Highlights

  • Befriending Gon against family tradition shapes Killua’s journey, leading to his growth and development away from his cold-hearted roots.
  • Learning Nen at Heavens Arena showcases Killua’s swift progression and prowess at a young age, aiding in his eventual defeat of opponents.
  • Removing Illumi’s needle marks a pivotal moment for Killua, breaking free from family manipulation and embracing a life alongside Gon.



Hunter x Hunter‘s Killua Zoldyck is one of the most popular and famed characters in all of anime and manga, with the young assassin being one of Hunter x Hunter‘s most iconic figures. Throughout Killua’s adventures, he travels with Gon Freecss as they take on various challenges and missions that see them often risk their lives.

Originating from the Zoldyck family, Killua’s upbringing has molded him into a cold-hearted killer, despite his wishes to have fun as any normal kid would. During the story, Killua achieves many feats individually and with friends as he learns to separate himself from his Zoldyck heritage, which plagued much of his early life.


7 Becoming Gon’s Friend

Killua’s Family Traditions Can’t Stop Him From Befriending Gon

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  • Arc: Hunter Exam Arc

In Hunter x Hunter, much of its brilliance is through the dynamic duo of Gon and Killua and their travels together. When the pair first meet at the Hunter exam, the cold-blooded and trained killer Killua finds an instant connection with Gon, as the latter manages to bring out a joyous side of Killua unbeknownst to himself.

As they progress through the exam, the pair’s bond grows stronger, despite Killua’s brother Illumi Zoldyck trying to deter him from his ambition of becoming Gon’s friend. Throughout the entirety of Hunter x Hunter, the pair stick side by side as they traverse the world and grow in strength as hunters, aiding each other in their development.

6 Learning Nen

Becoming A Nen User At Heavens Arena Aided Killua’s Development

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  • Arc: Heavens Arena Arc

After Gon rescues Killua from the Zoldyck estate, the pair head to Heavens Arena to strengthen as individuals. Despite seeing early success in Heavens Arena, once they reach the 200th floor, the pair are halted by Hisoka due to the pair not knowing Nen.

Under the tutelage of Wing, Killua, alongside Gon, is taught the basics of Nen, with the pair using the 200th-floor matches as testing grounds for their new abilities. Due to Killua learning Nen at a fast rate, he can defeat Riehlvelt swiftly, showing his prowess at such a young age.

5 Facing Off With The Phantom Troupe

Aiding Kurapika In His Fight With The Dangerous Group Of Thieves

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  • Arc: Yorknew City Arc



In the Yorknew City arc, the villainous Phantom Troupe causes havoc on the mafia and the Yorknew City underground auction, stealing all the luxurious merchandise in the process. During the chaos, Kurapika takes advantage, killing Uvogin, a troupe member.

With the troupe in search of Kurapika, Killua, alongside Gon and Leorio, all play their role in Kurapika’s plan to eliminate Pakunoda and their boss, Chrollo Lucilfer, even despite the unprecedented dangers. After initially tailing the troupe, Killua and Gon become hostages, with each respecting the outcome of being traded for the release of Chrollo.

4 Helping Gon Defeat Greed Island

Helping Gon In His Quest To Beat Ging Freecss’s Game

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  • Arc: Greed Island Arc



Once selected to play Greed Island, Killua and Gon head into the game to clear it despite its challenges. In their adventures, the pair are aided by Bisky, a high-level Nen expert responsible for being their teacher during the arc.

While they continuously train and gain strength, the group collects cards, including a rare one that requires Hisoka’s help to acquire. Before beating the game, the group takes on the arc’s antagonist, Genthru, with Killua playing an integral role in defeating the character and his two lackeys.

3 Saving Gon And Alluka

Saving His Best Friend From Death While Freeing Alluka

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  • Arc: 13th Hunter Chairman Election Arc



At the climax of the Chimera Ant arc, Killua’s best friend, Gon, sacrifices his Nen to gain the maximum power needed to defeat Neferpitou. With Gon on the verge of death, Killua risks it all to save his dear friend, with the young assassin returning to the Zoldyck estate to save his younger sibling, Alluka, who has the ability to save Gon. Alluka’s wishes are of grave danger to everyone in the family, leading to Killua’s brother, Illumi Zoldyck, attempting to eliminate Alluka before Killua and Alluka reach Gon.

Once the pair reach Gon’s location, Alluka restores Gon to full health, saving Killua’s best friend from impending doom. While Gon is saved, Killua’s actions free Alluka from the shackles of the Zoldyck family, with Killua becoming Alluka’s protector going forward.

2 Taking Part In The Chimera Ant Extermination Team

Facing Off With The Chimera Ant Royal Guards In An Almighty War

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  • Arc: Chimera Ant Arc



In Hunter x Hunter’s largest arc, Killua plays a starring role in the fight against the Chimera Ants, particularly during the palace invasion. Alongside characters such as Morel, Gon, and Isaac Netero, Killua partakes in a fight that sees him use his full strength to survive.

Killua’s tasks in the palace invasion range from aiding Ikalgo to his intended destination and taking on Royal Guard Menthuthuyoupi for a portion of time while the others recoup their energy. Much of the invasion involves Killua playing a supportive role, allowing others such as Gon, Morel, and Knuckle to take the spotlight, with Killua’s influence aiding them in their battles.

1 Removing Illumi’s Needle

Gets Rid Of The Needle That Altered His Personality & Actions

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  • Arc: Chimera Ant Arc

Throughout Hunter x Hunter, Killua has been trained and manipulated into following his family’s strict lifestyle through his brother Illumi’s needle. Illumi’s manipulation has turned Killua into a cold individual, devoid of showing his genuine emotions despite wanting to openly care for his best friend, Gon. After failing initially to join the task force heading into the NGL, Killua goes through an identity crisis, feeling guilt over his and Gon’s failure.

When Killua hits a breaking point, he instinctively removes Illumi’s needle, which has manipulated his actions for years. The removal of the needle enables the young assassin to be free of the Zoldyck family regulations and allows Killua to live his life alongside Gon.