Hisoka Morow is one of the most powerful characters in Yoshihiro Togashi's Hunter x Hunter series. He first appears during the 287th Hunter Examination, where he meets Gon and Killua for the first time. Also known as "The Magician," Hisoka relies heavily on his unique Nen abilities in battle.
His Nen has the qualities of both rubber and gum at the same time, and although this appears to be a harmless ability, the way Hisoka uses it makes him lethal. In other words, very few characters in Hunter x Hunter can defeat him in a fight. That said, Hisoka isn't exactly invincible.
Updated on May 17, 2023 by Ajay Aravind: Fans have been waiting for a new Hunter x Hunter season since 2014, but the anime is yet to catch up with the manga. Although Gon is supposed to be the protagonist, the manga narrative has since shifted focus to Kurapika and Leorio's adventures, along with a hearty dose of Phantom Troupe hijinks. Hisoka may have rejected his affiliations with the Spider, but he remains an intriguing character. As such, we've revamped this list with some more information.
Characters Who Can Defeat Hisoka
Isaac Netero
Netero was the former Chairman of the Hunter Association and one of the most powerful Hunters in the entire series. In his prime, he was known as the strongest Nen user in the entire world.
Netero's skills were somewhat comparable to Meruem, which means that combatants like Hisoka were no threat to him. Back during the Hunter Exam arc, Hisoka showed interest in fighting Netero but the latter didn't even take him seriously. The old man would effortlessly crush Hisoka in a real fight, though.
Chrollo Lucilfer
Chrollo is the leader of the Phantom Troupe and one of the strongest characters in the entire Hunter x Hunter series. He is someone that Hisoka wished to fight against, but this couldn't happen due to Kurapika's Nen curse during the Yorknew City arc. However, Hisoka and Chrollo finally clashed at the Heaven's Arena.
Chrollo emerged victorious in the battle, although the two were evenly matched for most of their fight. The fact that Chrollo had prep-time made it easier for him to win. Further, Hisoka doesn't possess the haxx ability of stealing someone else's Nen techniques.
Neferpitou
Neferpitou was a member of King Meruem's Royal Guard and an overpowered Chimera Ant. Their strength was beyond the reach of most humans in the series, Hisoka included. In fact, even Netero openly claims that Pitou is stronger than him, although this remark isn't taken seriously by Morel.
While Hisoka is skilled enough to fight against the strongest of Hunters out there, he certainly doesn't stand a chance against any of the Royal Guards of Meruem. Neferpitou would nonchalantly pulverize Hisoka before he can even realize what's happening to him.
Shaiapouf
Another formidable member of the Chimera Ant army, Shaiapouf was a Royal Guard of King Meruem. As such, he was more or less on the same power tier as Neferpitou. Shaiapouf could easily fight against someone like Morel, which puts into perspective how strong this Chimera Ant truly was.
While Hisoka is powerful in his own right, he doesn't stand much of a chance against the Chimera Ant Royal Guard since the difference in power between them is staggering. Then again, it's impossible to predict how many tricks Hisoka's got hidden up his sleeve.
Meruem
Meruem was the King of the Chimera Ants and the strongest known character in the entire series to date. His strength was such that even Netero couldn't defeat him despite having gone all out. In fact, the 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva's Zero Hand did nothing more than put a few scratches on Meruem.
The power differential between him and the humans was way too massive. Even the Royal Guards were not capable of defeating him, who themselves were stronger than the likes of Hisoka. Meruem only dies because of Netero's contingency plan, one that involves poison camouflaged inside a nuclear device.
Characters Who Can't Defeat Hisoka
Illumi Zoldyck
One of the strongest known members of the Zoldyck family, Illumi is quite powerful and often draws comparisons to Hisoka himself. The two have worked together quite a few times in the series and are equally dangerous.
However, Hisoka's recent showing makes him look like a much bigger threat in comparison to Illumi. The latter would definitely lose to him if they ever fought. Then again, Illumi might just take their fight more seriously if Hisoka threatens Killua in any way.
Killua Zoldyck
Killua is considered to be the most talented member of the Zoldyck family and his potential knows no bounds. Despite all his impressive accomplishments, he isn't anywhere close to Hisoka's level at this point in the story.
Killua is highly skilled in using Nen, and his Transmutation abilities are quite phenomenal. And yet, he needs years of experience to finally be able to put up a fight against Hisoka. However, in time, it is all but certain that he'll end up surpassing Hisoka.
Leol
Formerly known as Hagya, Leol was one of the Squadron Leaders of the Chimera Ant army, and possessed quite a peculiar Nen ability. Like Chrollo, he could use the Nen ability of other people as long as certain conditions were met. That said, the Chimera Ant's version of this ability was much weaker.
Leol lost his fight against Morel rather easily, which means he doesn't stand much of a chance against Hisoka either. If they were to fight, Hisoka would definitely emerge as the victor, albeit not without a few injuries.
Morel
Morel is a powerful Hunter who is considered to be quite capable by Isaac Netero himself. Although his Nen ability might not be overpowered, the way he utilizes his Manipulation skillset makes him a formidable challenge for Hisoka.
However, Hisoka has fought and overwhelmed stronger opponents than Morel Mackernasey. While both Morel and Hisoka are incredibly smart and versatile, the latter plays his cards close to his chest. This self-preservation technique is likely to help him defeat someone as proficient as Morel.
Kalluto
One of the members of the Zoldyck family, Kalluto is known to have loads of potential. However, he still has a long way to go before he can even think of dueling someone like Hisoka.
Kalluto's skills as an assassin are considered to be decent, allowing him access to the Phantom Troupe. That said, the fact that Kalluto struggled against a Chimera Ant soldier means that he isn't ready for the big stage just yet. He does end up taking Hisoka's place in the Phantom Troupe, though, so this young Zoldyck isn't exactly talentless.