Zoro vs. Gol D. Roger: Who Is Stronger & Who Would Win in a Fight?

We know that there are many powerful characters in One Piece that we can compare, as we have done so in many previous articles. And quite successfully. This is why we have decided to write another such article, comparing two skilled and powerful characters from One Piece. The first is Roronoa Zoro, the prospective best swordsman in the world, while the second is Gol D. Roger, the former King of the Pirates. Who is stronger? Keep reading to find out!

Gol D. Roger would absolutely defeat Zoro in every scenario imaginable. Gol D. Roger was one of the strongest characters in the series, surpassed only by Rocks D. Xebec, and on par with Garp and Whitebeard. His mastery of Haki was amazing, and on top of that, he was also a skilled swordsman. And while Zoro will probably surpass Roger’s swordsmanship skills, that simply wouldn’t be enough for Luffy’s first mate to defeat the powerful King of the Pirates, who remains as one of the series’ most formidable foes.

What follows, of course, is a detailed analysis of the answer we have given you above. We will portray Roronoa Zoro and Gol D. Roger from One Piece in more detail, giving you a thorough analysis of the issue at hand and the balance of power between the two characters using our usual formula. Through several categories, you will see who the stronger of the two is and why our answer is like it is, i.e., why we are absolutely certain that Gol D. Roger would win against Zoro in a direct one-on-one clash, without any doubt whatsoever.

Physical powers

When pure strength is considered, Roronoa Zoro is one of the series’ strongest characters. While he was in combat with Daz Bones, he showed strength. Despite his wounds, he had little trouble lifting a structure. He can be seen working out on the Thousand Sunshine while using heavy dumbbells. He used his swords to deflect an incoming straight blow from Oars, demonstrating that he was at least as strong as a giant. After the time jump, Zoro’s strength significantly increased.

Because of his superior battle skills, Roger was referred to as the “King of the Pirates” before he passed away. Only Vice-Admiral Garp, who repeatedly cornered Roger before giving in, and Edward Newgate, who had the Gura Gura no Mi and had been proclaimed the “World’s Strongest Man” after Roger’s death, were able to match Roger’s strength in a fight. Roger’s strongest adversary, Rocks D. Xebec, had to be defeated by Monkey D. Garp and Roger working together. Another example of his power is his capacity to rival Shiki. Despite being seriously ill, he handily overcame Kozuki Oden, one of the series’ most brilliant fighters.

Zoro is strong, by all means, and the feats he managed to do using his strength alone are amazing, but when compared to Roger? Nah, he just doesn’t make the cut. Roger is far superior to Zoro, and there is absolutely no doubt that he wins this category.

Points: Zoro 0, Roger 1

Devil Fruit

We all know that Roronoa Zoro never consumed a Devil Fruit in his life, which definitely makes him quite special, as all of his skills and powers are his own; he did not use any enhancements in that aspect. But this also means that we have absolutely nothing to add to this category, i.e., that this is all we have to say about Zoro in relation to this specific category.

The same thing can be said about Gol D. Roger, as he is a character who has managed to achieve everything he has achieved thanks to his own innate powers. He, likewise, never consumed a Devil Fruit in his life, which is why his feats are even more impressive.

We already know what to do in such cases. Namely, as neither of the characters satisfies our basic criteria, we will award zero points to both; this is a situation that has happened on more than one occasion, especially when One Piece characters are concerned, so we know how to act.

Points: Zoro 0, Roger 1

Haki

Zoro is one of the rare people who can use all three types of Haki. He can use Conqueror’s Haki, the rarest of them all. Kaido first mentions him as possessing this ability following Zoro’s nine-sword attack. He coats his sabers with it during his battle with King, making the Hundred Beasts Crew members pass out as a result.

He also utilized Armament Haki against Pica to slice him, demonstrating the superiority of his Haki over Pica’s. He may also negate Devil Fruit powers by utilizing this Haki, like he did to momentarily stop the Birdcage. He first employs Observation Haki in his conflict with Nuru and has since done so once more.

Naturally, Gol D. Roger could use all three types of Haki. Roger could use Kenbunshoku Haki, but we don’t know how skilled he was at it. With Busoshoku Haki’s aid, Roger could sharpen his sword and slash at Whitebeard’s Murakumogiri. When they fought 26 years ago, the wind blew, lightning flashed, and only two persons utilizing this Haki could have caused this phenomenon. Roger also showed his capacity to imbue his blade with Haki. He was also among a very small group of characters who could use Conqueror’s Haki.

Although both characters are able to use all three types of Haki, there is absolutely no doubt that Roger’s skills were more advanced, and that is why, despite all of this, we are going to give the legendary Pirate King the advantage in this case.

Points: Zoro 0, Roger 2

Weapons

The Santoryu, his traditional fighting style, was all that Zoro had mastered at the start of his life as a pirate. But as time passed, he started learning skills from other schools, like Nitoryu, Ittoryu, and even Mutouryu. Zoro and the rest of the crew are now more equipped to handle the challenges of the New World. He aims to become the best swordsman in the world, and his feats over the course of the series have shown that he is clearly heading towards that goal in the series.

Roger was a master with the sword, as evidenced by his victory over the famed fighter Kozuki Oden in a single strike. He was also as powerful as Whitebeard’s Murakumogiri, which sent a powerful shock wave through the entire island and Moby Dick. According to what is known, he was one of the best swordsmen in the series and had already shown that he could stand up to the best and most skilled opponents of his era.

Although we’re quite certain that Zoro would still lose to Roger in a swordfight, we also think that Zoro will eventually surpass Roger, so we have decided to split the points in this final category.

Points: Zoro 1, Roger 3

Zoro might become a better swordsman than Roger was, but he would not be able to defeat him in a direct clash

The points clearly demonstrate it, and we can only agree with the fact that Zoro would not be able to surpass Gol D. Roger. Zoro is strong and can use all three types of Haki, but he is simply not comparable to Roger, who was one of the strongest in history (those enemies who have defeated Zoro would be small fries for Roger).

What is important to state here is the fact that we do, honestly, think that Zoro will surpass Roger when swordsmanship skills are concerned. He is not there yet, as Roger could easily overpower some of the most skilled swordsmen in the series, whereas Zoro is still getting there, but in due time, we think that his skill level will surpass Roger’s.

Sadly, Zoro fans, that wouldn’t be enough. And while we cannot deny that Zoro is likewise a complete character, as is Roger, there is simply too big of a difference between the two of them. Zoro will never become the King of the Pirates, whereas Roger was the undisputed best pirate in the series for a very long time.

This is what Zoro is ultimately lacking, and why, if the two had ever faced, Roger would win. He is simply a more complete character than Zoro in every way imaginable, so there is not much we can say in Zoro’s defense. Roger would win, which is a fact, but we’re sure it would be an entertaining fight that everyone, including the two, would enjoy.