There are a lot of One Piece characters who don’t use a Devil Fruit. Some are strong, and others are weak. Here are 10 of the strongest ones.

Devil Fruits are one of the sources of strength for the many powerful and prominent people in the One Piece universe. Examples include the Gum-Gum Fruit for Luffy, the Chop-Chop Fruit for Buggy, and the Mochi-Mochi Fruit for Katakuri. However, that is not the only way to attain power in this world. Another type of ability is one that requires more rigorous training—Haki.
Haki is when someone’s willpower becomes real power they can use to fight. There are three main types: Observation Haki for sensing things, Armament Haki for protection and hitting harder, and Conqueror’s Haki, which is special. While anyone can learn the first two with adequate training, Conqueror’s Haki cannot be learned. You have to be born with the “Will of a King” to have it. Ten One Piece characters of this raw natural power will be examined in this article.
1. Shanks

A very popular and loved character in the One Piece universe is the fabled ‘Red-Haired’ Emperor Shanks. He is a very strong character even without a Devil Fruit. His strength comes from his command of Haki, particularly Conqueror’s Haki. It enables him to overwhelm his opponents with pure willpower. Most of the time, he does not even draw his sword, and the fight can be called over. His presence alone was enough to put a stop to the war at Marineford, demonstrating his influence and strength.
In addition to being a strong Haki user, he is also a strong swordsman who can compete with many strong people and a motivating leader. Because of his strength and faith in himself, he commands the respect of his crew. Shanks is a living example of how skill, willpower, and an unbreakable spirit can bring forth actual power. His status as a Yonko (Emperor of the Sea) further solidifies his strength.
2. Dracule Mihawk

The ‘World’s Strongest Swordsman,’ Dracule Mihawk, is another iconic figure in the One Piece universe. Mihawk is a powerful fighter, known primarily for his swordplay. He has sharpened his skills over years of training rather than depending on any supernatural fruits. He has shown his strength a number of times in the show, but in his early appearance, he was shown slicing through an enormous ship.
Mihawk’s reputation is built on his unmatched skill. As a former Shichibukai (Seven Warlords of the Sea), he has demonstrated his strength a couple of times. In order to push themselves against the best, every swordsman aspires to face him. His meeting with Zoro sparked a rivalry that inspired Zoro to aim higher. Mihawk’s composed nature just shows his faith in his skills. In addition to being a strong fighter, he serves as a mentor, encouraging younger swordsmen to aim higher.
3. Monkey D. Garp

The fabled ‘Hero of the Marines,’ Garp, is another terrifying person to go up against. Even without the Devil Fruit’s power, he is famous for his extraordinary physical ability. This Marine legend has defeated many powerful pirate groups like the Rocks Pirates at God Valley. His power is a lot stronger by his mastery of Haki, which makes him a dangerous foe to even the most experienced pirates.
Garp is regarded as a hero because of his fight against pirates like Gol D. Roger and the Rocks Pirates. Because of his commitment to justice, Garp would rather be free than promoted. He prefers to enforce justice according to his own rules, even though he is extremely strong and has the chance to rise up the ranks. His bond with Luffy makes him more loved by fans because we can see his love for his family. Garp’s amazing strength, which he attained without the use of Devil Fruits, is a reminder that Haki is more than enough.
4. Roronoa Zoro

The insanely powerful swordsman of the Straw Hats, Roronoa Zoro, is proof of what can be accomplished with hard work and resilience. Before joining the Straw Hats, he was popularly referred to as ‘Pirate Hunter Zoro’ because of the amount of pirates he put down. Zoro is a very strong fighter despite not having a Devil Fruit because of his unrelenting and intense physical training regimen, amongst other things. In the Wano Country arc, he defeated Kaido’s right-hand man, King, who had not lost a fight since joining Kaido. His proficiency in Haki enhances his three-sword style (Santoryu) to perfection, enabling him to launch powerful attacks with precision.
Zoro’s incredible sword skills come from his burning desire to become the world’s strongest swordsman. He never stops pushing himself harder to reach his goal, showing what a real warrior is all about. His story proves that if you want something badly enough and never give up, you can achieve even the toughest dreams.
5. Silvers Rayleigh

The renowned ‘Dark King,’ Silvers Rayleigh, was once the Pirate King Gol D. Roger’s first mate. Even in his senior years, Rayleigh’s abilities and skillful Haki mastery make him a dangerous opponent without the use of Devil Fruit’s abilities. When he came up against Kizaru, one of the Three Admirals, at Sabody Archipelago, he was still able to hold him in a fight.
An important turning point in the story is Rayleigh becoming Luffy’s teacher. He guides the young pirate by sharing his Haki’s knowledge and training him in it for 2 years. He is a very distinct character because of his cool-headedness, which contrasts with the hot-bloodedness of many other characters. As a living legend and former member of Roger’s crew, Rayleigh inspires Luffy. He also serves as a reminder to everyone of the tremendous strength that may be attained with discipline.
6. Benn Beckman

In the Red-Haired Pirates, Benn Beckman is Shanks’ right-hand man. Even though we haven’t seen all of his potential, it is obvious that Beckman is a very dangerous person. He is a dangerous character even without using Devil Fruit’s abilities because of his strength and intelligence. His ability to be deadly can be concealed by his cool-headedness. While we have not seen him fight strong opponents directly, it was revealed that he was the one who took Eustass Kidd’s hand in combat. Kidd has been shown to fight in the Wano arc, and as such, we can gauge Benn’s strength.
Beckman’s strategic mind is a valuable asset to the crew. He rarely pulls his weapon, but when he does, it’s obvious that he’s strong. He demonstrated his extraordinary talent and ability to compete with some of the most formidable enemies in the show. Beckman’s devotion to Shanks demonstrates not only their close relationship but also how important cooperation is to One Piece pirate crews. His character serves as an example of how brains, not just physical force, may be used to demonstrate strength.
7. Kozuki Oden

Kozuki Oden is the literal definition of a true legend. He is a man who sailed alongside both Whitebeard and Gol D. Roger, two of the most powerful pirates in history. Despite never eating a Devil Fruit, Oden was a force to be reckoned with. His swordsmanship was original and legendary. His mastery of Haki, particularly Conqueror’s Haki, allowed him to clash with titans like Kaido and even scar him.
But Oden was more than just a powerful warrior. People were naturally drawn to Oden because of who he was as a person. Both Whitebeard’s and Roger’s crews didn’t just want a translator; they became his real friends. Oden showed everyone that being strong isn’t just about how well you can fight. It is also about who you are and how you can inspire people to believe in you. His tragic fate adds depth to Oden’s legacy in Wano Country. It also served as motivation for characters like Momonosuke, who aspired towards greatness despite the odds stacked against them.
8. Vista

Vista is the former 5th division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates and is known for his beautiful swordsmanship skills. In the Marineford arc, he went toe-to-toe with Mihawk in a swordfight. This is not something that just any swordsman can do, and it serves as a testament to Vista’s strength. Vista showcases impressive agility while wielding two swords simultaneously—demonstrating both finesse and raw power when engaged against opponents!
His loyalty towards Whitebeard is unwavering, and he is deeply respected among his crew members. Vista’s skills extend beyond mere combat; his dedication to his captain and comrades exemplifies the values of teamwork and honor within the pirate world. His battle, particularly against Mihawk, highlights not only his technical prowess but also his unyielding spirit as a warrior. This combination of loyalty, skill, and determination makes Vista a standout figure in the legacy of the Whitebeard Pirates.
9. Jinbei

Jinbei, also known as “Knight of the Sea,” is an accomplished martial artist. He uses Fish-Man Karate—a unique fighting style that allows him to fight both underwater or above sea level. Despite lacking any Devil Fruit abilities himself, Jinbei demonstrates remarkable strength combined with strategic thinking. His abilities, plus his skill as a helmsman, make him an invaluable asset within the Straw Hat crew.
His experience as a former Shichibukai gives more credibility to claims about his strength. He once fought against Big Mom during the Whole Cake Island arc and was crucial to Luffy’s survival in the Marineford arc. Jinbei embodies ideals closely tied together: honor & loyalty towards friends. He often puts himself at risk and protects those dear to him regardless of the consequences faced personally.
10. Gol D. Roger

Gol D. Roger, generally referred to as the Pirate King, is probably the most popular person in the One Piece world. Instead of eating a devil fruit and gaining its ability, he relied on sheer sword skill and mastery over Haki to dominate opponents throughout his journey. And ultimately, he became the Pirate King. The only one known to date.
Roger’s legacy continues long after his death, inspiring countless pirates across generations to seek adventure and search for the treasure he left behind. His charisma, coupled with unmatched combat prowess, established a reputation feared and respected among those traveling the Grand Line. As Luffy embarks upon his quest following footsteps laid down before him, Roger remains a symbol of dreams yet to be achieved.
Conclusion
The world of One Piece is filled with extraordinary characters who possess unique strengths beyond Devil Fruits. The 10 strongest One Piece characters who don’t use a Devil Fruit demonstrate that sheer skill, determination, and mastery over Haki can rival those who rely on the fruit’s abilities. From Shanks’ commanding presence to Roger’s legendary status, these individuals highlight that true strength comes from within.
A fun fact is that of all the people who were in the Pirate King’s crew, only one of them (Buggy) has the abilities of a devil fruit now. And Buggy did not even take the fruit intentionally. It just goes to show how powerful Haki can be if one attains its mastery.
Looking For More?
Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!