One of the most beloved manhwa of all time Solo Leveling is currently thriving with the airing of its second season of the anime adaptation. The universe of Solo Leveling presents a brutal reality where only the strongest survive, and as the narrative progresses, it dives into various conflicting themes.
Themes such as loyalty, free will, and God complex are subtly examined throughout the series. Nevertheless, the primary emphasis of the story remains on the protagonist, Sung Jinwoo. Jinwoo, an E-rank hunter, discovers a path to ascend and emerge as the most powerful human in existence.
Even with his God-like powers, there are creatures that surpass him. Let’s delve into such entities alongside other Solo Leveling characters that stand out as the strongest in this universe.
P.S. Spoilers for the Solo Leveling manhwa are ahead. Read at your own risk.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
Strongest Characters in Solo Leveling:
20. Baek Yoon-Ho
Baek Yoon-Ho | Credit: A1- Pictures
An S-Rank Hunter with beastly skills, he serves as the leader of the White Tiger Guild. Yoon-Ho has the ability to morph into a lion-like beast and excels in close-quarters combat. However, his animal instincts prove to be a hindrance during encounters with the Beast Monarch, along with his struggle in long-range combat.
He predominantly relies on his brute strength and proves ineffective against swifter foes.
19. Cha Hae-In
Cha Hae-In | Credit: A1- Pictures
The sole female S-Rank Hunter in Korea, renowned for her outstanding swordsmanship and fighting prowess. She possesses the capability to potentially overcome Choi Jong-In; however, her inexperience in combat and difficulty executing long-range attacks places her lower on the list of strongest Solo Leveling characters.
18. Choi Jong-In
Choi Jong-In | Credit: A1- Pictures
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
An S-Rank Hunter and head of the Hunters Guild, recognized for his potent flame magic. He stands as the strongest S-rank hunter in South Korea. While some may argue he is weaker than Yoon-Ho, his superior mana levels, intelligence, and capability to execute powerful ranged attacks elevate him above Yoon-Ho.
Cha Hae-In’s aspirations of leading the guild remain unattainable as long as he holds his position as the strongest S-rank hunter.
17. Christopher Reed
Christopher Reed | Credit: Yen Press
A National Level Hunter hailing from America, recognized for his impressive might. As a medium of the Ruler with the ability to use Spiritual Body Manifestation, he was ultimately overwhelmed by 4 Monarchs and met his demise. Nevertheless, his powers are comparable to those of other National Level Hunters.
16. Goto Ryuji
Goto Ryuji | Credit: Yen Press
Japan’s mightiest hunter, whose capabilities are on par with National Level Hunters. Unlike Thomas, he is not a vessel for any Ruler. Although he is slightly superior to an S-rank hunter, unfortunate circumstances led him to face Beru before being defeated by Jinwoo.
15. Liu Zhigang
Liu | Credit: Yen Press
A National Level Hunter from China regarded as one of the strongest hunters on a global scale. Similar to Thomas, he was chosen by a Ruler to act as their semi-perfect host. However, the constraints of being human limit his abilities.
14. Sung Il-Hwan
Sung Il-Hwan | Credit: Yen Press
Sung Jin-Woo’s father, an S-Rank Hunter with remarkable abilities. After getting trapped in a Gate, he was designated as a medium for the Rulers and has dedicated himself to eliminating Monarchs. However, due to the limitations of the human form and his efforts to protect Jinwoo from three other Monarchs, he ultimately exhausts the Ruler’s powers, resulting in his disintegration into light.
13. Thomas Andre
Thomas Andre | Credit: Yen Press
A gangster and mixed martial artist, Thomas Andre stands as the second strongest human in history. His strength derives from the Rulers who granted him their unrecognized grace. Alongside other National Hunters, he received enhanced abilities to oppose the Monarchs during the imminent war.
Both he and Christopher Reed can utilize Spiritual Body Manifestation, allowing them to channel the Rulers’ maximum power through them. Nevertheless, there remains a limit to the capacity of Rulers’ power, as the human body is not fully capable of hosting a Ruler.
12. Igris
Igris | Credit: Yen Press
The knight serving the Shadow Monarch’s kingdom, Igris is a remarkably faithful shadow. Initially unable to speak at the beginning of the series, he gains this ability as he levels up with Jinwoo and expresses his deep loyalty towards Ashborn to the audience.
Just like Beru, Igris is a Marshal Grade shadow warrior, surpassed only by Bellion. He is recognized as the strongest swordsman in Jinwoo’s army, possessing the highest intelligence stats.
11. Kamish
Kamish | Credit: Yen Press
Kamish was a legendary dragon. His unique roar instilled fear among those weaker than him. It required the combined efforts of 6 National Level Hunters, along with many other ranks, to slay the dragon. This battle marked a significant moment in which Thomas Andre gained considerable recognition.
10. Beru
Beru | Credit: Yen Press
A beast endowed with extraordinary intelligence and inherent loyalty, Beru was formerly the Ant King, obeying the Ant Queen’s commands. Known for his remarkable speed and healing abilities, he single-handedly defeated several S-rank hunters from Japan and consumed their remains.
With each foe he consumed, his intelligence and strength grew. Following his defeat by Jinwoo, Beru became his most loyal servant and advanced to the rank of Marshal, rivaling Igris and succeeded by Bellion.
Jinwoo trusts Beru so much that he assigned him to protect and train his son Soho Sung following the events of Solo Leveling.
9. Monarch of White Flames (Baran)
Baran | Credit: Yen Press
The Demon King Baran is a formidable Monarch who controls white flames. As the mightiest demon, he was immensely proud of his capabilities. Yet, he fell prey to the deceitful words of Antares, betraying the Shadow Monarch during the war against Rulers, leading to Ashborn’s demise at his hands.
8. Monarch of Iron Body (Tarnak)
Tarnak | Credit: Yen Press
Tarnak is well-known for his immense physical strength and resilience. His egotism ultimately led to his downfall. Confident in his telepathy and physical attributes, he confronted Thomas Andre, who was ready for their clash.
Thomas, with the assistance of Jinwoo’s shadows including Beru, Bellion, and Tusk, managed to vanquish Tarnak.
7. Monarch of Plagues (Querehsha)
Monarch of Plagues | Credit: Yen Press
A Monarch acclaimed for her lethal plagues and remarkable strength, Querehsha is the Monarch of Plagues. Possessing control over all things toxic, she is also crowned as the queen of insects, attempting to compel Beru to submit. However, Beru’s unwavering fidelity to Jinwoo prevailed, leading to her eventual defeat at his hands.
6. Monarch of Frost (Sillad)
Monarch Of Frost | Credit: Yen Press
In the Solo Leveling verse, Monarchs are the demon counterparts of the Rulers, who represent angels. Sillad was the Monarch of Frost and governed over beings of ice. He is among the Monarchs who betrayed the Shadow Monarch in the early war against Rulers after falling for Antares’s deceptions.
As a Monarch, he effortlessly surpasses National Level Hunters and possesses the potential to devastate entire nations with his immense strength and magical abilities.
5. Bellion
Bellion | Credit: Yen Press
Bellion is recognized as one of the most devoted soldiers of the Shadow Monarch and the Absolute Being. He voluntarily requested Ashborn to transform him into a shadow to remain by his side. Although he was not the strongest among the rulers, he opposed the murder of the Absolute Being.
Bellion possesses a Grand Marshal level, making him the strongest among all shadows serving Jinwoo/Ashborn, thus being weaker than no one except Ashborn/Jinwoo in the shadow army.
4. Antares (Monarch of Destruction)
Antares | Credit: Yen Press
Reputed as the King of Dragons, Antares is the most powerful of the Monarchs and stands as the final adversary. His combat prowess compelled Jinwoo to rely on his shadows even with the Shadow Monarch’s boundless powers.
He holds a significant position in the universe and possesses immunity against events such as timeline erasure and alterations in time.
3. Sung Jin-Woo
Sung Jin Woo | Credit: Yen Press
Transitioning from the weakest hunter in all of South Korea, he emerges as the second Shadow Monarch, surpassing all in strength. Sung Jinwoo not only becomes the most powerful human in the universe but also ascends to the rank of the most formidable monarch.
Following the events of the final arc, Jinwoo’s fighting capabilities rival multiple Rulers, compounded with the abilities of Ashborn, placing him third on our list of the strongest Solo Leveling characters.
2. Ashborn (Shadow Monarch)
Ashborn | Credit: Yen Press
Ashborn, the original Shadow Monarch, is also referred to as the King of the Dead. He is the Greatest Fragment of Brilliant Light, crafted by the Absolute Being for utmost loyalty and endowed with the power to command the dead. This ability significantly influenced the battles against Rulers and Monarchs.
Prior to merging with Jinwoo, Ashborn reigned as both the strongest Monarch and Ruler. However, similar to the Absolute Being, Rulers ambushed Ashborn, employing divide-and-conquer tactics among him and other Monarchs.
Nonetheless, he holds a deep concern for humanity and aspires to shield them, in contrast to the Rulers’ intention to exploit humanity and the Monarchs’ desire to eliminate them.
1. The Absolute Being
The Absolute Being | Credit: Yen Press
An extraordinary being endowed with God-like abilities. He is the creator of the Solo Leveling universe, alongside similar entities that craft universes and compel their inhabitants to fight amongst themselves purely for entertainment.
With unparalleled knowledge and the capacity to forge universes, The Absolute Being occupies the pinnacle of the hierarchy. He is also recognized as the Brilliant Light, his grace illuminating his subjects.
