If you love Solo Leveling, you’ve probably heard people say it feels a bit like Hunter x Hunter. Both stories feature hunters, dangerous monsters, power progression, and massive battles. But how similar are they really?
In this article, we’ll break down the similarities between Solo Leveling and Hunter x Hunter, compare their biggest moments (especially the ant arcs), and give you my honest take on whether Solo Leveling copied Hunter x Hunter.
Good news for both anime series: updates have announced new chapters for both series, and they are both set to be released in 2027.
The Hunter System and Organizations
Both series center around a special group of people called Hunters.
- In Hunter x Hunter, there is an official Hunter Association. Passing the extremely difficult Hunter Exam gives you a license that opens doors normal people can’t access.
- In Solo Leveling, there is also a Hunter’s Association. Hunters are ranked (E to S) and get special privileges. They enter dangerous “Gates” that connect to dungeons full of monsters.
| Aspect | Hunter x Hunter | Solo Leveling |
|---|---|---|
| Organization | Hunter Association | Hunter’s Association |
| How to become a Hunter | Pass tough Exam | Awakened with powers or System |
| Special Access | Restricted areas & jobs | Enter Gates & Dungeons |
| License Benefits | Legal & social advantages | Rank-based privileges & money |
Both stories use the title “Hunter” to distinguish normal humans from those who fight monsters. This creates a clear power structure and exciting world-building.
From Weak to Strong: The Protagonist’s Journey Gon Freecss vs Sung Jin-Woo
This is one of the biggest shared themes.
- Gon Freecss (Hunter x Hunter) starts as a cheerful but relatively weak boy. Through training, battles, and Nen, he grows incredibly strong.
- Sung Jin-Woo (Solo Leveling) starts as the weakest E-rank hunter. After a near-death experience, he receives the System and levels up dramatically.
Both protagonists go through classic weak-to-strong arcs. They face life-threatening situations, lose allies, and come back stronger. Fans love this power fantasy in both series.
Power Systems: Nen vs The System
This is where the stories feel both similar and different.
Hunter x Hunter uses Nen, a complex aura-based power system with categories (Enhancement, Emission, Conjuration, etc.). It rewards strategy, creativity, and training.
Solo Leveling uses a video game-style System. Jin-Woo gains levels, stats, skills, and shadows he can summon. It’s much more straightforward and addictive to watch.
My take: Both systems make the progression of power feel satisfying. Nen is deeper and more strategic. The System in Solo Leveling is flashier and easier for new fans to understand. They scratch the same itch in different ways.
Epic Ant Arcs: Jeju Island vs Chimera Ant
This is the similarity that gets talked about the most.
In Solo Leveling, the Jeju Island Raid features a massive invasion of powerful, evolving ant monsters. Humanity underestimates the threat at first. A huge raid team is sent in, and things quickly spiral out of control.
In Hunter x Hunter, the famous Chimera Ant arc follows a colony of ants that evolve rapidly, become intelligent, and pose an existential threat to humanity. The arc also involves an island setting and a desperate large-scale response.
Common points fans notice:
- Ant-like monsters that evolve and become stronger
- Initial underestimation of the threat
- Massive raid/extermination effort
- High-stakes battles with heavy casualties
Meruem vs Ant King: The Ultimate Ruler Parallel
A striking similarity appears in the ant monarchs of both series.
In Hunter x Hunter, Meruem, the Chimera Ant King, is born as the pinnacle of evolution. He possesses overwhelming power, intelligence, and a god-like presence that forces humanity to unite against him.
Similarly, in Solo Leveling’s Jeju Island arc, the Ant King (born from the mutated queen) emerges as an incredibly powerful, intelligent ruler who leads the ant horde and poses an existential threat.
Both represent the ultimate “monster king” evolved beings who blur the line between monster and superior lifeform. While Meruem’s arc dives deep into philosophy and humanity, Solo Leveling’s Ant King delivers intense action and a major power moment for Jin-Woo. Classic shonen inspiration at its best.
Did Solo Leveling Copy Hunter x Hunter? Let’s Find Out
This is the question everyone asks.
Short answer: No, Solo Leveling did not directly copy Hunter x Hunter. However, there are clear inspirations and shared genre tropes.
The Jeju Island ant arc is the most obvious parallel. Many fans (and some critics) point out the structural similarities with the Chimera Ant arc, evolving ant monsters, island threat, underestimation, and large-scale human response. It feels like a respectful nod or homage rather than a 1:1 copy.
Here’s my balanced viewpoint:
What Solo Leveling does differently (and well):
- It adds a full RPG/System layer that Hunter x Hunter never had. Leveling up, stat points, shadow army- this is Solo Leveling’s biggest innovation.
- The modern Korean setting with Gates feels fresh compared to HxH’s more traditional adventure world.
- Solo Leveling focuses more on spectacle and power fantasy. It’s faster-paced and more action-heavy.
What Hunter x Hunter does better:
- Much deeper character development and emotional weight.
- More complex exploration of themes like humanity, morality, and the cost of power (especially in the Chimera Ant arc).
- Nen system allows for incredibly creative and strategic fights.
Solo Leveling borrows some popular shonen ideas (including anti-invasion tropes found in other stories) and mixes them with game mechanics to create something new. It’s inspiration + evolution, not plagiarism. Hunter x Hunter did many things first and with more depth, but Solo Leveling made the power fantasy extremely accessible and addictive for a new generation.
Both series are excellent. Liking one doesn’t mean you have to dislike the other.
Key Differences That Set Them Apart
| Category | Hunter x Hunter | Solo Leveling |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | A mix of adventure, dark, and philosophical | Dark fantasy + power fantasy |
| Pacing | Slow-burn, detailed | Fast, addictive leveling |
| Power System | Nen (complex & strategic) | Game System (simple & flashy) |
| Main Focus | Journey, friendship, growth | Revenge, dominance, rising power |
| Best For | Fans who love deep stories | Fans who love action & progression |
Why You Should Watch/Read Both
If you enjoyed Solo Leveling for the leveling and epic fights, try Hunter x Hunter for richer storytelling and unforgettable characters (especially the Chimera Ant arc).
If you loved Hunter x Hunter, Solo Leveling will give you that same “hunters vs monsters” thrill with a modern game-like twist.
The Hunter x Hunter manga is resuming after a long hiatus, and the Solo Leveling movie is also being announced for release soon.
FAQs
Q: Is Solo Leveling a copy of Hunter x Hunter?
A: No. It shares some tropes and has clear inspiration (especially in the ant arc), but it has its own unique System and setting.
Q: Which one is better?
A: It depends on what you want. Hunter x Hunter has deeper writing. Solo Leveling has better power progression and action spectacle.
Q: Should I watch Solo Leveling if I’ve seen Hunter x Hunter?
A: Yes! They feel different enough to enjoy both.
Q: Are there more similarities?
A: Yes, found family elements, strategic battles, and exploration of what it means to be strong.