10 Best Sword Fighters In Anime

Anime is a rich storytelling medium renowned for its action-packed scenes, often starring characters with exceptional swordsmanship skills. These characters, dubbed as the best sword fighters in anime, display breathtaking combat sequences and possess captivating stories of discipline, growth, and prowess.

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Roronoa Zoro from One Piece is a noteworthy example, with his unmatched three-sword fighting style marking him as a formidable pirate. Similarly, Kenshin Himura from Rurouni Kenshin fascinates viewers with his mastery of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu swordsmanship. The best anime sword fighters showcase not just physical agility but also powerful fighting techniques mixed with magic, power, and awe.

10 Yasuri Shichika

Yasuri Shichika is the unique protagonist of Katanagatari. Although he fights with his body more than a sword, Shichika’s unique Kyotōryū style uses his body like a blade, earning him a spot on this list. His combat style, while unconventional, involves turning his limbs into blades, which is incredibly effective.

Yasuri’s story revolves around retrieving twelve legendary swords, during which he experiences personal growth and moral conflicts. Shichika’s lack of traditional swordplay, stoic personality, and philosophical musings make him a refreshing and distinctive swordsman.

9 Sakata Gintoki

Sakata Gintoki, the protagonist of the Shonen comedy anime Gintama, is a charismatic samurai known for his natural and instinctive fighting abilities. Despite his tendency to seem lazy and addicted to sweets, Gintoki is highly skilled with his sword, often revealing his prowess in times of need.

He uses a wooden sword, which showcases his strength and ability to face powerful opponents. Gintoki’s past as a Samurai during the Joui War adds depth to his character. This blend of humor, laid-back demeanor, and incredible fighting skills makes Gintoki an unforgettable anime swordsman.

8 Levi Ackerman

Levi Ackerman, a key character in Attack on Titan, is hailed as humanity’s strongest soldier. His extraordinary combat skills are legendary, particularly with the omnidirectional mobility gear. Levi handles dual blades precisely and quickly, annihilating monsters like Titans with swift, calculated moves.

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Raised in the Underground City, Levi’s life has honed his survival instincts and combat abilities. His cool, pragmatic demeanor and ruthless efficiency in battle is striking and fun to watch. Levi’s dexterity with blades and his dynamic personality make him a standout figure among anime swordsmen.

7 Erza Scarlet

Erza Scarlet is an S-Class Mage from the Fairy Tail Guild, known for her exceptional mastery in Requip Magic. Instead of traditional swordsmanship, Erza utilizes various magical swords that she can summon and switch during battles, enhancing her offensive and defensive capabilities.

Her most iconic sword, the Demon Blade Crimson Sakura, showcases her real power. Aside from her combat prowess, Erza’s story involves overcoming past traumas. She is a disciplined, courageous fighter, often serving as the emotional pillar for her guild, making her a memorable swordswoman.

6 Mugen

Mugen, one of the protagonists in the action anime series Samurai Champloo, is a samurai known for his unconventional, unpredictable fighting style. His swordplay is a unique blend of traditional kenjutsu and erratic movements inspired by breakdancing, creating a highly effective form of combat that surprises opponents.

He wields a distinctive, curved sword with a hilt shaped like a tanto, which complements his unorthodox techniques. Mugen’s brash and rebellious personality and unique blend of samurai swordsmanship and contemporary moves provide a refreshing twist to the classic depiction of anime swordsmen.

5 Kirito

Kirito, the protagonist of Sword Art Online, is renowned for his remarkable skills in virtual reality MMORPG worlds. Initially a solo player, Kirito’s skill in dual-wielding swords and quick adaptability to game mechanics make him a strong player. His most notable swords are Elucidator and Dark Repulser, which he uses with great proficiency.

Kirito’s journey explores the intersection of virtual and real-world consequences. His bravery, determination, commitment to protecting others, and extraordinary swordsmanship, solidify Kirito as an unforgettable character in the realm of sword fighters.

4 Kenshin Himura

Kenshin Himura from Rurouni Kenshin is a legendary samurai known for his vow to never kill again after living as a feared assassin. Wielding a reverse-blade sword, Kenshin’s mastery of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu style of swordsmanship is unparalleled, allowing him to incapacitate opponents without using lethal force.

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His combat style emphasizes agility, precise strikes, and swift movements. Despite his peaceful demeanor, Kenshin’s past haunts him as he journeys. His story combines action with reflection on the cost of violence, making Kenshin a unique and deeply resonant swordsman.

3 Guts

Guts, the protagonist of Berserk, is a formidable swordsman renowned for his raw strength and resilience. He wields the massive Dragonslayer sword, which initially seems too large to be practical but becomes an extension of Guts himself.

His fighting style is brutal and direct, mirroring the harsh world he lives in. Guts’ journey is marked by endless battles, political intrigue, and personal losses. His tenacity as a mercenary, combined with his relentless pursuit of vengeance, makes Guts an impressive figure among the greatest swordsmen in anime.

2 Roronoa Zoro

Roronoa Zoro, a central character in One Piece, is renowned for his unique three-sword style, Santoryu. Zoro is a pirate, bounty hunter, and swordsman who wields three swords – the Wado Ichimonji, Sandai Kitetsu, and Enma, with exceptional skill.

Zoro’s aspiration to become the greatest swordsman in the world drives his relentless training and self-improvement. His unyielding spirit and dedication to the Straw Hat Pirates have earned him a $1.111 billion bounty. Zoro’s brute strength, unwavering loyalty, and unparalleled swordsmanship make him an iconic character and swordsman.

1 Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichigo Kurosaki, the protagonist of Bleach, is a human who becomes a Shinigami, or Soul Reaper. Wielding his Zanpakutō, a blade manifesting his spiritual power, Ichigo fights against Hollows and other malevolent spiritual entities.

His Zanpakutō, named Zangetsu, takes different forms as Ichigo evolves, showcasing his increasing power and control. Ichigo’s swordsmanship, combined with his raw spiritual energy, makes him a formidable fighter. Beyond his combative skills, Ichigo’s will to protect his loved ones and his journey of self-discovery make him one of the best anime swordsmen.

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