The basic idea of offense or defense cannot be possible without a well-suited power system for the powerful characters in anime. Many shōnen anime run around the core of this basic element involving lots of supernatural or spiritual stuff to make it all work out. But, among all the exciting and thrilling power systems in anime can you tell which is the most invulnerable?

The majority of the anime, in particular shōnen, portray their individuals harnessing a very unique power system. The main motive behind using power systems is to increase battle strength and skill. Whether it’s the Spiritual Pressure in Bleach or the complex Nen system of Hunter × Hunter, there are multiple power systems amidst the shonen genre.

And, in today’s article, we’ll take a look at some of the most superior power systems in anime that are the core of the popular anime franchises. So, without any further ado let’s get started.

10. Breathing Styles (Demon Slayer)

When Demon Slayer debuted it didn’t just carry the shōnen community for quite a while but it also bring with it one of the most distinctive power systems in anime ever seen. Breathing styles are very fresh and new to the anime world besides, it’s remarkably diverse. For instance, all known breathing forms in the Demon Slayer series are derived from the Sun Breathing Style.

Majority of the breathing styles mimic a certain element of nature, for example, Sanemi’s wind style and Giyu’s water style. However, that doesn’t mean it stops other blade wielders to develop their own self-made styles. New breathing forms are always being created to suit a Demon Slayer’s combat needs; Inosuke’s Beast Breathing and Obanai’s Snake Breathing are good examples of it.

9. Titan Shifter (Attack On Titan)

The survival rate in a horrific world like Attack on Titan is almost negligible, however, not for the selective descendants of Ymir which are called as “Nine Titans” or “Titan Shifters”. As the name implies, these lucky few have the ability to switch back and forth between their regular human selves and their Titanized forms.

Each of them possesses its own distinct traits suited to specific situations, for example, Eren’s Attack Titan is good at fighting, and Reiner’s Armored Titan is better suited for defense. The only downside of this power system is that the user can only live for 13 years (Curse of Ymir) after receiving their power.

8. Stands (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

For the first two parts of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure didn’t have an established power system except for the Hamon energy on which Jonathan and Joseph relied heavily. However, starting Part 3 the fundamentals of Hamon didn’t work out and right then, the series introduced a very interesting form of power called as “Stands”.

A stand is the external manifestation of one’s life energy and is an entity that can perform superhuman feats. While one Stand can exhibit extraordinary strength, another may have a more complex ability. With limitless potential, each stand has a unique and powerful ability, which if used correctly can make them difficult to beat in a fight.

7. Cursed Energy (Jujutsu Kaisen)

The concept of cursed energy in Jujutsu Kaisen is pretty simple as it’s basically a source of power aligned with negative emotions used by sorcerers and curses to fuel their jujutsu. Cursed energy is born from negative emotions such as grief and anger. If this amount is higher than a certain degree, it grants the person the ability to see curses, which is very rare among the human race.

However, the interesting point about cursed energy is that it can be manipulated to different extents which is where the “Cursed Technique” comes into the picture. Each sorcerer has their own unique special ability (Nanami’s Ratio Technique or Nobara’s Straw Dall Technique) fueled by cursed energy which can range from innate to extension techniques.

6. Ki (Dragon Ball Z)

Dragon Ball is one of the very few classic shōnen series that put a lot of thinking behind power systems in anime. In Dragon Ball, Ki is the underlying source of power which is translated as “life force”. This force is a tangible energy inside every living being, with its major focus being in the center of the body.

Ki is the energy within the characters that they can harness and manipulate for different reasons. In most instances, Ki increases the fighting abilities of the user, and Ki manipulation experts can emit beams, blades, and other powerful attacks. All the Super Saiyans are initially made on this power system even, the magical transformations you witness are all possible because of the Ki energy.

5. Quirks (My Hero Academia)

Arguably My Hero Academia has one of the worst anime fanbases out there but that doesn’t mean the narrative of the series is bad. In fact, the series capitalizes very well on its power system i.e. “Quirks”. A Quirk is an innate superhuman ability that a person can possess. Along with being unique to each user, Quirks are sorted into multiple categories and are considered one of the most diverse power systems in anime.

Generally, Quirks manifest from birth, but in rare cases, they can be transferred like in Midoriya’s case. While some individuals aspire to become heroes after manifesting their Quirk others use it for committing heinous acts. Besides, there are all sorts of Quirks depending on the strength and capabilities however, it’s still pretty unclear as to what’s the far most potential of a Quirk.

4. Haki & Devil Fruits (One Piece)

One Piece works on two separate entities of power – one is Devil Fruits and the other is Haki. Both are not connected to each other by any means and work independently, for example, Luffy uses both whereas Shanks and Zoro are non-devil fruit users still they’re highly destructive and effective. Simply put, if both Haki and devil fruit powers are combined they can create havoc in the opposition camp.

Talking about the origin, Devil Fruit is found in the vast depths of seas and is usually eaten to gain the unique abilities each fruit has to offer. They are further classified into three types: Zoan, Paramecia, and Logia, and can range from animal-based features to elemental ones like ice and fire. On the other hand, Haki is a distinct power source that allows users to utilize their spiritual energy in different forms.

3. Chakra (Naruto)

Chakra is the core essence of Naruto and it is an essential element for even the most basic Jutsu. Through various methods, chakra can be controlled and manipulated to create an effect that would not be possible otherwise, such as walking on water, exhaling fire, or creating illusions.

At first, it’s not that easy to even sense your own chakra and a beginner shinobi typically first learns to harness their chakra or life force. Later on, they are taught to manipulate that chakra to produce basic forms of ninjutsu, genjutsu, and chakra-enhanced taijutsu techniques. The intriguing concept of Chakra makes it very fun to learn power systems in anime.

2. Alchemy (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Fantasizing about the world of magic or alchemy is a childish dream we’ll have since elementary grade. While Hollywood has Harry Potter to demonstrate the secrets of magic, the anime universe has its classic Fullmetal Alchemist which showcases the interesting world made up of alchemy.

The basic fundamental idea of this series is, “in order to obtain or create something, something of equal value must be lost or destroyed”. That’s called the law of Equivalent Exchange which is one of the primary driving forces behind the entire series and its power system.

At first glance, alchemy looks like another simple magic system however, it is based on science and an understanding of the fundamentals of reality. It is also limited by the need for transmutation circles to enact the alchemical process. This sounds a bit confusing but it isn’t and you’ll start acknowledging the greatness of alchemy after watching Fullmetal Alchemist.

1. Nen (Hunter × Hunter)

Nen is supposedly the most well-developed and complex powers systems in anime, and there is no denying understanding this system isn’t that easy. Initially, Nen was introduced in Hunter x Hunter as the basic source of power however, as the series progressed the audience got to see other branches of this system as well.

To put it simply, Nen is the manipulation of one’s life energy (aura) across six different Nen types: Manipulation, Transmission, Conjuration, Enhancement, Specialization, and Transmutation. Generally, Nen users can use only one type, but it is possible to use different classes. However, to unlock that potential a user must first undergo intense training to discover their Nen specialty.

Which one of the following power systems in anime is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other power systems like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

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