8 One Piece Heroes Stronger Than Any Devil Fruit User 2026
Which One Piece characters prove that raw strength and skill can match Devil Fruit powers? In the world of One Piece, characters like Shanks, Sanji, Garp, Mihawk, Roger, Rayleigh, Zoro, and Jinbe demonstrate that mastery of Haki, combat techniques, and natural abilities can rival or exceed Devil Fruit users’ supernatural powers.
After following One Piece for over two decades and experiencing these characters firsthand through games like Pirate Warriors 4 and Burning Blood, I’ve witnessed how non-Devil Fruit users consistently dominate battles through pure skill and determination. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll analyze the eight most powerful characters who prove you don’t need Devil Fruit abilities to reach the pinnacle of strength in 2026.
| Character Category | Key Power Source | Power Level |
|---|---|---|
| Yonko Level (Shanks) | Conqueror’s Haki Mastery | Top Tier |
| Legendary Marines (Garp) | Raw Physical Strength | Top Tier |
| World’s Strongest (Mihawk, Roger) | Supreme Swordsmanship | Top Tier |
| Straw Hat Powerhouses (Zoro, Sanji) | Combat Techniques + Haki | High Tier |
Understanding Power Without Devil Fruits in One Piece
Before diving into individual characters, let me explain from my experience analyzing One Piece’s power system why non-Devil Fruit users can compete at the highest levels. When I first started playing One Piece Treasure Cruise back in 2014, I quickly learned that the game’s meta perfectly reflected the manga’s power dynamics – Haki users often outperformed Devil Fruit users in crucial moments.
The Three Pillars of Non-Devil Fruit Strength
Through my years of following the series and testing character builds in games, I’ve identified three core elements that make non-Devil Fruit users formidable:
1. Haki Mastery: The great equalizer in One Piece battles. I’ve seen how characters with advanced Haki can nullify Devil Fruit advantages entirely. In the recent Chapter 1141 developments with Loki’s liberation, we’re seeing even more evidence of how crucial Haki is to true power.
2. Physical Training: Unlike Devil Fruit users who gain instant abilities, these characters develop their strength through relentless training. When playing as Garp in Pirate Warriors 4, his raw punching power feels more impactful than most Devil Fruit attacks.
3. Combat Techniques: Each non-Devil Fruit user develops unique fighting styles that maximize their natural abilities. From Sanji’s Black Leg Style to Zoro’s Three-Sword Style, these techniques rival any Devil Fruit power.
The 8 Strongest Characters Without Devil Fruits
1. Red-Haired Shanks – The Haki Emperor
Starting with arguably the most impressive non-Devil Fruit user, Shanks stands as one of the Four Emperors purely through Haki mastery. I remember the chills I got playing his character in Burning Blood – his Conqueror’s Haki literally knocks out opponents before the fight begins.
What makes Shanks exceptional isn’t just his strength; it’s how he achieved Yonko status with one arm and no Devil Fruit. His Conqueror’s Haki, as shown when he paralyzed Admiral Greenbull from miles away, represents the peak of willpower manifestation. The recent revelations about his possible twin “Shamrock” in 2026 have only deepened the mystery around his true capabilities.
In my analysis of comprehensive One Piece character rankings, Shanks consistently places in the top 5 despite lacking Devil Fruit powers. His feat of stopping Kaido from reaching Marineford proves that strategic intelligence combined with overwhelming Haki can overcome even the strongest Devil Fruit users.
2. Monkey D. Garp – The Hero of the Marines
Garp’s legendary status comes purely from his fists – no Devil Fruit, just decades of punching mountains for training. When I unlock Garp in One Piece games, his movesets always emphasize raw physical power over fancy techniques, and that’s exactly what makes him terrifying.
His Galaxy Impact technique, recently showcased in the anime’s Hachinosu incident, demonstrates power that rivals any Devil Fruit ability. I’ve calculated that based on the destruction shown, Garp’s punches generate force equivalent to multiple tons of TNT. What’s more impressive is that he maintained this strength well into his seventies, proving that dedication to physical training creates lasting power.
The fact that Garp repeatedly cornered Gol D. Roger, refused Admiral promotions, and trained both Luffy and Koby shows his complete confidence in non-Devil Fruit strength. His recent actions in rescuing Koby demonstrated that age hasn’t diminished his abilities significantly. Understanding character power progression in One Piece shows how consistent training like Garp’s creates unshakeable foundations.
3. Dracule Mihawk – World’s Strongest Swordsman
Mihawk holds the undisputed title of World’s Strongest Swordsman without any Devil Fruit enhancement – pure swordsmanship elevated to an art form. In every One Piece fighting game I’ve played, Mihawk’s range and precision make him a top-tier character despite lacking transformation abilities.
His casual feat of cutting Don Krieg’s entire fleet with a single sword swing from his small boat remains one of the series’ most impressive displays of non-Devil Fruit power. When teaching Zoro during the timeskip, Mihawk revealed that true swordsmanship involves not just cutting anything but knowing when not to cut – a philosophy that transcends mere physical ability.
What fascinates me most about Mihawk is his boredom from being too strong. Unlike Devil Fruit users who can always discover new techniques, Mihawk has seemingly reached the pinnacle of his craft, waiting for someone worthy to challenge him. His Cross Guild bounty of 3.59 billion berries in 2026 confirms his threat level rivals the Emperors.
4. Gol D. Roger – The Pirate King
The man who conquered the Grand Line and became Pirate King did so without eating a Devil Fruit – a fact that still amazes me every time I think about it. Roger’s strength came from supreme Haki mastery and swordsmanship with his blade Ace.
In the Oden flashback, we saw Roger clash equally with Whitebeard, whose Gura Gura no Mi is considered one of the most powerful Paramecia fruits. Their clash split the sky without Roger needing any Devil Fruit power, proving that Haki at its peak equals or exceeds Devil Fruit abilities. When I analyze Roger’s combat style in games and manga, his approach combines all three Haki types seamlessly – something few characters achieve.
Roger’s ability to “hear the voice of all things” might seem like a Devil Fruit power, but it’s actually an extremely rare form of Observation Haki. This natural ability allowed him to read Poneglyphs and reach Laugh Tale, achievements that required more than just strength. His influence on characters shows in our guide to characters inspired by determination, as Roger’s legacy continues inspiring new generations.
5. Silvers Rayleigh – The Dark King
Roger’s right-hand man earned his title “Dark King” through mastery of all three Haki types and exceptional swordsmanship. When I first saw old Rayleigh hold off Admiral Kizaru at Sabaody, I realized that age and retirement hadn’t dulled his abilities significantly.
During Luffy’s training, Rayleigh demonstrated techniques that I’ve tried to replicate in games – his ability to swim through the Calm Belt, fighting Sea Kings with pure Haki, shows physical capabilities beyond normal humans. His teaching revealed advanced Haki applications like Internal Destruction and Future Sight, proving his theoretical knowledge matches his practical skills.
What impresses me most about Rayleigh is his versatility. Unlike specialists like Mihawk (swordsmanship) or Garp (punching), Rayleigh excels at everything – swimming, combat, strategy, and teaching. His coating business in retirement is just a cover for someone who could still compete with Admirals if needed.
6. Roronoa Zoro – The Future World’s Strongest
Zoro’s journey from East Blue bounty hunter to Luffy’s right hand showcases the most dramatic power progression among non-Devil Fruit users. Playing as Zoro in Pirate Warriors 4, I’ve experienced his evolution from basic three-sword techniques to his current King of Hell mode that scarred Kaido.
His recent mastery of Conqueror’s Haki coating in Wano elevated him to a new tier entirely. The fact that he wielded Enma, a sword that drains its user’s Haki, while fighting top-tier opponents proves his massive Haki reserves. Based on my analysis of his progression in the character progression guide, Zoro’s growth rate exceeds most Devil Fruit users.
What sets Zoro apart is his unwavering dedication to becoming the World’s Strongest Swordsman. Every power-up comes from intense training rather than lucky circumstances. His ability to cut through Kaido’s scales, something few characters have achieved, demonstrates that his non-Devil Fruit path rivals Luffy’s Devil Fruit journey. The strategic nature of Marine organizations shows how even military forces recognize the power of skilled swordsmen like Zoro.
7. Vinsmoke Sanji – The Genetic Warrior
Sanji presents a unique case – his strength comes from a combination of genetic modifications (which he initially rejected) and self-developed martial arts. In fighting games, Sanji’s speed and combo potential often surpass Devil Fruit users, reflecting his manga capabilities perfectly.
His recent awakening of his Germa modifications, including his exoskeleton and enhanced healing, technically isn’t a Devil Fruit but provides similar advantages. However, what truly makes Sanji formidable is his self-taught Black Leg Style and developing Observation Haki. His Ifrit Jambe technique generates flames hotter than his previous Diable Jambe without any Devil Fruit power.
I find Sanji’s internal struggle fascinating – he fears losing his emotions to become a perfect soldier like his siblings, yet needs that power to protect his crew. His victory over Queen, a Devil Fruit user worth over 1.3 billion berries, while maintaining his humanity proves that willpower can harness even unwanted abilities positively.
8. Jinbe – The Knight of the Sea
The former Warlord and current Straw Hat helmsman demonstrates that Fish-Man Karate can rival any Devil Fruit ability. When using Jinbe in One Piece games, his water manipulation techniques feel like Devil Fruit powers, but they’re actually martial arts perfected over decades.
Jinbe’s strength comes from perfect synchronization with his aquatic nature and masterful Armament Haki. His ability to manipulate water – the universal Devil Fruit weakness – gives him a significant advantage against fruit users. I’ve noticed in games that Jinbe hard-counters many Devil Fruit characters through strategic water attacks.
What makes Jinbe exceptional is his tactical intelligence combined with raw power. He’s blocked attacks from Big Mom, survived Akainu’s magma, and contributed significantly to the raid on Onigashima. His bounty of 1.1 billion berries reflects threat level based purely on skill and strength.
Advanced Techniques and Power Scaling
Haki Mastery Levels
Through my extensive gameplay and manga analysis, I’ve identified distinct Haki mastery tiers among non-Devil Fruit users:
Basic Level: Simple hardening and sensing – most Marines and pirates reach this level with training. In games, this usually translates to basic damage boosts and dodge mechanics.
Advanced Level: Internal Destruction, Future Sight, and Conqueror’s coating – only elite fighters achieve this. Characters like Zoro recently entered this tier, dramatically increasing their threat level.
Supreme Level: Reality-warping Haki effects – Shanks stopping Greenbull remotely, Roger clashing equally with Whitebeard. In game terms, these characters often have instant-win conditions against weaker opponents.
Training Methods and Philosophy
Each non-Devil Fruit powerhouse developed unique training methods I’ve studied extensively:
Garp’s mountain punching created fists harder than steel. Zoro’s weight training with increasingly massive loads built inhuman strength. Sanji’s cooking-related leg training developed flexibility and precision. These methods prove that dedicated training can match instant Devil Fruit gains.
Interestingly, many non-Devil Fruit users view Devil Fruits as shortcuts or crutches. During Zoro’s training with Mihawk, he learned that relying on power alone creates weakness – true strength requires perfect technique backed by strong will.
Strategic Advantages of Non-Devil Fruit Users
No Inherent Weaknesses
The most obvious advantage I’ve noticed in both games and manga is the absence of Devil Fruit weaknesses. These characters can swim, aren’t affected by Sea Prism Stone, and don’t rely on specific conditions for their powers. This versatility often decides battles – Jinbe saving Luffy multiple times through swimming is a perfect example.
Continuous Growth Potential
Unlike Devil Fruit users who might plateau after awakening, non-Devil Fruit users can always improve through training. I’ve tracked Zoro’s power progression across different game versions, and his growth curve remains consistent while Devil Fruit users often get sudden power spikes then plateau.
Psychological Warfare
There’s immense psychological impact when someone without Devil Fruit powers defeats a fruit user. I remember Mihawk’s introduction – his casual dominance despite lacking powers established him as truly terrifying. This psychological edge often defeats opponents before battles begin.
Recent Manga Developments and Future Implications
The recent Chapters 1140-1141 in March 2026 have significant implications for non-Devil Fruit users. Loki’s liberation and the ongoing Elbaf arc suggest that ancient giant techniques might provide another power system independent of Devil Fruits. If Usopp learns these techniques as many fans theorize, it could establish another path to strength.
The revelation about Shanks potentially having a twin “Shamrock” raises questions about whether their strength comes from training or lineage. If both twins are equally strong without Devil Fruits, it might indicate genetic factors we haven’t fully understood yet.
Gaming Perspective: Non-Devil Fruit Users in One Piece Games
From my extensive experience with One Piece games, non-Devil Fruit users often dominate tier lists through superior frame data and combo potential. In Pirate Warriors 4, Mihawk and Shanks consistently rank among the best characters despite lacking transformation mechanics that Devil Fruit users enjoy.
The One Piece gaming tier list frequently features non-Devil Fruit users in top positions because their straightforward movesets often have better scaling and reliability than gimmicky Devil Fruit abilities.
In Burning Blood, I’ve found that mastering non-Devil Fruit characters requires more skill but offers greater rewards. Their combos feel more satisfying because they rely on timing and positioning rather than special transformations.
Community Discussions and Theories
The One Piece community constantly debates whether non-Devil Fruit users are inherently stronger than fruit users. From my participation in these discussions, the consensus seems to be that at the highest levels, the power source matters less than the user’s will and training.
Popular theories I’ve encountered suggest that the Ancient Kingdom might have developed Haki specifically to counter Devil Fruits, explaining why supreme Haki users can match any fruit power. This would mean characters like Roger and Garp represent the “correct” path to strength.
Another fascinating theory involves the idea that Devil Fruits actually limit potential by providing easy power that discourages proper training. Characters who refuse Devil Fruits might instinctively understand this limitation.
Comparison with Devil Fruit-Heavy Crews
When comparing individual strength to the crews with most Devil Fruit users, an interesting pattern emerges. Crews relying heavily on Devil Fruits often lack the versatility of balanced crews with strong non-Devil Fruit users.
The Straw Hats’ balance of Devil Fruit users (Luffy, Robin, Brook, Chopper) and non-users (Zoro, Sanji, Jinbe, Nami, Usopp, Franky) creates tactical advantages. Non-Devil Fruit members can perform water rescues, handle Sea Prism Stone, and provide support when Devil Fruit powers are nullified.
Understanding villain weaknesses and strategic approaches shows how balanced crews with both power types maintain advantages across different combat scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-Devil Fruit users truly match Devil Fruit users at the highest level?
Absolutely. Roger became Pirate King without a Devil Fruit, and Shanks maintains Yonko status through Haki alone. At the highest tiers, mastery of Haki and combat techniques equals or exceeds Devil Fruit abilities. My experience across various One Piece games confirms this – skill matters more than power source.
Why do some powerful characters choose not to eat Devil Fruits?
Based on character statements and my analysis, many view Devil Fruits as shortcuts that create weakness. The inability to swim and vulnerability to Sea Prism Stone are significant disadvantages. Additionally, some characters like Zoro and Sanji take pride in achieving strength through their own efforts rather than external power sources.
Who is the strongest non-Devil Fruit user in One Piece?
Currently, Shanks likely holds this title among living characters, with his Conqueror’s Haki reaching unprecedented levels. Historically, Roger was probably the strongest, having conquered the Grand Line without Devil Fruit powers. Mihawk dominates in pure swordsmanship, while Garp represents the peak of physical strength.
How do non-Devil Fruit users train to become so powerful?
Each develops unique training methods suited to their style. Garp punched mountains, Zoro lifts increasingly massive weights, and Sanji developed leg strength through cooking-related activities. The key is consistent, dedicated training over years or decades, combined with real combat experience and strong willpower.
Will more Straw Hats remain without Devil Fruits?
Based on narrative patterns and Oda’s statements, I believe Zoro, Sanji, Nami, and Usopp will likely remain without Devil Fruits. Their character arcs emphasize personal growth through training rather than external power-ups. This maintains crew balance and proves that both paths to strength are valid.
Conclusion: The True Path to Power
After analyzing these eight incredible characters and experiencing their strength firsthand through games and manga, I’m convinced that Devil Fruits aren’t necessary for achieving supreme power in One Piece. The dedication, training, and willpower demonstrated by Shanks, Garp, Mihawk, Roger, Rayleigh, Zoro, Sanji, and Jinbe prove that human potential, when pushed to its limits, can match any supernatural ability.
What fascinates me most is how each non-Devil Fruit user represents a different path to strength – Haki mastery, physical training, swordsmanship, martial arts, or genetic enhancement. This diversity shows that there’s no single “correct” way to become powerful, only the determination to push beyond limits.
As One Piece continues in 2026 with new revelations about power systems and character abilities, I expect non-Devil Fruit users to remain relevant at the highest tiers. Their lack of inherent weaknesses, continuous growth potential, and the respect they command for achieving strength “honestly” ensures their place among the series’ strongest characters.
Whether you’re following the manga, playing the games, or watching the anime, pay attention to how these characters fight. Their techniques often require more strategy and skill than Devil Fruit abilities, making their victories even more impressive. As someone who’s spent countless hours mastering these characters in games, I can confirm that the satisfaction of winning with pure skill surpasses any Devil Fruit gimmick.