Demons can only be killed by the Demon Slayers using their Nichirin swords and breathing techniques. The breathing styles were developed by the Demon Slayers, and these techniques allow ordinary humans to compete with the demons.
During Japan’s Taisho Period, when the world was teeming with Demons, blades and hilts dominated interactions between Demon Slayers and them. Although these techniques are quite ancient, the circumstances and creativity of the slayers’ open doors for evolution as time passes.
Each breathing style has its own set of techniques and abilities; while all are used to defeat demons, some are more powerful than others. So, what are the most powerful breathing techniques in Demon Slayer?
Strongest Breathing Styles in Demon Slayer Ranked!
10. Insect Breathing

This is a Hashira Shinobu Kochou style that is extremely powerful and lethal to demons, but it is also very specialised. Insect breathing imitates insects’ lethal stings and shallow cuts, riddling the demon’s body with stabs and cuts.
Every demon slayer understands that the only way to kill a demon is to either behead it with a Nichirin sword or expose it to sunlight. Shinobu coats her stinger blade in wisteria poison, which is lethal to demons, to make her attacks even more lethal.
The poison itself, rather than the techniques, is lethal. Hashira admitted that she lacks the strength to perform a board neck cut, so she resorts to quick stabs that poison the enemy.
9. Sound Breathing

This technique requires dexterity and belongs to Hashira Uzui Tengen. Tengen uses this technique to create a scene by reading the movement of demons and converting it into sound based on the rhythm of their attacks.
Tengen swords are longer than longer and linked by a chain, producing sound slashes. The God of Fireworks is said to be extremely powerful, only requiring two attacks against higher-ranking demons.
8. Serpent Breathing

An unusual yet lethal style derived from water breathing, unpredictable and flexible like a snake’s movement. The Nichirin sword Obanai wields resembles an Indonesian Kris Sword in appearance, with the sword’s shape modelled after the snake’s bodily structure.
With the most bizarre sword designs, this breathing style can be used without the sword itself, greatly increasing the utility of this style.
7. Thunder Breathing

During his time training with Jigoro, Zenitsu Agatsuma only learned one technique: thunderclap and flash. Thunder Breathing allows for quick bursts of energy to create a powerful attack in a matter of seconds.
Zenitsu’s use of thunderclap and flash alone has four extensions, increasing the utility and lethality of its attacks. It resembles lightning, specifically lightning-like strikes and movements across the skies.
The sword mimics these movements, speeding up the movements of this Breathing Style and instantly overwhelming the enemy.
6. Mist Breathing

The mist breathing philosophy is that if you lose sight of it, you will fall much deeper into its trap. This style is derived from wind breathing, and it was developed by Muichiro Tokito, a forgetful yet powerful Hashira.
He is the master of Mist Breathing styles, and his fighting style is based on quick sweeping attacks that catch the opponent off guard. The enemy is confused and disoriented by the mist and fog.
5. Water Breathing

This Breathing Style, which is directly related to Sun Breathing, mimics water, specifically its flow, flexibility, and adaptability, and replicates it with a Sword.
The user bends their body, arm, and weapon fluidly to match the motion of the flowing water when using these techniques. When a person masters Water Breathing techniques, they can see themselves seemingly creating water.
4. Wind Breathing

Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa employs this style. The phrase “the best defence is the best offence” is best described by the technique. It is distinguished by sudden, extremely powerful slashes and erratic throws with a wide area of effect.
It is also useful for fighting off multiple opponents, such as the Clean Storm Wind Tree technique, which creates a gush of wind, a defensive barrier, and does significant damage to everything around the swordsman.
3. Stone Breathing

This technique is well-known for its devastating and colossal attacks; when fighting demons, the demon slayer must be as immovable as a mountain. Hashira Gyumei Himejima’s Breathing Style mimics the majestic earth and stone and replicates it with his movements, techniques, and abilities, with the strength of the entire earth.
One of Tsugikuni Yoriichi’s students attempted to learn Sun Breathing but was unable to master it due to not being as naturally powerful as his teacher. As a result, they were given a customised Breathing Style that targeted their strengths and weaknesses, eventually branching out and becoming Stone Breathing.
2. Moon Breathing

Moon Breathing is said to be the second-strongest breathing style among the many in the popular anime demon slayer, and it is derived from Sun Breathing, as are all other breathing styles.
Michikatsu Tsukiguni, Hashira Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s twin brother, invented this technique. This form’s techniques all take the shape of a crescent moon. It has lightning-fast and extremely powerful strikes and no weaknesses. Throughout a century, Kokushibo had continued to add and develop techniques to the breathing style.
1. Sun Breathing

Yoriichi invented the Sun Breathing technique. It is the progenitor of all breaths in the popular anime Demon Slayer, and it is also the strongest and undisputedly remains at the top of the breath food chain.
Sun breathing and Hinokami Kagura are breathing styles that combine the user’s movements, abilities, and techniques with the sun. When unleashing the power of these techniques on demons, a demon slayer who uses sun breathing can imagine himself manipulating the sun’s flames.
Final Thoughts!
So, those are the top ten most powerful breathing styles in the demon slayer anime/manga. If you’ve seen the anime, you’ve probably heard of some of them, such as Water Breathing, Sun Breathing, Thunder Breathing, and Sound Breathing.
What are your thoughts on the list? Also, in Demon Slayer, what is your preferred breathing style? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
You might also like: