WARNING: Spoilers for Solo Leveling beyond the anime! Within the universe of Solo Leveling, S-rank hunters represent the apex of humanity’s combat capabilities. These elite warriors possess extraordinary skills that not only make them the foremost defenders against magical creatures but also impact the balance of power on a global stage. Each S-rank hunter distinguishes themselves with unique abilities, resulting in a diverse array of strengths and specialties that complement their individual fighting styles. Their presence commands awe and fear alike, becoming figures of legend whose exploits are revered among both peers and civilians.
What elevates S-rank hunters above the rest is their unquantifiable mana, a factor that existing technology cannot measure effectively. These abilities often surpass standard limits, equipping them with force equal to numerous troops on the battlefield. A newly awakened S-rank hunter generates considerable excitement, as their arrival can influence national and global conflicts significantly. A few exceptional hunters even achieve National Level status, positioning them as powerhouses capable of rivalling entire countries in their prowess.
13 Yuri Orloff
The Best Support-Type Hunter
Yuri Orloff, a Russian S-rank hunter, excels in barrier magic, establishing himself as a primary support-type hunter. His expertise lies in battlefield control, yet during an attempt to seal an S-rank gate in Tokyo, he encountered difficulties when his barriers were overwhelmed by a colossal foe. This event raised questions regarding his viability in high-stakes confrontations. Although his barriers are significant in a support role, they may falter against pure force. His skills are particularly beneficial in large-scale conflicts where maintaining battlefield control is paramount.
Although Orloff is primarily defensive, his mastery over mana at scale showcases his potential. However, his lack of offensive capabilities contrasts sharply with the strengths of his peers. In a combat arena dominated by direct confrontations, Orloff’s strategic mindset and proficiency in support roles enhance his allies’ survivability, making him an invaluable team member during intense engagements.
12 Lennart Niermann
Germany’s Strongest Hunter
Lennart Niermann, the number one hunter from Germany, ranks 12th worldwide. As the commander of the Richter Guild, his exceptional combat capabilities manifest prominently through his Charge ability, which generates potent energy-enhanced gauntlets. This skill enables him to amplify melee strikes and unleash energy projectiles, showcasing versatility and integrating speed with brute power to surprise opponents.
While his competence places him above many, he does not portray the unfathomable presence exhibited by the higher-ranking hunters. However, his tactical approaches and instinctual combat strategies ensure his importance in battles against highly ranked magical beasts. His adaptability further reinforces his reputation across both solo and team-based confrontations, solidifying his position as a respected figure in Europe’s hunting circles.
11 Hwang Dongsoo
A Brute with Enhanced Strength
Once a Korean S-rank hunter, Hwang Dongsoo moved to America where he received a significant upgrade to his powers. This enhancement steered him toward formidable prowess, allowing him to match experienced hunters. His combat style relies heavily on sheer strength, making him dominant over lesser opponents yet ultimately leading to his demise against Sung Jinwoo’s masterful strategy.
While his durability and immense strength position him above many peers, Dongsoo’s overconfidence and lack of tactical depth ultimately precipitated his downfall. His reliance on raw capability, devoid of intricate strategy, limited his effectiveness against more agile and strategically savvy foes.
10 Goto Ryuji
Japan’s Strongest Hunter
As the esteemed leader of the Blade Guild, Goto Ryuji was celebrated as Japan’s premier hunter. He demonstrated considerable strength in combat, even standing against the Ant King momentarily. However, his inflated sense of capabilities ultimately led to his tragic defeat.
Despite his untimely fate, Goto’s impressive combat skills and leadership principles earned him accolades. His sparring encounter with Jinwoo further highlighted his formidable presence in battles, although he could not compete successfully against the cosmos’s mightiest entities. His enduring legacy within Japan’s hunter community remains impactful, inspiring fellow hunters to aim for greatness.
9 Min Byung-gu
The Supreme Healer
Min Byung-gu, recognized as one of the most powerful healers, played an indispensable role during battles. Even as a support-type hunter, his combat competencies rivaled those of A-rank fighters, allowing him to stand tall against formidable adversaries. His capacity to intuitively heal critical injuries proved invaluable, ensuring allied survival in dire situations.
Remarkably, even after his death, his shadow retained sufficient powers to revive allies in need, underscoring his unique strengths and irreplaceable presence in combat scenarios.
8 Lim Tae-gyu
The Deadly Marksman
Guild Master of the Fiend Guild, Lim Tae-gyu is an S-Rank Archer renowned for unmatched archery skills. His precision allows him to hit targets from great distances with lethal accuracy. Diverging from the brawling style of many hunters, Lim embodies expertise in long-range combat, making him exceedingly lethal in engagements.
His mana-infused arrows can breach even the most formidable magical barriers. Although he is often regarded as quiet and underestimated in comparison to fellow S-Rank hunters, his ability to neutralize threats from afar establishes him as a pivotal player during raids.
7 Ma Dongwook
The Unbreakable Tank
As an S-Rank Tank and integral member of the Knights Guild, Ma Dongwook is celebrated for his extraordinary defensive capabilities. His superhuman durability allows him to endure assaults that would incapacitate most hunters, establishing him as a cornerstone during raids by absorbing incoming damage.
Though he may lack offensive might in comparison to some of his peers, his remarkable resilience renders him a crucial asset in prolonged skirmishes. Outside of the battlefield, his calm and supportive nature endears him to team members, reinforcing his reputation for reliability.
6 Cha Hae-in
The Graceful Swordswoman
Known affectionately as “the Dancer,” Cha Hae-in’s swordsmanship and graceful agility have earned her status as one of South Korea’s most formidable hunters. She has demonstrated her combat prowess by keeping up with Jinwoo’s most formidable shadow soldier, Igris, reflecting her extraordinary skills in battle. Her renowned techniques, Sword of Light and Sword Dance, bestow upon her unmatched speed and precision, enabling her to strike down adversaries gracefully yet decisively.
Additionally, Hae-in’s exceptional reflexes enhance her capability to counter high-level threats effectively. As one of the few female S-rank hunters, she consistently proves her mettle alongside her male counterparts, playing crucial roles in several of the critical encounters throughout the series.
5 Go Gunhee
The Veteran Warrior
Head of the Korean Hunters Association, Go Gunhee was once heralded as one of the most powerful hunters. Despite his advancing age, he showcased remarkable power, confronting even the Monarchs during his final moments. His formidable strength and vast experience established him as a critical asset in the protection of Korea. Endowed with Ruler’s Authority, he wielded telekinetic abilities to maneuver objects and incapacitate foes through sheer will.
Though he could no longer function at his peak, his presence evoked profound respect among peers. Had he retained the vigor of his prime, he likely would have ranked even higher among S-rank hunters. His heroic sacrifice in the fight against the Monarchs remains a poignant chapter in Solo Leveling’s storied narrative.
4 Sung Il-hwan
The Hidden Power
Sung Il-hwan remained resolute in his mission to shield humanity from the Monarchs, even at the peril of his life. His selfless combat against the Monarch of Frost displayed remarkable fortitude and fighting capability, commanding a place among the elite S-rank hunters based on raw strength and skills within the hierarchy. He ranks highly both in prestige and capability within the hunter community.
3 Baek Yoonho
The Ferocious Beast-Type Hunter
Baek Yoonho, Guild Master of the White Tiger Guild, exemplifies the raw power of an S-Rank Hunter, renowned for his formidable Beast Transformation ability, heightening his physical attributes while manifesting lion-like features. This transformation enhances his strength, agility, and durability, making him an exceptional melee fighter.
While many guild masters may favor strategy, Baek is a proponent of direct engagement, often overwhelming adversaries with brute strength. Despite his fierce approach, he remains a vigilant leader who prioritizes the welfare of his guild, employing elevated senses for tracking and enemy detection.
2 Choi Jong-in
The Ultimate Fire Mage
Choi Jong-in, known as the “Ultimate Mage,”serves as the Guild Master of the Hunters Guild, specializing in fire magic. His Flame Manipulation skill empowers him to incinerate foes with pinpoint precision using devastating large-scale attacks. Being one of the preeminent magic-type hunters in Korea, he seamlessly balances offensive capabilities with tactical cooperation.
Despite wielding immense power, Choi demonstrates a rational mindset, marrying might with strategic planning. His calculated approach in raids, engaging closely with his guild members, ensures operational efficiency and effectiveness during missions.
1 Sung Jinwoo
The Ultimate Hunter
In Solo Leveling, Sung Jinwoo undeniably stands as the most powerful hunter. Unlike others whose powers plateau post-awakening, Jinwoo exhibits the unique ability to level up without bounds, advancing his strength with each encounter. He began his journey as an E-rank hunter but underwent a second awakening through the System, emerging as the Shadow Monarch.
Jinwoo’s combat skills are a blend of agility, endurance, and virtually limitless mana reserves, allowing him to overpower formidable opponents with ease. His repertoire of abilities includes Shadow Extraction, enabling him to forge an army of the undead from fallen foes, and Shadow Exchange, permitting instant teleportation over extensive distances.
As the Shadow Monarch, he commands an army of elite shadow soldiers, featuring formidable entities such as Beru and Igris. This overwhelming force positions him to challenge entire nations single-handedly, eclipsing even National Level Hunters and Monarchs in might. By the conclusion of the series, Jinwoo transcends typical concepts of strength and reality manipulation, establishing himself as an unparalleled figure in the realm of hunters.