Hunter x Hunter is a universe where brains can outgun brawn in a fight. The characters are accustomed to sophisticated and cunning ways of fighting, and they frequently use their wits and tactics to triumph. There are, however, those who stand out from the crowd, and are renowned for their exceptional intelligence and the ability to outwit even the most difficult of opponents.
These characters have proven time and time again that brains can be just as deadly as brawn, making them some of the most fascinating and intriguing figures in the series as they represent the pinnacle of intelligence and cunning portrayed in the Hunter x Hunter universe.
8 Hisoka
The Hunter x Hunter anime series features a vicious sociopath named Hisoka. He does not care about anyone unless they prove ‘fun’ to fight against. There are numerous examples of Hisoka's innate intelligence throughout the show. There aren't many who can match up against a Nen user who is as quick on their feet and as strategic as he is.
One of the most important events in Hisoka's life is when Chrollo tells him that he now has the power to predict people's futures through poems. Hisoka changes his prediction in a way that keeps Chrollo in Yorkshin and doesn't raise suspicions that the poem was tampered with, fooling Chrollo and the rest of the Phantom Troupe in under a minute.
7 Meruem
The Chimera Ant King Meruem is undoubtedly one of the most memorable characters to ever appear in the Hunter x Hunter franchise. Mereum was at the peak of power and intelligence in the series. He was born with an unmatched memory and great intellect and could easily assimilate things. Within a few days of being born, Mereum could already defeat the world champions of Go, and Shogi.
Because of his brilliance, Mereum was able to quickly master the use of nen in combat, demonstrating his superior prowess in this area. The king of the Chimera ants only lived for 40 days, but in that time he became an unstoppable force, both physically and mentally. The heights he might have achieved with his developing mind if he had lived just a little longer are beyond comprehension.
6 Chrollo Lucifer
The Phantom Troupe's leader is a master tactician who's known across the criminal underworld. Chrollo, a guy with a knack for organizing and leading others, formed a powerful organization that serves as the series' principal antagonist. Chrollo remains the leader even though he is ranked seventh in terms of physical strength. His superior intelligence and leadership talents are responsible for this.
At every turn, Chrollo demonstrates an impressive depth of knowledge and mastery of people manipulation. As a skilled strategist, Chrollo also boasts powerful nen abilities incredible enough to mortally wound Hisoka. Few people, in or out of warfare, have his deductive reasoning abilities.
5 Killua
Killua, a member of the famous assassin Zoldyck family, has had extensive military and psychological training. This makes him vastly more intelligent than his contemporaries, such as Gon, who tends to act on impulse and emotion rather than reason.
Killua demonstrates genius-level abilities, and he has a remarkable capacity for intuition. His assistance to Gon throughout the series was invaluable, as he frequently provided answers to the challenges the protagonists faced. Killua relies heavily on logic and leaves optimism to Gon, yet he often combines the two in order to bring about novel transformations and advantageous situations.
4 Isaac Netero
In various ways, the 12th Chairman of the Hunter Association has demonstrated his superior intelligence. Netero is one of the most well-known figures in the Hunter x Hunter franchise thanks to his unique leadership and fighting techniques.
Netero's leadership of the Hunter Association, in which he advises his fellow hunters on how to make the most of their skills in combat, is indicative of his wit and intelligence despite his impish and rambunctious personality. As witnessed in his fight with Meruem, where he immediately changed tactics after realizing his first strategy wasn't working against the Chimera Ant King, Netero is also recognized as a guy who can quickly adjust in battle.
3 Ging Freecss
Ging Freecss, Gon's dad, is a mysterious figure. For most of the anime, Gon’s goal was to get stronger as a hunter, so he could meet his father, who was often called a great hunter. When Gon and Ging ultimately cross paths, we learn that Ging had foreseen many of Gon's important decisions and even helped bring about some of the most trying experiences of his life.
To be able to anticipate and prepare for events that will take place decades from now demonstrates remarkable foresight. Ging, a Nen expert, made a video game called Green Island that can transfer players inside the game and has sold for at least 8 billion Jenny at auctions.
2 Zeno Zoldyck
Zeno Zoldyck, grandpa to Killua Zoldyck, is a legendary figure in the Hunter x Hunter universe. There is no one with his level of intelligence or strategic foresight. Everything about Zeno reeks of knowledge and deceit, from his cool demeanor to his methodical motions.
Not only does he have a wealth of information and expertise at his disposal, but he also has an uncanny knack for accurately assessing situations, responding to shifts in the environment, and coming up with innovative solutions that consistently work to his advantage. For this reason, Zeno Zoldyck is the clear standout among an otherwise stellar group of thinkers.
1 Pariston Hill
Pariston Hill, a former vice chairman of the Hunter Association, is introduced in the 13th chairman arc of the Hunter X Hunter anime. Pariston is a very sneaky and crafty person. Like Netero and Ging, he treats life's more weighty challenges as if they were mere games, and he cares more about having fun than about achieving victory.
Pariston has often shown that he is a formidable opponent thanks to his cunning and intelligence. It's no secret that Pariston and Ging are rivals; they're constantly plotting ways to one-up each other. Many high-ranking Hunter Association officials do not hold him in high regard due to his extreme unpredictability.