Fullmetal Alchemist: 7 Strongest State Alchemists, Ranked

The anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood features a detailed world, including the prestigious rank of State Alchemist. While the Amestris military has a large army with soldiers, tanks, and even Chimera soldiers, State Alchemists are its most powerful assets. Edward Elric sometimes downplays his own abilities, referring to himself as just a tool of the military with that rank, but the truth is that State Alchemists are among the most skilled and talented individuals in all of Amestris.

State alchemists receive numerous benefits in addition to the opportunity to demonstrate their skills. They hold the rank of Major – a detail Edward Elric once pointed out to Buccaneer – and have unlimited funding for their research and activities. Some state alchemists are dedicated scientists, like the troubled Tim Marcoh and the despised Shou Tucker, while others are powerful combatants who drive the exciting action in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Giolio Comanche Didn’t Stand a Chance Against Scar

Comanche Has Lots of Transmutation Circles But Not Much Power

Giolio Comanche, a state alchemist known for his top hat and ability to create weapons from steel and silver, is widely considered the least powerful of his peers. Despite his skills, he didn’t achieve much prominence in the anime. A tragic flashback reveals he lost a leg during the Ishval conflict, unlike other state alchemists who made it through unharmed.

I watched as Comanche’s fight with Scar went downhill quickly. He was incredibly fast, spinning and slashing with his blades, but it didn’t seem to faze Scar at all. It was over when Scar tossed Comanche into the water – he just couldn’t recover. It became clear that despite all his speed and skill, Comanche is really vulnerable; one solid hit is all it takes to take him down.

Basque Grand Loves Heavy-Duty Weapons and Barriers

His Iron Lost the Battle Against Scar’s Fury

Giolio Comanche and Basque Grand are minor characters who were both defeated by Scar. While they had slightly bigger roles in the original Fullmetal Alchemist manga and the 2003 anime compared to the 2009 version, neither of them are among the most powerful state alchemists.

Basque Grand prospered by fighting and surviving the Ishval Civil War, but his good fortune ended when Scar sought revenge. While Basque’s alchemy—which created impressive defensive walls and working cannons using iron—was visually striking, Scar was able to overcome it with his own abilities.

Isaac McDougal Threatened All of Central With His Rebellion

Isaac is Weak at Close Range, as Wrath Showed

I remember watching the start of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and being immediately struck by Isaac McDougal. He’s an original character created for the anime, and he really made an impact right away. Before even Edward’s fight with Father Cornello, Isaac was causing chaos all over Central City with his incredibly powerful ice alchemy. He definitely set the stage for a thrilling series!

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If Isaac had time to prepare and set up his transmutation circles, he was a powerful opponent, even for skilled alchemists like Edward and Roy. But in close combat, which Wrath favored, Isaac struggled. He needed room to maneuver and properly activate his circles to create ice or steam and escape.

Solf J. Kimblee Specializes in Destroying Buildings

Kimblee Reveled in the Ishval Civil War’s Carnage

Solf J. Kimblee appeared less powerful in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, but that was likely because he hadn’t practiced his alchemy in a while after being imprisoned, and he openly admitted it. In his prime, Kimblee was a terrifying figure during the Ishval Civil War, using a Philosopher’s Stone to obliterate entire structures in Ishval settlements. He caused more destruction than any other state alchemist and reveled in it.

Kimblee, like many state alchemists, isn’t as strong in close combat, which Edward Elric attempted to use to his advantage during their fight in a northern mining town. He relies on distance to effectively use his explosive alchemy, and if his hand-based transmutation circles are damaged, he needs a Philosopher’s Stone to continue. Beyond his alchemical abilities, Kimblee is known for his cruel demeanor and exceptional tracking skills, which contribute to his reputation as one of the most formidable state alchemists.

Alex Armstrong Blends Melee Power With Traditional Alchemy

Armstrong Takes Immense Pride in His Technique

Major Alex Armstrong was once cautioned by Wrath for being too merciful and honorable during combat, but he’s a skilled and kind-hearted fighter nonetheless. Though he initially participated in the Ishval Civil War against his better judgment and even disobeyed orders, he later used his abilities to fight against Father’s forces during the central conflict of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Alex is a powerful fighter who blends skilled hand-to-hand combat with potent alchemy to defeat his enemies, whether they are artificial beings, monstrous creatures, soldiers, or other alchemists. He has the greatest stamina of any State Alchemist, and surprisingly, relies on alchemy less than most of them – though he still uses it extensively.

Edward Elric is the Youngest State Alchemist in History

Ed’s Quick Wit is His Real Best Weapon

Edward Elric is considered one of the most powerful state alchemists, and it’s not simply because of his alchemy skills. Similar to Alex Armstrong, he combines alchemy with martial arts, but their approaches are quite different. Armstrong relies on immense strength and stamina, while Ed uses quick, agile movements and his smaller stature to dodge attacks and strike from surprising positions.

Edward is a highly skilled alchemist, exceptional even among his peers. Unlike many others, he doesn’t rely on complex transmutation circles, making him less vulnerable in combat. He’s also incredibly clever, using a combination of scientific knowledge and well-placed traps to avoid danger and capture opponents. While he might not be physically imposing, Edward consistently defeats larger and stronger enemies by being resourceful and outsmarting them with efficient tactics.

Roy Mustang Incinerates His Foes With Little Effort

Roy Destroyed Both Lust and Envy with His Flame Alchemy

When it comes to state alchemists, Alex is known for his strength, Ed for his intelligence, and Kimblee for his cruelty. However, Colonel Roy Mustang, the flame alchemist, surpasses them all in sheer offensive power. Thanks to a fighting style taught to him by Riza Hawkeye’s father – efficient and devastating – he’s considered the military’s most valuable asset. As the only one who uses flame alchemy, Roy skillfully exploits this unique ability.

Roy is a highly skilled flame alchemist who doesn’t hold back when fighting. He can instantly incinerate single opponents or large groups, like the training dummies, with just a snap of his fingers. What’s even more impressive is his precision – he can control his attacks to minimize damage to anything around the target. Combining this with his ability to evaporate opponents with a snap of his left hand explains how he defeated two of Father’s powerful homunculi.

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2026-04-11 14:05