Solo Leveling Ranks Weakest To Strongest Explained Serially
In the Solo Leveling series, the concept of “ranks” refers to the classification of hunters and dungeons based on their strength and difficulty. Here’s an overview:
Hunter Ranks
Hunters are divided into ranks based on their combat power and abilities. These ranks are assigned after an awakening test:
- E-Rank: The weakest hunters with minimal combat abilities.
- D-Rank: Slightly stronger than E-Rank but still considered low-tier.
- C-Rank: Average-level hunters; capable but not extraordinary.
- B-Rank: High-tier hunters with strong combat abilities.
- A-Rank: Elite hunters with significant power and skill.
- S-Rank: The strongest hunters, often referred to as “national-level” threats. Their power far exceeds the lower ranks.
- SS-Rank: While not officially classified in the story, this is sometimes used informally to describe hunters or beings who surpass normal S-Rank limits (e.g., Sung Jin-Woo after significant growth).
Dungeon Ranks
Similarly, dungeons are ranked according to their danger levels:
- E-Rank Dungeon: (Weakest) The easiest and least dangerous.
- D-Rank Dungeon
- C-Rank Dungeon
- B-Rank Dungeon
- A-Rank Dungeon: High-level dungeons requiring skilled teams.
- S-Rank Dungeon: (Strongest) The most dangerous, often requiring multiple S-Rank hunters to clear.
Shadow Soldiers
Sung Jin-Woo, as the protagonist and Shadow Monarch, also has ranks within his Shadow Army. His shadows are ranked by their strength and abilities:
- Normal-grade
- Elite-grade
- Knight-grade
- Elite Knight-grade
- Marshal-grade
- General-grade (e.g., Igris, Beru, and Tusk)
How many ranks are there in Solo Leveling
In total, there are 12 ranks in the Solo Leveling universe when considering the ranks of both hunters and dungeons, as well as the shadow soldiers. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Hunter Ranks (7 ranks):
- E-Rank
- D-Rank
- C-Rank
- B-Rank
- A-Rank
- S-Rank
- SS-Rank (informal)
2. Dungeon Ranks (6 ranks):
- E-Rank Dungeon
- D-Rank Dungeon
- C-Rank Dungeon
- B-Rank Dungeon
- A-Rank Dungeon
- S-Rank Dungeon
3. Shadow Soldier Ranks (6 ranks):
- Normal-grade
- Elite-grade
- Knight-grade
- Elite Knight-grade
- Marshal-grade
- General-grade
Note: While SS-Rank isn’t an official classification for hunters, it is commonly used informally to describe individuals who surpass normal S-Rank limits (like Sung Jin-Woo after his growth).
So, counting all the ranks across hunters, dungeons, and shadow soldiers, we have a total of 19 ranks.
Hunter Ranks
Hunters are ranked based on their strength, mana, and abilities. The ranks are:
E-Rank
- The weakest hunters, often ordinary people awakened with minimal power.
- Unable to handle dangerous tasks and typically take non-combat roles.
D-Rank
- Slightly stronger than E-Rank but still considered weak.
- Common among average hunters.
C-Rank
- The middle rank. These hunters are competent and can contribute in most dungeon raids.
B-Rank
- Powerful hunters who are significantly stronger than C-Ranks.
- They are sought after for difficult raids.
A-Rank
- Among the strongest hunters, second only to S-Rank.
- Extremely rare and highly respected.
S-Rank
- The strongest and most elite hunters.
- Exceptionally rare, with only a few existing in the world.
- Their abilities vary widely, with some being closer to demigods in power.
Dungeon and Monster Ranks
Dungeons and magical beasts are ranked similarly, with their danger levels categorized as:
- E-Rank
- D-Rank
- C-Rank
- B-Rank
- A-Rank
- S-Rank
Special Ranks/Exceptions
National-Level Hunters
- Beyond S-Rank, these hunters are considered forces of nature.
- They have the power to rival entire nations in strength.
Rulers and Monarchs
- Not hunters but supernatural beings with powers far beyond even S-Rank hunters.
- These entities are tied to the overarching lore of the series.
The story’s protagonist, Sung Jin-Woo, transcends these ranks as he grows, eventually surpassing even the S-Rank classification.
Every Solo Leveling Ranks and Magical Abilities
Ranks in Solo Leveling: Hunters, Dungeons, and Shadow Soldiers
In the world of Solo Leveling, the concept of “ranks” is essential to understanding the vast power dynamics that exist within the series. Ranks are a classification system used to categorize both hunters and dungeons, based on their strength, abilities, and the level of danger they present. The protagonist, Sung Jin-Woo, navigates this world of hierarchy as he grows from a lowly E-Rank hunter to one of the most powerful beings in the story. In this article, we will break down the different ranks associated with hunters, dungeons, and the Shadow Soldiers in Solo Leveling.
1. E-Rank (The Weakest Hunters)

Overview: E-Rank hunters are the lowest rank in the Solo Leveling world. These hunters are often seen as “normal” individuals who possess little to no combat abilities. Their abilities are typically not suited for real combat, and they are mostly relegated to basic tasks such as supporting higher-ranked hunters or handling simple, low-risk dungeon expeditions.
Abilities:
- Most E-Rank hunters have minimal magical or combat abilities.
- They are not suited to face powerful monsters.
- Their primary role is often as “porters,” individuals who carry items for higher-ranking hunters or perform menial tasks during dungeon raids.
Examples: Sung Jin-Woo, the protagonist at the beginning of the series, starts off as an E-Rank hunter. He has very weak abilities initially, with no real combat prowess.
2. D-Rank (Low-Tier Hunters)
Overview: D-Rank hunters are slightly stronger than E-Rank hunters but are still considered low-tier. While they may possess combat abilities, their powers are still relatively weak compared to higher ranks. These hunters are capable of handling lower-tier monsters, but they are not suited to deal with anything beyond basic threats.
Abilities:
- D-Rank hunters can take on monsters of similar rank or slightly higher, but they are still a far cry from elite hunters.
- They are more reliable than E-Rank hunters, often acting as support during dungeon raids.
- They are capable of basic magic and combat skills but lack the strategic or overwhelming power needed for difficult dungeons.
Examples: Some of the early hunters in the story are D-Rank, and their roles are often to accompany higher-ranked hunters in dungeon raids to assist with low-level threats.
3. C-Rank (Average-Level Hunters)

- Overview: C-Rank hunters are considered to be average hunters. They have more reliable combat skills and are capable of handling moderately dangerous monsters. They are generally proficient in both physical combat and magic, making them solid, dependable members in any dungeon team.
- Abilities:
- C-Rank hunters are skilled enough to handle most mid-tier threats, such as D-Rank and C-Rank monsters.
- They can take on larger groups of lower-ranked monsters and can help clear moderately difficult dungeons.
- They may have access to specialized abilities, but they are not yet on the level of elite hunters.
- Examples: Hunters like Yoo Jin-Ho (who is also a part of Sung Jin-Woo’s team) fall into this category early in the series. They are often sent to tackle dungeons that require a bit more firepower than what D-Rank hunters can handle.
4. B-Rank (High-Tier Hunters)
- Overview: B-Rank hunters are among the higher-tier hunters. These individuals have strong combat abilities and are capable of tackling high-level dungeons. Their powers are far more refined and dangerous than those of lower-ranked hunters. B-Rank hunters are frequently sent on missions that involve high-risk monsters and larger-scale operations.
- Abilities:
- B-Rank hunters possess the strength and skill needed to face A-Rank and B-Rank monsters.
- Their magical abilities and combat techniques are far more advanced, and they have greater resilience in battle.
- They are able to handle more dangerous dungeons and clear threats that would overwhelm lower-ranked hunters.
- Examples: Characters like Cha Hae-In, who is an A-Rank hunter in terms of skill but considered B-Rank officially early on, represent high-tier hunters in this category. B-Rank hunters are often part of larger, more organized teams tackling dangerous dungeon challenges.
5. A-Rank (Elite Hunters)

Overview: A-Rank hunters are the elite of the hunter world. Their combat skills and magical abilities are well beyond the average. They are highly respected, and their power makes them a formidable force in the fight against dangerous monsters. These hunters are frequently tasked with the most dangerous missions and are usually called upon when a significant threat emerges.
Abilities:
- A-Rank hunters possess immense strength and combat prowess, often able to take down powerful A-Rank and even S-Rank monsters with ease.
- They have access to advanced magical powers and can withstand and overcome the most difficult situations.
- A-Rank hunters are often considered national-level heroes, and their presence can shift the balance of any battle or dungeon raid.
Examples: In the series, characters like Baek Yoon-Ho and Choi Jong-In are powerful A-Rank hunters. These individuals are capable of managing high-level dungeon raids, and they are frequently regarded as some of the top figures in the hunter world.
6. S-Rank (National-Level Threats)

Overview: S-Rank hunters are the pinnacle of the hunter world. These individuals possess extraordinary power, often far beyond what is necessary to handle regular threats. S-Rank hunters are considered to be national treasures, as their abilities can protect entire nations from monstrous threats. They can take on the most powerful monsters and dungeons in existence, and they are often the key to humanity’s survival.
- Abilities:
- S-Rank hunters are capable of overwhelming A-Rank monsters and performing feats of strength and magical power that border on the supernatural.
- Their abilities are near godlike in comparison to lower-ranked hunters, and they are often considered the primary defense against world-threatening dangers.
- S-Rank hunters are also often seen leading large teams of other hunters in battles against global threats.
- Examples: Sung Jin-Woo, the protagonist, eventually becomes an S-Rank hunter. Characters like Seo Jin-Woo, who become symbols of ultimate power, belong in this category. These hunters are revered as legends.
7. SS-Rank (Beyond S-Rank)
- Overview: While not an official classification in the Solo Leveling world, the term “SS-Rank” is sometimes used informally to describe hunters who surpass the strength of an S-Rank. This rank is often attributed to individuals like Sung Jin-Woo after he undergoes significant growth and transformation. SS-Rank hunters are effectively at the peak of what is possible, capable of feats that even S-Rank hunters cannot match.
- Abilities:
- SS-Rank hunters have powers that are nearly unmatched by any other hunter in the world.
- They possess the ability to fight against national-level threats and even gods.
- Their powers transcend typical limits and make them essentially unstoppable forces in battle
- Examples: Sung Jin-Woo, after gaining the power of the Shadow Monarch, surpasses the S-Rank level, and his abilities put him into an informal “SS-Rank” status. His powers allow him to command armies of shadows, and he takes on challenges that even S-Rank hunters cannot fathom.
Dungeon Ranks: A Threat Scale for Monsters
Just like hunters, dungeons in Solo Leveling are also ranked based on the level of danger they pose to the world. These dungeons are the source of countless monsters and beasts, and their ranks determine the strength of the threats within.
E-Rank Dungeon: Low-Level Threats E-Rank dungeons are the least dangerous and are typically the easiest to clear. These dungeons house weak monsters that require minimal combat power to defeat. Most low-tier hunters, such as E-Rank or D-Rank, can clear these dungeons with little difficulty.
D-Rank Dungeon: Moderate Threats D-Rank dungeons are slightly more dangerous than E-Rank dungeons, but they still pose no significant challenge to experienced hunters. These dungeons contain moderately strong monsters that require more preparation to handle.
C-Rank Dungeon: Dangerous, but Manageable C-Rank dungeons are where the real challenges begin. The monsters found within these dungeons can be formidable, requiring skilled and well-equipped hunters to clear. These dungeons are often considered “mid-tier” challenges for hunters.
B-Rank Dungeon: High-Level Threats B-Rank dungeons are considered high-level and require elite teams of hunters to clear. The monsters within these dungeons are powerful, and their defeat demands tactical teamwork and significant strength.
A-Rank Dungeon: Extreme Danger A-Rank dungeons represent some of the most dangerous locations in the Solo Leveling world. The monsters inside are extremely powerful, and only A-Rank or S-Rank hunters have the strength necessary to face them. These dungeons often pose a direct threat to entire cities or regions.
S-Rank Dungeon: National-Level Threats S-Rank dungeons are considered the most perilous and are typically only cleared by groups of S-Rank hunters. The monsters in these dungeons are capable of causing widespread destruction, and many dungeons of this rank are classified as potential catastrophes for entire nations.
Shadow Soldiers: The Elite Army of Sung Jin-Woo
One of the most unique aspects of Solo Leveling is the concept of the Shadow Soldiers. Sung Jin-Woo, after receiving the powers of the Shadow Monarch, can summon and control shadows of fallen enemies, turning them into loyal soldiers. These shadow soldiers also have their own ranks, which represent their strength.
Normal-grade Shadows The lowest rank of shadow soldiers, these are standard soldiers that can fight but are not exceptional in terms of power. They are typically basic enemies or monsters turned into shadows.
Elite-grade Shadows Elite-grade shadows are stronger than normal-grade ones and can hold their own in battle. They are capable of handling higher-tier enemies and are more versatile than their lesser counterparts.
Knight-grade Shadows Knight-grade shadows are significantly stronger than elite-grade ones. These soldiers have enhanced strength, speed, and combat abilities. They are skilled in both offense and defense and are formidable forces in battle.
Elite Knight-grade Shadows These shadows are even stronger than regular knight-grade ones and are often regarded as top-tier in Sung Jin-Woo’s army. Their strength and tactics are superior, making them some of the most powerful soldiers in the army.
Marshal-grade Shadows Marshal-grade shadows represent the upper echelon of Sung Jin-Woo’s army. These soldiers have unparalleled abilities and are instrumental in large-scale battles. They often lead smaller groups of shadow soldiers into combat.
General-grade Shadows The highest rank within the shadow army, general-grade shadows are incredibly powerful and often resemble the strength of S-Rank hunters. Some examples include Igris, Beru, and Tusk, who are loyal and powerful leaders of the shadow army.
Conclusion: A World of Power and Hierarchy
The ranking systems in Solo Leveling serve as a fundamental way to structure the power dynamics in the world. Hunters, dungeons, and shadow soldiers all have their own levels of strength that determine their role in the grand narrative of the story. From the weakest E-Rank hunters to the powerful S-Rank individuals, every character and challenge in Solo Leveling is defined by their rank. As Sung Jin-Woo rises from a humble E-Rank hunter to the unparalleled Shadow Monarch, these ranks evolve, shaping the world around him and the challenges he must overcome. Through these ranks, Solo Leveling offers a thrilling narrative of power, growth, and transformation.