Summary
- Espada rankings don't always reflect battlefield prowess due to inconsistencies in Aizen's Reiatsu assessment.
- Tres Bestias, not technically Espada, stand out with unique combinations and weapon transformations.
- Privaron Espada showcase different abilities with transformations and unique attacks in combat.
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.
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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 April 2, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam: With Part 4 of the Thousand-Year Blood War adaptation being named “Calamity,” fans of the acclaimed shonen franchise are convinced this might be the final cour that would end the last arc of Bleach for good. While fans are already aware that Ichigo will defeat Yhwach and save the world, it’s not without hardship - especially for Ichigo’s friends who would need to tap beyond the limits of their powers to overcome their respective trials. It’s perhaps less of the story and more of the execution that viewers are looking forward to in Bleach, which is perhaps the reason why a lot of fans are also rewatching the series for the full experience. In the Hueco Mundo arc, for instance, Ichigo will also see some of his finest battles - especially with who the series considers as some of the strongest Espada in the series. Just what manner of powers do they possess?
16 Honorable Mention: Tres Bestias
Transformation Is Their Specialty
- 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:
- Emilou’s hard-headed and aggressive nature is a perfect fit for her red Cero she frequently unleashes through her horns and powerful Bala blasts from her fists that can disintegrate Rangiku Matsumoto’s Zanpakuto.
- Mila is the more rational among the three, although can become sadistic when fighting. She likes charging Ceros from her left hand before “punching” the energy blast with her right. Unlike her comrades, Mila is much stronger and can carry her Leona with ease.
- Cyan is quieter and more intelligent, often considered as a snob. She usually charges a purple Cero with her right hand and then blasting it with her left. Unique to Cyan is her Muda, allowing her shed her skin and technically render her invisible even to sensors.
Zanpakuto: Leona, Anaconda, Cierva
When separate, the Tres Bestias have different Zanpakuto that enhance their base abilities:
- Emilou’s Cierva is a chakram she can throw and pierce through human flesh. They also give her a deer-like form via Resurreccion: Thrust.
- Mila has Leona that resembles an ordinary broadsword that transforms her into an armored lion-inspired warrior through Resurreccion: Devour.
- Cyan’s Anaconda takes the form of a sai that transforms her into a slithering naga when activated via Resurreccion: Strangle to Death. In this form, she can release white snakes that attack her enemies.
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. Gantenbainne possesses considerable strength enough to rival Chad’s second Brazo Derecho del Gigante, which when combined with Sonido can turn him into quite the formidable threat.
Zanpakuto: Dragra
Through his Zanpakuto Dragra that takes the form of punch daggers, Gantenbainne has a preference for close-ranged combat. He uses Dragra with a personal Uno Dos Cientos combo, the latter attack capable of shattering the floor of the impenetrable Tres Cifras. 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, with Rugir del Dragon letting him create a massive orange energy beam in the shape of a dragon.
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’s given Uryu quite a hard time in their fight as her light stature and quick reflexes can deflect Uryu’s Hellig Pfeil, which by then should make quick work of ordinary Arrancar.
Zanpakuto: Golondrina
Cirucci uses Golondrina, her Zanpakuto, which takes the form of a whip - which can use so deftly that its path can be curved to such an extent that it can follow its target. When awakened via Resurreccion: Rip Off, she transforms into a flying insect-like humanoid that allows her wings to vibrate at around 1.1-1.3 million times per second - fast enough not just to deflect attacks but spiritual particles themselves. This form can let her 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 has a preference for fighting up-front. 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. Such is his strength that his Baron Puntapies Alto kick is strong enough to deflect Ichigo’s Getsuga Tensho. Thanks to his tough skin via Hierro, he can even block a full-on Zangetsu strike with little to no injuries.
Zanpakuto:Giralda
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. 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
He’s the most durable among the Arrancar, having praised to possess the strongest Hierro - which means most attacks don’t necessarily cut him unless infused with the right amount of spiritual pressure. Such is his durability that even an attack from Kenpachi Zaraki, who usually aims for the kill, barely grazed him the first time around. 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.
Zanpakuto: Santa Teresa
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. 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) even against lieutenant-level threats, although his swordsmanship isn’t as potent as his fellow higher-ranking Espadas.
Zanpakuto:Trepadora
When Trepadora is released, Resurreccion: Strangle releases tentacles from Luppi’s back that can attack opponents like a whip. These whip attacks have varying techniques based on different properties, such as a fast-paced but forceful attack (Lanza Tentaculo), a multi-angled attack that aims to crush an opponent (Jaula Tentaculo), a spinning multi-attack (La Helice), and even the ability to grow spikes on his tentacles for extra damage during attacks (Hierro Virgen).
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) - making him capable of studying his opponent and forming the right countermeasures against them.
Zanpakuto: Fornicaras
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). As an emergency counter-measure, anyone that eats Szayelaporro will be Possessed, as his body will liquefy and control every part of the eater’s body.
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), and he’s fast enough to keep up with Byakuya Kuchiki - considered the fastest among Gotei 13’s Captains.
Zanpakuto: Brujeria
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 called El Embrion, where the pumpkin covers his entire body and can shield him from most strong attacks in exchange for disabling all his active eyes.
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. Thanks to his eye for strategy and shape-shifting abilities, Aaroniero loves toying with his opponents - almost getting Rukia to try and kill herself. Not only that, but Aaroniero can use the memories of his shape-shifting targets against his other opponents, as evidenced by perfectly copying the memories of Kaien Shiba even upon their partial absorption. Thanks to Synchronized Awareness, Aaroniero can “broadcast” what he is experiencing to his comrades as a form of advanced reporting.
Zanpakuto: Glotoneria
Through Glotoneria, Aaroniero can absorb Hollows to gain their abilities and even manifest their Aspects - something other Hollows can’t do. With this, Aaroniero has been able to “merge” his spirit with that of other beings, destroy the Zanpakuto of others, and use the weapons of other absorbed beings as though they were truly his - bypassing any attunement requirements. 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. Being a Vasto Lorde-class Hollow, just the mere act of releasing her Zanpakuto can demolish the Las Noches fortress. Due to this classification, Tier’s Hierro is ridiculously powerful - she’s survived being encased in ice through Hitsugaya Toshiro’s Hyoten Hyakkaso and even survived two full slashes by Sosuke Aizen. Unlike other Espada, Tier’s Cero can be activated to fire as a much wider beam, expanding her range.
Zanpakuto: Tiburon
Through her Zanpakuto Tiburon, Tier can gather her spiritual energy and fire it as a concentrated projectile capable of cratering the ground. 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).