His Nen has the properties of both rubber and gum at the same time, and while this looks to be an innocuous ability, Hisoka exploits it in a fatal fashion. In other words, very few Hunter x Hunter characters can defeat him in a fight. Hisoka, on the other hand, is far from invincible.
Updated on May 17, 2023: Since 2014, fans have been waiting for a new Hunter x Hunter season, but the anime has failed to catch up with the book. Although Gon is supposed to be the protagonist, the manga plot has switched to Kurapika and Leorio's exploits, as well as a healthy dose of Phantom Troupe shenanigans. Hisoka may have renounced his Spider connections, but he remains an intriguing character. As a result, we've updated this list with new information.
Characters Who Can Defeat Hisoka
Isaac Netero
Netero was the former Chairman of the Hunter Association and one of the most powerful Hunters in the entire series. In his prime, he was known as the strongest Nen user in the entire world.
Netero's abilities were equivalent to Meruem's, implying that opponents like Hisoka posed no threat to him. During the Hunter Exam arc, Hisoka expressed interest in fighting Netero, but the latter dismissed him. In a genuine fight, the elderly man would easily crush Hisoka.
Chrollo Lucilfer
Chrollo is the leader of the Phantom Troupe and one of the strongest characters in the entire Hunter x Hunter series. He is someone that Hisoka wished to fight against, but this couldn't happen due to Kurapika's Nen curse during the Yorknew City arc. However, Hisoka and Chrollo finally clashed at the Heaven's Arena.
Despite being evenly matched for the majority of the fight, Chrollo emerged victorious. Chrollo's preparation time made it easier for him to win. Furthermore, Hisoka lacks the haxx ability to steal someone else's Nen skills.
Neferpitou
Neferpitou was a powerful Chimera Ant who served in King Meruem's Royal Guard. Most humans in the series, even Hisoka, could not match their strength. In fact, Netero publicly declares that Pitou is stronger than him, however Morel dismisses this assertion.
While Hisoka is competent enough to combat the best Hunters on the planet, he has no chance against any of Meruem's Royal Guards. Neferpitou would casually demolish Hisoka before he realized what was happening to him.
Shaiapouf
Shaiapouf was a Royal Guard of King Meruem and another fearsome member of the Chimera Ant army. As such, he was roughly on the same power level as Neferpitou. Shaiapouf could easily combat someone like Morel, demonstrating how powerful this Chimera Ant truly was.
While Hisoka is powerful in his own way, he has no chance against the Chimera Ant Royal Guard due to the vast discrepancy in power between them. However, it's impossible to tell how many tricks Hisoka has up his sleeve.
Meruem
Meruem was the King of the Chimera Ants and the strongest known character in the entire series to date. His strength was such that even Netero couldn't defeat him despite having gone all out. In fact, the 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva's Zero Hand did nothing more than put a few scratches on Meruem.
The power differential between him and the humans was way too massive. Even the Royal Guards were not capable of defeating him, who themselves were stronger than the likes of Hisoka. Meruem only dies because of Netero's contingency plan, one that involves poison camouflaged inside a nuclear device.
Characters Who Can't Defeat Hisoka
Illumi Zoldyck
One of the strongest known members of the Zoldyck family, Illumi is quite powerful and often draws comparisons to Hisoka himself. The two have worked together quite a few times in the series and are equally dangerous.
However, Hisoka's recent showing makes him look like a much bigger threat in comparison to Illumi. The latter would definitely lose to him if they ever fought. Then again, Illumi might just take their fight more seriously if Hisoka threatens Killua in any way.
Killua Zoldyck
Killua is considered to be the most talented member of the Zoldyck family and his potential knows no bounds. Despite all his impressive accomplishments, he isn't anywhere close to Hisoka's level at this point in the story.
Killua is highly skilled in using Nen, and his Transmutation abilities are quite phenomenal. And yet, he needs years of experience to finally be able to put up a fight against Hisoka. However, in time, it is all but certain that he'll end up surpassing Hisoka.
Leol
Formerly known as Hagya, Leol was one of the Squadron Leaders of the Chimera Ant army, and possessed quite a peculiar Nen ability. Like Chrollo, he could use the Nen ability of other people as long as certain conditions were met. That said, the Chimera Ant's version of this ability was much weaker.
Leol lost his fight against Morel rather easily, which means he doesn't stand much of a chance against Hisoka either. If they were to fight, Hisoka would definitely emerge as the victor, albeit not without a few injuries.
Morel
Morel is a powerful Hunter who is considered to be quite capable by Isaac Netero himself. Although his Nen ability might not be overpowered, the way he utilizes his Manipulation skillset makes him a formidable challenge for Hisoka.
However, Hisoka has fought and overwhelmed stronger opponents than Morel Mackernasey. While both Morel and Hisoka are incredibly smart and versatile, the latter plays his cards close to his chest. This self-preservation technique is likely to help him defeat someone as proficient as Morel.
Kalluto
One of the members of the Zoldyck family, Kalluto is known to have loads of potential. However, he still has a long way to go before he can even think of dueling someone like Hisoka.
Kalluto's skills as an assassin are considered to be decent, allowing him access to the Phantom Troupe. That said, the fact that Kalluto struggled against a Chimera Ant soldier means that he isn't ready for the big stage just yet. He does end up taking Hisoka's place in the Phantom Troupe, though, so this young Zoldyck isn't exactly talentless.
