My Hero Academia's Most Underrated Quirks

Summary

Quirks like Telescopic, Air Walk, and Zoom may seem useless for offense but are creatively used for defense or support in battles.
Not all Quirks are meant for direct harm – Barrier, Search, and High Spec are prime examples of Quirks used for defense or intelligence gathering.
Characters like Tatami, Tatami, Uwabami, Tengai, Mei, Ragdoll, and Nezu show how even seemingly useless Quirks can be valuable in various scenarios.

In the world of My Hero Academia, nearly all quirks have battle-worthy potential, enabling both heroes and villains to inflict significant damage through their distinctive abilities. However, when an individual possesses a quirk that doesn’t directly cause harm, it can pose challenges in finding a suitable role, particularly in a society where conflicts are frequent due to the ever-present threat of roaming villains.

One key idea consistently present in My Hero Academia is that every Quirk, even if it appears useless at first, can be transformed into a reliable asset through diligence and training. Similarly, there are numerous characters who have effectively utilized their Quirks, despite the abilities not being able to inflict direct physical or mental harm on opponents. Here are some examples of such characters that stand out in the series.

7. Telescopic

A Useless Quirk For Offense, But A Real Life-Saver When It Comes To Defense

First Appearance: Episode 54

In the twinkling of an instant, Tatami swiftly pulls back all her limbs inside her body, much like a retreating turtle, to dodge a lethal strike. This trait gives her incredible resilience, yet her Telescopic Quirk cannot be employed to harm her adversary whatsoever. As a result, it has proven challenging for Tatami to discover an appropriate role as a hero, given the self-centered nature of her ability.

either creating a diversion for Pro-Heroes to intervene or navigating through tight spots during covert operations. This versatile ability may not have the power to vanquish villains yet, but it certainly adds an element of fun and creativity to her battles.

6. Air Walk

Being Able To Reach High Vantage Points Makes A Marksman’s Job A Whole Lot Easier

First Appearance: Episode 49

The origin of Air Walk prior to All For One acquiring it remains unknown, but what’s certain is that long-range fighters will benefit most from its abilities. As the name suggests, Air Walk enables characters to outsmart their opponents by generating aerial platforms for strategic positioning, much like Lady Nagant demonstrated with her use of the ability.

Air Walk, by itself, doesn’t inflict any physical harm, but it served as an ideal companion to Nagant’s Rifle Skill, enabling her to attain a vantage point from which she could observe her adversary closely before discharging a shot. Similarly, All For One utilized this ability to gain the upper hand against powerful Pro-Heroes who could potentially deal heavy damage to him when he was on ground level.

5. Serpentress

Being Able To Identify Civilians In Danger Allows Heroes To Get Stuck Into The Action As Quickly As Possible

First Appearance: Episode 27

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but marvel at Uwabami’s unique ability! Her distinctive trio of serpentine sensors protruding from her cranium allows her to sense villains lurking in the shadows or civilians in distress from afar, making her an indispensable Pro Hero for evacuation and espionage missions. Although she doesn’t always make a grand appearance in the story as often as some of her fellow Pro-Heroes, her impact is undeniable. During the climactic war, she tirelessly sought out innocent civilians buried beneath the wreckage and debris, ensuring they were safely rescued. Truly, Uwabami’s contributions are nothing short of heroic!

Although these vibrantly colored snakes might seem menacing at first glance, based on the depiction in the series, they do not bite. On the contrary, they are utilized for their exceptional senses to aid Uwabami and the other heroes during missions when every second counts, as they cannot afford to waste time.

4. Barrier

One Of The Best Defensive Quirks In The Series Which Excels At Holding Back Lethal Attacks

First Appearance: Episode 72

Despite not being particularly flashy, there’s no denying that Barrier remains a formidable Quirk, though it’s not so much for its offensive prowess. This unique ability is incredibly resilient, able to withstand an astonishing amount of incoming attacks. In fact, when Fat Gum and the other heroes arrived, Tengai was able to protect himself and Overhaul’s minions behind this indomitable shield.

In essence, the unique trait of Barrier is its defensive nature, making it incapable of causing harm to opponents. This might not appeal to many villains who prefer destructive powers, but Tengai found joy in utilizing it for protection, safeguarding Overhaul and his unconventional allies.

3. Zoom

While Zoom Is Useful For A Mechanic Like Mei, It Wouldn’t Be All That Powerful Out On The Battlefield

First Appearance: Episode 53

Given that Mei devotes most of her time in the Development Studio to designing novel suits and enhancing weapons, her Quirk, which enables her eyes to function like telescopes and magnify any object she chooses to scrutinize, proves immensely beneficial for the intricate and unusual machinery she often handles.

She’s equally adept at identifying prospective investors and supporters amidst vast numbers using Zoom, which makes Mei an ideal candidate for this power given its versatility. Unlike a frontline combatant who might not fully leverage Zoom, it fits Mei perfectly, aligning seamlessly with her inquisitive and perceptive nature.

2. Search

An Invaluable Tool For All For One Which Isn’t Inherently A Harmful Ability

First Appearance: Episode 41

In the Forest Training Camp arc, the ability known as “Search” was first introduced, but it didn’t belong to one character for long before being stolen by All For One. Originally, this Quirk belonged to a character named Ragdoll. He described it as the power to scan an individual, save them in a mental catalog, and then locate them anywhere, regardless of their hiding place.

Rapidly obtaining this Quirk was crucial for All For One, as he understood that it would immediately boost his power and enable him to outmaneuver any heroes trying to hinder his path towards becoming the Demon Lord. While not inherently malicious, this Quirk could drastically alter the balance of power, allowing villains to counter their foes merely by looking at them.

1. High Spec

Nezu Uses His Enhanced IQ To Guide And Support The Other Pro-Heroes

First Appearance: Episode 4

In many instances, abilities exist that enable individuals to transform into animals, but it’s scarcely observed for animals to assume human forms. Nezu, a mouse, is an exceptional case due to his High-Spec Quirk, which grants him an intelligence surpassing that of humans, explaining why he secured the top position at U-A.

Nezu seems more comfortable in strategic planning than in manual labor, but few can match his skill in this area. He frequently employs his Quirk for maintaining U.A.’s defense system or devising a battle plan against villains. However, when the school’s reputation is at stake, he swiftly deploys High Spec to determine the optimal solution, thereby using his words of confidence and reassurance to shield the students.

2025-04-22 06:34

My Hero Academia’s Most Underrated Quirks