Anime characters often undergo transformations, evolving their power as the narrative progresses. Yet, not all transformations entail an increase in strength or capability. Some characters experience the opposite, a phenomenon commonly termed as being nerfed. A nerfed character sees a reduction in their power, influence, or effectiveness within the story.
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This dynamic ensures that storylines remain unpredictable and characters (good or bad) don’t become overwhelmingly powerful. From legendary shinobi like Madara Uchiha to powerful demons such as Meliodas, many beloved figures in anime face periods of diminished prowess. Let’s delve into some of the most notable nerfed characters in anime.
Updated by Dev Tugnait on June 19, 2025:We have added five new entries, offering an engaging perspective on the dynamic shifts in power that iconic anime characters experience. Check out the updated list to explore these fascinating additions and see how your favorite characters have been nerfed!
15Kenshiro - Fist Of The North Star
Post-Apocalyptic Warrior With Limitations
Fist Of The North Star
Kenshiro’s Nerfing Explained:
Kenshiro, the protagonist of Fist of the North Star, is a powerful martial artist who faces various challenges that sometimes make his abilities appear inconsistent or nerfed. Initially, Kenshiro is depicted as nearly invincible, mastering the ancient martial art of Hokuto Shinken, which allows him to defeat enemies with precise and lethal strikes.
However, as the series progresses, Kenshiro encounters enemies who seemingly challenge or surpass his abilities. For instance, in battles against characters like Raoh and, later, Kaioh, Kenshiro doesn’t immediately overpower them as he does with earlier foes. These adversaries require him to push beyond his established limits, often struggling more than expected based on his earlier feats.
Release Date
Episode Count
Where To Watch
July 04, 2025
Crunchyroll
14Alucard - Hellsing Ultimate
Vampire’s Omnipotence Challenged
Hellsing Ultimate
Alucard’s Nerfing Explained:
Alucard, the powerful vampire from Hellsing, undergoes a unique form of nerfing towards the end of the series. Renowned for his near-omnipotence, Alucard wields immense strength, speed, and supernatural abilities, making him virtually unbeatable. The nerfing occurs during his battle with Alexander Anderson and The Captain.
Alucard releases his ultimate ability, Level Zero, to unleash all the souls he has consumed. After the battle, Alucard initiates a complex ritual to absorb Schrodinger, a character with omnipresent abilities. This process inadvertently causes Alucard to temporarily lose his existence as he struggles to assert his own identity among the millions of souls inside him.
August 06, 2025
13Sousuke Aizen - Bleach
Deceptive Overlord Sealed Away
Sousuke Aizen’s Nerfing Explained:
Sousuke Aizen, a central antagonist inBleach, undergoes a significant shift in power representation, which can be seen as a form of nerfing. Initially, Aizen is portrayed as an almost invincible character with immense spiritual power, intelligence, and the ability to manipulate others with his Zanpakuto, Kyoka Suigetsu. However, this changes during the final battle against Ichigo Kurosaki.
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Aizen undergoes several transformations, increasing his power through the Hogyoku, a powerful artifact. Despite these augmentations, he is ultimately defeated by Ichigo, who has attained a transcendent form. Post-defeat, Aizen is sealed by Kisuke Urahara’s kido and later imprisoned, significantly reducing his influence and threat level.
June 25, 2025
12Naruto Uzumaki - Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Hokage’s Power Scaled Down
Naruto Uzumaki’s Nerfing Explained:
Naruto Uzumaki, the hero of Naruto and a key figure in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, undergoes a significant change in his portrayal of power. In Naruto, he evolves from an underdog to one of the most powerful ninjas, mastering the Nine-Tails Chakra and Sage Mode and gaining the Six Paths powers. However, in Boruto, his abilities seem diminished.
For instance, during his fight with Delta, a member of the Kara organization, Naruto struggles more than anticipated, as she can absorb and release ninjutsu. This is notable because Delta is a new type of enemy, but not as formidable as adversaries Naruto had faced in the past, like Kaguya or Madara.
August 18, 2025
11Saitama - One Punch Man
Hero’s Sidelined Dominance
One Punch Man
Saitama’s Nerfing Explained:
Saitama, the protagonist ofOne Punch Man, is renowned for his ability to defeat any opponent with a single punch, a trait that initially establishes him as an invincible hero. However, as the series progresses, Saitama’s nerfing isn’t through a direct reduction in power but rather through narrative focus and plot structure.
For instance, during significant battles, such as the fight against the Monster Association, Saitama is often sidetracked or arrives late, which prevents him from instantly resolving the conflict. This narrative technique ensures that other characters, like Genos and other heroes, get more spotlight and character development, while Saitama’s overwhelming strength is used more sparingly, preserving the story’s intrigue and balance.
August 21, 2025
10Yusuke Urameshi - Yu Yu Hakusho
Spirit Detective’s Evolving Power Challenges
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yusuke Urameshi’s Nerfing Explained:
Yusuke Urameshi, in Yu Yu Hakusho, undergoes nerfing primarily in the context of the series' power scaling. Initially, Yusuke’s strength as a Spirit Detective grows exponentially, making him a formidable fighter. However, the introduction of significantly stronger characters and new power levels creates situations where Yusuke’s abilities seem less dominant than before.
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For example, during the Chapter Black Saga, Yusuke faces Shinobu Sensui, who possesses power far surpassing Yusuke’s. This gap is so pronounced that Yusuke cannot defeat Sensui until he receives a significant power boost due to his ancestral demon blood. Similarly, in the Three Kings Saga, Yusuke enters the Demon World, where he encounters beings like Yomi, whose powers dwarf his own.
June 08, 2025
9Meliodas - The Seven Deadly Sins
Cursed Immortal Seeking Redemption
The Seven Deadly Sins
Meliodas’s Nerfing Explained:
Meliodas, the main character ofThe Seven Deadly Sins, experiences a form of nerfing, particularly in the later stages of the series. Meliodas possesses immense strength, combat skills, and demonic abilities. His power is so great that it becomes a central plot point, with his full demonic power being sealed away due to its destructiveness.
After the revival of the Ten Commandments, especially during his encounters with characters like Estarossa, Meliodas’s mental and emotional state becomes turbulent. His fear of unleashing his full destructive power led him to restrain himself in battle. Moreover, Meliodas decides to sacrifice his demonic power for Elizabeth to lead a normal, mortal life, shocking viewers.
June 29, 2025
8Eren Yeager - Attack On Titan
Titan Shifter’s Complex Journey
Attack On Titan
Eren Yeager’s Nerfing Explained:
Eren Yeager inAttack on Titanhas a Titan form that serves as a major asset against the Titans, symbolizing hope and power for humanity. However, as the series progresses, several factors contribute to a perceived reduction in his relative power and effectiveness. Firstly, the revelation of other Titan shifters with specialized abilities challenges Eren’s dominance.
Titans like theArmored Titanand the Beast Titan possess unique skills that make them formidable opponents. Secondly, the advancement in anti-Titan warfare, especially by Marley and other nations, diminishes the tactical advantage of Titan’s powers. These factors collectively contribute to Eren’s nerfing as he transitions from a symbol of sheer power to a character navigating a more balanced battlefield.
June 01, 2025
7Tatsumi - Akame Ga Kill!
Powerful Fusion With Tragic End
Akame ga Kill!
Tatsumi’s Nerfing Explained:
In Akame ga Kill, Tatsumi’s strength grows significantly as he acquires and evolves with the Teigu Incursio, gaining formidable powers like enhanced strength, speed, and partial invisibility. The nerfing occurs later in the series, where Tatsumi’s reliance on Incursio’s power leads to a dangerous fusion between them.
This fusion dramatically increases his power but at the cost of his humanity and life. In the climactic battles, particularly against the Empire’s ultimate weapon, Tatsumi pushes Incursio to its limit, resulting in a transformation that permanently fuses him with the armor. This fusion, while initially seeming like a power-up, essentially serves as a nerf because it leads to Tatsumi’s ultimate demise.
June 19, 2025
6Kirito - Sword Art Online
Virtual Hero Facing Real Challenges
Sword Art Online
Kirito’s Nerfing Explained:
Kirito, theisekai heroofSword Art Online, is portrayed as an almost invincible player in virtual worlds. However, Kirito’s abilities are significantly challenged in the Alicization arc. After being attacked in the real world, he is left comatose and enters the Underworld, a new virtual realm.
In the Underworld, Kirito retains his combat skills but faces limitations due to the world’s unique system and rules. This scenario is starkly exemplified when he confronts Administrator Quinella, where he requires assistance from Eugeo to win. However, the most significant nerfing occurs post-battle, as Kirito suffers from psychological trauma. He spends a considerable part of the arc in this weakened state, reliant on others for protection.
