Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact has finally revealed its launch roster in full. The game had previously faced concerns about the size of its roster, but the selections have been diverse enough to largely make up for it. However, there are still a few notable characters missing. In fact, some of these inclusions are so obvious that a DLC announcement for Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact seems more likely than ever.
Nen x Impact's launch roster has already begun to exceed expectations. While the roster remains small, the makeup of characters included provides a stark contrast from its initial reveal. Rather than focusing on characters who may lend themselves better to a traditional fighting game, the roster embraces Hunter x Hunter's wide array of creative fighters, and potential DLC should definitely follow this trend.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact's Full Roster Has Clear Winners and Losers
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact revealed its full launch roster at EVO 2024, and even the most exciting final inclusions give way to some notable snubs.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact's Best Potential DLC Characters
Unique Hunter x Hunter Characters Who Would Be Perfect for Nen x Impact DLC
Ging Freecss is one of the most important and powerful characters in Hunter x Hunter, and his role as Gon's deadbeat dad should make that clear enough. Likewise, Ging is a genius of Nen, and has shown himself to be capable of copying others' abilities, and using them to an even greater extent than they could. Though he has only demonstrated this with Leorio's ability so far, developers could use other members of the roster to give Ging a composite moveset that lets him fully stand out from the crowd he borrows from.
Prince Tserriednich is the presumptive main villain of the Succession Contest Arc, and has incredible potential as a playable character in Nen x Impact. Unfortunately, the roster trends towards excluding characters not yet featured in the Hunter x Hunter anime. Despite this, Tserriednich's prominence alone should put him in consideration, and his ability to alter the future would make him a formidable fighter.
Alluka is Killua's younger sister and a member of the Zoldyck family of assassins. Thanks to her alter ego Nanika, she has an ability so esoteric that it'd easily provide the most unique design in the entire game. This unfortunately makes her inclusion somewhat of a challenge for developers, even as DLC. On that note, Alluka is by no means a combatant, though that hasn't stopped Leorio yet.
Major Hunter x Hunter Snubs Make Nen x Impact DLC Seem More Likely
Illumi seemed like a given to make it into the game, especially as a member of both the Zoldyck family and the Phantom Troupe. The so-called Needle People he manipulates with his Nen ability could provide an interesting playstyle, though it may conflict with other members of the roster, such as Morel or Razor.
Any member of the Chimera Ant Royal Guard would've been a natural inclusion, especially Neferpitou. Shaiapouf and Menthuthuyoupi would certainly be worthy inclusions, and the latter is even referenced in Meruem's moveset. However, Pitou's role in the series is unmatched by her counterparts, with her fighting style fitting much more comfortably into a fast-paced fighter like Nen x Impact.
Another character that has seemingly been snubbed is Knuckle, a key member of the squad assembled to exterminate the Chimera Ants. Even his partners on the squad, Shoot and Palm, would provide a lot of value to the roster. Palm's role as a heroic Chimera Ant would make her especially interesting. However, Knuckle's debt-based Nen ability sets him apart from the brawlers that are already on the roster.
Hunter x Hunter's Launch Roster is in Great Shape
The disappointment created by certain snubs does not measure up to the excitement that many recent announcements have created. Not only does the game appear more polished than when it was revealed, but the final character reveals have restored a lot of confidence in the diversity of the roster. At this point, certain characters being left out makes their eventual inclusion more likely, not less.
Within the highly competitive shonen genre, Hunter x Hunter has always stood out for the depth of its fights and characters alike. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact has made its voice heard among other upcoming anime fighters. It would be wise to maintain this momentum by announcing and releasing DLC characters that take full advantage of the series' best traits.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 58 /100 Critics Rec: 8%
- Released
- July 17, 2025
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood and Gore, Language, Partial Nudity, Use of Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Eighting
- Publisher(s)
- Arc System Works, BushiRoad
WHERE TO PLAY
The first full-scale HUNTER×HUNTER fighting game is here!
3v3 Nen ability team battle
Create teams of characters to face off in 3-on-3 battles.
Find a combination with synergy, and aim for the top with your own unique team!
Rush combo
Just hold down the rush button and hit the button repeatedly to unleash powerful combos!
Feel the exhilarating rush of pulling off a combo with ease!
Online battle
Face off against other players across the network to win rank points.
Your rank updates as you accumulate points. Aim to become a “three-star hunter”!
You can even compete with "G.I. Cards" at stake! Gather the cards for the specified slots!
Story mode
Battle against CPU opponents as you enjoy a digest of beloved Hunter x Hunter moments!
This mode includes tutorial stages, so try it out first to understand the basics of how to play!
- Franchise
- Hunter X Hunter
- Genre(s)
- Fighting, Anime
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5
