Solo Leveling S-Rank Characters: Full Rankings & Breakdown

S-Rank hunters stand at the very edge of human power in Solo Leveling. From unstoppable national-level monsters to rare anomalies that defy every rule, Solo Leveling S-Rank Characters are anything but equal. These are the individuals who shape wars, decide dungeon outcomes, and make entire nations hold their breath. This ranking breaks down who truly stands above the rest and why their power matters.

Full List of all S-Rank Characters in Solo Leveling

In Solo Leveling, hunters are graded from E to S using measurable mana output, with S-Rank as the highest official tier. The system has limits, though. It cannot accurately measure extreme anomalies or evolving power. We ranked all S-Rank characters using clear factors: raw combat power, mana capacity, documented feats, versatility, and canon consistency across the manhwa and light novel.

Below is a compact summary of every confirmed S-Rank character, including national-level hunters and system anomalies. Use it for fast comparison before we break down the strongest ten.

While all S-Rank hunters surpass normal limits, their power varies widely. National-level hunters and system anomalies sit far above role-specialists, proving that S-Rank is a category—not a guarantee of equal strength.

Top 10 Strongest S-Rank Hunters in Solo Leveling

#1 Sung Jinwoo

Sung Jinwoo is officially classified as an S-Rank hunter after reassessment, yet his power immediately exceeds the limits of the hunter evaluation system. Unlike traditional S-Ranks, Jinwoo’s mana does not have a measurable ceiling, making standard devices ineffective. His rise from the weakest E-Rank to S-Rank is not the result of latent talent alone, but a unique growth mechanic that allows constant, exponential improvement through combat.

What truly separates Jinwoo from every other S-Rank hunter is his Shadow Army and independent combat scaling. He can overwhelm national-level hunters without external support and sustain prolonged battles alone. Because his strength continues to evolve even after reaching S-Rank, Jinwoo is treated as a system anomaly rather than a conventional benchmark for hunter power.

#2 Thomas Andre

Thomas Andre represents the absolute peak of conventional S-Rank hunters. As a national-level hunter, his raw physical power and durability far surpass standard S-Ranks. Canon scenes establish that his strength alone is enough to overpower elite hunters with ease, and his mana output places him among the highest ever recorded within the system’s limits.

Andre’s combat style relies on overwhelming force rather than technique, yet it remains devastatingly effective. Even so, his power still exists within the boundaries of the hunter framework. Against Monarch-tier enemies, Andre is shown to be outmatched, reinforcing that while he is the strongest “normal” S-Rank hunter, he does not transcend the system the way Jinwoo does.

#3 Liu Zhigang

Liu Zhigang is China’s sole national-level hunter and one of the most feared S-Ranks globally. Canon descriptions emphasize his extraordinary speed and swordsmanship, with implications that his reaction time and precision rival or exceed those of most elite hunters. Despite limited direct combat scenes, his reputation alone establishes him as a top-tier threat acknowledged by international associations.

What makes Liu unique among S-Ranks is efficiency rather than brute force. His combat style minimizes wasted movement and mana usage, allowing him to dispatch enemies rapidly. Although he lacks the extensive on-panel feats of Thomas Andre, canon consistently places Liu Zhigang in the same upper echelon of S-Rank hunters based on implied strength and status.

#4 Christopher Reed

Christopher Reed is confirmed as a national-level hunter, placing him above the vast majority of S-Rank hunters by default. His mana reserves and destructive capability are described as immense, enough to warrant global attention. Even with limited appearances, the narrative treats his presence as a major power shift whenever he is involved.

Reed’s downfall does not diminish his standing as one of the strongest S-Ranks; rather, it highlights the gap between national-level hunters and god-tier entities. Canon evidence suggests that, prior to his defeat, Reed possessed combat power rivaling the strongest human hunters. His ranking reflects confirmed status and demonstrated impact, not screen time.

#5 Go Gunhee

Go Gunhee is an S-Rank hunter whose true strength is constrained by age and illness during the story’s timeline. Canon confirms that in his prime, he stood among the most powerful hunters of his generation. His instincts, aura, and presence continue to command respect even when he is no longer able to fight at full capacity.

What distinguishes Go Gunhee is latent power rather than active feats. His authority is not political alone; it is rooted in genuine combat strength recognized by other S-Ranks. While his physical limitations prevent him from ranking higher, canon makes it clear that his past peak rivals many hunters who currently surpass him.

#6 Cha Hae-In

Cha Hae-In is widely recognized as the strongest active S-Rank hunter in South Korea aside from Jinwoo. Her heightened sensory perception allows her to detect mana fluctuations with extreme accuracy, giving her a decisive edge in close combat. Combined with elite swordsmanship, she excels in direct engagements.

Unlike brute-force S-Ranks, Cha Hae-In’s strength lies in precision and efficiency. Canon consistently shows her outperforming other Korean S-Ranks in real combat scenarios. While her raw power does not reach national-level status, her reliability and combat effectiveness place her at the top of standard S-Rank hunters.

#7 Goto Ryuji

Goto Ryuji is Japan’s strongest S-Rank hunter and the leader of its elite strike force. Canon establishes his confidence and combat ability as well-earned, with strength that clearly surpasses most standard S-Ranks. His leadership role is based on power, not politics.

However, Goto’s limitations become evident when compared to national-level hunters. While formidable within his tier, he lacks the overwhelming presence needed to challenge top global threats. His ranking reflects his dominance among regular S-Ranks while acknowledging the clear ceiling of his power.

#8 Baek Yoonho

Baek Yoonho is an S-Rank hunter specializing in frontline combat through his beast transformation. This ability grants him enhanced strength, durability, and aggression, making him an effective tank in large-scale battles. Canon portrays him as a dependable powerhouse rather than a decisive finisher.

His limitations stem from role specialization. While Baek excels at absorbing damage and holding enemies in place, he lacks the versatility and burst damage of higher-ranked S-Ranks. As a result, his strength is situational, effective in team combat but less dominant in solo encounters.

#9 Choi Jong-In

Choi Jong-In is Korea’s most powerful mage-type S-Rank hunter, known for large-scale fire magic capable of altering entire battlefields. His spells deliver immense destructive power and provide strategic control during raids. Canon consistently shows his value in high-threat situations.

Despite his offensive output, Choi’s physical fragility limits his ranking. In close combat or surprise encounters, he is vulnerable compared to melee-focused S-Ranks. His placement reflects a balance between overwhelming magical damage and inherent defensive weaknesses.

#10 Yuri Orloff

Yuri Orloff is a rare S-Rank hunter whose strength lies almost entirely in defensive utility. His barrier abilities are powerful enough to protect entire cities, making him strategically invaluable during large-scale threats. Canon treats his skill set as unique rather than combat-focused.

However, Yuri’s lack of offensive capability places him lower in direct power rankings. He is not designed for one-on-one combat or sustained damage output. His position reflects the importance of specialization while acknowledging that raw combat strength defines higher rankings.

Final Verdict: Understanding Power Beyond S-Rank in Solo Leveling

While this list focuses exclusively on S-Rank characters, it’s important to understand that S-Rank represents the upper limit of the human hunter system, not the absolute peak of power in the Solo Leveling universe.

As the story progresses, entities such as Monarchs and Rulers exist on an entirely different scale. One that conventional hunter rankings were never designed to measure. This is why even the strongest national-level S-Rank hunters can appear overwhelmingly outmatched against god-tier beings.

Additionally, power portrayal can vary slightly depending on whether the anime, manhwa, or light novel is used as a reference. While the core hierarchy remains consistent, certain feats, pacing, or emphasis may differ between adaptations. For this ranking, priority is given to canon-consistent feats and established power scaling, ensuring the list reflects overall combat effectiveness rather than momentary advantages or adaptation-specific scenes.

Ultimately, S-Rank hunters represent the pinnacle of humanity’s strength within the system. But Solo Leveling makes it clear that true power extends far beyond labels, rankings, and measured mana alone.