Solo Leveling: 7 Best Arcs - Ranked

The incredible journey of Solo Leveling from a web novel to a global sensation wasn’t merely by chance. Each significant storyline in the series functioned as a building block in Jin-woo’s development, introducing new abilities, dangers, and secrets that left readers unable to put the book down and viewers fixed to their screens.

These storyline sections highlight diverse expressions of resilience, culminating in epic confrontations with divine adversaries. They consistently uphold the compelling power-centric narrative that keeps readers hooked on Solo Leveling.

As a hardcore fan of Solo Leveling, I’ve dived deep into dissecting the series’ most memorable story arcs. Here’s my take on why these top 7 arcs are so captivating:

1. The Beginning Expedition: This arc sets the stage for our protagonist’s journey, introducing us to the unique world of Solo Leveling and laying the foundation for the thrilling adventures that follow.

2. The Hunter’s Association Arc: This storyline delves into the intricate politics and inner workings of the Hunter’s Association, shedding light on the darker aspects of this world while also offering a glimpse into our hero’s growth.

3. The Shadow Monarch Arc: A thrilling adventure that takes our protagonist to the heart of the Shadow World, where he faces off against formidable foes and uncovers shocking secrets about his past.

4. The Jet-Black Scythe Arc: This arc brings together a diverse group of characters, each with their own unique abilities, as they work together to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. It’s an excellent example of teamwork and strategic planning in action.

5. The War of Underworld Arc: A large-scale conflict that showcases the true power and scale of the world of Solo Leveling, this arc offers a gripping narrative filled with epic battles and surprising twists.

6. The Guardian of the Flowers Arc: This emotional storyline explores themes of loss, sacrifice, and redemption as our hero confronts one of his most formidable enemies yet. It’s a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the importance of hope.

7. The God-rank Monsters Arc: As the title suggests, this arc introduces us to some of the most fearsome opponents in the series, pushing our hero to his limits and forcing him to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about the world of Solo Leveling.

Each of these arcs offers a unique perspective on the world of Solo Leveling, making it an engaging and unforgettable read for any fan of action-packed fantasy series.

7. Double Dungeon Arc

Where It All Began

The Double Dungeon Saga introduces us to E-rank hunter Sung Jin-woo at a particularly tough time. On a regular D-rank dungeon expedition to cover his mother’s medical expenses, Jin-woo and his team stumble upon a secret second dungeon with less than favorable outcomes. Entrapped within this labyrinth, they find themselves up against overwhelming odds, as the monstrous stone statues within surpass their abilities, putting their very survival at stake.

This arc shapes Jin-woo’s character by showing his determination to survive, even though he’s the least powerful hunter among them. The haunting sight of the giant “god” statue grinning as hunters perish nearby instills a palpable feeling of dread and intrigue. The immense power imbalance draws readers in, making them ponder: how on earth could the weakest triumph over this insurmountable obstacle?

The course of events dramatically alters when Jin-woo, teetering on the edge of life, gets chosen by the enigmatic System that suddenly manifests before him. This pivotal moment initiates the entire storyline, hinting at a profound change that will put to test everything the world understands about hunters and power.

6. Red Gate Arc

Trial by Ice

As I embark on what initially appears to be a routine training exercise, little do I know that things are about to take a drastic turn. Jin-woo and his sister’s friend Han Song-Yi find ourselves ensnared within the confines of a Red Gate, unlike any ordinary dungeons we’ve encountered before. These rare gates imprison us until the formidable boss monster is vanquished, leaving me, an average hunter, with the daunting task of safeguarding both myself and the inexperienced Song-Yi from progressively tougher adversaries.

In this Red Gate Arc, Jin-woo’s expanding phantom troops experienced a significant battlefield test for the first time. Facing off against potent ice elves led by the formidable Baruka, Jin-woo needed to direct his shadows tactically while safeguarding Song-Yi. This arc brilliantly demonstrates the practical uses of his exceptional abilities beyond controlled settings.

This arc turns a common situation into an unforeseen challenge. The caring nature of Jin-woo becomes apparent as he ensures Song-Yi’s security, showing that his character development goes beyond simple self-preservation instincts.

5. Job Change Arc

The Birth of a Necromancer

The Job Change Arc signifies a significant shift in Jin-woo’s growth. After meticulously advancing through the System, he encounters a puzzling mission directing him to a unique dungeon meant to evaluate his hidden capabilities. What lies ahead is an ordeal unlike any other he has encountered, a formidable knight named Igris standing guard before an unoccupied throne.

In this pivotal scene, Jin-woo triumphantly overcomes Igris in a hard-fought, tactical showdown, and utters the defining phrase for his upcoming odyssey: “Rise up.” This initial extraction of a distinct shadow soldier significantly reshapes Jin-woo’s destiny, metamorphosing him from an exceptionally powerful hunter into an entirely unprecedented entity.

The disclosure of Jin-woo’s Necromancer class leaves both the main character and audiences in awe, as it unveils his unique skills that would later be associated with the entire series.

4. International Guild Conference Arc

Global Politics and Power

Instead of focusing on slaying monsters, the International Guild Conference Arc shifts Jin-woo’s journey to the United States, where he serves as South Korea’s representative among the world’s most potent monster hunters. This phase broadens the horizons of Solo Leveling by incorporating themes like international diplomacy and intricate ties between various hunter groups and countries.

The arc highlights some of the series’ most impactful human-versus-human confrontations, notably Jin-woo’s duels with Hwang Dongsoo and Thomas Andre, the top-tier American Hunter. These battles serve to underscore Jin-woo’s extraordinary power, as he demonstrates his dominance against individuals known for their peak human abilities.

This narrative line not only portrays Jin-woo’s international visibility, but also hints at looming perils on a global scale. The early assaults by the Monarchs during the conference introduce a threat of cosmic proportions, making the risks extend far beyond just national boundaries.

3. Final Battle Arc

The Ultimate Showdown

The Final Battle Arc brings about the highly anticipated clash between Sung Jin-woo and Antares, the mighty Dragon King and strongest Monarch: an epic encounter between titanic figures. This final face-off decides not only the destiny of mankind but also the outcome of the interdimensional conflict between Rulers and Monarchs.

In this climactic showdown, Jin-woo demonstrates the pinnacle of his development, displaying his complete mastery over his powers against the series’ most formidable adversary. The tension that has been gradually mounting throughout the narrative adds to the immense gratification experienced during this encounter, as Jin-woo finally showcases his full potential as the Shadow Monarch. Each shadow soldier, every power earned through struggle, and every tactical edge are utilized in this decisive battle.

Although certain enthusiasts believed the ending was somewhat abrupt, the Final Battle Arc effectively delivers a thrilling finale to the primary narrative, resolving lingering disputes and character journeys.

In this story arc, Jin-woo’s journey from being the weakest to the strongest comes full circle, providing a satisfying and emotionally releasing conclusion that many power fantasy narratives aim for but don’t always achieve.

2. Monarchs War Arc

Gods Among Men

In this new phase of Solo Leveling, known as the Monarchs War Arc, the story soars to epic heights as powerful entities from other dimensions, referred to as Monarchs, invade Earth with the intention of annihilating the hosts of their foes, the Rulers.

Now, firmly ensconced in his position as the Shadow Monarch, Jin-woo faces off directly against these towering figures, engaging them in grand confrontations that reveal the full extent of his might.

Fully immersed in his role as the Shadow Monarch, Jin-woo squares off against colossal entities in a sequence of significant skirmishes that demonstrate the true reach of his power.

This arc symbolizes the complete realization of the power dream in Solo Leveling. Following Jin-woo’s journey from the start of the series, we see him overcome adversaries that were previously depicted as almost unbeatable foes. The magnitude of destruction and raw power exhibited by both parties results in battles of unprecedented scale.

Although mainly depicting scenes of battles, the Monarchs War Arc additionally underscores Jin-woo’s dedication to safeguarding humanity even after his transformation into a being that transcends humanity.

1. Jeju Island Arc

The Apex of Solo Leveling

Often regarded as the peak of the series, the Jeju Island storyline revolves around a critical situation where advanced ant monsters are on the verge of invading South Korea. Despite numerous attempts by international hunter groups, even resulting in the demise of Japan’s strongest hunter, Goto Ryuji, Jin-woo steps up to tackle the problem with remarkable success.

This storyline captures all the elements beloved by Solo Leveling enthusiasts, balancing them perfectly. The fights against the relentlessly advancing ants and their ominous leader offer intricate tactical layers and mounting tension that leave readers on the edge of their seats.

The fact that Jin-woo obtained Beru, transforming him into one of Jin-woo’s strongest and cherished shadow soldiers, marks a pivotal moment in terms of power that alters the direction of the storyline significantly.

Jin-woo’s defense of Cha Hae-In gives a personal touch to the conflict, and the responses of S-rank hunters to his immense power beautifully convey the impressive progression he has made from being known as the “World’s Weakest Hunter.

2025-04-11 21:10

Solo Leveling: 7 Best Arcs – Ranked