Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Bellion is the best-supported choice for Jinwoo’s strongest shadow soldier. The commonly cited shadow table places him at Grand Marshal, above Beru and Igris at Marshal. Beru and Igris are effectively the next tier, while Tusk follows as a highly useful magical specialist rather than a clearly stronger general combatant. This is a qualitative ranking, not an official numeric power score.

Spoiler warning: the ranking below uses developments from the completed original story, not only the currently animated material. Anime-only viewers should stop at the scope section until they are ready for later-story information.

Scope: anime-only evidence versus the completed story

Solo Leveling began as a Korean web novel and was later adapted into other formats. The official anime site identifies season two as Arise from the Shadow and lists episode 19, “The 10th S-rank Hunter.” That adaptation coverage does not yet establish the complete hierarchy of Jinwoo’s named shadows, so an anime-only ranking will necessarily be narrower.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The ordering in this article covers the original story’s later developments as reported by the consulted character and shadow references. Those references are fan-maintained guides, not primary canon documents. They are useful for locating the named grades and character descriptions, but they do not provide an official score or a single published list that settles every matchup. Beru versus Igris is especially close and can change with the story point or the criterion being measured.

#1 Best Overall
Total Anime Jinwoo - 9-Inch Collector Statue with Environmental Base and Premium
  • SUNG JINWOO: Climb the hunter ranks with Total Anime Sung Jinwoo
  • SOLO LEVELING: 9-inch deluxe PVC statue is based on the popular anime Solo Leveling
  • DYNAMIC POSE: Jinwoo is posed in a dynamic battle stance inspired by the show
  • DISPLAY BASE: Includes exciting environmental display base of black flames

The ranking at a glance

Position Shadow Listed grade Why this position Important qualification
1 Bellion Grand Marshal The highest grade shown in the named-shadow table and the strongest overall pick. No official numerical power rating is published.
2 Beru Marshal Exceptional combat ability, adaptability and the legacy of the Ant King. The character reference says Bellion surpasses him and Igris rivals him.
3 Igris Marshal A top-tier Marshal shadow whose standing is directly comparable with Beru’s. The available evidence does not prove that he is always above or below Beru.
4 Tusk Conflicting labels Distinct magical and shamanistic capabilities make him a valuable specialist. One prose description calls him General Grade, while the named-shadow table labels him Marshal.

The first-place call is therefore about the best-supported hierarchy, not a claim that every fight would end in the same way. A magical counter, terrain advantage or a specific story point can make a lower-listed shadow the better choice for one mission.

How to interpret “strongest”

Shadow soldiers are not interchangeable stat blocks. Four separate questions produce four slightly different rankings:

  • Rank: the Marshal and Grand Marshal labels indicate the hierarchy used by the reference material, but they are not presented as a complete official power scale.
  • Demonstrated combat performance: what a shadow actually accomplishes in a fight matters more than a title alone.
  • Versatility: adaptability, range and the ability to answer different threats can outweigh a narrow advantage in raw force.
  • Story point: a shadow’s position may look different before and after later upgrades or revelations.

Keeping those axes separate prevents two common errors: treating a grade as a precise statistic, or assuming that a specialist’s usefulness automatically makes that specialist the strongest overall.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

1. Bellion: the strongest overall shadow

Why Bellion leads

The named-shadow table lists Bellion as Grand Marshal, the top grade in that reference’s hierarchy. That single distinction places him above the Marshal-ranked Beru and Igris and makes him the most defensible answer to “Who is Jinwoo’s strongest shadow?”

Rank #2
HBGIAY 3pcs Sung Jin Woo Igris Statue Beru Action Figure PVC Model Anime Figura de Sung Jin Woo Figurine Desktop Collections Gift for Fans
  • Accurate Character Reproduction: This anime statue vividly presents Igris, Sung Jin Woo and Beru, dressed in iconic costumes, with highly realistic expressions and postures that fully replicate the anime plot, creating a strong sense of immersion
  • Size: The height of 20cm-21.5cm enables Sung Jin Woo figures to achieve a perfect balance between detail presentation and space occupation, easily integrating into various indoor scenes
  • Material: Igris figures are made of PVC material, with exquisite craftsmanship, delicate carving, and precise coloring. The color is full and the transition is natural
  • Desktop Figure: The Beru action figure, whether placed on a bookshelf in the study, a display cabinet in the living room, or a desk in the office, can clearly showcase every delicate detail and become a visual focal point
  • Collecting Gifts: Sung Jin Woo Anime figures not only satisfy fans' desire to collect, but can also be given as gifts to friends, classmates, colleagues, or family

Bellion’s position is also consistent with the comparative wording in the Beru reference, which describes Beru as surpassed by Bellion. Together, those two pieces of evidence support a first-place ranking without pretending that the series gives readers a numerical measurement.

What the grade does—and does not—tell you

Grand Marshal is a comparative label, not a published battle score. It tells you how Bellion is placed in the shadow hierarchy used by the reference, but it does not quantify speed, endurance, damage or the result of every possible matchup. A reader should therefore treat Bellion as the strongest general pick while leaving room for situational advantages elsewhere.

2. Beru: the adaptable Ant King shadow

Why Beru is in the top tier

The character reference identifies Beru as the shadow of the Ant King and gives him Marshal grade. It emphasizes formidable combat ability and adaptability, which are the reasons he remains one of Jinwoo’s most dangerous all-purpose fighters rather than merely a high-ranked name on a table.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Beru’s case is especially strong when the question is practical battlefield value. Adaptability allows him to respond to changing opponents instead of relying on one fixed technique. That quality does not create a universal score, but it explains why readers routinely place him alongside Igris near the top.

Rank #3
HBGIAY 2pcs Sung Jin Woo and Igris Figure Standing Pose Anime Figures Statue Igris Figura de Sung Jin Woo Figurine Collectibles
  • Accurate Character Reproduction: This anime statue vividly presents Sung Jin Woo and Igris, dressed in iconic costumes, with highly realistic expressions and postures that fully replicate the anime plot, creating a strong sense of immersion
  • Size: The height of 21cm/24cm enables Sung Jin Woo and Igris figures to achieve a perfect balance between detail presentation and space occupation, easily integrating into various indoor scenes
  • Material: Sung Jin Woo figures are made of PVC material, with exquisite craftsmanship, delicate carving, and precise coloring. The color is full and the transition is natural
  • Desktop Figure: The Sung Jin Woo and Igris figurine, whether placed on a bookshelf in the study, a display cabinet in the living room, or a desk in the office, can clearly showcase every delicate detail and become a visual focal point
  • Collecting Gifts: Sung Jin Woo Anime figures not only satisfy fans' desire to collect, but can also be given as gifts to friends, classmates, colleagues, or family

Beru’s ceiling in the comparison

The same reference says Beru is surpassed by Bellion and rivaled by Igris. That wording supports a second-place tier, but it does not establish a permanent, mathematical gap between Beru and Igris. Beru is best described as a Marshal-level contender whose exact position depends on which feats and point in the story a comparison uses.

3. Igris: a Marshal-level rival, not a settled third place

What is established

Igris is listed as Marshal in the named-shadow table, putting him in the same formal tier as Beru. The available material therefore supports calling him one of Jinwoo’s leading shadows, not a distant fourth-place fighter.

Why the Beru–Igris order is debatable

No official source in the available material assigns a number to either shadow or declares that one wins every comparison. The Beru reference calls Igris a rival, while the shadow table gives both the same Marshal label. Those facts justify a close second tier rather than a confident universal verdict.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If a list places Beru second and Igris third, that is an editorial choice based on the writer’s preferred feats, versatility or story point. A list that reverses them can also be reasonable if it explains the criterion. What should be avoided is presenting either order as an official score.

Rank #4
Banpresto - Solo Leveling - Sung Jin-woo -Excite Motions- vol. 1 Espresto Figure
  • Bandai Spirits Banpresto is proud to announce their newest release Espresto-Excite Motions- vol.1 Sung JinWoo!
  • Standing at Approx. 8.3", Sung JinWoo is seen in their iconic pose
  • Be sure to collect this and enhance your display with other incredible Banpresto figures!
  • The product box will have a Bandai Namco warning label, which is proof that you are purchasing an officially licensed product

Is Beru stronger than Igris?

There is no single canon-confirmed answer in the cited material. Beru has the clearest description of adaptability and Ant King heritage, while Igris shares the Marshal designation and is explicitly described as Beru’s rival. Those facts make “Beru is always stronger” too broad.

Use a three-part comparison instead:

Comparison axis Beru Igris How to read the result
Formal tier Marshal Marshal The listed grade is a tie.
Reference description Adaptable, formidable and linked to the Ant King Described as a rival to Beru The wording supports parity at the top level.
Overall ordering Often placed just ahead Often placed just behind This is an editorial ranking, not an official numeric result.

For a spoiler-aware list, write “Beru narrowly ahead of Igris” only when you identify that as the chosen interpretation. If the goal is to represent the evidence conservatively, describe them as co-leaders of the Marshal tier beneath Bellion.

4. Tusk: the magical specialist

What makes Tusk different

Tusk’s defining advantage is not simply rank. The character reference describes magical and shamanistic abilities, giving him a toolkit that can solve problems a straightforward melee fighter may not. That versatility can make Tusk the best shadow for a particular encounter even when he is placed below Bellion, Beru and Igris in an overall combat list.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The conflicting grade labels

The consulted references do not agree on Tusk’s formal grade. One prose description calls him General Grade, while the named-shadow table labels him Marshal. Because neither citation is a primary story text, the conflict should be shown rather than silently resolved. Until the relevant chapter or volume is checked directly, do not present either label as definitive canon.

Best Value
Total Anime Sung Jinwoo (S-Rank) - 6.5-Inch Figure with Swappable Faceplates, Alternate Hands, Weapon, and Blade Effect
  • S-RANK JINWOO: Max out your power with Total Anime Sung Jinwoo (S-Rank)
  • SOLO LEVELING: 6.5-inch highly poseable figure is based on Solo Leveling
  • ARTICULATED: Features 30+ points of articulation for dynamic play and display
  • ACCESSORIES: Includes swappable faceplates, alternate hands, daggers, and blade effect
  • AUTHENTIC DETAILS: Sung Jinwoo looks like he jumped right off the screen and onto the shelf

This disagreement also illustrates why rank and usefulness must remain separate. Tusk can be strategically essential because of magic and still occupy a lower overall position in a qualitative ranking. Conversely, a favorable matchup could let him outperform a higher-listed shadow in one situation.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Who is the strongest shadow soldier in Solo Leveling?

For the completed original story, the most defensible short answer is Bellion. The named-shadow table places him at Grand Marshal, and the Beru reference explicitly places Bellion above Beru. Beru and Igris form the next tier at Marshal, with no official evidence proving a permanent order between them. Tusk comes after them in this broad ranking because the available material emphasizes his specialized magic and contains conflicting grade labels.

That answer is intentionally qualitative. The available references do not provide a named statistic, laboratory-style test, official quotation or numerical power ranking. Any article or video that assigns exact percentages or a definitive point gap is adding a measurement that the cited material does not establish.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How the ranking changes by reader perspective

Anime-only viewers

Anime viewers should treat any full-series list as a spoiler for events beyond the currently adapted material. Season two’s official title, Arise from the Shadow, signals the adaptation’s focus, but the episode listing does not publish a comparative ranking of the shadows. At the anime-only stage, you can discuss the shadows introduced on screen without claiming that the complete hierarchy has been revealed.

Completed-story readers

Readers who have finished the original story can use the Bellion–Beru–Igris–Tusk order as a compact guide, provided they keep the source limitations visible. Bellion’s Grand Marshal listing is the firmest anchor. The Beru–Igris placement remains a close judgment call, and Tusk’s grade needs direct verification against the primary text.

Readers comparing adaptations

Do not merge an anime scene, a later manhwa event and a fan table as if they were measurements from one continuous database. Identify the format and story point first, then compare the evidence available in that format. A scene omitted or reordered by an adaptation can change what a viewer believes has been demonstrated without changing the broader source hierarchy.

A practical way to rank any additional shadow

  1. Fix the canon scope. State whether the list covers the anime to a named episode, the completed manhwa or the original web-novel story.
  2. Record the stated grade. Note the exact label and whether it comes from a primary chapter or a secondary reference.
  3. Separate feats from descriptions. List what the shadow demonstrably does, then keep adjectives such as “formidable” or “versatile” in a separate column.
  4. Check specialist value. Magic, range, support abilities or unusual defenses can change the outcome of a matchup without changing overall rank.
  5. Mark uncertainty. If two shadows share a grade or are described as rivals, use a tier or tied position instead of inventing a precise gap.

Common mistakes in shadow-soldier lists

  • Calling a fan table official: the consulted tables are reference material, not a publisher-issued power chart.
  • Forcing Beru and Igris into a permanent order: their shared Marshal tier and rival description support a close comparison.
  • Ignoring Tusk’s source conflict: General Grade and Marshal are both reported; the discrepancy needs to remain visible until primary-text verification.
  • Using one matchup as the whole ranking: a magical specialist can win a favorable encounter without being the strongest overall soldier.
  • Mixing spoiler levels: label later-story material before discussing it so anime-only readers can choose whether to continue.

Final verdict

Bellion is the strongest-shadow pick on the evidence available, with a Grand Marshal listing above the Marshal tier. Beru and Igris are the leading rivals beneath him, and the exact order between those two is interpretive rather than officially scored. Tusk ranks lower in the broad list but remains uniquely valuable because of his magical and shamanistic toolkit; his formal grade should be treated as unresolved until checked against the primary story text.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Total Anime Jinwoo - 9-Inch Collector Statue with Environmental Base and Premium
Total Anime Jinwoo - 9-Inch Collector Statue with Environmental Base and Premium
SUNG JINWOO: Climb the hunter ranks with Total Anime Sung Jinwoo; SOLO LEVELING: 9-inch deluxe PVC statue is based on the popular anime Solo Leveling
$34.50
Bestseller No. 4
Banpresto - Solo Leveling - Sung Jin-woo -Excite Motions- vol. 1 Espresto Figure
Banpresto - Solo Leveling - Sung Jin-woo -Excite Motions- vol. 1 Espresto Figure
Standing at Approx. 8.3", Sung JinWoo is seen in their iconic pose; Be sure to collect this and enhance your display with other incredible Banpresto figures!
Bestseller No. 5
Total Anime Sung Jinwoo (S-Rank) - 6.5-Inch Figure with Swappable Faceplates, Alternate Hands, Weapon, and Blade Effect
Total Anime Sung Jinwoo (S-Rank) - 6.5-Inch Figure with Swappable Faceplates, Alternate Hands, Weapon, and Blade Effect
S-RANK JINWOO: Max out your power with Total Anime Sung Jinwoo (S-Rank); SOLO LEVELING: 6.5-inch highly poseable figure is based on Solo Leveling
$19.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.