This article contains spoilers for Solo Leveling Seasons 1 and 2.
It’s never too late to start watching Solo Leveling, as the action fantasy anime is still in its early story arcs even after releasing two seasons. At the moment, there are only 25 episodes in circulation, so it’s the best time to catch up or rewatch Sung Jinwoo’s compelling underdog journey in Solo Leveling.
Best Manhwa Like Solo Leveling You Should Read
Solo Leveling presents awesome fights, sensational developments, and incredible characters. Here are similar manhwa that embody these narratives.
Before the release of Season 3, the series received praise for its incredible, well-animated episodes. Unlike many anime adaptations of Korean material, Solo Leveling stands out for its fluid action sequences and faithful execution in every episode. Those who have watched Seasons 1 and 2 may agree that these episodes deserve 10/10 ratings for elevating Solo Leveling to new heights.
Solo Leveling Episode 2
- Title: If I Had One More Chance
- Season: 1
- Story Arc: D-Rank Dungeon Arc
The second episode of Solo Leveling never fails to send chills, thanks to its perfect blend of suspense, action, and tension. From the terrifying statues surrounding Jinwoo and his fellow hunters to the secret rules of the double dungeon, every moment of Solo Leveling episode 2 makes anyone fear for the characters.
Perhaps the best highlight of the second episode is the terrifying smile plastered on the face of the Statue of God, as it enjoys antagonizing every hunter inside the dungeon. The same is true for the other statues that literally split the hunters apart, creating panic with every movement.
It’s also fascinating to see how Jinwoo gradually navigates the dangerous situation, from deciphering the commandments of the dungeon to sacrificing his life just to protect his fellow hunters. It’s the first time Jinwoo showed incredible courage and intellect, making it easy for anyone to root for him.
Solo Leveling Episode 4
- Title: I’ve Gotta Get Stronger
- Season: 1
- Story Arc: Instant Dungeon Arc
After Jinwoo’s awakening as the sole player of the system, Solo Leveling episode 4 immediately puts him in another life-threatening situation, where he’s forced to complete a dungeon by himself. This experience was a terrifying one, as Jinwoo couldn’t back down even if he wanted to.
This episode is a turning point in Jinwoo’s career, as the once pathetic hunter finally gets the courage to fight for himself without relying on healers or a strike party for the first time ever.
Before, low-level goblins could put Jinwoo on hospital arrest for weeks, but his newly acquired power finally allows him to fight and grow stronger. In the same episode, he also gets the chance to slay a dungeon boss, setting the stage for the epic battles that define the rest of the series.
Solo Leveling Episode 6
- Title: The Real Hunt Begins
- Season: 1
- Story Arc: Dungeon & Lizards Arc
The sixth episode of Solo Leveling serves as a redemption arc for Jinwoo, who was often betrayed and underestimated by fellow hunters simply because he was considered fodder.
For the first time, Jinwoo never allowed anyone to disrespect him, as shown when he killed Hwang Dong-Suk and his party members one by one. He put them in their rightful place, even if it meant killing humans. He learned that if he wanted to survive, he would be required to take another person’s life.
In addition, the introduction of Yoo Jin-Ho into the sixth episode of Solo Leveling creates an important dynamic that highlights Jinwoo’s growth not just as a hunter but as a leader capable of inspiring trust and loyalty. After all, Jin-Ho is the first one to ever support Jinwoo despite his reservations. Other than that, the sixth episode also showed the goofy side of Jinwoo while conversing with Jin-Ho.
Solo Leveling Episode 9
- Title: You’ve Been Hiding Your Skills
- Season: 1
- Story Arc: Dungeon & Prisoners Arc
The fight between Jinwoo and Kang Tae-Shik in Solo Leveling episode 9 remains one of the best fights of the series. Both characters have similar fighting styles, so it was fascinating to see how they could outpace each other with their speed and combat instinct. They have a clash of speed that can keep any viewer on the edge of their seat.
The presence of Song Chi Yul and Lee Joo-Hee also adds to the suspense of the episode, as Jinwoo was forced to fight Kang Tae-Shik while protecting the other two characters. For the first time, Jinwoo was pushed to his limits, with Kang Tae-Shik matching him blow by blow, showing just how dangerous a skilled hunter can be.
Solo Leveling Episode 11
- Title: A Knight Who Defends an Empty Throne
- Season: 1
- Story Arc: Job Change Arc
Solo Leveling episode 11 presented a difficult challenge to Sung Jinwoo in the form of Blood-Red Commander Igris, as part of the Job-Change quest. He is the loyal servant of the original shadow monarch, tasked with testing Jinwoo’s abilities after becoming a player in the system. It had been a while since Jinwoo became a player, so meeting Igris was the perfect opportunity to test just how far he had come.
For the first time, Jinwoo thought he could lose to his opponent, as Igris’s relentless attacks are packed with overwhelming force and precision. His fight with Igris isn’t the same as his other fights, as the Red Knight is hell-bent on taking his life. Fortunately, luck was in his favor, as the knight was willing to fight him fair and square even if it meant not using his sword.
Solo Leveling Episode 12
- Title: Arise
- Season: 1
- Story Arc: Job Change Arc
As the title of the episode implies, Arise marks the first time Jinwoo used the shadow extraction skill. It’s an exciting moment that completely changes the game, as Jinwoo becomes able to use the powers of the Shadow Monarch to summon a formidable shadow army.
Extracting Igris’ shadow is one of the best highlights of the episode, capturing the perfect sense of suspense and excitement as Jinwoo calls out to his very first elite shadow. In addition, the same episode also puts Jinwoo to yet another test that challenges both his strength and wit. It’s the perfect conclusion to the first season, leaving viewers eager for what new challenges and powerful foes await Jinwoo in Season 2.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
Solo Leveling Episode 14
- Title: I Suppose You Aren’t Aware
- Season: 2
- Story Arc: Red Gate Arc
Solo Leveling Season 2 starts off with yet another exciting story arc for Jinwoo, with the Red Gate arc giving him a tough opponent to deal with and a new shadow to command. Fighting against Baruka of the ice elves tested Jinwoo’s limits, as the ice elf was on a higher level than him. Then there’s the A-rank hunter Kim Chul, whom Jinwoo extracted as a shadow to overpower Baruka once and for all.
While all of this is happening inside the Red Gate, another intense confrontation is happening outside, all thanks to Hwang Dong Soo and Baek Yoon-Ho. Imagine if Hwang Dong-Soo found Jinwoo; there would have been a nasty encounter between these powerful hunters.
Solo Leveling Episode 18
- Title: Don’t Look Down on My Guys
- Season: 2
- Story Arc: Hunters Guild Gate Arc
Solo Leveling episode 18 offers a visual feast through Jinwoo’s epic battle with Kargalgan inside an A-rank dungeon. It’s the first time Jinwoo unleashed his shadow army in front of hunters other than Jin-Ho, making the reaction of the Hunters Guild’s strike team satisfying to watch.
Jinwoo’s phenomenal display of power against Kargalgan is incredible, with his shadows moving in perfect coordination while their master glides his way through the battlefield with deadly precision. Bystanders can do nothing but watch in awe as Jinwoo effortlessly defeats Kargalgan and claims his new shadow.
Solo Leveling Episode 24
- Title: Are You the King of Humans?
- Season: 2
- Story Arc: Jeju Island Arc
The final showdown in Solo Leveling Season 2 is perhaps the best fight in the series so far. Seeing Jinwoo and the Ant King exchange blows on Jeju Island is nothing short of breathtaking, making every moment a joy to watch. Every time they clash, the sheer force and speed of their attacks are animated with stunning detail courtesy of A-1 Pictures.
Hitting pause on Solo Leveling episode 24 only gives a wallpaper-worthy frame, capturing the epic intensity of Jinwoo and the Ant King in combat mode. It’s safe to assume that it’s also the best episode of Solo Leveling Season 2, combining breathtaking action and jaw-dropping animation. It’s the kind of episode fans would want to rewatch over and over again.
Solo Leveling Episode 25
- Title: On to the Next Target
- Season: 2
- Story Arc: Jeju Island Arc
While Solo Leveling episode 25 is tamer than the previous episode, it still offers a fun and entertaining watch due to the involvement of other characters in the Jeju Island raid. The first one is Liu Zhigang, who obliterated a swarm of mutated ants in just a single attack. Fans also get to see familiar faces, from Lee Joo-Hee to Song Chi Yul, who has been missing in action after their stint in the first season.
Above all else, fans get to see two new Monarchs, Sillad and Rakan, who immediately command attention with their overwhelming power and presence. Also, the same episode welcomes the second coming of the Ant King as Beru, Jinwoo’s new shadow. If that wasn’t enough, the episode also gives fans a chance to say goodbye to the S-rank healer, Min Byung-Gu.
Lastly, the episode sets the stage for Solo Leveling Season 3, teasing the formidable villains that await Jinwoo and hinting at even greater challenges ahead. From Hwang Dong-Soo to the Monarchs Sillad and Rakan, there are far superior enemies that Jinwoo needs to overcome to be the strongest in the world.
- Release Date
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2024 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Tokyo MX, Gunma TV, BS11, Tochigi TV
- Directors
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Tatsuya Sasaki, Toru Hamasaki
- Writers
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Shigeru Murakoshi, Shingo Irie, Fuka Ishii
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Genta Nakamura
Yoo Jin-ho
