Understanding Solo Leveling's Hunter Ranking System

Adapted from the highly acclaimed manhwa by Chugong, the Solo Leveling anime has made a big splash in the world of anime. The first episode of the ongoing series has garnered widespread attention and impressive ratings, making it one of the standout premieres of the Winter 2024 season.

The story centers around Sung Jin-Woo, a low-ranked Hunter in a world where dungeons have appeared, unleashing dangerous monsters and empowering select individuals. Known as the 'World's Weakest Hunter', the series charts Jin-Woo's journey as he strives to ascend to become the Strongest Hunter in the world through constant leveling up and climbing the ranks.

Explaining the Hunter ranking system of Solo Leveling

The Hunter Ranking system in the world of Solo Leveling has garnered significant interest from fans. This system plays a vital role in the series, as it classifies hunters according to their unique strengths, abilities, and impact on society.

At the beginning of Solo Leveling, Sung Jin-Woo was an E-rank hunter. This ranking system is a crucial aspect of the series, familiar to anime fans. It categorizes hunters into different tiers based on their magical abilities, achievements, and their role in protecting humanity from the monsters that come out of the dungeons.

As humanity became aware of the existence of magic, it gave rise to the 'Hunters', the only ones capable of slaying magical creatures and sealing the gates. This led to the creation of a lucrative billion-dollar industry that ranked the hunters using an international S-E system.

At the lowest tier of the ranking system is the E-rank, comprising of inexperienced or weaker hunters with limited combat skills who tackle less difficult missions. Viewed as slightly above average, they receive lower pay and are seen as expendable.

Moving on to the D-rank hunters, they exhibit slightly improved abilities compared to the E-rank hunters. Nevertheless, they are still categorized as low-tier and not given high-risk assignments.

A C-rank hunter is skilled at handling moderately challenging missions and has decent combat abilities. Meanwhile, B-rank hunters are much more powerful and experienced, capable of taking on more dangerous missions and facing tougher monsters.

Ranked just below the top are the A-rank hunters, who are among the elite and possess exceptional strength and skill. They are trusted with critical missions and play a crucial role in defending against powerful monsters and dungeons.

Baek Yoon-Ho, also known as the White Tiger Guild master in the Solo Leveling series, is an S-Rank hunter. (Image via Chugong/DUBU/Webtoon)

The S-rank hunters, the top echelon of the system, possess incredible power and are considered some of the most significant individuals in the world. They are highly esteemed by society and consequently receive a much higher salary than others. Additionally, there are the Nation-Level hunters, who are ranked even higher than the S-rank hunters and are in a league of their own.

Apart from the different ranks, hunters also fall into general categories such as Mages, Fighters, Assassins, Rangers, Tankers, and Healers. To become a hunter, individuals must first awaken their abilities, obtain hunting licenses, and then take part in dungeon raids.

However, awakening powers does not obligate a person to become a hunter. There have been individuals in the story who, despite having powers, opted for a normal life instead of becoming hunters.

What is the plot of Solo Leveling?

The story begins with Sung Jin-Woo, an E-rank hunter who is constantly getting injured and underestimated by those around him. Despite this, he is determined to continue hunting in order to support his family. After a near-death experience, he wakes up in the hospital with newfound abilities that allow him to "level up". With this new power, Jin-Woo sets out on a dangerous quest to become the strongest hunter in the world of Solo Leveling.

Final Reflection

The Solo Leveling series has truly captivated fans across the globe with its powerful message of how even the 'weakest person in the world' can overcome challenges and rise to the top through unwavering determination, perseverance, and a relentless drive to protect and support their loved ones.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the anime adaptation of Solo Leveling. The manhwa has been one of my favorites for years, and I can't wait to see the story come to life on screen. The first episode of the anime has exceeded my expectations, and I am confident that the rest of the series will be just as good.

I am particularly interested in the Hunter Ranking System in Solo Leveling. This system is a crucial aspect of the series, as it classifies hunters according to their unique strengths, abilities, and impact on society. I find it fascinating to see how the different ranks of hunters interact with each other and how they work together to protect humanity from the monsters that come out of the dungeons. I am also eager to see how Sung Jin-Woo progresses through the ranks and eventually becomes the Strongest Hunter in the world.