10 Best Hunter x Hunter Fights

Despite its character-driven story, Hunter x Hunter has many memorable fights. From the physical confrontations during the Hunter Exam to the high-powered Nen clashes in the Royal Palace invasion, the series features exciting battles in every arc. However, it’s only in Yorknew City that Nen is established as a staple for powerful fighters.

Hunter x Hunter‘s power system involves using aura to strengthen one’s abilities. Except for Kurapika, who has two types, every Nen-user belongs to a different category of Nen. Their aura type determines their expression of Nen, and their abilities determine their individual strength. As the series introduces powerful Nen users, it brings some thrilling fights into the mix.

10

Feitan Portor vs. Zazan

Episode 97: Carnage x And x Devastation

Upon returning to Meteor City, the Phantom Troupe learns it has become a nesting ground run by the Chimera Ant Zazan. Feitan confronts the “Queen” as his fellow troupe members watch. Kalluto finds himself astonished by their speed, and remarks on how he has a long way to go before he can be on their level. After Zazan transforms into a monstrous creature, the Transmuter unleashes his rage using his Rising Sun ability. The heat from his attack incinerates the Chimera Ant, defeating her instantly.

Despite being one of the more prominent members of the Phantom Troupe, fans don’t get to see Feitan’s Nen ability until his fight with Zazan. After the bandit suddenly switches to his native tongue, he builds suspense by enclosing his body in strange-looking armor. His Hatsu is unexpectedly flashy compared to his usually stoic personality. While the battle is short, it puts a well-awaited spotlight on Feitan and allows him to live up to his popularity.

9

Gon Freecss vs. Genthru

Episode 74: Victor x And x Loser

When Gon meets Genthru on Greed Island, the other Hunter invites him to join an alliance. After the Enhancer declines the invitation, the two go their separate ways for some time. It isn’t until Genthru targets Gon’s allies that the boy challenges him to a one-on-one battle. As the young Nen user refuses to yield to his opponent, the two make a deal that forces the loser to surrender their cards to the winner.

As Genthru repeatedly attacks Gon, the boy refuses to give up. He breaks a container of gasoline on the explosive Hunter and prevents him from using his powers. This leads to an exciting moment where the Enhancer uses his quick wits to trap the Bomber. In a satisfying twist for the audience, he uses his Nen ability to force Genthru to surrender. The battle concludes on a rather happy note, as a bystander nullifies the Bomber’s ability and restores peace to the game.

8

Gon Freecss vs Hanzo

Episode 19: Can’t Win × And × Can’t Lose

For the final phase of the Hunter Exam, Netero devises a tournament where the participants fight one-on-one. Gon is paired up with Hanzo, who is both stronger and more experienced than him. He withstands substantial amounts of pain from the ninja’s attacks but refuses to surrender. After knocking out his opponent, Hanzo finally declares his loss. Gon becomes the first person to pass the 287th Hunter Exam, but remains unconscious for the rest of the tournament.

The fight between Gon and Hanzo isn’t as exciting as the series’ later battles, but it sets the stage for many of these events. Despite its occasionally dark moments, the Hunter Exam arc is the most lighthearted arc in the series. Gon shares his stubbornness and refusal to give up with other Shōnen heroes, and this is played off for laughs during the fight. It’s also heartwarming to see Hanzo develop a soft spot for the younger boy, even protecting him from Illumi Zoldyck’s threats later on.

7

Gon Freecss vs Hisoka Morow

Episode 35: The x True x Pass & Episode 36: A Big Debt × And × A Small Kick

When Hisoka gives his tag to Gon during the Hunter Exam, he punches the boy in the face. The clown says he will only take back his tag when Gon can punch him in the same way. A few months after this altercation, the two meet again in Heaven’s Arena and agree to fight. The protagonist manages to land a long-awaited punch to Hisoka’s face paying off his debt.

Even though Gon loses the fight, he still accomplishes his goal of returning Hisoka’s badge. He even shows off his newfound strength after training with Wing. Bungee Gum, which has the properties of both rubber and gum, also makes its official debut as Hisoka reveals his Nen abilities. During their battle, the clown mentions his personality test for distinguishing Nen types. Though it’s never meant to be accurate, many of its observations are proven true later in the series.

6

The Dodgeball Match On Greed Island

Episode 69: A x Heated x Showdown, Episode 70: Guts x And X Courage & Episode 71: Bargain x And x Deal

In one of the most rewatchable fights in the series, the Greed Island team faces off against Razor in a high-stakes game of Dodgeball. When the group returns from recruiting Hisoka and Tsezguerra, Razor challenges them to a game of Dodgeball for their final match. His explosive throws strike out the players until only Gon, Killua, and Hisoka remain on the court. Using an unexpected formation, the three remaining players go on to secure victory for their team.

From Hisoka’s dodge to the final trio’s formation, the Dodgeball game is filled with lots of iconic moments. The fight is the most exciting part of the Greed Island arc and shows the second time when Hisoka acts as an ally to the main protagonists. Razor also acts as a link to Gon’s father, Ging, and brings the child closer to his goal. Overall, the Dodgeball match is a fun game turned into a thrilling, life-or-death situation.

5

Chrollo Lucilfer vs Silva & Zeno Zoldyck

Episode 52: Assault x And x Impact

After being hired by the mafia to kill the Phantom Troupe, Silva and Zeno Zoldyck confront Chrollo Lucilfer. As the bandit summons his Skill Hunter ability, Zeno uses his Dragon Head to follow him until he is within its clutches. With his father’s signal, Silva then creates two large orbs with his Nen but ceases his attack when Illumi informs him that their clients have died.

The fight shows the first time that such high-caliber Nen users have battled. Zeno’s stunning Nen ability easily earns him a place among the series’ finest Nen users, and Chrollo’s unique Hatsu establishes him as a fan favorite. The bandit’s overwhelming power puts him on par with the Zoldyck assassins, who acknowledge his strength. Zeno even remarks that while he would win in a one-on-one battle, it would be a different story if Chrollo were intending to kill him.

4

Kurapika vs Uvogin

Episode 47: Condition x And x Condition

In one of Hunter x Hunter‘s most brutal fights, Kurapika unleashes his rage on Uvogin. As the Spider masks his presence with Nen, his opponent reveals his hidden chains and shows that he, too, can use the technique. As Uvogin attempts to break free from his chains, Kurapika reveals his scarlet eyes and explains the logistics of his Emperor Time ability. He wraps the Judgement Chain around his target’s heart and asks him about the Phantom Troupe’s whereabouts. When the Enhancer refuses to answer, however, the blade pierces his heart and instantly kills him.

Hunter x Hunter is notable for showing the psychological effects associated with revenge. Even though Kurapika doesn’t hesitate to kill Uvogin, the experience takes an emotional toll and brings a sense of emptiness to him. The Conjurer becomes the first of the main four to embrace the dark side, setting the stage for Gon and his infamous transformation during the Chimera Ant arc. It’s an important fight that brings a shift in tone and morality. Uvogin’s death also humanizes the Phantom Troupe and shows they are not so different from Kurapika.

3

Gon Freecss vs Neferpitou (Pitou)

Episode 131: Anger x And x Light

When Pitou brings Gon to Kite’s lifeless body, he experiences a surge of conflicting emotions. The Enhancer releases a menacing aura as he transforms into his muscular, adult form. Moving the fight outside, Gon kicks Pitou into the air and beats Pitou to death after using his Jajanken ability. The Ant’s overwhelming loyalty to Meruem causes their Nen ability to linger after death. As they rip off Gon’s arm, he impales them and uses one final Jajanken to end the battle.

Gon and Pitou’s standoff is one of the most iconic and important fights in the series. While Leorio and Killua move toward the light, Gon and Kurapika Gon and Kurapika embrace the darkness. The Enhancer’s willingness to sacrifice his aura reserves leaves him on the brink of death and unable to use Nen. It serves as a cruel reminder that actions have consequences and that revenge only brings more pain. Even more heartbreaking is Killua’s reaction to seeing his friend in such a state.

2

Isaac Netero vs Meruem

Episode 122: Pose x And x Name, Episode 125: Great Power x And x Ultimate Power & Episode 126: Zero x And x Rose

As Meruem refuses to fight, Netero offers him a deal and says he will reveal his name if the Ant defeats him. The Chairman repeatedly strikes his opponent with the 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva but loses his leg to the King. The two engage in a supersonic battle until Meruem rips off Netero’s arm. The Enhancer then summons his Zero Hand technique, injuring the King. Now on the verge of death, Netero reveals Meruem’s name and causes him to experience fear for the first time. He concludes the battle by piercing his heart and triggering the Miniature Rose’s explosion.

The fight is a brilliant display of strength from two of the strongest characters in the series. Netero’s 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva is a majestic ability befitting the world’s most powerful Hunter. Meruem also reveals his incredible power by reading his opponent’s movements and dodging his attacks. Though the future of humanity is at stake, the audience can’t help but agree with some of Meruem’s statements. The Chimera Ant arc masterfully blurs the lines between good and evil, exploring the gray areas of morality. It ends on an anticlimactic note, since Netero’s bomb, rather than his power, kills Meruem in the end.

1

Hisoka Morow vs Chrollo Lucilfer

Chapter 351 to Chapter 356

Fans have anticipated Hisoka and Chrollo’s battle since the Yorknew City arc. After going separate ways, the two face off in Heaven’s Arena and agree to fight to the death. The Specialist reveals a loophole to counter Skill Hunter’s limitation and combines several stolen abilities to attack the clown. Through Shalnark’s ability, he commands the audience members to rush towards his opponent. Hisoka experiences severe bloodlust as he struggles to defend himself using Bungee Gum. As Chrollo has his puppets crowd Hisoka, the Transmuter smiles as an explosion erupts, killing him and ending the battle.

Seeing two beloved characters return to the story is nothing short of satisfying, especially when they reveal new powers. Despite cloning many of them with Kortopi’s ability, Chrollo proves he is ruthless enough to kill innocent members of the audience. The battle takes many unexpected turns, often forcing the combatants to rely on strategy over power. Most surprising, however, is Hisoka’s death from the final explosion. The clown imposes a condition that will revive his body if he dies. While complex and highly detailed, Hisoka versus Chrollo lives up to the hype as Hunter x Hunter‘s best fight.

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