The Ultimate Ranking of Demon Slayer's 14 Breathing Styles: Unveiling the True Power

The Breathing Styles in the Demon Slayer manga series are a major aspect of its appeal, particularly in the anime adaptation where they are brought to life in a stunning manner. Aspiring Demon Slayers must undergo training in at least one style to gain official recognition, and it is even possible for a Slayer to master multiple styles. Each style possesses its own unique characteristics, and there are a total of 14 different styles featured in the series. Interestingly, many of these styles are exclusively used by a single character, making them almost synonymous with that character's identity.

When evaluating the strength of a style, it is crucial to consider the success of its users in battles, as well as its versatility, which can be measured by the number of known forms associated with the style. Additionally, the level of difficulty in utilizing a particular style also factors into its overall impressiveness, with more challenging styles garnering greater admiration. Now, let's delve into a comprehensive ranking of all 14 Demon Slayer Breathing Styles.

14 Flower Breathing

Flower Breathing, a unique style practiced by Kanae Kocho, the former Flower Hashira and Shinobu's sister, as well as Kanao Tsuyuri, Shinobu's adoptive sister and pupil, holds significant importance. However, due to Kanae's untimely demise prior to the series' commencement, the portrayal of Flower Breathing is limited, resulting in its relatively lower rank. Derived from Water Breathing, Flower Breathing shares certain characteristics with its predecessor. Although there should be at least seven forms, only five are showcased in the series. It is worth noting that the final form of Flower Breathing can lead to blindness for its user. Regrettably, Kanao does not receive adequate attention, which unintentionally downplays the power of Flower Breathing.

13 Insect Breathing

Insect Breathing is a unique combat style practiced exclusively by Insect Hashira Shinobu Kocho, derived from Flower Breathing. Due to her petite stature, Shinobu faces challenges in decapitating most demons physically, thus relying heavily on poisons, predominantly derived from the wisteria plant, which demons despise. With only four known forms, Insect Breathing offers limited options during battles. Shinobu's performance with this style has been a mixed bag, suggesting that it possesses drawbacks when facing opponents who are aware of its poisonous nature.

12 Water Breathing

Water Breathing is a fundamental elemental style widely practiced by numerous characters in the series, notably Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka and Tanjiro himself. It is considered to be the most accessible style to acquire, although its level of difficulty remains subjective. This style revolves around the fluidity of water currents and encompasses a total of 10 established forms, complemented by a unique technique exclusively known to Tomioka. While Water Breathing exhibits impressive versatility, it may be deemed comparatively weaker in terms of sheer power.

11 Beast Breathing

Beast Breathing, invented by the boar-headed Inosuke Hashibira, is a peculiar style exclusive to him. Unlike other demon slayers, Inosuke wields two Nichirin Swords, making his style quite unique. Although there are 10 forms within this style, it can be debated whether they are officially recognized, given that Inosuke developed them with little training. Interestingly, Beast Breathing also has non-combat applications, particularly in its seventh form called Spatial Awareness. This form allows Inosuke to sense movement even from miles away. While not a refined style, Beast Breathing possesses undeniable raw power.

10 Flame Breathing

Flame Breathing, a fundamental elemental style, is predominantly mastered by Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira. This technique revolves around replicating the flickering and incinerating essence of fire. It encompasses a total of nine forms, of which only six have been witnessed, while the ninth form remains exclusive to Kyojuro's lineage. Although this style showcases formidable attacks, it lacks versatility as none of its forms have proven useful outside of combat. Regrettably, Flame Breathing practitioners have struggled to leave a lasting impression on the audience, which prevents them from achieving a higher status.

9 Love Breathing

Love Breathing, a unique style developed by Mitsuri Kanroji, is derived from Flame Breathing. This exquisite form of combat combines elegant and graceful movements with impressive acrobatics. With a total of six forms, Mitsuri has only revealed five, including one defensive technique and four offensive techniques. Love Breathing is tailored specifically for Mitsuri's exceptionally strong physique and utilizes a whip-like sword, making it highly unlikely for anyone else to master. Throughout the series, Mitsuri demonstrates remarkable prowess in battle, effectively showcasing the immense power of her style.

8 Serpent Breathing

Serpent Breathing, a style unique to Obanai Iguro, is derived from Water Breathing and is characterized by its mimicry of the slithering and coiling movements of a snake. This offensive style consists of five forms, with the fifth form standing out for its remarkable ability to decapitate multiple demons with just one swipe. Notably, Obanai wields an unconventional sword with a wavy blade that resembles the sinuous motion of a snake. Undoubtedly, Obanai's impressive strength can be attributed to his mastery of this distinct Breathing Style.

7 Thunder Breathing

Thunder Breathing is a fundamental elemental style employed by Zenitsu Agatsuma and his former comrade, Kaigaku. This particular Breathing Style imitates the swiftness of a lightning bolt, enabling rapid movements. While Zenitsu is acquainted with only one form, there are actually a minimum of six forms, along with an original form that Zenitsu himself devised. The remarkable speed of Thunder Breathing serves as one of its greatest advantages, as Zenitsu has demonstrated the ability to maximize this speed and deliver a multitude of attacks in a single motion. Its formidable nature makes it challenging to defend against, establishing it as one of the more potent styles.

6 Wind Breathing

Wind Breathing is a fundamental elemental style that is primarily practiced by Sanemi Shinazugawa, known as the Wind Hashira. This style incorporates swirling and rotating movements reminiscent of a cyclone, enhancing the strength and speed of attacks. Consisting of nine distinct forms, most of them are offensive in nature, although there is at least one form that can be utilized for defense. The Wind Breathing technique is surprisingly aggressive, perfectly suited for a battle-hungry slayer like Sanemi. As a Breathing Style specifically developed for swift takedowns, its effectiveness is truly exceptional when wielded by a skilled practitioner.

5 Sound Breathing

Sound Breathing is a variation of Thunder Breathing, exclusively practiced by Tengen Uzui. As the name suggests, it relies on the utilization of loud sounds to disrupt the concentration of opponents. Although only three forms of Sound Breathing are currently recognized, only one of them possesses defensive capabilities. Tengen's unique Nichirin sword, consisting of two interconnected knife-like blades held together by a chain, is also employed in this style. Additionally, Tengen incorporates literal explosive devices into his techniques, an unconventional yet effective method of amplifying their strength.

4 Mist Breathing

Mist Breathing, a technique derived from Wind Breathing, is solely practiced by Muichiro Tokito. This particular style revolves around harnessing the obscuring power of mist or fog to conceal one's movements and bewilder the enemy. Mist Breathing consists of seven distinct forms, including one that is unique to Tokito himself. His exceptional skill allowed him to singlehandedly vanquish an Upper Rank demon, a truly remarkable accomplishment. The ability of Mist Breathing to perplex adversaries proves to be immensely valuable, especially when Demon Slayers find themselves engaged in solitary battles, as is often the case.

3 Stone Breathing

Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima practices Stone Breathing, the final basic elemental style. This technique draws inspiration from the stability of earth and stone, utilizing various ground-based attacks. Stone Breathing is unique in that it encompasses both offensive and defensive forms, resulting in a well-balanced fighting style. With Gyomei wielding an unconventional Nichirin blade consisting of an odd axe chained to a mace, his techniques are anything but ordinary. Renowned as the strongest Hashira, Gyomei's mastery of Stone Breathing is a testament to his formidable skills.

2 Moon Breathing

The original style from which the five elemental styles were derived also gave rise to an additional style known as Moon Breathing. This unique style is exclusively practiced by Kokushibo, a former Demon Slayer who chose to abandon his humanity in exchange for an extended lifespan as an Upper One demon. Kokushibo has never shared this technique with anyone else, making it his exclusive domain. With centuries of training, Moon Breathing encompasses at least 16 distinct forms, and possibly even more that he has yet to reveal. This formidable power perfectly explains Kokushibo's ascent to become Muzan's trusted right-hand man.

1 Sun Breathing

Initially, there existed a sole Breathing Style for exterminating demons, known as Sun Breathing. Yoriichi Tsugikuni was the mastermind behind its development, but his apprentices struggled immensely to master its techniques. In order to assist them, he guided them in discovering and formulating their own unique styles, which eventually evolved into the various elemental styles we see today. However, it is important to note that each of these elemental styles only represents a fraction of the comprehensive and all-encompassing Sun Breathing technique. Tanjiro's Hinokami Kagura, for instance, is a specific manifestation of Sun Breathing, and fans have undoubtedly witnessed its awe-inspiring power. As the quintessential and authentic Breathing Style, Sun Breathing's unparalleled might and versatility leave little room for doubt, solidifying its position as the indisputable choice for the strongest style.

Regardless of their rankings, the Breathing Styles showcased in Demon Slayer remain incredibly formidable techniques. It is worth noting that the lower-ranked abilities often go unnoticed rather than being inherently weak. Additionally, it is crucial to acknowledge that individual practitioners can surpass their counterparts who practice supposedly superior styles. Ultimately, the Breathing Styles in Demon Slayer contribute to the series' allure and essence, regardless of their level of power.