Hunter x Hunter: Killua Zoldyck's Family of Assassins, Explained (2024)

The classic shonen series, Hunter x Hunter, has an interesting cast starring powerful characters with deadly abilities & skills. The Hunters remain at the forefront when considering the strongest characters in the series. But looking at the darker side of the anime – the underworld, bounty hunters, assassins & other society-unfriendly organizations host powerful characters that can match even the strongest of Hunters.

A prime member of this category is the Zoldyck family. This family is considered the strongest and the most deadly assassins in the Hunter x Hunter's universe. Based on facts, this portrayal appears to be true as various members of the family have shown aspects of their skills and abilities as expert nen users. Even the non-powered members like Milluki Zoldyck also play critical roles in the series. So, who are the key members of the Zoldyck family?

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The Young & Promising

Belonging to this category are the youngest generations of the Zoldyck family – individuals that possess frightening skills despite their young age and are capable of dealing a lot of damage if left unchecked. The leading member of this group is Killua Zoldyck. When the Zoldyck family was first introduced, members like Zeno & Silva Zoldyck openly praised Killua for his talents as an assassin. According to Zeno, Killua can surpass any assassin formerly born into the Zoldyck family.

This statement is not far-fetched as Killua was able to push a 16-ton gate while he was still untrained in the art of the Nen technique. Killua’s skills as an assassin are remarkable, but compared to his father & grandfather, he still has much to learn. Regardless, he was able to triple his offensive abilities as a Nen Transmuter to create the powerful move, God Speed.

Another key member of this group is Alluka Zoldyck, Killua’s younger sister. While Alluka herself doesn’t possess any extraordinary abilities, her alter ego, Nanika, is both frightening & remarkable. Nanika possesses a wish-granting Nen ability that can grant one's wishes depending on certain conditions. This power is useful as it is dangerous since Nanika's requests can be dangerous.

Fortunately, Nanika loves Killua, and it was for this reason that she could restore the Nen-depleted Gon without including any deadly conditions. Another key member of this category is Kalluto Zoldyck. Although the character looks female, Kalluto is actually male. Kalluto is a member of the Phantom Troupe – a testament to his abilities as an assassin despite his young age. Kalluto is also a talented Nen user, as fans have witnessed his capabilities. With his paper fan, Kalluto can carry out deadly moves even against more powerful opponents, such as the Dance of the Serpent's Bite & his paper dolls; useful tools for hidden surveillance.

The Non-Powered

Members of this category are the Zoldycks with average fighting powers & abilities. Leading the group is Kikyo Zoldyck. Kikyo is the mother of Killua & the younger generations of the Zoldyck family. Contrary to the ideal mother that wants their offspring to be happy, Kikyo's desire is for Killua to become truly cruel, so he can be a successful assassin. Kikyo is both overprotective and mentally unbalanced when it comes to Killua. Even after he struck her in the face, injuring her, she was happy that her son was becoming cruel – what she desires more than anything. Kikyo is also cruel as she is unbothered about using Alluka's powers to kill people despite knowing the outcome of Nanika’s abilities. In Hunter x Hunter, it was subtly hinted that Kikyo is an assassin; however, no development has proved this fact.

Another key member of this category is Milluki Zoldyck, Killua’s elder brother. Milluki is a gamer that hasn’t left the Zoldyck estate since he was 10. Despite being jealous of Killua, who his parents treasured over him, he was able to put his petty feelings aside to assist Killua & Gon in their quest to find out what the Greed Island game really involved. Also, Milluki hasn’t shown any Nen abilities, so even though he might possess one, he can still be regarded as a non-powered member.

The Prime & Powerful

The Zoldycks in this category are individuals who are at optimal strength in terms of assassination techniques & Nen abilities due to their age. Members of this category include Silva Zoldyck and his son, Illumi Zoldyck. Silva Zoldyck is the current head of the Zoldyck family and is the father of Killua Zoldyck. Silva Zoldyck fondly regards his son, Killua, and this was seen when he advised Killua to take the Hunter Exam. Silva Zoldyck is one of the strongest members of the Zoldyck family. In his fight with Chrollo, the leader of the Phantom Troupe, he was able to tank a poison attack strong enough to paralyze a whale. Silva Zoldyck’s profound physical & speed was also depicted when he attacked a chimera ant, killing the creature instantly with one strike. As a Nen user, Silva is a Transmuter, capable of producing large orbs that hold destructive power.

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On the other hand, Illumi may not be the strongest member of the Zoldyck family, but he’s certainly the most dangerous. Illumi is the eldest son of Silva & Kikyo Zoldyck. He was first revealed in the Hunter Exam arc, disguised as Gittarackur. Illumi is a Phantom Troupe member and one of the best assassins in the Zoldyck family. Illumi, alongside his father, Silva trained Killua in the art of assassination. Sporting an expressionless face, Illumi’s intentions are always difficult to decipher. Regardless, he cares for his brother, Killua. A valid proof of this is his insertion of a needle into Killua’s brain, forcing him to run away from battles he wasn't sure of winning. Furthermore, he released a malevolent aura when Hisoka threatened Killua’s life, signifying that he treasures his brother despite his occasional negative actions towards the blossoming assassin. The true extent of Illumi's capabilities is unknown. However, he is a Manipulator with the ability to alter his appearance and control dead corpses.

The Old & Dangerous

Belonging to this category are the Zoldycks, who are still powerful despite their old age. One such member is Zeno Zoldyck, the father of Silva Zoldyck and grandfather of Killua. Despite being 67 years old, Zeno is still a powerful assassin with profound Nen abilities. Zeno is a wise man who displayed his sound battle strategies in the Chimera Ant arc. In his fight against Chrollo Lucifer, viewers got a good look at his strength, unhindered even by his age. Similar to Killu & Silva Zoldyck, Zeno is a Transmuter with jaw-dropping speed, reflexes, and agility. Zeno can easily use high-level techniques like Gyo & En masterfully.

Another individual in this category is Maha Zoldyck, the oldest living member of the Zoldycks. The 120-year-old man is the grandfather of Zeno Zoldyck, and he has quite a reputation. Although Maha Zoldyck hasn't been revealed in the 2011 remake of Hunter x Hunter, in the 1999 version, Maha Zoldyck is present. In his prime, Maha Zoldyck was so powerful that Netero, the strongest Nen user during his time as a professional assassin, was the only person that fought him and left their battle unscathed. Although no accounts depict that Maha Zoldyck is still powerful, it is reasonable to assume that the old man still has an ace up his sleeve.

The Zoldyck family of assassins is an incredibly powerful group with members that possess frightening powers. Even though the show's spotlight remains on Killua, who is one of the main characters of the series, the other members of the Zoldyck family are equally interesting and mysterious.

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