat skills allow him to slaughter hundreds of enemies in a single strike. His precision and perception are so advanced that he can sense Jin-Woo’s mana from afar.
With each encounter, he reaffirms his position as one of the strongest Hunters in existence.
3. Thomas Andre Is Ranked Number One
After engaging in a battle with Kamish, Thomas Andre forges the dragon’s fang into a set of daggers, which he later hands over to Jin-Woo. His confrontation with the mage Hunter results in defeat when Jin-Woo refuses to show mercy to Hwang Dong-Soo.
During his time in South Korea, he faces off against the Beast Monarch but sustains severe injuries from the monster’s assault. Later, as the Iron Body Monarch devastates Canada, Thomas successfully overcomes him with the support of Jin-Woo’s shadow army.
Being a vessel grants Thomas access to Ruler’s Authority. When paired with his Reinforcement ability, this power generates a black hole with enough force to pull Jin-Woo toward it. The Shadow Monarch acknowledges that without possessing Ruler’s Authority himself, he would have lost the fight.
Thomas manages to stand his ground against the Beast Monarch for an extended duration before falling. Alongside Jin-Woo’s shadow soldiers, he plays a key role in taking down the Iron Body Monarch. Similar to Christopher Reed, Thomas is among the rare humans capable of utilizing Spiritual Body Manifestation.
2. Sung Il-Hwan Has The Potential To Be A National Level Hunter
Jin-Woo’s father, Sung Il-Hwan, spent a decade trapped inside a dungeon, making his return to society an astonishing revelation. Due to the ranking system being implemented after his disappearance, he was never formally acknowledged by the public as a high-ranking Hunter.
During his time in isolation, the Rulers initially assign him the task of eliminating the Shadow Monarch, but they later alter their decision and entrust him with protecting their newfound ally. Upon reuniting with Jin-Woo, the father and son mend their relationship, with Il-Hwan expressing his remorse before passing away.
Min Byung-Gu’s heroic sacrifice proves even healers can be warriors (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)Years earlier, Il-Hwan had been chosen as a vessel for the Rulers, granting him access to Ruler’s Authority. His overwhelming strength is evident when he eliminates Hwang Dong-Soo and obliterates the Federal Bureau of Hunters headquarters.
His battle against the Frost Monarch leads to a tremendous explosion, though he emerges without harm. In a later fight, Il-Hwan not only matches the Frost Monarch’s speed but also launches him through the air with a single powerful kick.
He further proves his might by driving a weapon through the Beast Monarch’s jaw. Though he was never given an official ranking, Il-Hwan demonstrates abilities that place him on par with National Level Hunters.
1. Sung Jin-Woo Is The Most Powerful Individual In Solo Leveling World
Originally classified as an E-Rank Hunter with minimal combat ability, Sung Jin-Woo experiences an unprecedented transformation after surviving the Double Dungeon, becoming the System’s chosen Player. His new awakening grants him unrestricted growth, allowing him to rapidly increase his strength through training.
Upon acquiring the Necromancer class, he gains the extraordinary ability to resurrect fallen enemies as shadow soldiers. The Hunter Association takes notice of his abilities, officially recognizing him as the 10th S-Rank Hunter.
However, as he continues to develop his power, he quickly ascends to the position of the world’s strongest Hunter and claims the title of the Shadow Monarch. Since Jin-Woo serves as a vessel for the Shadow Monarch, he wields Ruler’s Authority as one of his many abilities.
Commanding a vast legion of powerful shadows, he effortlessly defeats formidable opponents such as Thomas Andre and the Ant King. Eventually, after fully unlocking the true potential of the Shadow Monarch’s powers, Jin-Woo eradicates the remaining Monarchs.
His range of abilities extends beyond combat, as he possesses skills such as hypnosis and memory manipulation, which even the Rulers fear. With unmatched power, Sung Jin-Woo stands as both the most dominant Hunter in Solo Leveling and the strongest figure in the entire series.