WARNING: Spoilers for Solo Leveling beyond the anime!!In the world of Solo Leveling, S-rank hunters stand as the pinnacle of humanity’s power, wielding unmatched abilities that make them the strongest line of defense against magical beasts. Each S-rank hunter possesses a unique skill set, ensuring that no two are exactly alike. These elite individuals are not just powerful, they are forces of nature, capable of single-handedly shifting the tide of battle. Despite their scarcity, they wield immense influence, with the strongest among them earning global recognition. Their feats often become legendary, inspiring awe and fear in equal measure among both fellow hunters and the general populace.
What separates S-rank hunters from the rest is their unmeasurable mana, a trait that makes even the most advanced devices incapable of assessing their full strength. Their abilities often transcend conventional limitations, granting them power akin to that of a small army. Among them, five have ascended beyond mere S-rank status to become National Level Hunters, capable of rivaling entire nations in strength. A new S-rank awakening is always a significant event, sending ripples through the hunter community and beyond. The emergence of a new powerhouse has the potential to shift the balance of power in both national and global conflicts.
13 Yuri Orloff
The Best -Type Hunter
A Russian S-rank hunter, Yuri Orloff specializes in barrier magic, making him one of the strongest -type hunters. His skillset focuses on containment rather than direct combat, which was evident when he attempted to seal an S-rank gate in Tokyo. However, his barriers were easily shattered by a giant, raising questions about his true effectiveness in high-level battles. While his ability is remarkable in scenarios, it falls short against overwhelming raw power. His techniques excel at delaying or limiting the movement of enemies, which can be crucial in large-scale operations where control of the battlefield determines the outcome.
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Despite his defensive nature, Orloff’s ability to control mana on a large scale is impressive. His technique allows him to manipulate the battlefield, but he lacks offensive prowess. Compared to other S-ranks, Orloff’s strength lies in strategy and rather than direct combat, limiting his ranking among the strongest hunters. Nevertheless, his presence in a battle significantly enhances his allies’ survival rate, making him an invaluable asset in cooperative engagements against high-level threats.
12 Lennart Niermann
’s Strongest Hunter
Lennary Niermann holds the title of ’s top hunter, ranking 12th worldwide. As the leader of the Richter Guild, he has showcased exceptional combat skills, particularly with his Charge ability, which allows him to create powerful energy gauntlets. This skill enables him to both enhance his melee attacks and fire energy blasts, demonstrating versatility in combat. His proficiency in combining speed and strength makes him a dangerous adversary, capable of overwhelming opponents before they have time to react.
Despite his formidable abilities, Lennart does not reach the upper echelons of S-rank powerhouses. He lacks the overwhelming presence and raw power exhibited by some of the strongest hunters. Nevertheless, his tactical awareness and battle instincts make him an important figure in the fight against high-ranking magic beasts. His ability to adapt to different combat situations ensures that he remains relevant in both solo and team-based battles, making him one of Europe’s most respected hunters.
11 Hwang Dongsoo
A Brute with Enhanced Strength
Originally a Korean S-rank hunter, Hwang Dongsoo relocated to America and received an his abilities from Norma Selner. This enhancement significantly boosted his strength, making him a formidable fighter. His raw physical power allowed him to stand against high-level hunters, though he ultimately met his end at the hands of Sung Jinwoo. His fighting style relied heavily on brute force, enabling him to dominate weaker opponents through sheer physical superiority.
Dongsoo’s aggressive nature and brute strength make him a dangerous opponent, but his overconfidence and lack of strategic depth led to his downfall. His durability and destructive potential place him above many other S-rank hunters, but he remains far from the strongest. His reliance on raw power without refined technique ultimately proved to be his greatest weakness, limiting his effectiveness against opponents with superior strategy and agility.
10 Goto Ryuji
Japan’s Strongest Hunter
As the leader of the Blade Guild, Goto Ryuji was regarded as Japan’s top hunter and a powerful combatant. His abilities allowed him to briefly keep up with the monstrous Ant King, showcasing his strength in battle. However, his overestimation of his power led to his downfall, as he was quickly defeated. His reputation as a fearsome warrior was well-earned, but his failure to recognize his limits proved fatal.
Despite his tragic fate, Goto’s combat skills and leadership earned him recognition. His sparring session with Jinwoo highlighted his abilities, though he ultimately fell short against the true monsters of the world. His legacy as a strong and prideful hunter remains a testament to his skill, and his presence in Japan’s hunter community left a lasting impact on those who followed in his footsteps.
9 Min Byung-gu
The Supreme Healer
As one of the most powerful healers, Min Byung-gu played a crucial role in battle. Despite being a -type hunter, his combat skills were comparable to A-rank fighters, allowing him to hold his own against formidable foes.
Even after death, his shadow retained enough power to bring allies back from the brink.
His ability to instantly heal critical injuries made him invaluable. Even after death, his shadow retained enough power to bring allies back from the brink. His ranking reflects his unique and irreplaceable abilities in combat.
8 Lim Tae-gyu
The Deadly Marksman
Lim Tae-gyu is the Guild Master of the Fiend Guild and an S-Rank Archer, renowned for his Superhuman Archery skills. His precision is unmatched, capable of striking targets from extreme distances with deadly accuracy. Unlike many hunters who rely on brute force or close combat, Lim specializes in long-range elimination, making him one of the most dangerous marksmen in Korea.
His arrows, enhanced with mana, can pierce through even the toughest magical defenses. Though quiet and often underestimated compared to other S-Rank hunters, his ability to eliminate threats before they even reach him proves his lethal efficiency. His presence in a raid ensures control over the battlefield from afar.
7 Ma Dongwook
The Unbreakable Tank
Ma Dongwook is an S-Rank Tank and a key member of the Knights Guild, known for his unparalleled defensive abilities. His Reinforced Body skill grants him superhuman durability, allowing him to withstand attacks that would obliterate most hunters. As a tank, he plays a crucial role in raids by drawing enemy aggro and protecting his teammates.
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While he may not have the offensive capabilities of some S-Rank hunters, his ability to endure punishment makes him an invaluable asset in long battles. Outside of combat, Ma is a loyal and dependable guild member, known for his calm demeanor and unwavering resolve.
6 Cha Hae-in
The Graceful Swordswoman
Nicknamed “the Dancer,” Cha Hae-in’s swordsmanship and agility made her one of Korea’s strongest hunters. She could keep up with Jinwoo’s strongest shadow soldier, Igris, proving her remarkable combat abilities. Her heightened sense of smell allowed her to detect mana better than most hunters, giving her an advantage in identifying threats. Her Sword of Light and Sword Dance techniques granted her extraordinary attack speed and precision. These abilities allowed her to carve through enemies with unmatched grace and power, making her a dangerous adversary in battle.
Cha Hae-in’s instincts and reflexes also enabled her to counter high-level opponents effectively. Despite being one of the few female S-rank hunters, she never lagged behind her male counterparts. Her determination and skill placed her above many other S-ranks, solidifying her position as a top-tier fighter. She played a crucial role in some of the most dangerous battles, proving herself a formidable warrior time and time again.
5 Go Gunhee
The Veteran Warrior
As the head of the Korean Hunters Association, Go Gunhee was once one of the strongest hunters. Despite his age, he displayed incredible power, even fighting the Monarchs in his final moments. His raw strength and experience made him a force to be reckoned with, and his leadership was vital in protecting Korea. His status as a Ruler’s vessel granted him formidable telekinetic abilities, allowing him to manipulate objects and crush enemies with sheer willpower. His ability to wield Ruler’s Authority made him one of the few humans capable of resisting the overwhelming power of the Monarchs, proving his worth as a legendary hunter.
Even though he had aged and could no longer fight at his peak, his presence alone commanded respect. Had he retained his prime strength, he would likely rank even higher among S-rank hunters. His last stand against the Monarchs was a testament to his undying resolve, making him one of the most memorable warriors in Solo Leveling.
4 Sung Il-hwan
The Hidden Power
Sung Jinwoo’s father, Sung Il-hwan, possessed immense strength. As a Ruler’s vessel, he could combat Monarchs on equal footing, proving himself to be far beyond a typical S-rank hunter. His ability to move undetected and strike from the shadows made him a dangerous adversary, even against god-like enemies. His stealth ability allowed him to ambush even the strongest foes, making him a near-perfect assassin. Unlike other hunters, he was capable of enduring battles against multiple high-level opponents without faltering. His speed, agility, and raw power made him one of the most formidable warriors in existence.
His mission to protect humanity from the Monarchs was unwavering, even at the cost of his own life. His sacrificial battle against the Monarch of Frost showcased his incredible resilience and fighting prowess. His skills and raw power placed him among the most elite S-rank hunters, earning him a high-ranking spot in the hunter hierarchy.
