Solo Leveling built its world around Hunters: humans awakened with mana, classified from E through S, with S-Rank sitting at the top of the measurable hierarchy. National-Level Hunters represented an elite designation associated with the world’s strongest fighter-class hunters, particularly those connected to the Kamish raid. Then Jinwoo broke the system’s usual rules, growing stronger while everyone else remained essentially fixed.
That rapid ascent pushed many once-important characters to the sidelines. But strength alone does not decide who was wasted. These five combined distinctive abilities, relationships, influence, and story potential, only for the narrative to move on before their arcs could truly mature.
5. Lee Joohee Was Jinwoo’s First True Ally Who Just Disappeared
Lee Joohee mattered because she anchored Jinwoo to his human past. A B-Rank healer, she saved him and used Haste and Strength buffs, including during the Kang Taeshik confrontation. The Double Dungeon left her traumatized, yet she returned to Hunter life, even helping defend Busan during the Jeju crisis. That makes her disappearance abrupt. Still, she ranks fifth because her combat ceiling was modest, and her relationship with Jinwoo never became central. The story established her emotional importance, but never gave her abilities or character arc enough room to evolve.
4. Goto Ryuji Was Japan’s Strongest Hunter Who Was Gone Too Soon
Goto Ryuji entered as Japan’s strongest Hunter and guild master, carrying weight. His spar with Jinwoo exposed how far Jinwoo had surpassed conventional S-Rank standards, while the Jeju raid showed Goto’s confidence and leadership. His death against Beru was dramatic but brutally efficient: the Ant King killed him before his reputation could become sustained. He ranks fourth because an elite S-Rank Hunter like him was killed by Beru just like that. No fight sequences. Nothing to highlight his skills and prowess. Just reduced to a character filler. His status made him a natural bridge between nations too.
3. Thomas Andre Was the National-Level Hunter Who Barely Got Started
Thomas Andre had National-Level status, the world’s highest hunter ranking, overwhelming physical strength, and a clash with Jinwoo. His battle against Jinwoo proved he could withstand punishment and force Jinwoo to escalate. Yet that defeat also became his ceiling. Thomas later respected Jinwoo and gifted him Kamish’s Wrath, but the story largely moved beyond him. He ranks third because his abilities could have sustained a rival role, but the top two had stronger narrative connections. His presence could have deepened the series’ international Hunter politics, rivalries, and political conflict.
2. Christopher Reed’s Story Ended Before It Could Begin
Christopher Reed is one of Solo Leveling’s greatest “what if” characters. He was one of America’s strongest Hunters, ranked third among National-Level Hunters, and a Ruler’s vessel capable of Ruler’s Authority and Spiritual Body Manifestation. His firepower was extreme: extinguishing his flames required 1,800 firefighters and fourteen elite mage Hunters. Yet readers never saw his battle: three Monarchs ambushed him, and his ruined mansion became his grave. He ranks second because we will never get to see the true might of Reed and how dangerous he was.
1. Go Gunhee Was the Chairman Who Deserved a Much Bigger Story
Go Gunhee was more than Korea’s Hunter Association chairman; he was Jinwoo’s mentor, and a former Hunter whose body housed a Ruler’s power. His final battle against Sillad showed startling speed, strength, and Ruler’s Authority despite his failing body, and he fought long enough for Jinwoo to arrive. That makes it disappointing because a character like Gunhee deserved way more spotlight and screentime. He ranks first because his unrealized potential spans combat, politics, mentorship, and mythology. The story ended his journey when those threads could have converged most powerfully.
Which Solo Leveling character do you think was wasted the most? Tell us in the comments!
Solo Leveling Seasons 1 and 2 are available on Crunchyroll for global streaming.
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