If there’s one anime that perfectly captures humanity’s unbreakable will, it’s Record of Ragnarok (Shūmatsu no Valkyrie). The premise is simple yet epic — the gods have decided to wipe out humankind for their sins, but the Valkyries plead for a final chance. Thus begins Ragnarök: thirteen humans versus thirteen gods in one-on-one duels that decide the fate of our species.
The show exploded on Netflix thanks to its myth-meets-history concept and larger-than-life matchups. Where else will you see Zeus fight Adam, or Jack the Ripper face Hercules?
Let’s rank every Record of Ragnarok fight so far, from the least impactful to the absolute peak of storytelling, animation, and emotion.
🎯 First 8 Battles Ranked !
- Lü Bu vs Thor (Round 1) Season 1
- Adam vs Zeus (Round 2) Season 1
- Kojiro Sasaki vs Poseidon (Round 3) Season 1
- Jack the Ripper vs Hercules (Round 4) Season 2
- Raiden Tameemon vs Shiva (Round 5) Season 2
- Buddha vs Zerofuku / Hajun (Round 6) Season 2
- Qin Shi Huang vs Hades (Round 7) Season 3
- Nikola Tesla vs Beelzebub (Round 8) Season 3
⚔️ How We Ranked the Battles
Each fight was judged using three key factors:
- Intensity: How high the stakes felt and how brutal the combat became.
- Animation: The quality of visuals, choreography, and impact shots.
- Emotional Weight: The heart of each clash — the stories behind every punch and every sacrifice.
#8. Raiden Tameemon vs Shiva (Round 5)
Winner: Shiva 🏆
A duel of raw muscle and fiery spirit. Raiden, the mightiest sumo wrestler, challenges the Hindu god of destruction himself. The fight starts strong, with thunderous impacts and feral energy, but the pacing dips midway. Still, the finale delivers — Raiden’s unbreakable will versus Shiva’s divine dance of destruction.
Why it’s ranked lowest: It felt more like a power showcase than a heart-stirring duel. Visually solid but uneven in momentum. A pure power slugfest that lacked emotional pull.
Scores: Intensity 6 | Animation 7 | Emotion 5
#7. Kojiro Sasaki vs Poseidon (Round 3)
Winner: Kojiro Sasaki 🏆 (Humanity’s first victory!)
The swordsman who never won yet never stopped improving. Kojiro faces Poseidon, the god of the seas, in a battle of arrogance versus evolution. Kojiro’s analytical mind and lightning-fast counterstrikes make for a masterclass in strategy. Poseidon’s death — sudden and silent — marked humanity’s first victory and gave the series its heart.
Why it’s here: Beautifully choreographed and meaningful, though the animation wasn’t as refined as later fights.
Scores: Intensity 8 | Animation 7 | Emotion 6
#6. Nikola Tesla vs Beelzebub (Round 8)
Winner: Beelzebub 🏆
The genius inventor versus the Lord of Flies — a duel of intellect and madness. Tesla’s weaponized armor, the “Superconductive Quantum Suit,” was anime-sci-fi perfection, while Beelzebub’s dark energy manipulation brought gothic chaos to the arena. The tragedy? Both are scientists obsessed with creation and destruction — reflections of each other. This fight represents science versus chaos, the mind of man against the despair of gods. Expect some of the most stunning effects of the series yet.
Why it stands out: Brilliant concept and top-tier visuals. Innovative and stylish, but more technical than emotional.
Scores: Intensity 8 | Animation 8 | Emotion 7
#5. Adam vs Zeus (Round 2)
Winner: Zeus 🏆
The Father of Mankind versus the King of Gods — the embodiment of humanity’s defiance. Adam’s ability to mirror divine attacks with “Divine Reflection” makes this one of the most visually symbolic fights. Even after death, Adam stands tall — fighting until his final heartbeat. He (Adam) doesn’t fight out of hatred but out of love for his children (humanity). Even after dying on his feet, he keeps punching. Zeus himself calls it the most honorable fight he’s ever had.
Why it’s iconic: Emotionally legendary and beautifully symbolic, but slightly chaotic in animation pacing.
Scores: Intensity 8 | Animation 8 | Emotion 9
#4. Qin Shi Huang vs Hades (Round 7)
Winner: Qin Shi Huang 🏆
The undefeated emperor of China versus the ruler of the Underworld. Both kings fight not just for victory, but for pride and legacy. Qin’s strategic genius and mirror-like armor make him a unique human fighter, while Hades exudes regal menace. Expect a battle of intellect and discipline rather than brute power.
Why it ranks high: Tactical brilliance and emotional weight — a cerebral clash that defines Season 3.
Scores: Intensity 8 | Animation 9 | Emotion 9
#3. Lü Bu vs Thor (Round 1)
Winner: Thor 🏆
The battle that started it all. Lü Bu, China’s strongest warrior, faces Thor, the Norse god of thunder. The fight was meant to set the tone — brute force versus divine lightning. Lü Bu’s might shakes the heavens, while Thor unleashes his monstrous power through Mjölnir. Every blow feels like an earthquake. Even as Lü Bu’s body breaks, his spirit refuses to kneel.
Why it hits hard: Iconic, raw, and unforgettable — a perfect opener that defined the tone of the entire series.
Scores: Intensity 9 | Animation 9 | Emotion 9
#2. Buddha vs Zerofuku / Hajun (Round 6)
Winner: Buddha 🏆 (Fighting for Humanity)
Buddha’s enlightenment meets despair incarnate. This round is both visually and spiritually rich — exploring human suffering, compassion, and redemption. Zerofuku’s transformation into Hajun (the God of Misfortune) turns this fight into a psychological rollercoaster. Buddha’s calm defiance and luminous power make it one of the deepest arcs in Record of Ragnarok.
Why it’s near the top: A perfect blend of philosophy, chaos, and beauty — easily one of the series’ most memorable duels.
Scores: Intensity 10 | Animation 9 | Emotion 9
#1. Jack the Ripper vs Hercules (Round 4)
Winner: Jack the Ripper 🏆
No contest — the most emotionally devastating and morally complex fight of the series. Jack, the serial killer representing humanity, manipulates London’s streets themselves as weapons. Hercules, the god of justice, fights not out of hatred but compassion. Their battle is both brutal and heartbreaking — the only one that makes you mourn both victor and victim.
Why it’s #1: The emotional complexity, flawless music, and a theme that cuts deep — “True strength lies in understanding.”
Scores: Intensity 10 | Animation 9 | Emotion 10
🔮 What to Expect from Season 3
Season 3 is already generating buzz. Based on the manga, the next matchups will include:
- Round 7: Hades vs Qin Shi Huang — Strategy vs dominance (Confirmed)
- Round 8: Nikola Tesla vs Beelzebub — Science vs darkness (Confirmed)
- Round 9: Apollo vs Leonidas — Pride vs rebellion (Not Confirm)
If Netflix improves the pacing and animation consistency seen in the Buddha Arc, Season 3 might easily surpass the first two seasons.
🏁 Conclusion: Humanity’s Spirit Will Never Fall
Record of Ragnarok isn’t just about who’s stronger — it’s about what it means to be human. Every fighter steps into the arena not just for glory, but for love, redemption, and legacy. Even when facing gods, the humans fight with something divine of their own — hope.
💬 Which fight was your favorite so far?
Drop your thoughts below — and tell us which fight deserved the number 1 Spot in this Ranking for Record of Ragnarok.
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