In One Piece’s world, power takes many forms, from physical strength and Haki mastery to Devil Fruit abilities and mysterious ancient powers. Let’s say there is no shortage of god-tier characters who have shaped the story’s trajectory. With countless episodes, dozens of arcs, and dozens of legendary figures, the burning question that fans have asked for years is: who is the strongest character in One Piece?
To answer this, we’ve curated a list. These rankings consider not just brute force, but also influence, mythical abilities, strategic prowess, and narrative relevance. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer looking to understand the power dynamics of the One Piece world, this breakdown will give you clarity and maybe even change your mind about who’s the strongest character in One Piece.
8. Shirahoshi – The Ancient Weapon Poseidon
From the cast, at number eight on the list is a surprising but well-justified choice: Shirahoshi, the mermaid princess of the Ryugu Kingdom. On the surface, Shirahoshi may seem timid and fragile. However, she is secretly the ancient weapon Poseidon, a being with the ability to command Sea Kings, giant, monstrous sea creatures capable of mass destruction.
This power, while not combative in the traditional sense, places her on par with top-tier characters due to the sheer scale of destruction she can unleash. Imagine an army of Sea Kings under the command of a single individual. A terrifying thought that has global implications. In terms of strategic value, few characters can match what Shirahoshi represents.
From this perspective, she earns her place among the elite, especially for those who look beyond just combat to determine who is the strongest character in One Piece.
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7. Monkey D. Luffy – The Sun God Awakens
Monkey D. Luffy has come a long way from his days as a carefree rubber boy sailing the seas in search of adventure. After the Wano Country arc, he has not only unlocked the Gear Fifth transformation linked to the mythical Sun God Nikabane but also earned his title as one of the Four Emperors of the Sea.
Luffy now possesses all three forms of Haki (Observation, Armament, and Conqueror’s), has awakened his Devil Fruit, and consistently defeats some of the strongest enemies in the world. With this new power, Luffy is rewriting the rulebook. His creativity in battle, unmatched willpower, and narrative centrality make him a fan-favorite candidate for the strongest anime character in One Piece.
Though he ranks at number seven, his upward momentum shows no sign of slowing down. Many fans believe that by the end of the series, Luffy will be the clear answer to who is the strongest character in One Piece.
6. Blackbeard – Wielder of Darkness and Destruction
Marshall D. Teach, also known as Blackbeard, is perhaps one of the most cunning and dangerous pirates alive. What sets him apart is not just his ambition but his possession of two Devil Fruits, something previously thought impossible. He wields the Yami Yami no Mi, a Logia-type fruit that allows him to manipulate darkness and nullify other Devil Fruit powers, and the Gura Gura no Mi, which enables him to cause world-shattering earthquakes.
This combination of offensive and defensive capability, along with his ruthless nature and growing influence, makes Blackbeard a terrifying threat to the world. He may not yet have the full control or finesse of someone like Mihawk or Shanks, but his raw potential is staggering.
For players and fans of the game Bounty Rush, Blackbeard is also one of the most popular picks. That makes him a common answer to who is the strongest character in One Piece Bounty Rush, although the in-game balance doesn’t always reflect the lore perfectly.
5. Akainu (Sakazuki) – The Unyielding Admiral
At number five is Sakazuki, better known as Akainu, the current Fleet Admiral of the Marines. A staunch believer in absolute justice, Akainu is known for his ruthless efficiency and terrifying power. His Devil Fruit, the Magma-Magma Fruit (Magu Magu no Mi), gives him the ability to melt and incinerate virtually anything in his path.
Akainu proved his might during the Marineford War, where he fought Whitebeard, severely wounded other top characters, and ultimately killed Ace. His presence alone forces respect, and under his leadership, the Marines have become more aggressive and powerful.
If you’re asking who is the strongest character in One Piece from a government or military standpoint, Akainu is the clear answer.
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4. Monkey D. Dragon – The Most Wanted Man in the World
Monkey D. Dragon, the Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Army and Luffy’s father, is one of the most mysterious figures in the series. Though we’ve seen little of his actual combat ability, his reputation alone is immense. He is considered the most dangerous man alive by the World Government, and his actions have inspired revolutions worldwide.
While fans speculate that he may possess a weather-controlling Devil Fruit or exceptional Haki, nothing concrete has been revealed. Still, his ability to challenge the Celestial Dragons and remain a step ahead of the Marines makes him a force to be reckoned with.
Many fans consider Dragon the best candidate for who is the strongest character in One Piece from a political and ideological influence standpoint. His role in reshaping the world puts him in a unique league.
3. Dracule Mihawk – The World’s Greatest Swordsman
When it comes to pure skill, few can match Dracule “Hawk-Eye” Mihawk. Holding the title of the world’s greatest swordsman, Mihawk is the ultimate measuring stick for swordfighters everywhere. He once dueled Shanks, a Yonko, and his skill with his black blade Yoru is unmatched.
What makes Mihawk’s ranking at number three impressive is that he does it all without a Devil Fruit. His power comes from training, precision, and mastery of Haki. He also served as a warlord before the system was disbanded, adding a layer of political nuance to his character.
For those who judge strength by combat prowess alone, Mihawk is often their definitive pick for who’s the strongest character in One Piece.
2. Shanks – Master of Haki
Red-Haired Shanks is a paradox. Despite being one of the most powerful characters in the series, he has no known Devil Fruit ability. Yet his mastery of all forms of Hakka, particularly Conqueror’s Haki, is so profound that it can physically harm other high-level characters and influence the battlefield without him needing to lift a sword.
Shanks ended the Marineford War simply by arriving. That alone speaks volumes. He’s one of the Four Emperors and a major balancing force in the pirate world. His control over power without relying on supernatural fruits is what makes him such a unique threat.
Many fans and analysts consider Shanks to be a top contender when debating who is the strongest character in One Piece, due to his aura, influence, and sheer presence.
1. Imu – The Shadow Monarch of the World
Topping the list is Imu, a character who only recently entered the spotlight but immediately shook the foundations of the series. Imu is the true ruler of the world, operating from the shadows and even commanding the Five Elders, supposedly the highest authority in the World Government.
While we still know very little about Imu’s abilities, the mere fact that they sit atop the world’s power structure, able to erase entire islands and command celestial weapons, suggests a level of strength that transcends traditional understanding. There are hints that Imu may possess a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit and have access to ancient technology or powers far beyond what we’ve seen so far.
From a narrative, political, and potentially combative standpoint, Imu is the best candidate for who’s the strongest character in One Piece, especially if you’re including those who control the fate of the entire world.
Evaluating Strength: What Does It Really Mean?
Determining who is the strongest character in One Piece isn’t just about combat. It’s about a combination of physical power, tactical intelligence, influence, Devil Fruit mastery, and Haki control. This is why the list includes not only fighters like Mihawk and Akainu but also strategic entities like Imu and Dragon.
The One Piece world is unique in that strength manifests in many forms. Luffy’s evolution represents the power of will. Shirahoshi embodies the power of legacy. Imu commands power through mystery and control. Each character on this list is a rightful contender depending on how you define “strength.”
Who is the strongest character in One Piece Bounty Rush?
In One Piece Bounty Rush, top meta characters often include EX Luffy, EX Kaido, and EX Shanks. However, the strongest in-game isn’t always the strongest in the lore.
Last Note
The question of who is the strongest character in One Piece is rich with nuance. From our analysis and fan perspectives, Imu stands at the top due to its omnipotent authority. Yet, combat-centric fans might side with Mihawk, while others admire the balance of influence and skill represented by Shanks or Luffy.
As One Piece nears its epic conclusion, power dynamics are still shifting. The final battles may reveal more about Imu’s true nature, Dragon’s combat capabilities, and Luffy’s ultimate potential. Until then, fans will continue to debate, rank, and re-rank these legends, one leaving an indelible mark on the grand tale of the world’s most excellent adventure.
