Bleach Strongest Espada

The Espada are the top-performing Arracar that were hand-selected by Lord Aizen himself to lead his ‘crusade’ across Hueco Mundo in Bleach. Thanks to their master’s intervention, these Hollows have been embued with Shinigami powers and a Zanpakuto of their own (although their blades don’t work quite the same way as the Soul Reapers’ do). Sosuke Aizen took it upon himself to assign numbers (ranging from 0-9) to his new subordinates but based his assessments on their reiatsu output (or spirit energy level) alone, without really taking their strength, abilities, or Resurreccion into account.

As a result, a lot of people believe that the Espada’s ranks are, therefore, not a clear-cut indication of their potency on the battlefield (particularly when the final forms come out to play). This can make it hard to gauge which ones of the lot are stronger, but there are multiple times these powerful Arrancar have come out to play, showing off their big guns and making it clear that nothing can stand in their way if they get serious and cut down anything that tries to take them down.

Updated on October 27, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: While Ichigo and his friends fight Yhwach and the Quincy threat in the newest cour of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, fans might be wondering just how these new foes would compare to the enemies Ichigo has fought in Aizen’s time: the Espada. Although it’s true that Yhwach’s The Almighty is too powerful of an ability to even try to compare against, fans of the series may be intrigued as to what abilities the series’ most iconic Espada possessed. Just how powerful were the Espada during their peak – especially when their possession of a Zanpakuto has allowed them to achieve a Bankai-like state known as their Resurreccion?

16 Honorable Mention: Tres Bestias

Transformation Is Their Specialty

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• Status: Alive
• Zanpakuto: Leona (Mila Rose), Anaconda (Sung-Sun) and Cierva (Apacci)

While technically not Espada, Lady Harribel’s subordinates have outshined many high-ranking Arrancar in Aizen’s Army, and have done an impressive job at fighting for their master’s honor. If left to their own devices (and with Ayon in tow), these ladies would surely overpower some of the Strongest Espada and therefore deserve some praise.

Tres Bestias: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

While all members of the Tres Bestias have similar physical prowess and spiritual levels, their unique ability to combine into a massive creature (Quimera Parca) ensures the three of them remain a formidable threat at all times. When separate, Emilou’s Cierva is a chakram she can split into boomerangs that gives her a deer-like form via Resurreccion: Thrust. Meanwhile, Mila has Leona that resembles an ordinary broadsword that transforms her into an armored lion-inspired warrior through Resurreccion: Devour. Lastly, Cyan’s Anaconda takes the form of a sai that transforms her into a slithering naga when activated via Resurreccion: Strangle to Death.

15 Gantenbainne Mosqueda

Privaron Espada: 107th Rank

• Status: Unknown (defeated by Yasutora Sado)
• Zanpakuto: Dragra

The Privaron Espada serve as the first major threat that Ichigo and his group encounter when they try to break into Hueco Mundo. Serving as the lower soldiers of Aizen’s Arrancar army, these characters serve as an interesting challenge, even if some people feel like these encounters feel a bit too forced for their own liking.

Gantenbainne is one of the three Privaron Espada who fights against Chad. His arms become bigger and are covered in armor, while the punch daggers he was using transform into Dragon Heads. This makes him the perfect opponent for a character who uses his brute force to get past any obstacle.

Gantenbainne Mosqueda: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

Being a lower-ranking Espada, Gantenbainne doesn’t necessarily exhibit immense spiritual power but is enough of a threat to take seriously. Through his Zanpakuto Dragra that takes the form of punch daggers, Gantenbainne has a preference for close-ranged combat. When released, his Resurreccion (Unknown Name) encases him with armor plating with dragon-shaped gauntlets that greatly enhance his attacks. Not only that, he can now release punches with energy projectiles.

14 Cirucci Sanderwicci

Privaron Espada: 105th Rank

• Status: Dead (body experimented on and resurrected by Mayuri Kurotsuchi)
• Zanpakuto: Golondrina

Uryu ends up facing off against Cirucci, a powerful Privaron Espada who has a striking design. Her Zanpakuto is a whip that can be pretty tough to deal with, and the Quincy has to pull out all the stops to beat this mighty foe. While this character was introduced to serve as more of a stepping stone for bigger things, that didn’t make Cirucci any less of a threat.

Using the release command Rip Off, she grows sharp blade-like wings that move at fast frequencies and can take out most opponents with ease. It’s a fearsome transformation that can strike fear in the hearts of most lesser warriors.

Cirucci Sanderwicci: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

Aside from being a skilled swordswoman, Cirucci is also a master strategist – she can use her enhanced physiology and large spiritual power reserves to bait opponents into her plans. She uses Golondrina, her Zanpakuto, which takes the form of a whip – which can use so deftly that it can follow her opponents. When awakened via Resurreccion: Rip Off, she transforms into a flying insect-like humanoid that allows her wings to deflect attacks, cut through objects (Ala Cortadola), and launch her sharp wings to opponents (Ala Cortadola Dispersion).

13 Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio

Privaron Espada: 103th Rank

• Status: Dead (body experimented on and resurrected by Mayuri Kurotsuchi)
• Zanpakuto: Giralda

It’s only fair that the toughest Privaron Espada ends up being reserved for none other than Ichigo himself. Dordoni is a fearsome foe who serves as a major thorn in the Substitute Soul Reaper’s side, goading him at every step of the way and preventing the man from moving forward in his quest to save his friend, Inoue.

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The Cero is one of the most powerful techniques in any Arrancar’s arsenal, and Dordoni can fire off this energy blast at a moment’s notice to try and injure Ichigo heavily. He forms a pentagon using his fingers, charging a red Cero blast in the middle of his hands to hit for some serious damage.

With the release command Whirl, Dordoni sprouts horns all over his body as he gains the ability to summon tornadoes and enhance the intensity of his attacks. He’s so powerful that Ichigo needs a helping hand, with Nel revealing her true form and joining the battle to take out this foe.

Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

Unlike other Espada, Dordoni rarely uses his Zanpakuto in combat, making him an expert in hand-to-hand combat. This is matched with his Zanpakuto Giralda which takes the form of body armor, specifically his feet which he favors to use in fights. Aside from having immense spiritual pressure, Dordoni is notable for his durable skin (Hierro) and fast movement (Sonido), making his skillset perfect for fast-paced, personal confrontations. When released, Resurreccion: Whirl enhances his body armor and exhaust fans release high-speed winds, denoting his control over air. In this form, he can release long-ranged wind attacks (Cyclones), trap opponents in mid-air (El Uno Picotear), create tornadoes (Ave Mellizos), and even enhance his defenses.

12 Nnoitra Gilga

Rank: Quinto (5th)

• Status: Deceased (compliments of Zaraki Kenpachi)
• Zanpakuto: Santa Teresa

One of the creepiest Espada in the group, Nnoitra Gilga never fails to make fans hate him by showing off his sadistic personality every chance he gets. The weapon he uses is the Santa Teresa, one of the most unique Zanpakuto in the entire series. This iconic mirrored crescent sword is conveniently attached to Nnoitra by a chain so that he can swing his bloodthirsty blade around for those vital long-ranged attacks.

The 5th Espada’s creep factor is showcased when he fired his yellow Cero, which emanates from the tip of the vile tongue snaking its way out of Nnoitra’s mouth.

Nnoitra begins to resemble his Zanpakuto’s namesake in this form, after growing two extra limbs each wielding a scythe of their own (while he keeps an additional pair of arms and swords hidden away as a secret weapon.) His healing abilities are also enhanced to an almost invincible level; however, prove themselves unworthy against the almighty Kenpachi.

Nnoitra Gilga: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

Due to his Santa Teresa being a scythe, Nnoitra Gilga is able to use this weapon not just in short range but even in mid-range combat. He’s the most durable among the Arrancar, which means most attacks don’t necessarily cut him unless infused with the right amount of spiritual pressure. Unlike other Arrancar who can use a low-level version of energy sensing, Nnoitra’s Indice Radar allows him to spot strong opponents at a distance. When he unleashes Santa Teresa, Resurreccion: Pray transforms his body into a four-armed version with access to four huge scythes he can use at once. In this form, Nnoitra can instantly generate limbs and scythes and even regenerate at high speeds.

11 Luppi Antenor

Rank: Sexta (6th)

• Status: Deceased (kiled by Grimmjow’s ego)
• Zanpakuto: Trepadora

Luppi can also his tentacles at high velocities, creating a deadly helicopter effect capable of taking out nearby foes, en-mass. Alternatively, Luppi can cause spikes to protrude from his limbs, adding a bonus piercing factor to his attacks.

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This octopean Espada certainly amps up the stakes in this state, giving his opponent more threats to focus on, with his eight new, oversized tentacles. These reinforced limbs are lightning-fast and can attack individually or in unison by surrounding the foe and entrapping them in a makeshift cage.

Luppi Antenor: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

Luppi’s immense spiritual power is often demonstrated with his incredible durability (Hierro), although his swordsmanship isn’t as potent as his fellow higher-rankin Espadas. When Trepadora is released, Resurreccion: Strangle releases tentacles from Luppi’s back that can attack opponents like a whip.

10 Szayelaporro Granz

Rank: Octava (8th)

• Status: Deceased (courtesy of Mayuri)
• Zanpakuto: Fornicarás

Resurreccion: This weapons specialist is also apparently an accomplished sword swallower because that is the technique Szayelaporro uses to activate his Resurrección, which causes him to blow up like an ominous balloon. Globuous protrusions emerge from his back, each oozing with purple gloop, which can create a clone of whomever it makes contact with, and this copycat will possess all the unique abilities of the original body.

Szayelaporro can also make mini-voodoo dolls of his victims that will reflect the damage they receive back onto their corresponding counterparts (and the sadistic scientist loves to specifically target their organs). He can also create a cocoon of sorts out of his enemy’s body, rehabilitating himself within and bursting forth, born anew and revitalized (with fatal consequences for the host).

Szayelaporro Granz: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

Among the Espada, Szayelaporro loves knowledge. As the group’s resident scientist, Szayelaporro is highly intelligent – often inventing traps and countermeasures against his opponents. While not a frontline combatant, Szayelaporro can move extremely fast (Sonido). When he releases Fornicaras with Resurreccion: Sip, he transforms into a form where he wears “robes” with tails that resemble sea anemones. He can use these strands to elongate and surround him into a defensive ball (Telon Balon), create copies of opponents (Carbon-Copy), create a doll-like copy of the opponent that transfers any harm done to the doll to the enemy (Teatro de Titere), and resurrects via devouring an enemy’s essence (Gabriel).

9 Zommari Rureaux

Rank: Septima (7th)

• Status: Deceased (at Byakuya’s hand)
• Zanpakuto: Brujería

Despite his size, Zommari is quite a formidable Espada in both his physical prowess and spiritual power manipulation. This bulking Arracar’s Sonído skills are so astute that he can essentially create up to five clones of himself as a result of his incredible speed (in much the same way that Yoruichi can).

Zommari’s release form incorporates Brujería, which transforms along with its wielder and encapsulates his lower half in a spherical all-seeing pink structure while his torso becomes completely covered in eyeballs.

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Anything within his extensive sight of vision will subsequently fall under Zommiri’s control, with each peeper holding authority over one specific target. Similar to Soi Fon’s Shikai, those affected will receive a floral sun-shaped symbol on whichever body part has fallen victim to his gaze, and he can only govern their entire body if the enemy’s head (and therefore, mind) is scrutinized.

Zommari Rureaux: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

While Zommari doesn’t demonstrate a stellar mastery in swordsmanship, he more than makes up for with his immense spiritual pressure and high-speed Sonido. Such was his speed that mere steps would let him create “clones” (Gemelos Sonido). When he releases Brujeria, his Resurreccion: Suppress covers his body with eyes alongside the creation of a pumpkin-like lower body. In this form, anything he gazes upon will have their “sovereignty” stolen (Amor), practically giving him control over that object or even a body part – a tactic he often uses to force enemies to harm themselves. This has a secondary defensive ability, where the pumpkin covers his entire body and can shield him from most strong attacks.

8 Aaroniero Arruruerie

Rank: Noveno (9th)

• Status: Deceased (killed by Rukia)
• Zanpakuto: Glotonería

This curious creature can consume the corpse of a Hollow and subsequently absorb its Reiatsu along with any special powers it may have had, and there is no boundary to Aaroniero’s potential as he can continue this process indefinitely (unless someone intervenes.) This Arrancar can completely obliterate Zanpakutos simply by making contact with the blade and can telepathically distribute information to large groups with ease.

If Aaroniero didn’t already look strange enough, he becomes even more grotesque in his upgraded form, which is more teeth and tentacles than anything else. The new HP Lovecraft look is empowered with the ability to draw upon the powers of every devoured soul stored within, of which there are allegedly 33,650 victims to monopolize.

Aaroniero Arruruerie: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

Using Kaien Shiba as a source, Aaroniero acquired decent-level swordsmanship that enabled him to keep up with the likes of Rukia. When combined with high-speed Sonido, decent spiritual power, and penchant for strategy, Aaroniero becomes quite the deadly opponent. Through Glotoneria, Aaroniero can absorb Hollows to gain their abilities and even manifest their Aspects. When he releases Glotoneria via Resurreccion: Devour, his lower body transforms into a mass with tentacles, red eyes, and teeth. In this state, he can use all of the powers of the Hollows he ate, amounting to a one-man army of 33,650 souls.

7 Tier Harribel

Rank: Tres (3rd)

• Status: Alive (but taken hostage by Yhwach)
• Cero: Harribel’s yellow Cero stems from her blade and follows the wide arc of her sword’s swipe
• Zanpakuto: Tiburón

Lady Halibel can raise the temperature of surrounding water and therefore nullify most ice-based attacks with ease, and can even create a tsunami-styled wave from her blade with enough force to put any Waterbender to shame. Additionally, the Queen of Hueco Mundo can launch larger shark-tooth-shaped water bullets from her Zanpakuto, which can be discharged at a rapid rate.

With this new-and-improved Shark-inspired look, Harribel can produce and manipulate water, and, with her Reiryoku-infused sword, she can fire powerful energy projectiles at her foes (up to three at a time).

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Tier Harribel: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

Despite her quiet appearance, Tier is no slouch. She excels in swordfighting and, through her spiritual reserves, can go toe-to-toe with other Captains in terms of both power, speed, and strategy. Unlike other Espada, Tier’s Cero can be activated to fire as a much wider beam, expanding her range, and may even be fired from her Zanpakuto Tiburon as Ola Azul. When she activates her Resurreccion: Destroy, her blade becomes exponentially larger and has more pronounced gills, implying her control over water. In this form, Tier can generate, control, and boil (Hirviendo) water that she can use to create devastating slashes (Trident), launch as concentrating blasts (La Gota), and release as deadly surges (Cascada).

6 Yammy Llargo

Rank: Cero (0)

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• Status: Unconfirmed (left for dead)
• Cero: He can launch a potent red blast capable of creating a chasm in the ground
• Zanpakuto: Ira

Yammy is a particularly dangerous Hollow because he can siphon the souls from living beings and use their spirit energy to enhance his own; however, those with enough Reiryoku can negate this attack.

Generally speaking, Yammy claims the 10th ranking position in the Espada but ascends to the top spot (0) when his Resurrección comes out to play. The already-large brute proceeds to expand to behemoth proportions and gets the corresponding boost in strength in the process. Yammy’s Cero is also more lethal and has a broader reach, while his power potential seems to be uncapped, increasing incrementally depending on how enraged this monstrosity gets.

Yammy Llargo: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

Yammy’s size not only bestows him with immense strength, durability, and spiritual power but also a penchant for melee fighting. Being the embodiment of Rage as an Aspect of Death, Yammy can increase his power through rage and anger and may even gather energy by absorbing the souls of others (Gonzui). When he activates Resurreccion: Enrage, Yammy unleashes his spiritual reserves and transforms into a giant monstrosity. In this form, he gains enhanced physical abilities and more devastating versions of his Cero. Yammy in his Resurreccion gets amplified Rage empowerment, as he can grow even larger the more he gets enraged.

5 Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez

Rank: Sexta (6th)

• Status: Alive
• Cero: This rebel is known for firing his red Cero at point-blank range with lethal consequences. He also has his blue Gran Rey Cero at his disposal (although Aizen would prefer he didn’t)
• Zanpakuto: Pantera

Grimmjow certainly sends out some strong big cat vibes with his release form while throwing destructive sound amplification attacks into the mix. The handsome panther is also an explosives expert who can simultaneously produce up to five miniature missiles from his elbow to catch his opponent unawares.

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His most proficient attack, however, is Desgarrón, whereby Grimmjow’s claws become elongated Reishi blades that can be propelled at his foes, with ten projectiles at his disposal.

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

True to his feline nature, Grimmjow is a specialist in all things up-close. On top of immense physical and spiritual power, he can sense things from afar (Pesquisa) and move at extremely fast speeds (Sonido). When he uses Resurreccion: Grind, he dons a feline-esque bodysuit that can release sonic waves, unleash high-speed darts (Garra de la Pantera), and a long-distance claw attack (Desgarron).

4 Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck

Rank: Former Tres (3rd)

• Status: Alive
• Zanpakuto: Gamuza

Taking inspiration from Greek Mythology, Nelliel transforms into a centaur-type beast empowered by a colossal lance and a no-nonsense attitude. It can be thrust through the air at blistering speed with enough angular momentum to become an oversized drill bit that is nearly impossible to evade. However, this particular skill is not used often, as Nelliel prefers peaceful reconciliation to unnecessary conflict.

Whether in her child form or fully-grown state, Nel can essentially swallow an incoming Cero and redirect it back at her attacker. Adult Nelliel can add to that attack with her own Cero, enhancing its potency significantly.

Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

After unlocking her true form, Nel not only boasts incredible physical prowess but also a special trait known as the Cero Doble – practically absorbing an enemy’s Cero and return it including with her own Cero into the mix. When she uses Resurreccion: Declare, she transforms into an ibex centaur. She can use Lanzador Verde, where her launched lance gathers spiritual energy en route to an enemy before striking them like a drill. Its impact is powerful enough to destroy Nnoitra’s Zanpakuto, which means Nel can technically disable a fellow Espada.

3 Baraggan Louisenbairn

Rank: Segunda (2nd)

• Status: Deceased (killed by Hachigen and Soi Fon’s blessing)
• Zanpakuto: Arrogante

The former king of the Hollows very reluctantly yielded to Aizen’s command, as Baraggan is essentially more potent. He represents Death itself, Resurrección scythe, and almighty Senescencia special ability included. With this, the 2nd Espada can manipulate time, slowing things down so much that his enemy is instantly incapacitated; or accelerating the natural order, subsequently causing rapid aging and sending them to an early grave.

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Barragan’s appropriately named Arrogante is usually concealed within his skeletal throne, but he will happily pull his battleax out when the time calls for him to throw his weight around a bit.

Barragan has one of the most striking transformations of the lot, after rotting away to leave the superpowered skeletal remains of a lich king. This swift decomposition effect can be transferred onto the enemy leading them to a swift death, and even extend to inanimate objects (much like Shigaraki’s Decay from My Hero Academia).

Baraggan Louisenbairn: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

Aside from his enhanced physical abilities and powerful Cero, Baraggan is known for Senescencia or practical immortality through a time dilation field. Through Resurreccion: Rot, the axe-toting Espada will transform into a cloaked skeleton with a crown, emphasizing his control over death. The most important part of this transformation is his acquisition of the Respira, a miasma that immediately decays everything in its path.

2 Ulquiorra Cipher

Rank: Cuatro (4th)

• Status: Deceased (during the Hollow Ichigo battle)
• Cero: He releases fast-charging green energy blasts with ambidextrous capabilities
• Zanpakuto: Murciélago

Ulquiorra is the only known Espada to have two Resurrección release forms, both of which adopt strong vampiric, bat-like qualities in appearance. While in this state, this overpowered emo can produce viridescent energy spears out of thin air that explode on contact, much like a lightning strike, but with a much wider range of destruction.

While powered up, Ulquiorra’s Cero becomes as dark as his soul and takes on similar qualities to Ichigo’s iconic Getsuga Tenshō attack. He can also become a Dementor of sorts by sapping the joy from his surroundings, spreading melancholy and misery in his wake.

Ulquiorra Cipher: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

As with other high-ranking Espada, Ulquiorra demonstrates incredible speed and swordsmanship capabilities. He seldom uses his blade and powerful Cero, however, as he prefers to strike at melee from above. This preference for aerial attacks seem to reflect his Resurreccion: Enclose, where he obtains wings for flight. Through Cero Oscuras, Ulquiorra can unleash a city-wide black-colored Cero, while his Luz de la Luna unleashes green javelins. Meanwhile, his Segunda Etapa transformation gives him a more metamorphosized appearance, with a prehensile striking tail and a more powerful Lanza del Relampago that can generate an impact as high as the Las Noches fortress.

1 Coyote Starrk & Lilynette Gingerbuck

Rank: Primera (1st)

• Status: Deceased (thanks to Shunsui)
• Cero: He can fire a blue Cero in quick succession without having to strike a pose first
• Zanpakuto: Los Lobos

Unlike most of the warriors in Bleach, Starrk does not often brandish a blade, but rather opts for duel-wielding pistols (although his weapons essentially hold Lilynette within, who is still sentient and conscious in this form).

Starrk can fire up to a thousand Ceros from his new weaponry with about as much speed as a machine gun, or he can conform to tradition by invoking enough spirit energy to create a pair of swords (similar to a Quincy’s.) As a last resort, this deadly duo can trade these in for a pack of wolf spirits to tear apart their enemies on command.

Coyote Starrk & Lilynette Gingerbuck: Overall Skillset, Notable Abilities

Coyote’s swordsmanship is on par with Shunsui Kyoryaku, placing him at Captain-level and therefore gives a general grasp on his powerset: he can create after-images and make his speed appear like he’s teleporting, and can even unleash a Cero without moving. Such a melee-oriented skillset makes his “core” fighting style surprising, as he’s a marksman through and through. When he unseals his Los Lobos via Lilynette Gingerbuck, he unleashes Resurreccion: Kick About, where he gets two pistols that enhance his overall long-ranged prowess. Cero Metralleta unleashes hundreds of Ceros at once like an SMG, while Colmillo transforms them into energy swords. They can even create a wolf pack to hunt down their prey.

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Release Date

October 5, 2004

Creator

Tite Kubo

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Studio

Pierrot

Number of Episodes

392

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Streaming Service(s)

Hulu