Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has taken the anime world by storm with its emotional storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable battles. Over the years, the series has introduced a wide range of characters from fierce Hashira to terrifying Upper Moon demons. Each character has their own unique powers, breathing techniques, and emotional depth that define their strength.
As of 2025, with the manga completed and the anime approaching its final arcs, fans are more curious than ever to know: who are the strongest Demon Slayer characters ranked by power?
In this updated ranking, we analyze both Demon Slayers and demons based on their combat ability, breathing styles, Blood Demon Arts, endurance, and overall achievements throughout the series.
Ranking Criteria
The Demon Slayer power ranking (2025) is based on:
- Mastery of Breathing Techniques or Blood Demon Arts
- Physical strength and endurance
- Combat intelligence and adaptability
- Historical influence or legacy in the Demon Slayer universe
These rankings include both Hashira and Demons, as both sides represent extraordinary abilities that shape the outcome of humanity’s war against Muzan and his forces.
Top 10 Strongest Demon Slayer Characters (2025 Ranking)
10. Kyojuro Rengoku – Flame Hashira
The Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, remains one of the most inspiring figures in Demon Slayer. His mastery of Flame Breathing allows him to generate explosive attacks and maintain unmatched speed during battle. His iconic fight against Akaza (Upper Moon Three) demonstrated his indomitable spirit, making him a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
Even though Rengoku ultimately fell in battle, his power and determination earn him a solid place in the top ten. His legacy continues to inspire both the Hashira and fans alike.
9. Akaza – Upper Moon Three
Akaza is one of the most formidable demons created by Muzan Kibutsuji. His combat ability and Destructive Death Martial Art make him a deadly opponent, even against elite Hashira. Unlike many demons, Akaza relies on pure hand-to-hand combat rather than Blood Demon Arts.
His agility, regeneration, and sharp combat senses make him one of the strongest Demon Slayer demons. Akaza’s fight with Rengoku remains one of the most intense battles in the series, showcasing his unmatched fighting prowess.
8. Tengen Uzui – Sound Hashira
Tengen Uzui combines strength, speed, and intelligence like no other. As the Sound Hashira, he utilizes the Sound Breathing technique — analyzing his opponents’ movements through rhythm and pattern.
During the Entertainment District Arc, Tengen fought alongside Tanjiro and his allies to defeat Gyutaro and Daki, proving his combat excellence and tactical brilliance. His endurance and ability to fight multiple demons at once place him among the most capable Hashira.
7. Giyu Tomioka – Water Hashira
Calm, disciplined, and powerful, Giyu Tomioka is the Water Hashira who serves as one of the most skilled swordsmen in the Corps. His Water Breathing Eleventh Form: Dead Calm is one of the most refined defensive techniques in the series, allowing him to counter and eliminate demons efficiently.
Giyu’s strength lies not only in his technique but in his composure. His ability to remain calm during high-stakes battles and adapt his strategy makes him one of the top Hashira in Demon Slayer.
6. Sanemi Shinazugawa – Wind Hashira
Known for his fierce personality and unmatched fighting spirit, Sanemi Shinazugawa is the Wind Hashira whose raw power surpasses most of his peers. His speed, physical strength, and willingness to push beyond limits make him an exceptional warrior.
During his battle against Kokushibo, Sanemi’s resilience and courage were on full display. His mastery of Wind Breathing and ability to fight through pain highlight why he ranks among the strongest Demon Slayers in 2025.
5. Nezuko Kamado – Demon Form
Nezuko’s transformation from a helpless child into a powerful demon changed the course of the story. Her Blood Demon Art: Exploding Blood and sunlight resistance give her a unique edge over other demons.
By the Swordsmith Village Arc, Nezuko’s powers evolve dramatically — she gains immunity to sunlight, something even Muzan could not achieve. This alone makes her one of the most powerful demons in existence and a key factor in humanity’s final victory.
4. Tanjiro Kamado – Sun Breathing User
As the series protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado grows from a beginner swordsman to one of the most formidable fighters in the Demon Slayer Corps. He masters Sun Breathing (Hinokami Kagura), the original and most powerful Breathing Style.
By the end of the story, Tanjiro gains the Demon Slayer Mark, enhancing his strength, agility, and perception. His combination of Sun Breathing and Water Breathing techniques allows him to counter even the strongest Upper Moons.
3. Kokushibo – Upper Moon One
Once a Hashira himself, Kokushibo became the Upper Moon One after succumbing to Muzan’s influence. As the user of Moon Breathing, Kokushibo wields terrifying swordsmanship and near-immortal regeneration.
His battle against multiple Hashira demonstrated the vast difference in power between humans and upper demons. Kokushibo’s combat precision, demonic enhancement, and historical significance make him one of the strongest Demon Slayer characters ever created.
2. Yoriichi Tsugikuni – The First Sun Breathing User
Yoriichi Tsugikuni is the legendary Demon Slayer who developed Sun Breathing, the foundation of all other techniques. His power is unmatched — even Muzan Kibutsuji himself feared Yoriichi, calling him the only true threat to his existence.
Yoriichi’s skill, speed, and perception surpassed all others. Despite living centuries before the events of the series, no character has ever come close to his natural talent and spiritual strength.
1. Muzan Kibutsuji – The Demon King
At the top of the ranking stands Muzan Kibutsuji, the origin of all demons and the ultimate antagonist. His near-immortality, regeneration, and Blood Demon Art abilities make him one of the most powerful beings in anime history.
Muzan’s ability to control and manipulate other demons, combined with his intelligence and adaptability, makes him a nearly unstoppable force. Even the combined might of the Hashira and Tanjiro’s team struggled to defeat him.
Muzan remains the strongest character in Demon Slayer due to his vast powers, cunning, and the fact that every demon’s strength originates from him.
FAQs
1. Who is the strongest Demon Slayer in 2025?
Yoriichi Tsugikuni remains the strongest Demon Slayer ever, unmatched in history.
2. Is Tanjiro stronger than Yoriichi?
No, Tanjiro comes close but never surpasses Yoriichi’s natural power and mastery.
3. Who is the strongest Hashira in Demon Slayer?
Sanemi Shinazugawa and Giyu Tomioka are among the top Hashira based on skill and endurance.
4. Can Nezuko defeat Muzan?
Alone, no. But her sunlight resistance plays a key role in Muzan’s downfall.
5. Who killed Kokushibo?
Kokushibo was defeated in a joint battle by Gyomei Himejima, Sanemi Shinazugawa, and Muichiro Tokito.
6. What is the strongest Breathing Style in Demon Slayer?
Sun Breathing, created by Yoriichi Tsugikuni, is the original and strongest form of all Breathing Styles.
7. Is Yoriichi alive in 2025?
No, Yoriichi lived centuries before the main storyline, but his legacy continues through Tanjiro’s lineage.
8. How strong is Muzan compared to the Hashira?
Muzan is far stronger than any individual Hashira; it took the combined effort of several to defeat him.
9. Who is the fastest Demon Slayer character?
Yoriichi Tsugikuni is considered the fastest swordsman in the entire Demon Slayer universe.
10. Which demon has the most powerful Blood Demon Art?
Muzan Kibutsuji’s shapeshifting and control-based Blood Demon Art surpasses all other demons in power and versatility.
