10 Things About ‘Solo Leveling’ Season 1 That Made Absolutely No Sense

‘Solo Leveling’ (2024) burst onto the anime scene with its slick animation and thrilling power fantasy, pulling me into the story of Sung Jinwoo, a weak hunter who rises to godlike strength. The show’s fast-paced action and MMORPG-inspired world hooked me from the start, but some parts of the first season didn’t quite add up.

As I binged through the episodes, I noticed plot points and world-building choices that felt off or unexplained. Here are 10 things in ‘Solo Leveling’ Season 1 that made absolutely no sense to me, starting from the least puzzling to the most baffling.

10. No Government Oversight for Hunters

The world of ‘Solo Leveling’ has been dealing with deadly monster-spawning gates for over a decade, yet there’s no clear government control over hunters. These powerful individuals, especially S-rank hunters like Goto Ryuji, act like rogue mercenaries with little accountability. I kept wondering why no authority steps in to regulate their destructive actions, especially when entire parties get wiped out in dungeons with no consequences.

It’s strange that a society facing constant monster threats lacks a system to monitor hunters. Even when Jinwoo’s team faces near-death in Episode 1, no one investigates or takes responsibility. This gap in world-building feels like a missed chance to ground the stakes and make the chaos of the hunter system more believable.

9. Civilians Barely React to Monster Gates

Gates that spew out city-destroying monsters have been around for years, but regular people seem oddly chill about it. I expected more panic or societal shifts, like mass evacuations or fortified cities, but civilians go about their lives as if it’s normal. It’s hard to buy that humanity wouldn’t be in constant fear of these unpredictable portals.

The show focuses so much on Jinwoo’s growth that it skips over how the world adapts to this constant danger. A few scenes showing public response or even protests about hunter failures would’ve added depth to the setting and made the threat feel more real.

8. Jinwoo’s Sudden Personality Shift

Sung Jinwoo starts as a timid, weak E-rank hunter, but after gaining his system powers, he becomes confident and almost arrogant overnight. I get that power changes people, but this shift feels too abrupt. There’s little exploration of how he mentally adjusts to his new strength, which makes his character arc feel flat at times.

The show could’ve shown more of Jinwoo’s inner struggle to balance his old insecurities with his newfound power. Instead, he jumps from underdog to cool-headed badass without enough moments of doubt or reflection, leaving me disconnected from his growth.

7. The System’s Arbitrary Rules

Jinwoo’s leveling system, which acts like a video game interface, is a core part of the show, but its rules are vague. Why does it only choose Jinwoo? Why do some quests have time limits while others don’t? I found myself confused by the inconsistent logic behind what the system allows or demands.

The lack of clarity makes the system feel like a convenient plot device rather than a well-thought-out mechanic. A bit more explanation about its origins or limits would’ve made Jinwoo’s journey less random and more engaging.

6. Hunters Ignoring Teamwork

Hunters often dive into dangerous dungeons with minimal teamwork or strategy, even when facing life-threatening monsters. I was baffled by how Jinwoo’s early party in Episode 1 bumbles through a dungeon without a clear plan, leading to disaster. Even experienced hunters seem to underestimate threats constantly.

This recklessness undermines the idea that hunters are professionals. The show could’ve shown more coordinated efforts or training to explain why hunters survive in such a brutal world, instead of relying on Jinwoo to save the day.

5. Dungeons Changing Ranks Randomly

Dungeons in ‘Solo Leveling’ sometimes shift ranks unexpectedly, like a C-rank dungeon turning into a deadly Red Gate. This happens in Season 2, but Season 1 sets up the idea that dungeon ranks are unreliable. I found it odd that hunters don’t have better ways to predict these changes after a decade of dealing with gates.

The randomness feels like a cheap way to raise stakes without explaining why the system is so unpredictable. A hint about what causes these shifts could’ve made the world feel more cohesive and less like a plot contrivance.

4. Jinwoo’s Delayed Heroics

Jinwoo often waits until his allies are nearly dead before stepping in to dominate enemies. This pattern, especially noticeable in later episodes, feels forced to create drama. I kept wondering why he doesn’t act sooner, especially when he knows he’s far stronger than everyone else.

This repetitive formula of Jinwoo making a grand entrance after others suffer reduces tension. Showing him strategizing earlier or facing real obstacles would’ve made his victories feel earned rather than predictable.

3. Shadow Army’s Overpowered Nature

Jinwoo’s ability to raise defeated enemies as shadow soldiers is cool but ridiculously strong. By mid-season, he’s building an army that makes most fights one-sided. I was frustrated by how little strategy he needs when his shadows can overwhelm any opponent without limits.

The show could’ve added weaknesses to the shadow army, like a cap on numbers or a cost to maintaining them. Without these, Jinwoo’s battles lack suspense, making it hard to stay invested in the outcomes.

2. Lack of Consequences for Failure

Failed dungeon raids lead to countless deaths, yet there’s no real fallout. Guilds and hunters face no penalties, and society seems unbothered by the body count. I couldn’t wrap my head around why there’s no push for reform or accountability in this dangerous world.

This oversight makes the stakes feel artificial. Adding scenes of public outcry or guild investigations would’ve shown the human cost of these failures, making Jinwoo’s rise feel more impactful against a backdrop of real consequences.

1. The System’s Origin Is Completely Ignored

The biggest head-scratcher in Season 1 is the total mystery around Jinwoo’s leveling system. It’s a magical game-like interface that only he can see, but the show never hints at where it came from or why it exists. I was left confused by this massive plot hole, as it drives the entire story without any explanation.

Even a small clue about the system’s purpose would’ve tied the narrative together. Instead, it feels like a lazy way to justify Jinwoo’s meteoric rise, leaving me frustrated by the lack of answers in an otherwise gripping show.

Which moment in ‘Solo Leveling’ Season 1 confused you the most, or did I miss a puzzling detail? Drop your thoughts in the comments!