The Solo Leveling fight between Sung Jinwoo and Igris reveals crucial plot points about the Shadow Monarch and Jinwoo’s true destiny.

An electrifying moment came in Solo Leveling’s first season in episode 11, “A Knight Who Defends an Empty Throne.” Every viewer finally got to witness the epic confrontation between Sung Jinwoo and Knight Commander Igris that had been teased in the opening sequence.
The Solo Leveling fight between Sung Jinwoo and Igris is one of the most intense clashes that fans still rave about, and for good reason. This duel became a turning point for Jinwoo’s growth and also a critical test for him to prove his worthiness as the vessel for the Shadow Monarch. The confrontation against the Blood-Red Commander is more about demonstrating Jinwoo’s potential to sit upon the empty throne that Igris has been guarding. Every swing of their weapons and clash of their fists carries deeper symbolic weight in the overall narrative.
This article breaks down every detail of the Solo Leveling fight that changed everything.
The Job-Change Quest in Solo Leveling

The confrontation between Sung Jinwoo and Igris begins when Jinwoo receives a notification from the System about a Job-Change Quest. This mysterious quest transports Jinwoo to a remote castle filled with powerful armored enemies that he must defeat to reach the throne room. The Solo Leveling fight against Igris serves as the ultimate challenge of this quest.
Meanwhile, Jinwoo realizes he hasn’t completed his Daily Task before entering the portal, meaning he doesn’t have his Full Recovery reward to fall back on if things go badly. As the portal opens, brilliant arcs of purple electricity surround him — a visual cue that connects to the Cartenon Temple’s god from the Double Dungeon incident, foreshadowing the quest’s true significance.
The Job-Change Quest isn’t merely about leveling up Jinwoo’s abilities but represents a monumental shift in his development as a hunter. Until this point in the series, viewers and other characters have been unable to determine what type of hunter Jinwoo actually is. His unique abilities and relationship with the System have remained enigmatic. The Sung Jinwoo vs. Igris confrontation represents the threshold Jinwoo must cross to discover his true nature and purpose.
The quest was simple — defeat the dungeon’s boss within a time limit. But the boss was none other than Igris, the Knight Commander.
Who was Igris, The Bloodred Knight Commander

Jinwoo encountered several enemies on his way to the throne room, but Igris possesses extraordinary speed, strength, and combat expertise beyond his imagination. Igris makes an imposing figure with his four-horned helmet (one horn broken), Y-shaped visor revealing glowing white eyes, and flowing red plume and cape. He wields a massive bronze sword equal to his height and carries concealed daggers on his belt.
Who exactly was Igris, the Bloodred? In Solo Leveling, Igris wasn’t just another boss enemy. He was a warrior of legend. Igris served the former Shadow Monarch, Ashborn, as his most loyal knight. His crimson armor, towering presence, and unmatched swordsmanship made him a nightmare for any challenger.
Igris also has a sense of honor and fairness. When Jinwoo decides to holster his weapon and fight with bare hands, Igris reciprocates by putting away his own sword, meeting Jinwoo on equal terms. This chivalrous gesture reveals that Igris possesses a code of conduct and nobility that sets him apart from other enemies.
The Epic Showdown: Sung Jinwoo vs. Igris

The stakes were high. Failure meant death, but success would unlock unimaginable power. The Sung Jinwoo vs. Igris fight begins immediately upon Jinwoo’s arrival in the throne room. Igris wasted no time in demonstrating his superior combat abilities. Jinwoo also entered the battle with everything he had, fighting back, dodging, countering, and using his daggers to try and break through Igris’s defense. But no matter what he did, Igris was always one step ahead. His mastery of the sword was unparalleled, and Jinwoo quickly realized he couldn’t beat him in a straight-up duel.
There was a striking element in this Solo Leveling fight, i.e., the contrast between blue and red lightning that erupts wherever their weapons collide. That’s when Jinwoo made a crucial decision.
Recalling how he had defeated the Great Serpent in episode 4, he decided to switch to hand-to-hand combat. If he couldn’t beat Igris in swordplay, maybe he could outmatch him in raw agility and close-quarters fighting. Amazingly, Igris accepted the challenge. He sheathed his sword and fought with his fists, proving once again that he wasn’t just a mindless enemy — he was a true knight who respected skill and strength.
When Igris approaches to deliver what appears to be a finishing blow, Jinwoo surprises him by blocking the sword with his bare hands and driving his dagger into Igris’s left eye. This unexpected counterattack creates an opening for Jinwoo to repeatedly strike the vulnerable area beneath Igris’s neck using his Fatal Strike skill. He then ultimately defeats the Knight by jamming his dagger into Igris’s head.
Igris After Defeat in Solo Leveling

After his defeat, Igris goes through a transformation in Solo Leveling. Jinwoo now had the chance to turn him into a shadow soldier. But true to his nature, Igris didn’t submit so easily. His warrior spirit refused to accept servitude without a proper reason. It was only when Jinwoo proved his worth that Igris finally knelt before him, becoming the first and most powerful shadow soldier in his growing army. Their relationship evolves from adversaries to master and loyal servant, with Igris becoming one of Jinwoo’s most trusted and powerful allies throughout the series.
Interestingly, what’s even more fascinating was that the Igris that Jinwoo fought wasn’t even at full strength. The version of Igris that once served Ashborn was far stronger, which means Jinwoo’s victory was even more impressive than it seemed at the time. He became Jinwoo’s right hand, his most trusted warrior, and an unstoppable force in battle.
Conclusion
Generally, the Solo Leveling fight between Sung Jinwoo vs. Igris remains one of the series’ most defining moments. It showcased Jinwoo’s growth, Igris’ unmatched skill, and the thrilling tension of a battle where every move mattered. It also revealed the first major hints about Jinwoo’s connection to the Shadow Monarch and his destiny to become more than just an ordinary hunter. This Solo Leveling fight was a game-changer, as it set the tone for Jinwoo’s rise as the future Shadow Monarch.
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!