10 Struggles Only Solo Leveling Fans Will Relate To

Solo Leveling has earned a massive international following with its stunning visuals, fast-paced storyline, and game-like elements. Paired with the rise of its protagonist Sung Jinwoo, an underdog who became a force beyond imagination, and its loyal fan base from the original web novel and manhwa, the series effectively cultivated a dedicated worldwide following.

Yet, there are a few frustrations and debates surrounding certain elements of the franchise that every devoted fan can relate to. These are the aspects of Solo Leveling that audiences struggle with, whether it’s creative choices, production, or debate between anime fans. In short, there are some aspects of the series and fandom that only hardcore fans can understand.

Solo Leveling Has a Slow Start

The early episodes of Solo Leveling move at a slower pace compared to the rest of the series. Emphasizing Jinwoo’s life as the weakest Hunter of all mankind, along with providing context for the world and the power system, the show starts at a crawl. This is particularly noticeable in the first episode, which doesn’t pick up until the end.

While the information is all necessary to create the foundation of the series, returning to it after Season 2 makes the difference in pacing all the more apparent. This can make rewatching the series feel somewhat tedious; however, Jinwoo’s evolution in the following episodes becomes more rewarding with this background.

The System Doesn’t Feel Like a Mystery

Solo Leveling's Jinwoo interacting with the System — Solo Leveling’s Jinwoo interacting with the System

The System grants Jinwoo his ability to level up and unlock new abilities along his journey to becoming the strongest. From the moment it appears, the System lays out clear objectives, including daily quests and missions, along with stats and rewards. This interface even includes penalties, ensuring that Jinwoo’s progress remains steady.

However, rather than being treated as a mystery or phenomenon that Jinwoo actively seeks an explanation for, it becomes more of a narrative convenience rather than being shrouded in intrigue. If the System were more mysterious, it would add layers to the story and could have deepened the narrative tension and suspense.

Instead, it remains a tool for Jinwoo’s growth, coming off as one-dimensional despite its narrative importance. The truth behind the System is compelling, and the story could have approached it with a greater sense of mystery, which in turn would have elevated the overall storyline.

The Supporting Cast Is Overshadowed Before Having a Meaningful Role

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 10 Korean S-Rank Hunters arriving at Jeju Island — Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 10 Korean S-Rank Hunters arriving at Jeju Island

Jinwoo’s rise in Solo Leveling leaves nearly every other character in his shadow. By the time the System turns Jinwoo into the Shadow Monarch, the power gap between him and other Hunters widens beyond comparison. The S-rank Hunters in Solo Leveling aren’t given the time or space to develop before being fading into the background.

Many of the S-rank Hunters have compelling skills and abilities or motivations, yet due to Jinwoo’s rapid ascent, they lose relevance before they ever truly had it. Characters like Choi Jong-in or Baek Yoonho seem only to exist to prove or demonstrate to viewers how far Jinwoo has surpassed his fellow countryman.

The Anime Dampened Jinwoo’s Character

Jinwoo from solo leveling as seen in the manhwa looking up disgusted with magic beasts from the sseries in the background behind him

The anime adaptation of Solo Leveling reshaped Jinwoo into more of a conventional hero and removed a few aspects of the original manhwa that helped define his character. In the source material, his cold efficiency and ruthlessness were far more apparent than in the anime, which portrays him as more conflicted or hesitant.

Manhwa Jinwoo is also far more driven to get stronger in comparison to Anime Jinwoo. In the manhwa, Jinwoo had entered the S-rank dungeon in order to test himself, whereas in the anime the driving force behind his decision to enter is curiosity. The anime turns Jinwoo into a more empathetic character by dulling his coldness.

In the original material, Jinwoo is far less trusting and willing to threaten others to get what he wants or needs; however, this is occasionally broken into with chibi-style humor that shows more of Jinwoo’s personality. Yet, in the anime, this is completely removed, leading to some fans criticizing the anime’s approach to Jinwoo’s portrayal.

Solo Leveling Can Feel a Bit Repetitive

Sung Jinwoo looks menacing and powerful in Solo Leveling custom image by Diana Acuña — Sung Jinwoo looks menacing and powerful in Solo Leveling

The more Solo Leveling progresses, the more it begins to feel formulaic. Each new dungeon or enemy that is introduced may intended to add higher stakes or create a sense of danger; however, over time, viewers become increasingly aware of the plot structure. As Jinwoo’s power grows, the stakes feel less consequential, taking away from some of the narrative tension.

For example, Solo Leveling’s Season 2 final antagonist, the Ant King, was among humanity’s greatest threats, taking down S-rank after S-rank. However, the moment Jinwoo arrived, while the battle was a visual spectacle, fans knew there was no real risk involved other than the injured S-ranks that Jinwoo was defending.

The stakes became dull due to the repetitive nature of the series, following Jinwoo as he levels up, proves his dominance by defeating a powerful enemy, adds new soldiers to his shadow army, and becomes even more powerful. While that is a very simplified explanation of the series, it doesn’t stray too far from reality, making the series predictable.

Romance Isn’t Handled Well in Solo Leveling

solo leveling season 2 episode 5 sung jinwoo and cha hae in

Romance in Solo Leveling is treated as more of an afterthought as its introduced somewhat late and develops too quickly. The relationship between Sung Jinwoo and Cha Hae-in didn’t have enough room for growth and development, making it feel rather abrupt, as though it were added only to satisfy genre expectations.

The approach to the romance in the series ties into the broader issue with Solo Leveling’s supporting characters, with the vast major becoming overshadowed with little exploration. Fans and critics alike argue that Hae-in and Jinwoo’s relationship feels forced, that Hae-in suffers from a lack of development, and that their romance ultimately lacks resonance.

Solo Leveling’s Most Disliked Episode

A crying Jinwoo — Solo-Leveling-Jinwoo-Crying

Solo Leveling’s most disliked and lowest rated episode comes from Season 1, Episode #7.5, a recap episode. However, as a recap episode, it’s not essential to the storyline, making the next lowest rated episode, with a significant number of dislikes on Crunchyroll, Season 2, Episode #9, “It Was All Worth It.”

This episode drew in criticism for its slower pace and lack of action-oriented scenes and resulted in many fans feeling frustrated by the focus on Jinwoo’s emotional reunion with his mother, who was in a coma for four years due to her Eternal Slumber, only awakening after Jinwoo successfully crafted the Elixir of Life.

However, it was among one of the series’ most meaningful moments, a culmination of Jinwoo’s efforts that led to a rewarding and satisfying resolution. The episode takes the time to explore Jinwoo’s humanity and add to his character growth, yet many fans overlook it due to its lack of combat and spectacle.

Too Many Viewers Overlook Solo Leveling’s Depth

Solo Leveling does prioritize its action sequences and adversaries along Jinwoo’s path, leaning into fast-paced battles and unstoppable power growth. The anime’s focus on action may leave little room for depth and development; however, far too many casual fans assume the series lacks depth entirely, writing it off as a shallow story.

While the anime may not lean into all these elements, it doesn’t mean they don’t exist and ignoring them completely undermines the messaging behind the narrative.

Yet, this isn’t the case at all. Jinwoo’s rise to strength is made with moral compromises and growing isolation and a detachment from those around him. The development of Jinwoo’s character is filled with morally ambiguous actions that he has no other choice than to take part of due to the System, reflecting the steep cost of his power.

Even Solo Leveling’s world-building and rigid power-ranking include broader themes of social and systemic inequality. While the anime may not lean into all these elements, it doesn’t mean they don’t exist and ignoring them completely undermines the messaging behind the narrative.

Waiting for Season 3 of Solo Leveling

Solo Leveling anime featured image - Sung Jinwoo surrounded by blue ice

Despite the series’ overwhelming international success, Solo Leveling has yet to receive official confirmation for a third season. However, due to its reception overseas, its practically inevitable that it will be renewed; however, it likely will not air until 2027 or 2028. That said, the break in between Solo Leveling’s seasons will ensure the quality remains consistent.

The delay for season three is due to several factors including scheduling, commitments to other projects, and the fact that the domestic reception wasn’t nearly as substantial as it was overseas. The time it will take for the next season to arrive will, unfortunately, take years, leaving diehard fans counting the days until the next installment finally arrives.

Anticipating an Anime Adaptation of Solo Leveling: Ragnarok

Jin-woo as seen in the cover of Solo Leveling Ragnarok season 2.

Solo Leveling: Ragnarok is the direct sequel to Solo Leveling and pivots the narrative to Sung Suho, Jinwoo’s son. The series expands the story and focuses on Suho defending Earth and navigating his father’s legacy. It introduces higher-stakes and complex cosmic conflicts involving outer gods and the consequences of Jinwoo’s past actions.

Ragnarok offers continuity for longtime fans and a new thrilling narrative that expands the original story. While an anime adaptation remains highly anticipated, it remains years away with production likely to follow the conclusion of the main Solo Leveling anime. Despite this, many fans eagerly look forward to the future of the Solo Leveling franchise.