Captain Levi was one of the strongest characters in the Attack On Titan series and a fearless leader to the Scouts. Time and again, he has come out victorious for Paradis, willing to fulfill his objectives whatever the cost.
However, he has a number of unfortunate weaknesses that imply the captain may not be as flawless as many of his enthusiasts might believe. Contrasting his best qualities with his worst paints a better picture of how Levi is humanity's best soldier and in which ways he falls short of the mark.
10 Weakness: He Possesses Low Durability
As agile as Levi might be, his durability is unfortunately subpar. This was demonstrated through Annie's attack in the forest, where he broke his leg attempting to save Mikasa from her wrath.
The Captain's low resilience has the potential for grave consequences. It entails that if any of the Titans manage to wound him, he would not be able to recover quickly, even if he managed to survive the battle against his towering opponents. Unfortunately, Ackermann cannot wear heavy armor since it would compromise his mobility, rendering him an easy mark if targeted successfully.
9 Strength: No One Can Match His Skill
Levi's skills are arguably superhuman, and he is handily the greatest warrior of Paradis (surpassing even Mikasa). Though this was demonstrated at numerous points throughout the series, it was most prominently observed through the multiple takedowns of Zeke Yeager.
In addition to overcoming Titan opponents, Ackermann is just as capable of defeating humans. He managed to escape Kenny the Ripper despite his uncle's experience and the fact that he was surrounded. Levi's skills have saved him in a number of instances where death seemed certain.
8 Weakness: He Is Debilitated By Regret
Levi is debilitated through the guilt of his failures. This was observed through the animosity he maintained toward Zeke Yeager after the man's betrayal of Marley but was also demonstrated through his reflection on his relationship with Eren.
In the instance of the latter, he lamented how many times he saved the young Scout, only for it to later culminate with the Yeagerist movement. Though his regret may not entirely be unfounded, it makes him hesitate and reduces him from performing to the best of his ability.
7 Strength: He Has Excellent Reflexes
Levi's alacrity is unrivaled, a necessity for surviving the rigors of the horrific "Titan country." This was best illustrated through the second battle for Shiganshina, where Ackermann rushed Reiner seconds after he was exposed from his hiding spot.
Though his actions were not enough to prevent him from turning into the Armored Titan, it did cancel what would have been Armin's premature death given his proximity to the villain. Additionally, he was able to adapt to Kenny's underhanded tactics in Reiss' fortress (such as scattering shards in his face), defeating the Ripper despite his unpredictability and intelligence.
6 Weakness: His Presentation Leaves Much To Be Desired
After the Scouts' mission into Titan country, they were greeted by the cheering denizens of Paradis. Despite the heroes' welcome they receive after every journey, Levi does little to facilitate the goodwill between his organization and the public that sponsors it.
Considering that he is the Scouts' captain, his insouciance to their praise reflects negatively on the rest of the group. Additionally, he isn't much more receptive to his own comrades —even if Ackermann might have their best interests in mind through his actions.
5 Strength: His Conviction Drives Him To Do Whatever It Takes
Levi's conviction allows him to take necessary measures that many of the series' other heroes may not be comfortable with. For instance, if he wasn't willing to torture the loyalist captives alongside Hange, they never would have learned of Eren's location, and Paradis would inevitably be doomed to stagnation.
Another example comes from his willingness to beat Eren to a pulp in the presence of Dhalis Zackary. Despite the brutality of his methods, they reliably produce results for the Scouts and allow them to proceed where more scrupulous measures might fail them.
4 Weakness: He Isn't As Strong Of A Leader As He Is A Warrior
As competent of a warrior as Levi might be, his skills do not sufficiently translate into leadership. While he might provide guidance in the midst of battle (especially as the group's captain) he has never displayed the willingness (or ability) to assist them through more intricate situations.
This was why Erwin chose Hange to become the organization's next leader regardless of his relationship with Ackermann or the man's superior skill (and better-established reputation). Providentially, Levi was unbothered by Smith's decision, insinuating his agreement with it.
3 Strength: He Has Unusually High Raw Power
The Titans have thick and durable skin, making them difficult for Scouts to defeat and requiring them to carry a number of blades on their person to be exchanged at a moment's notice. Given their natural tenacity, it follows that it should be harder to cleave through their flesh.
However, Levi has never struggled with cutting down giants and could do so with murderous efficiency. During his battle against Zeke Yeager, he destroyed nearly the villain's entire body, forcing the Beast Titan to eject its passenger and leaving him at the captain's mercy. This illustrates the deceptively high physical force at Ackermann's disposal.
2 Weakness: He Can Sometimes Lose His Temper
After the Marley attack, Levi bludgeoned Eren aboard the airship. Unlike the beating Yeager received at the courthouse, this had no tangible benefit for either party and only furthered the rift between him and the other Scouts.
It was a gruesome illustration of Levi's temper, one that is not always checked with his restraint. He displayed similar irritability toward Hange, excoriating her for teasing the Marleyan party that arrived at Paradis' shores.
1 Strength: He Is One Of The Few Characters Not To Be Intimidated By Titans
It's understandable that many of the series' characters would be intimidated by the Titans, particularly during their first few encounters. They are massive monstrosities hellbent on mindlessly devouring humans and possess few weaknesses to be exploited.
Levi was one of the few characters never to have been intimidated by any of these goliaths even early into his career under the watch of Erwin Smith. Instead, his only fear is of the potential loss of his comrades, especially in his first missions.
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