Baruka: How powerful is Baruka in Solo Leveling?

How powerful is Baruka in Solo Leveling?

Modified Jan 12, 2025 17:00 GMT

Baruka, the Ice Elf (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Solo Leveling season 2 episode 2 kept the next season's amazing start alive with another stellar installment. The episode featured the conclusion of the Red Gate Dungeon Arc and treated viewers to one more awe-striking display of protagonist Sung Jin-Woo's battle prowess. In this episode, the series' first major threat made its debut in the form of Baruka, the Ice Elf.

This was Jin-Woo's first enemy who was seemingly more powerful than him. Alone, Jin-Woo didn't feel like he stood a chance. However, the former E-Rank clinched victory thanks to the new addition to his Shadow Army, Iron. Witnessing the Ice Elf in action and Jin-Woo's conclusion, many began to wonder - How powerful is Baruka in Solo Leveling? Here's a closer look.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers.

Baruka's abilities in Solo Leveling explained

To answer the question about Baruka's powers in Solo Leveling, his abilities would need to be delved into first. An Ice Elf and S-Rank Magic Beast, it took Jin-Woo help from both Igris and Iron simultaneously to be able to overpower him. As seen against Iron, his speed was one of his strengths. This implies that he would be able to beat any of these 3 in a 1v1 or even 2v1.

Next, Baruka was impressive at dagger-wielding, evident when he easily pushed Igris onto the back and matched Jin-Woo in terms of skill. Next, he showed enhanced physical strength, parrying Jin-Woo's attacks and knocking him back a substantial distance with a kick to the chest. Again, as mentioned, he boasted tremendous speed too, quick enough to avoid Jin-Woo stabbing his vital points.

Baruka was also quite resistant to Jin-Woo's magic. He easily resisted the fireballs shot at him and initially felt nothing of Kasaka's poison. Solo Leveling's Baruka was a master of camouflage, able to conceal his presence entirely, practically becoming invisible. Finally, Baruka was highly intelligent and able to communicate in a monster tongue, something that not many Magic Beasts could do.

Baruka vs Sung Jin-Woo in Solo Leveling

The group that went into the C-Rank Dungeon turned Red Gate was ambushed by Baruka's Ice Elves. In an attempt to stay alive, Kim Chul broke up the group and set on his way, assuming that he was likeliest to survive. However, when he and his group went in search of Baruka, the Ice Elf and his troops made quick of them. Apart from Kim Chul, everyone in his small raid party was killed.

Leaving the Tank for last, Baruka followed Kim Chul and ran into Jin-Woo. He soon realized that the latter wasn't fully human and was finally a strong opponent. The Ice Elf offered to spare Jin-Woo's life in return for handing over his squad members. Needless to say, Jin-Woo refused and a battle between the Ice Elves and Jin-Woo's Shadow Army broke out.

Baruka initially had the upper hand, but in a battle of attrition, Jin-Woo's Shadows prevailed. The Ice Elf put up a great fight against Jin-Woo and Igris until Iron joined the mix. In a 3v1, Baruka fought back still. Alone now, Baruka attacked Jin-Woo with the intent to kill but lost his weapon when Jin-Woo shattered his dagger using his own controlled by the Commander's Authority.

Jin-Woo unleashed a huge fireball on Baruka, which the latter managed to tank. Using his own Stealth skill, Jin-Woo approached and cut Baruka on his right side. In a last-ditch attempt, Baruka grabbed Jin-Woo's hand but realized that Iron had closed in. With a huge swing, Iron smashed Baruka into the ground, killing him.

Related links:

Edited by Tiasha