In Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter, Gon Freecss and Killua Zoldyck are the iconic duo whose friendship and evolving strength captivate fans worldwide. Both are gifted Hunters, but one lingering debate persists: Gon vs Killua – who has the greater potential to become the strongest Hunter? Let’s break down their abilities, skills, and growth potential to find out who truly stands on top.
Gon Freecss – Power Born of Pure Will
Strength and Abilities
- Nen Type: Gon is an Enhancer, allowing him to boost his raw physical strength, speed, and endurance (Manga Chapter 60). His signature move, Jajanken (Rock-Paper-Scissors), delivers explosive damage — especially the “Rock” punch (Chapter 211).
- Raw Power: Gon’s physical power stood out early on, lifting massive stone doors at the Zoldyck estate (Chapter 38) and defeating Genthru in the Greed Island arc (Chapter 182).
- Adult Form: In the Chimera Ant arc, Gon sacrifices all of his Nen potential to become an adult version of himself, strong enough to obliterate Neferpitou with a single blow (Chapter 306). The cost? He nearly dies and loses his Nen entirely.
Potential for Growth
- Indomitable Will: Gon’s greatest asset is his unwavering determination, seen when he risked everything to defeat Pitou (Chapter 305).
- Limitation: After the Chimera Ant arc, Gon loses the ability to use Nen (Chapter 345). If he recovers, his natural instinct and resolve could drive him to new heights.
Killua Zoldyck – The Prodigy Assassin
Strength and Abilities
- Nen Type: Killua is a Transmuter, converting aura into electricity (Chapter 123). His technique Godspeed grants superhuman speed and reflexes — enough to outmaneuver Youpi (Chapter 264).
- Assassin Skills: Raised in the Zoldyck family, Killua was trained from childhood in assassination, pain tolerance, and strategic thinking (Chapter 38). He’s defeated countless enemies — even without Nen (Chapter 148).
- Durability: Killua has incredible endurance, withstanding high-voltage shocks and blows from Chimera Ants (Chapter 216).
Potential for Growth
- Innate Genius: Called a prodigy within the Zoldyck family, Killua has shown the ability to rapidly learn and innovate with Nen (Chapter 123). Godspeed is likely just the beginning.
- Freed Will: After breaking free from Illumi’s control (Chapter 225), Killua begins to explore his true potential, especially when protecting Gon and Alluka (Chapter 321). Unlike Gon, his growth continues uninterrupted.
Gon vs Killua – A Direct Comparison
Raw Power
- Gon: In his adult form during the Chimera Ant arc, Gon’s power far exceeded Killua’s — effortlessly destroying Pitou (Chapter 306). In his normal state, he’s still slightly stronger in terms of pure strength (Chapter 211).
- Killua: While he lacks Gon’s brute force, Killua’s Godspeed gives him speed and agility that rival, and sometimes exceed, Gon’s capabilities — evident in his fight against Youpi (Chapter 264).
Conclusion: Gon dominates in peak strength, but Killua is more consistent in regular conditions.
Combat Skill
- Gon: His Jajanken is powerful but simple — easy to predict (Chapter 182). He relies more on strength and instinct than tactics.
- Killua: With advanced assassin training and versatile Nen use, Killua blends speed, strategy, and adaptability (Chapter 264). He reacts quickly and fights smart.
Conclusion: Killua has the upper hand in technique and tactical versatility.
Growth Potential
- Gon: Before losing Nen, Wing and Biscuit believed Gon had limitless potential due to his Enhancer type and strong will (Chapter 60). But now, he’d have to start from zero (Chapter 345).
- Killua: With his Nen intact and no mental chains holding him back, Killua continues to grow — leveraging his intellect, assassin skills, and creativity (Chapter 321).
Conclusion: Killua holds more immediate and stable potential for long-term growth.
Who Will Be the Stronger Hunter?
In the Past
Gon: In his adult form, Gon achieved one of the highest power levels in the series, surpassing Killua and nearly every other character in the Chimera Ant arc (Chapter 306). In that moment, he was stronger.
In the Present and Future
- Killua: With his Nen still intact, adaptable skill set, and growing maturity, Killua currently surpasses Gon (Chapter 345).
- If Gon Recovers: Should Gon regain his Nen, his Enhancer nature and relentless drive could allow him to catch up or even surpass Killua again.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Gon | Killua | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Power | Peak (Adult Form) | Stable, Slightly Lower | Gon |
| Combat Skills | Simple but Strong | Versatile & Strategic | Killua |
| Potential | Limitless (if recovered) | Consistent & Growing | Killua |
| Willpower | Unbreakable | Resolute | Draw |
Conclusion
In the Gon vs Killua debate, Gon once reached an extraordinary peak of strength in his adult form — unmatched in the Chimera Ant arc. However, in the current timeline (Chapter 345), Killua has the edge with active Nen, greater versatility, and a clearer path for growth. If Gon regains his powers, the race will be closer — but for now, Killua stands ahead as the Hunter with more long-term potential.
