7 Solo Leveling Arcs Actually Better Than Jeju Island

Ever since Solo Leveling Season 2 aired back in 2025, the Jeju Island arc of the series has established itself as one of the very best arcs in anime. Jeju Island pits many S-rank Hunters from both South Korea and Japan against the threat of the Ant King, and sees them almost decimated, allowing for Sung Jinwoo to showcase his strength by defeating the Ant King in a flashy manner. Jeju Island is truly an amazing arc, but there are many other arcs in the series that are far better overall. Solo Leveling is filled to the brim with some exciting arcs, some of which are even better than Jeju Island.

Red Gate Arc

The Red Gate Arc is rather short, but it is also an incredibly memorable one that takes place in Solo Leveling’s first anime season. The Red Gate Arc is iconic in many ways. For one, this is where Jinwoo first truly uses his Shadow army. This was definitely a game-changer for the series and set the tone moving forward as Jinwoo finally makes use of his powers as the Shadow Monarch.

The most notable battle of this part was definitely Jinwoo versus the Elf Leader, Barca. In this arc, viewers also see Jinwoo, for the very first time, fail a shadow extraction. The tasks of having to protect his weaker low-ranked teammates, as well as the betrayal, add some tension to this arc.

The Beginning Arc

While many anime viewers have moved on from the start of the series, the Beginning arc remains one of the most iconic and the best of the whole series. The Beginning arc is covered in a couple of manhwa chapters as well as the first few anime episodes and it's quite sensational. Truthfully, it is the arc that allowed Solo Leveling to gain the popularity it has today.

Firstly, the Beginning arc shocked viewers by setting incredible standards. After all, it was quite a gruesome arc and all the Hunters found themselves in quite a desperate situation, facing enemies far stronger than they were. Back then, Jinwoo was still able to shine in his own way by trying to use his wits to survive despite being weak. The Beginning Arc is where it all begins for Jinwoo. At the end of this arc, he finally acquires the powers of the System. The Beginning arc shines as one of the best starting arcs in all of anime, especially due to its subversion of fan expectations.

Job Change Arc

The Job Change arc has already made it into the Solo Leveling anime during its first season and, undoubtedly, it became the most iconic arc that helped Solo Leveling cement its massive success and fame.

The Job Change Arc kicks off with Jinwoo getting a notification from the System, taking him into a new Dungeon where he has to face off against many Knights. On top of that, Jinwoo has to fight a mysterious and overpowered Knight guarding an empty throne. What makes this arc so memorable and amazing is the fact that this is where Jinwoo becomes the Shadow Monarch. It is during this arc that Jinwoo raises his very first shadow, Igris. This arc cements itself as one of the most exciting ones, and without it, Jinwoo would not have his most iconic ability, his Shadow Army.

The Final Battle Arc

The Final Battle Arc features the biggest battle and struggle for the main character Sung Jinwoo. It is there that Jinwoo faces his final enemy, and this arc also decides the fate of the world.

Double Dungeon Arc

While the Jeju Island arc is extremely popular, another fan favorite arc takes place in the Double Dungeon. The Double Dungeon arc is one of the most captivating ones of the series as Sung Jinwoo returns to the very same place where it all began for him. In that same Double Dungeon, he almost died and acquired his powers by coming face to face with the terrifying Statue of God.

In this arc, Jinwoo faces the Architect of the system. This arc features some of the best action and it is also where Jinwoo acquires his biggest power-up, which is the Black Heart. The Black Heart is given to him by Ashborn, turning him into the True Shadow Monarch. Fans can't wait to see this story segment animated.

The Monarch Arc

Fans who thought that the Jeju Island arc had the best Solo Leveling battles will think twice after going through the Monarch arc. The Monarch arc features insane battles and the most tragic death of the Solo Leveling series. In this arc, the Monarchs continue their hunt and Jinwoo is also one of their targets. Jinwoo fights the Monarchs for the first time and is killed before coming back even stronger.

It is also during the Monarch arc that Go Gunhee, as well as Jinwoo's dad, Sung II-Hwan, are killed. The stakes are on a whole different level during this part of the story, which is what makes it incredibly exciting.

International Guild Conference Arc

The International Guild Conference Arc is easily one of the most anticipated Solo Leveling arcs that fans want to witness in the anime. This arc has become quite a fan favorite as it sees a setting change, with Jinwoo leaving South Korea to represent his country in America at the International Guild Conference.

This arc is the very first one where the Monarchs go into full action. In this same arc, a National-level hunter is killed, which comes as shocking news. Christopher Reed, who was one of the strongest men around, was killed by one of the Monarchs. This sets the tone for what's to follow and showcases just how strong enemies are going to be from there onwards. This is also the arc where the conflict between Jinwoo and Hwang Dongsu is concluded with Jinwoo killing him and turning him into one of his shadows.