The Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie trilogy has taken over theaters worldwide, and with Part 1 currently showing, fans are more interested than ever in the Hashira—the elite warriors of the Demon Slayer Corps. These nine fighters represent humanity’s best chance against Muzan Kibutsuji and his Upper Moon demons. But how do they actually stack up against each other in terms of raw power, combat skill, and battle performance?
Recent data from official guidebooks, manga feats, and anime adaptations confirms that while all Hashira are incredibly strong, clear differences exist between them. Some can solo Upper Rank demons, while others rely on strategy and teamwork. Some unlock hidden abilities like the Demon Slayer Mark or Transparent World, while others fight with pure physical strength and determination. This ranking uses confirmed battles, breathing mastery, and canon statements to determine who stands where in the Demon Slayer power hierarchy as of 2026.
Understanding the Hashira: The Demon Slayer Corps’ Elite Fighters
Before diving into the rankings, it helps to understand what makes someone a Hashira in the first place. To earn this title, a Demon Slayer must either kill one of the Twelve Kizuki (the demons directly under Muzan) or defeat 50 demons during their career. They also undergo training that would take the average person five years to complete . The Hashira each master a unique Breathing Style derived from the original Sun Breathing, and they serve as both combatants and mentors for lower-ranked slayers like Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Inosuke Hashibira.
The nine Hashira featured in the main story include Gyomei Himejima (Stone), Sanemi Shinazugawa (Wind), Giyu Tomioka (Water), Muichiro Tokito (Mist), Kyojuro Rengoku (Flame), Mitsuri Kanroji (Love), Obanai Iguro (Serpent), Tengen Uzui (Sound), and Shinobu Kocho (Insect). Some rankings also consider Kanae Kocho (Shinobu’s late sister and former Flower Hashira), but since she died before the main storyline began, this ranking focuses on the active and recently active Hashira fans see throughout the series.
9. Shinobu Kocho – The Insect Hashira
Shinobu Kocho ranks as the weakest Hashira in terms of direct combat power, and even she admits this freely. Unlike the other Hashira, Shinobu lacks the physical strength to decapitate a demon—the only way to permanently kill most of them. Her Insect Breathing techniques focus on precision thrusts that deliver wisteria poison into a demon’s bloodstream rather than cutting off their heads .
This weakness becomes painfully clear during her fight against Douma, Upper Moon Two. Despite being faster than Douma and landing multiple hits, her poison barely affects him. Douma actually dissolves the toxins in his body and kills Shinobu during their battle . However, Shinobu’s intelligence and preparation cannot be ignored. She spends years developing the deadliest poisons possible, and her sacrifice ultimately helps defeat Douma when her body’s remaining poison weakens him from the inside. Her strategic value remains high, but in a direct fight against any Upper Rank demon, she needs backup or a perfect plan to survive.
8. Tengen Uzui – The Sound Hashira
Tengen Uzui brings flashy combat skills and shinobi tactics to the Demon Slayer Corps, but his actual combat record against Upper Rank demons places him near the bottom. During the Entertainment District arc, Tengen fights Gyutaro, Upper Moon Six, alongside Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke. Even with their help, Tengen loses an arm and an eye during the battle and nearly dies multiple times . He cannot secure the victory alone and needs his young allies to land the final blow.
That said, Tengen’s Sound Breathing techniques and ninja training make him effective in specific situations. He uses explosives, enhanced hearing to track enemies, and dual swords to create powerful rhythm-based attacks. Before his crippling injuries, he likely stood higher on this list. But the Entertainment District fight exposes his limits against top-tier demons. He contributes to an Upper Rank win through teamwork, but he cannot sustain elite-level performance after taking serious damage .
7. Muichiro Tokito – The Mist Hashira
Muichiro Tokito presents a tricky case for power rankings because of his age and rapid growth. At only 14 years old, Muichiro becomes a Hashira just two months after picking up a sword—a feat that proves his prodigy-level talent . During the Swordsmith Village arc, he awakens his Demon Slayer Mark and single-handedly defeats Gyokko, Upper Moon Five. On paper, this sounds like a top-tier achievement.
However, several factors lower his ranking. First, Gyokko ranks as one of the weaker Upper Moons, and Muichiro needs his Mark to win. Second, during the Infinity Castle arc, Kokushibo, Upper Moon One, completely overpowers Muichiro with almost no effort. Kokushibo even comments that Muichiro’s skills do not impress him . Muichiro eventually unlocks the Transparent World and contributes to Kokushibo’s defeat, but he serves mostly as support alongside stronger Hashira like Gyomei and Sanemi. His talent remains undeniable, but his lack of experience and physical development keeps him from ranking higher.
6. Mitsuri Kanroji – The Love Hashira
Mitsuri Kanroji surprises many fans with her actual strength. Despite her soft personality and romantic nature, Mitsuri possesses incredible physical abilities—including superhuman flexibility and muscle density four times greater than normal humans . Her Love Breathing technique uses a whip-like sword that attacks from unpredictable angles, making her difficult to read in combat.
During the Swordsmith Village arc, Mitsuri holds her own against Hantengu, Upper Moon Four, and his clones. She needs help to win, but her performance remains impressive . However, the final battle against Muzan exposes her limits. Mitsuri becomes the first Hashira forced to retreat and recover her strength during the long fight, suggesting her endurance falls below the others . She performs well in bursts but cannot sustain top-level combat as long as the stronger Hashira can.
5. Obanai Iguro – The Serpent Hashira
Obanai Iguro receives the least screen time of any Hashira, but his late-series feats justify a mid-tier ranking. His Serpent Breathing style uses curved, unpredictable sword paths that target enemy weak points with precision . During the Infinity Castle arc, Obanai fights alongside the other Hashira against Kokushibo and later against Muzan.
What pushes Obanai higher on this list is his performance in the final battle. He awakens both his Demon Slayer Mark and the Transparent World without outside help—a feat only the strongest Hashira achieve . His attacks against Muzan land consistently, and he survives longer than many of his comrades. However, Obanai’s fighting style works best in coordinated team battles rather than solo duels. He excels when supporting stronger allies or exploiting openings created by others, which limits his ranking compared to the top four.
4. Giyu Tomioka – The Water Hashira
Giyu Tomioka serves as the first Hashira introduced in Demon Slayer, and his calm, controlled fighting style makes him one of the most reliable warriors in the Corps. His Water Breathing mastery emphasizes fluid defense, efficient movement, and precise counter-attacks . Giyu rarely wastes energy or takes unnecessary risks, allowing him to outlast opponents who rely on brute force.
Giyu’s fight against Akaza, Upper Moon Three, demonstrates his skill. He holds his own against Akaza for an extended period, though he never gains a clear advantage . More importantly, Giyu contributes heavily during the Muzan battle and becomes one of the few Hashira to survive the final fight. His endurance and consistency set him apart. He may not deliver the flashiest attacks, but he delivers when it counts.
Some recent fan analyses even place Giyu higher based on speed calculations involving Demon King Tanjiro, suggesting he might rank above some of the more aggressive Hashira . However, most canon sources keep him firmly in the top four but not at the very top.
3. Kyojuro Rengoku – The Flame Hashira
Kyojuro Rengoku died early in the series during the Mugen Train arc, but his brief appearance left enough evidence to rank him among the strongest. Rengoku’s Flame Breathing delivers explosive, high-damage attacks that overwhelm opponents through sheer aggression . His fight against Akaza shows exactly how dangerous he could have become.
During the Mugen Train battle, Rengoku fights Akaza alone and nearly wins—not through decapitation, but by pinning Akaza in place until sunrise . What makes this feat remarkable is that Rengoku accomplishes this without a Demon Slayer Mark. Later in the series, Giyu needs his Mark just to keep up with Akaza. Rengoku’s raw skill and willpower push an Upper Moon to its limits with no power-ups whatsoever. If Rengoku had survived and unlocked his Mark like the others, he likely would have ranked even higher. Based purely on what he showed against Akaza, he deserves the third spot.
2. Sanemi Shinazugawa – The Wind Hashira
Sanemi Shinazugawa fights with uncontrollable aggression and incredible durability. His Wind Breathing style focuses on rapid, powerful slashes that keep enemies defending instead of attacking . During the Infinity Castle arc, official statements identify Sanemi as one of the two strongest Hashira alongside Gyomei .
Sanemi’s performance against Kokushibo proves this ranking. He lands multiple damaging blows on Upper Moon One, survives attacks that would kill most fighters, and continues fighting even after suffering fatal wounds. His blood also possesses a unique property that attracts demons, forcing him to fight smarter despite his aggressive nature. Against Muzan, Sanemi again deals significant damage and survives the entire battle—another feat only the strongest achieve . His combination of offense, endurance, and willpower places him just below Gyomei.
1. Gyomei Himejima – The Stone Hashira
Gyomei Himejima holds the undisputed title of strongest Hashira in Demon Slayer. Multiple official sources, character guides, and in-story statements confirm this ranking . Gyomei’s Stone Breathing combines overwhelming physical strength with precise control, making him effective in any combat situation. He fights with a unique chain-and-flail weapon that extends his reach while maintaining defensive options.
During the Kokushibo battle, Gyomei carries the fight. He lands the most damaging blows, protects the other Hashira, and continues fighting effectively even after being blinded . His mastery of both the Demon Slayer Mark and Transparent World further separates him from his peers. Kokushibo himself acknowledges Gyomei’s strength, treating him as the primary threat among the Hashira.
Gyomei also demonstrates incredible emotional control and tactical awareness. Despite his massive size and power, he never panics or makes reckless decisions. He prays before and after battles, showing a calm mind that complements his physical gifts. In the final fight against Muzan, Gyomei again performs at the highest level, only falling when the Demon King’s attacks finally overwhelm him. No other Hashira matches his combination of strength, skill, endurance, and battle IQ.
Breathing Style Effectiveness Comparison
The different Breathing Styles also affect how each Hashira performs. Stone Breathing ranks as the most powerful overall because it scales with physical strength and offers both offense and defense . Wind Breathing and Flame Breathing deliver the most raw offensive power, while Water Breathing provides the best defensive options. Mist Breathing and Love Breathing focus on unpredictable movements, making them harder to read but less reliable for extended fights. Insect Breathing works best as a support style since it relies on poison rather than direct killing power.
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The Impact of Demon Slayer Marks and Abilities
Several Hashira unlock additional abilities that affect their rankings. The Demon Slayer Mark increases physical stats significantly but comes with a cost—most Marked slayers die by age 25. Gyomei, Sanemi, Muichiro, Mitsuri, and Obanai all awaken Marks during the series. The Transparent World ability allows users to see inside bodies, predicting muscle movements and identifying weak points. Only Gyomei, Muichiro, and Obanai demonstrate this ability in combat . These power-ups matter when comparing Hashira, which is why those who unlocked multiple abilities rank higher.
The Demon Slayer Hashira represent the absolute peak of human combat ability in their world, but even among these elite fighters, clear tiers exist. Gyomei Himejima stands alone at the top, followed closely by Sanemi Shinazugawa and the late Kyojuro Rengoku. The middle ranks feature reliable fighters like Giyu Tomioka and specialists like Obanai Iguro and Mitsuri Kanroji. At the bottom, Shinobu Kocho and Tengen Uzui bring unique skills that help the team even if they cannot win solo against Upper Moons.
With the Infinity Castle movies bringing these characters back into the spotlight, fans can see exactly why this ranking holds up. The strongest Hashira carry the hardest fights, and the gap between them becomes obvious when they face demons like Kokushibo and Muzan. Whether you prefer Rengoku’s blazing spirit or Gyomei’s quiet power, one truth remains—every Hashira fights for the same goal, and together they achieve what none could alone.
Also Read: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Movie Release Dates and Streaming Details
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