Solo Leveling: How Much Stronger Is a National S-Rank Than a Normal S-Rank Hunter?

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Summary

  • National Level hunters in Solo Leveling are on a different level than regular S-Rank hunters.
  • They possess strength equivalent to an entire country’s military and can clear S-rank dungeons alone.
  • The power disparity within the S-Rank category led to the creation of National Level rank for hunters.

The following contains major spoilers not yet adapted to the Solo Leveling anime.

In Season 2 of “Solo Leveling”, we’re introduced to National Level hunters for the first time during the Jeju Island arc. While Korean and Japanese S-Rank hunters were fighting desperately against hordes of flying ants following Beru’s defeat at the hands of Sung Jinwoo, Chinese S-Rank Hunter Liu Zhigang demonstrated his might by effortlessly eradicating countless ants in the skies on his own.

In the world of “Solo Leveling”, Liu stands apart from other high-ranked hunters, even those with the prestigious S-Rank. To put it simply, Liu’s strength is several leagues above that of an ordinary S-Rank hunter.

The Oppressive Strength of National Level Hunters

What We Know About National Level Hunters

In the series ‘Solo Leveling’, it’s challenging to precisely gauge the prowess of National-Level hunters against other S-Rank hunters due to the narrative primarily revolving around Sung Jinwoo. These high-tier hunters, similar to S-Rank ones overall, serve more as a story device to measure Jinwoo’s progress and provide him with aspirational goals. Although we don’t witness them in combat frequently within the story, there are certain aspects about them that have been disclosed.

Hunters at the national level are generally considered as powerful as an entire nation’s military force. This distinction sets them apart significantly from other S-rank hunters. One notable characteristic of National Level Hunters is their ability to conquer an S-rank dungeon alone, a feat that even high-tier S-rank hunters find difficult. Regular S-rank hunters are believed to be capable of tackling an A-rank dungeon at best. Cha Hae-In, who was recognized by the top-tier S-rank hunter Goto Ryuji as one of Korea’s strongest hunters, could handle A-Rank dungeons independently, but she was not yet on par with the strength of a National Level hunter.

“Indeed, he’s noticeably superior to the other S-ranked fighters. Yet, I believe I can evade him.” – Sung Jinwoo during his sparring bout against Goto Ryuji in Episode 22.

I observed a man named Ryuji, who sought to establish himself as a National-Level hunter by successfully completing the challenging S-rank raid on Jeju Island. This involved tactics some might question, as he appeared to favor self-promotion over collaboration with local Korean hunters. However, during his encounter with the Ant King, it became evident that his preparations fell short when he was swiftly defeated, hinting at a gap in ability compared to the level he aimed to reach.

What Makes the Difference?

Why Is There So Much Power Variation in the S-Ranks?

In the story, it’s disclosed later on that the National Rank hunters we encounter are actually chosen to serve as containers for the Rulers, a hostile race in the Solo Leveling universe who clash with the Monarchs. It isn’t clear if having the power bestowed by being vessels is essential for attaining National Hunter status, because in an altered timeline after Jinwoo’s employment of the Cup of Reincarnation, some National Level hunters eventually regain their titles even though they now possess vessel powers.

In Episode 22, Baek Yoonho noted that Hunter Sung exhibits an exceptional trait, continuously becoming more powerful.

As an ardent follower, I must say, it’s fascinating that all S-ranked individuals share a unique trait: their mana is beyond the limits of detection by conventional devices. While lower ranks have well-defined scales, S-rank is more like a broad threshold for those who meet certain criteria. This ambiguity can lead to a vast power gap among S-rank hunters.

Intriguingly, the story introduces another layer within the S rank, the National Level hunters, to quantify the ever-increasing power of characters like Jinwoo. It’s a pity that we don’t get to witness the full potential of these National Level hunters in Jinwoo’s tale. I eagerly anticipate future spin-off series adaptations, where we might delve deeper into world-building and see the National Level hunters take center stage.

Solo Leveling can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Amazon.

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2025-05-30 16:44