Fullmetal Alchemist: 10 Strongest Characters Who Can’t Use Alchemy, Ranked

Fullmetal Alchemist remains a beloved action anime, largely due to its unique and thrilling power system based on alchemy. It’s impressive to see characters thrive in this world without using alchemy, and the series thoughtfully explores what non-alchemists can achieve, highlighting the importance of balance and different kinds of strength.

Okay, so we didn’t include everyone in our ranking, and I get why some people might ask about characters like Edward Elric. He’s amazing, and Fullmetal Alchemist is still one of the best shonen anime you can find on Hulu, but he actually loses his alchemy powers by the end of the series! It just didn’t quite fit our criteria. And Winry Rockbell? She’s fantastic, a total badass with those automail arms she builds, but she’s more about creating than fighting, you know? She’s the one building the heroes, not being one, which is why she didn’t quite make the cut.

10. Jean Havoc

A Country Man Turned Knight

Jean Havoc is a remarkably skilled individual who’s always up for a challenge, even if it means creating a little chaos. Similar to his teammates in Roy Mustang’s group, he doesn’t practice alchemy. Instead, he excels with firearms and managing supplies.

Jean Havoc is a skilled marksman, similar to Riza Hawkeye, but he’s considered one of the best snipers in anime. While he may not be quite as legendary, Havoc compensates with incredible willpower and physical strength. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down after being attacked by Lust, he perseveres with his training and eventually regains the use of his legs. Beyond his strength, Havoc is intelligent and deeply loyal, consistently using his family’s resources to support Roy Mustang. He’s a capable fighter, rivaling many skilled gunslingers in anime, and also proves to be resourceful in handling logistics, providing essential information, weapons, and supplies for his team.

9. Maes Hughes

A Family Man to the End

Though Maes Hughes isn’t the most physically powerful soldier in Amestris, he’s remarkably sharp and insightful. He’s different from many other soldiers who were deeply affected by the Ishval Civil War, as he remains mentally stable and demonstrates true resilience. Having a loving wife and daughter undoubtedly helps him stay balanced and focused.

Despite his warm and approachable personality, Maes Hughes is a remarkably clever strategist. He’s known for boosting spirits and staying strong mentally, and many fans consider him one of the most lovable dads in anime. However, his greatest strength is his intelligence. Even with limited screen time, he consistently shines when it comes to investigations, noticing details and connections that others miss.

Maes Hughes is incredibly skilled with both push daggers and throwing knives, able to use them with deadly accuracy. A prime example of this is his fight against Lust, where, even while severely wounded, he managed to strike her directly between the eyes with a thrown knife.

8. Barry the Chopper

A Bodiless Killer of Killers

Barry the Chopper is a terrifying villain created by combining a serial killer’s mind with an empty suit of armor. He doesn’t have magical abilities like some characters – instead, he relies on frightening fighting skills, a sharp intellect, and unpredictable behavior to overwhelm his opponents.

Barry is a formidable anime fighter, known for wielding massive meat cleavers. He’s a relentless hunter who shows no mercy. Because his spirit is trapped within armor, Barry isn’t affected by normal human weaknesses like pain, tiredness, hunger, or thirst – only a powerful craving for blood.

Barry’s biggest vulnerability is a fragile connection between his body and soul, which keeps him grounded. After his battle with Lust, he accidentally sets in motion his own demise. Driven by a need to reconnect with his soul, he unknowingly damages this vital connection, leading to his death.

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7. Captain Buccaneer

The Mad Bear Man of Briggs

Captain Buccaneer is an exceptional officer who stands out for his resilience. He endures the brutal winter conditions around Fort Briggs through sheer willpower, physical strength, and his automail enhancements. He projects a similar commanding presence to the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch from anime, making him another unforgettable supporting character in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood who deserves recognition.

Captain Buccaneer isn’t just determined – he’s incredibly strong and durable. He easily overcomes any physical challenge, whether it’s breaking through concrete or battling powerful opponents. A prime example of his strength is when he effortlessly tossed the massive creature Sloth around as if it were nothing.

Captain Buccaneer is a formidable opponent not just because of his size and steely determination, but also thanks to his advanced automail limbs. These powerful, adaptable arms are designed to function in extreme cold while delivering devastating attacks. However, even his durable M1913-A “Crocodile” and M1910 “Mad Bear Grade” automail aren’t strong enough to withstand attacks from Wrath, a famously powerful character from action anime.

6. Riza Hawkeye

The Queen of the Firing Range

First Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye is a highly skilled soldier, both a precise shooter and a clever strategist. She’s an expert with all types of firearms, consistently hitting her targets with remarkable accuracy. Though she was an outstanding sniper during the Ishval Civil War, she still carries the emotional weight of her experiences there.

Riza Hawkeye might not be the first blonde anime heroine that comes to mind, but she’s incredibly capable. She’s a master of shooting, especially with two guns at once – a skill very few can achieve. Combined with her strategic thinking and strong teamwork, particularly with Colonel Mustang, it’s obvious why she’s considered his most valuable asset – the ‘Queen’ on his team.

Riza Hawkeye’s greatest strength lies in her incredible willpower and mental resilience. She’s capable of keeping vital secrets safe and fiercely protecting the people she cares about. This is symbolized by the tattoo of her father’s Flame Alchemy on her back, making her the keeper of this powerful knowledge and ensuring it isn’t misused. To add another layer of protection against abuse, she even asks Mustang to burn a portion of the tattoo itself.

5. Sig Curtis

The Courteous Giant of Dublith

Sig Curtis is an unusually strong man – a powerfully built butcher with a kind heart. He’s so strong, he can even go toe-to-toe with trained soldiers like Alex Armstrong, making him a remarkable individual among those who don’t use alchemy.

I’m still blown away by Sig Curtis! He’s not a soldier, but that doesn’t stop him from completely overpowering his opponents. Seriously, watching him fight Sloth, one of the most powerful homunculi in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, was incredible. He just beat Sloth with pure strength! And working with Alex Armstrong, they really gave that homunculus a lesson it wouldn’t forget. It was an amazing display of power and teamwork!

Sig Curtis is more than just incredibly strong. He’s also surprisingly nimble for his size, thanks to training with his wife. Combined with his quick reactions and amazing stamina, this allows him to fight even magically-enhanced opponents – like homunculi and alchemists – using just his physical abilities, something very few civilians can do.

4. Fu

The Grandmaster Grandpa of Xing

I’ve encountered a lot of impressive ninja, and Fu is definitely one of them. Despite looking small and a bit delicate, he’s incredibly strong – a true master. He’s aged remarkably well, easily ranking among the most dangerous anime ninja outside of the Naruto universe. I’ve seen him work closely with his granddaughter, and it’s clear he’s a seasoned veteran, completely dedicated to his job protecting Prince Ling Yao. He’s a tough, experienced bodyguard, through and through.

He’s incredibly strong thanks to his ninja training and years of experience moving undetected. He’s skilled in using his inner energy, or Chi, and can skillfully turn his opponent’s attacks against them. During the fight against King Bradley, alongside Captain Buccaneer and Scar, Fu demonstrated his exceptional ability with both kunai and explosives.

Even after losing to Wrath, Fu remains dedicated to protecting his master and granddaughter, making a truly heroic sacrifice. This selfless act deeply impacts Fan Lan and Ling Yao, motivating them to push themselves and become even more powerful.

3. Lan Fan

The Loyal Shadow of Xing

Lan Fan, the dedicated bodyguard of the Xingese prince, is more than just skilled thanks to her grandfather’s teachings. Her automail – a metal arm replacing a lost limb – gives her a unique advantage as a ninja. Despite the hardship of losing a limb, Lan Fan refuses to be held back, and her automail becomes another powerful weapon alongside her kunai, explosives, and smoke bombs, making her an even more effective protector.

Lan Fan’s recovery from her injury is incredibly inspiring, solidifying her place as one of the strongest female characters in shonen anime. It also noticeably improves her already impressive fighting style, making her an even greater threat to powerful enemies like Gluttony and King Bradley. No matter what obstacles she faces, her determination never wavers.

I’m a huge fan of Lan Fan! She’s seriously one of the most powerful fighters in the series who doesn’t rely on alchemy. Her skills as a Xingese warrior are incredible, and her ability to sense Chi just makes her even more dangerous – she can anticipate her opponents, whether they’re human or a Homunculus. Honestly, it’s awesome that she makes it through the final battle and goes back to protecting her emperor – a true warrior through and through!

2. Major General Olivier Mira Armstrong

The Ice Queen of House Armstrong

Olivier Mira Armstrong is a prime example of why Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has such memorable supporting characters. Often called the “Northern Wall of Briggs,” just like the fort she commands, she’s a powerful and complex figure – a trait you’d expect from someone with the Armstrong name.

Olivier Mira Armstrong is a brilliant commander who leads with strength and inspires unwavering loyalty in her troops. Her strategic genius strengthens the connection she has with her soldiers, and this deep trust is the reason Fort Briggs remains unyielding, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

I’ve seen Olivier Mira Armstrong in action, and she’s truly something else. She’s incredibly strong and quick, but she’s not just relying on brute force. Honestly, her swordsmanship is amazing – it could rival some of the best sword fighters you see in anime. She’s skilled with all kinds of weapons, not just a blade. I remember watching her fight Sloth, and it was incredible to see her actually hit that powerful Homunculus multiple times. Her skill and combat ability were really impressive.

1. Ling Yao

The Greediest Emperor for Peace and Feasts

Even though he’s royalty, Ling Yao, the Prince/Emperor of Xing, is considered one of the most powerful non-alchemist characters in the story. This strength comes from his combat skills, strategic knowledge, and his unique connection with Greed.

Ling Yao is a dangerous fighter because of his expertly refined fighting style, originating from Xing. He’s an incredible swordsman, able to make even a common blade rival legendary anime weapons. Combined with his almost superhuman speed and occasional use of explosives, he’s a formidable opponent.

Ling Yao’s abilities are rooted in Alkahestry, specifically the power of the Dragon’s Pulse. Through rigorous training, he’s learned to use the Dragon’s Pulse to sharpen his senses, allowing him to detect a person’s life energy (Chi) and identify artificial beings called homunculi.

Ling Yao is a master at understanding people, and this skill leads him to an incredible partnership with Greed, unlocking a new level of power. Eventually, Greed takes control of Ling Yao’s body, greatly enhancing his abilities – including an impenetrable shield and incredibly fast healing. Together, Ling Yao and Greed become a formidable duo, ranking among the best partnerships in shonen anime.

2026-05-14 01:37