Demon Slayer, or “Kimetsu no Yaiba,” has become a global sensation, mesmerizing fans with its compelling story, stunning animation, and an array of fascinating characters who demonstrate immense power through their individual forms of combat. From swordsmanship to breathing techniques and demon arts, the strength of these characters is measured not only by their physical abilities but also by their resilience, tactics, and character development throughout the series. What better way to dive into the world of Demons and Demon Slayers than by ranking the mightiest individuals who define the power scales in this enthralling universe?
#10: Kanao Tsuyuri
Despite her calm and reserved demeanor, Kanao Tsuyuri is a formidable force within the Demon Slayer Corps. As a Tsuguko, or successor to the Flower Hashira, Kanao is skilled in Flower Breathing—a style derived from Water Breathing. Her acute focus and ability to make quick, decisive movements make her an efficient and lethal demon slayer. By the end of the series, Kanao shows her true mettle by standing alongside the strongest characters, even holding her own against Upper Rank demons.
#9: Genya Shinazugawa
Genya is unique in the sense that he isn’t a typical demon slayer. Although he lacks the ability to use Breathing Techniques, his determination and willpower are noteworthy. Genya’s strength comes from his ability to consume demon parts, which temporarily grants him demonic abilities and incredible regenerative powers. This self-sacrificing method, while exceedingly dangerous, is a testament to his fortitude and makes him one of the more unique fighters within the ranks of the Demon Slayer Corps.
#8: Inosuke Hashibira
Renowned for his wild and aggressive fighting style, Inosuke Hashibira makes up for his lack of formal training with pure instinct and animalistic ferocity. His self-taught Beast Breathing techniques, coupled with his dual Nichirin swords—which he uniquely wears the blades jagged—make him a nightmare for any demon he faces. Inosuke’s brute strength, exceptional flexibility, and heightened sense of touch further enhance his capability as a fighter, enabling him to track and combat demons in complete darkness.
#7: Zenitsu Agatsuma
At first glance, Zenitsu Agatsuma may not come off as a mighty warrior given his fearful and often cowardly disposition. However, when he slips into unconsciousness, his true abilities as a Demon Slayer emerge. Specializing in Thunder Breathing, Zenitsu is a lightning-fast combatant, capable of delivering strikes so swift that they become invisible to the naked eye. With his signature technique, Thunderclap and Flash, he can take down demons in a split second—a power he hones to perfection, allowing him to perform multiple forms within a single breath.
#6: Muichiro Tokito
The Mist Hashira and a prodigy among the Demon Slayers, Muichiro Tokito exhibits extraordinary skills despite his young age. His Mist Breathing techniques create confusing illusions, disorienting foes and allowing him to dispatch them with ease. Muichiro’s nimble movements and tactical intelligence, combined with his aptitude for adapting and learning, make him a formidable opponent in battle. Without a doubt, his proficiency places him among the strongest of the Demon Slayers.
#5: Gyomei Himejima
Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, is revered as the strongest current Hashira by his peers due to his immense physical strength and unwavering faith. Though blind, Gyomei wields a devastating spiked flail and an axe connected by a chain, which he swings with incredible precision and power. His Stone Breathing allows him to detect minute vibrations, making his lack of sight a non-issue in combat. His ability to sense the emotions and intentions of both allies and enemies alike adds a layer of depth to his formidable battle prowess.
#4: Sanemi Shinazugawa
The Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa is a fierce warrior whose hatred for demons is rooted in personal tragedy. His Wind Breathing techniques, characterized by their sharpness and ferocity, reflect his volatile personality. Sanemi’s weapon of choice is a Nichirin sword with a serrated edge that resembles a row of shark teeth, which he uses with such lethal expertise that it compensates for his slightly lower physical strength compared to Gyomei. Uniquely, Sanemi’s blood highly attracts and poisons demons, making him particularly dangerous to them.
#3: Akaza
As one of the Upper Ranks of the Twelve Kizuki—the most powerful demons under the Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji—Akaza holds incredible power. His Blood Demon Art allows him to create destructive shockwaves and regenerate at an astounding rate. Moreover, his martial arts skills, honed over decades, combined with his Compass Needle technique, enable him to target an opponent’s weak spots with unerring accuracy. Akaza’s fighting prowess is so high that he could battle on par with the highest echelon of the Demon Slayer Corps.
#2: Yoriichi Tsugikuni
Yoriichi Tsugikuni, though never officially a Hashira, stood as the most powerful demon slayer of all time. His discovery and mastery of the Sun Breathing—the original and most potent breathing style from which all others were derived—is legendary. His skill with the blade was unrivaled; demons quaked at his mere presence. Yoriichi’s unparalleled strength and techniques were so advanced that they nearly led to the annihilation of Muzan, the progenitor of demons, single-handedly. His legacy endures through the techniques and earrings passed down the generations, directly influencing the main character, Tanjiro Kamado.
#1: Muzan Kibutsuji
As the original demon and the progenitor of all others, Muzan Kibutsuji sits at the pinnacle of power in the Demon Slayer universe. His sheer strength, regenerative capacities, and ability to bestow and manipulate demon powers make him a near-omnipotent entity. Muzan has survived for over a thousand years, evading death and destruction at every turn, primarily due to his quick adaptability and the diverse range of Blood Demon Arts at his disposal. The relentless pursuit to destroy him drives the plot of the series and underscores the immeasurable power Muzan holds as the ultimate adversary and strongest character in Demon Slayer.
The characters of Demon Slayer each exhibit strength in unique and varied ways, making the series an engaging portrayal of heroism, growth, and struggle. They cement the idea that strength extends beyond mere physical abilities and lies in the heart, the will to protect, and the determination to prevail against all odds.