Reiner and Bertholdt were two of the infiltrators sent to Paradis in order to retrieve Eren Yeager in the Attack On Titan universe. They were also the first of the nine titans to have been introduced, specifically during the destruction of Shiganshina.
Both fighters are unique in their regard, possessing feats and talents that their counterpart cannot match. Through identifying how they are distinct from one another, we can better appreciate the many ways in which their powers and skillsets are exceptional. Further, we gain a more composite understanding of why they are nearly unstoppable when working together.
10 Reiner Kept The Group Going After Marcel's Death
After Marcel's death, both Annie and Bertholdt were adamant about ending their mission. Gripped by fear and the danger roaming titans posed, only Reiner had the resolve to keep pushing forward.
If Hoover's cowardice were to be acknowledged, the group would have returned to Marley empty-handed shortly after the beginning of their mission. This would have almost definitely resulted in their executions, with their families suffering for their failure.
9 Bertholdt Kept His Cool After The Battle For Utgard
After the battle for Utgard, Reiner was shaken to his core. The narrow encounter he had with a pure titan inside its walls was still burned into his psyche, compelling him to expose the identity of the remaining Warriors to the Scouts.
This forced Bertholdt to leap into action prematurely and guaranteed that the Marleyan agents would not have a more opportune time to capitalize on their carefully established subterfuge. If Braun had Hoover's composed disposition, they would have had a greater chance of surreptitiously liberating Annie Leonhart from Paradis' holding cells.
8 Reiner Could Defend Others With His Body
Reiner's body is not only useful for defending himself but also in protecting others. During the battle for Fort Slava, the enemy navy unleashed a barrage of missiles at the Beast Titan, hoping that their heavy artillery would destroy him.
Before it could, Braun thrust himself in the projectiles' path, withstanding the damage on Zeke's behalf. This was a feat that would be impossible for Bertholdt both since the Colossal had low mobility and because he could not withstand the battleships with similar success (since his titan is not particularly durable despite its enormous size).
7 Bertholdt Was Strong Enough To Obliterate The Outer Wall
The Colossal Titan was powerful enough to destroy Shiganshina's outer wall with a single brutal kick. This was a feat that pure titans could not accomplish for over a hundred years and illustrated Bertholdt's tremendous capabilities.
While Reiner is not without his own destructive potential, the damage he caused was only a fraction of Hoover's. It was so comparatively minuscule that Eren could plug the hole that was made by hoisting a boulder over his head and depositing it at the impact point. Conclusively, Bertholdt was the only person strong enough to begin the Warriors' operation.
6 Reiner Provided Leadership & Stability For The Infiltrators
Reiner served as the unofficial leader for the trio that successfully infiltrated Paradis. He helped to calm Bertholdt's oftentimes frenetic inclinations and instructed Annie to be more hospitable toward the Eldians (since it would be harder for them to accuse a friend of treason).
As a result, the Warriors were much more collected and cohesive throughout their mission behind enemy lines. Were it not for Braun's initiative, they would have been significantly more disorganized and subsequently less effective in their plans.
5 Bertholdt Was Able To Repel Scouts By Secreting Steam
Though the Colossal's size inherently made it deadly, its primary defensive function was by secreting boiling steam from its body. This allowed Bertholdt to repel the Scouts well before they had an opportunity to cause him meaningful harm. Additionally, the explosion he creates when transforming into his giant form neutralizes most threats in a massive radius.
Since Reiner had no such protections, he became vulnerable to thunder spears and was overwhelmed by some of Paradis' less competent warriors. Additionally, an absence of steam made it easier to target weak spots on the Armored Titan's body.
4 Reiner's Armor Protected Him From Scout Blades
While Reiner might not be able to defend himself with steam, the armor on his body provides its own unique protection. He was the only member of the Warriors (and the only titan outside the War Hammer) that did not need to actively harden in order to shield himself.
Since Bertholdt did not possess his natural resilience, Eren managed to surprise him from behind and cleave through the nape of his neck. This would almost immediately result in his death, and he was sacrificed to Armin for his shortcoming.
3 Bertholdt Knew How To Keep Himself Anonymous
The strategies of Reiner and Annie when interacting with the Scouts both had flaws. Braun was too forthcoming and made himself a significant presence in the organization, whereas Leonhart's absence was too suspicious to ignore.
Bertholdt managed to balance both approaches to make for the perfect spy. While he would be near Reiner's center of attention, he often kept to himself and was mindful not to make too significant of an impression. This made him one of the least likely suspects of being a traitor.
2 Reiner Survived To Report Back To Marley
Reiner may have needed saving more than once, but he was ultimately the only warrior who not only survived the events of Paradis but also managed to report back to Marley. Considering that Zeke and Pieck did not actively infiltrate Eldia, their insights were not nearly as valuable as his own.
By contrast, Bertholdt's death afforded their enemies a powerful weapon and ensured their survival after most of the Scouts had been decimated. In this regard, Braun was ultimately of much greater use to his masters than Hoover could ever claim to be.
1 Bertholdt Earned His Titan Without Third-Party Intervention
Bertholdt was an excellent warrior candidate who adapted quickly and knew how to impress his superiors. This led to his seamless ascension as the Colossal Titan, one with little controversy or incident.
Conversely, Reiner was nearly overlooked to become the Armored Titan in favor of Porco Galliard. However, Marcel's intervention ultimately enabled him to claim the mantle even if he was not the most qualified to do so. This advocation was not on Braun's behalf; to the contrary, Marcel wanted to ensure his brother would have a long and prosperous life, thriving from his sacrifices.
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