Highlights

  • The Espada are high-ranking Arrancar with Shinigami powers hand-selected by Aizen in Bleach.
  • The Espada's ranks are based on reiatsu level, not necessarily their actual strength or abilities.
  • Several Privaron Espada have posed interesting challenges for Ichigo and his group.

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).

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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. 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 begs the question: who is the strongest Espada in Bleach?

Updated January 27, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: Bleach is a manga that has had its fair share of ups and downs, but no one can deny the cultural impact of this series. The Soul Society arc continues to hold a soft spot in the hearts of many fans, and the introduction of the Arrancar was also pretty shocking. Aizen's Espada were easily the most fearsome foes in the show for quite some time, and it took a ton of struggles before the toughest Arrancar to ever exist could be disposed of.

Honorable Mention: Tres Bestias

Bleach Things You Might Not Know About Tres Bestias Ayon  Apacci, Sung-Sun, Milla Rose
  • 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.

Resurreccion: The Tres Bestias' transformations are more animalistic than many others (excluding Grimmjow and Ulquiorra), becoming a lion-influenced Amazonian Warrior, a seductive serpent, and the most ferocious doe in anime history. Mila Rose, Sung-Sun, and Apacci don't always work well together unless desperation reorganizes priorities, urging them to activate Quimera Parca and each sacrifice an arm to summon the formidable and uncontrollable Hollow, Ayon.

15 Gantenbainne Mosqueda

Privaron Espada: 107th Rank

Gantenbainne Mosqueda in Bleach
  • 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.

Resurreccion: 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.

14 Cirucci Sanderwicci

Privaron Espada: 105th Rank

Cirucci Sanderwicci in Bleach
  • 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.

Resurreccion: 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.

13 Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio

Privaron Espada: 103th Rank

Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio in Bleach
  • 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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Cero: 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.

Resurreccion: 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.

12 Nnoitra Gilga

Rank: Quinto (5th)

Bleach Hollow Nnoitra Gilga # 5 Espada
  • Status: Deceased (compliments of Zaraki Kenpachi)
  • Zanpakuto: Santa Teresa

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.

Cero: 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.

Resurreccion: 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.

11 Luppi Antenor

Rank: Sexta (6th)

Bleach Strongest Espada, Ranked Luppi Antenor 6th Espada
  • Status: Deceased (by Grimmjow's ego)
  • Zanpakuto: Trepadora

Resurreccion: 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.

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Luppi can also rotate 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.

10 Szayelaporro Granz

Rank: Octava (8th)

Bleach's Szayelaporro Granz in his released state
  • 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).

9 Zommari Rureaux

Rank: Septima (7th)

Zommar in Bleach
  • Status: Deceased (at Byakuya's hand)
  • Zanpakuto: Brujería

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).

Resurreccion: 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.

8 Aaroniero Arruruerie

Rank: Noveno (9th)

Aaroniero Arrurruerie in Hell in the Bleach anime
  • 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.

Resurreccion: 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.

7 Tier Harribel

Rank: Tres (3rd)

Tier Harribel aka Lady Halibel Resurrección Bleach
  • 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

Resurreccion: 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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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.

6 Yammy Llargo

Rank: Cero (0)

Bleach weak characters with overpowered abilities Yammy Riyalgo Espada Arrancar
  • 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.

Resurreccion: 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.

5 Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez

Rank: Sexta (6th)

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

Resurreccion: 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.

4 Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck

Rank: Former Tres (3rd)

Bleach: Strongest Espada, Ranked Nelliel aka Nel
  • Status: Alive
  • Cero Doble: 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.
  • Zanpakuto: Gamuza

Resurreccion: 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.

3 Baraggan Louisenbairn

Rank: Segunda (2nd)

Bleach Strongest Espada, Ranked Baraggan Louisenbairn 2nd Espada
  • Status: Deceased (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.

Resurreccion: 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).

2 Ulquiorra Cipher

Rank: Cuatro (4th)

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

Resurreccion: 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.

1 Coyote Starrk & Lilynette Gingerbuck

Rank: Primera (1st)

Bleach: Strongest Espada, Ranked Coyote Starrk
  • 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

Resurreccion: 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.

Bleach
Bleach

Release Date
October 5, 2004
Creator
Tite Kubo
Number of Episodes
392
Streaming Service(s)
Hulu