When it comes to comparing characters from vastly different fictional universes, the question "Who would win?" often ignites passionate debates. However, some matchups are so disproportionate they hardly qualify as a contest. The idea of Rimuru Tempest, the omnipotent Demon Lord and True Dragon, facing off against Erwin Smith, the brilliant and courageous Commander of the Survey Corps, falls squarely into the latter category.
Let's cut straight to the chase: Yes, Rimuru Tempest is undeniably, overwhelmingly, and incomprehensibly stronger than Erwin Smith in battle. The power gap between these two characters is not just significant; it's practically infinite, placing them in entirely different leagues of existence.
Understanding the Immeasurable Gap in Power
To truly grasp the chasm between them, we need to understand the sheer scale of Rimuru's evolution and the fundamental limitations of Erwin. Rimuru's journey begins as a human reborn as a humble slime in a fantasy world. Yet, his growth accelerates at an absurd pace, seeing him evolve from a mere monster into a Demon Slime, a True Dragon, and ultimately, a being that achieves godhood, capable of creating and destroying entire universes.
This epic transformation and the acquisition of such fearsome powers are central to his character. .
Erwin Smith: A Master of Strategy, But Only Human
Erwin Smith, on the other hand, is a paragon of humanity. He is a phenomenal military commander, a charismatic leader, and a strategic genius whose unwavering resolve inspired countless soldiers to face terrifying Titans. His strengths lie in his intellect, his tactical prowess, his ability to sacrifice for the greater good, and his profound understanding of human nature. He operates within the confines of his world, where human strength, specialized gear like the ODM (Omni-Directional Mobility) gear, and ingenuity are their only weapons against monstrous threats. He is flesh and blood, susceptible to injury, and bound by the laws of his reality.
Rimuru Tempest: A God Among Mortals (and Most Anime Characters)
Rimuru, by the series' end, isn't just strong; he operates beyond the very concepts of strength, time, and space. He can journey anywhere at any time, travel between worlds, nullify physical attacks, and manipulate reality itself. His overwhelming power makes him a contender against virtually any character in anime, often emerging victorious against even the most celebrated heroes.
Consider this: characters like Goku, Saitama, Naruto, and Luffy, who are giants in their respective universes, would find themselves utterly outmatched against a fully realized Rimuru.
Rimuru's Unmatched Offensive and Defensive Capabilities
Rimuru's arsenal is boundless. He commands versatile magic, elemental manipulation, and an unparalleled ability to analyze and mimic any power he witnesses. His near-immortality and regenerative capabilities mean that any damage sustained is quickly undone, making him incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to defeat through conventional means.
- Against Raw Powerhouses: When it comes to raw strength and combat prowess, few characters stand as tall as Ultra Instinct Goku. Yet, Rimuru's godlike abilities place him in a league far beyond, with the capacity to overwhelm even Goku's incredible speed and combat intuition. . Similarly, Saitama, known for his "One Punch" victories, faces an entirely different challenge against Rimuru. Saitama's physical attacks, while devastating in his own world, are rendered ineffective against a being who can nullify such forces and destroy entire worlds with ease. .
- Against Reality Warpers and Divine Beings: Rimuru's power isn't limited to physical might or even conventional magic. He transcends concepts like life, death, time, and space, making him nigh-omnipotent and omniscient. This level of control over reality brings him into conversations with even the most fearsome characters across anime. Could he overcome the ultimate eraser? . Within his own universe, Rimuru's growth means surpassing even ancient and powerful beings like Milim, especially after his evolution into a True Dragon. . And for those wondering about other powerful demonic figures, the gap remains immense. Even a character like Meliodas, who reaches god-tier power within his own series, operates on a fundamentally different plane. .
- Against Other Iconic Heroes: Comparing Rimuru to other Shonen icons highlights just how far his power scales. Even iconic ninjas and pirates, while formidable in their own right, cannot stand against a being who can create and destroy universes. and .
A Glimmer of Parity? The Anos Voldigoad Exception
While Rimuru's power seems boundless, there are rare exceptions in the vast anime multiverse where true parity, or even an edge, might exist. For instance, some argue that Anos Voldigoad, a character renowned as a "God Slayer," could pose a unique challenge, possibly even coming out on top in a serious fight due to his unique set of abilities that transcend fundamental concepts. . However, even this potential exception only emphasizes just how few characters can even stand in the same arena as Rimuru.
The Verdict: No Contest
In a direct battle, Erwin Smith, despite his unparalleled courage and strategic brilliance, would be utterly helpless against Rimuru Tempest. Rimuru wouldn't even need to exert significant effort. His mere existence, let alone any active ability, would likely be enough to overwhelm or negate anything Erwin could conceptualize. It's not a fair fight; it's a demonstration of absolute power against mortal limits.
Rimuru Tempest stands as one of the most powerful characters in all of anime, transcending the capabilities of most, if not all, other fighters. This exploration merely scratches the surface of his phenomenal abilities and why he would effortlessly defeat someone like Erwin Smith. For a deeper dive into his myriad matchups against the titans of anime, continue exploring our comprehensive guides.