Why Mikasa might not be a better fighter than Levi in 'Attack on Titan'

In the popular anime series Attack on Titan, Mikasa Ackerman and Levi Ackerman are two of the most prominent and powerful characters. As Mikasa is typically portrayed as the newer fighter with fewer years of battle experience, it is natural to question why she might not be a better fighter than Levi. Let’s dive into the reasons why Mikasa might not be a better fighter despite being born after Levi.

Origin and Early Battles

Mikasa, as the younger half of the Ackerman siblings, was born into a world already shaped by Levi and the struggles of the Recon Corps. Unlike Levi, who learned to fight with a killer instinct from an early age, Mikasa’s upbringing was somewhat more sheltered. Her early battles and training were with the guidance of Eren Yeager and later with Commander Pixis, who well-equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to survive but left her with fewer combat experiences compared to Levi.

Battle Experience

Levi, on the other hand, has had a lifetime of experience in battle. From the earliest recorded moments in the series, Levi was a force to be reckoned with, having fought numerous Titans and even using the Odinaff Drive Maneuvering Gear (ODM) for survival. This rich and varied combat experience has undoubtedly contributed to his superior combat skills. Mikasa, while talented and faster, has not had the same number of battles and varied experiences as Levi, which has shaped his combat abilities and strategic thinking.

Handling of Stress and Loss

Levi has also faced numerous moments of loss and stress, which have made him incredibly resilient and better equipped to handle high-pressure situations. Throughout the series, Levi has experienced the death of his mother, sister, and many comrades, forcing him to adapt and become stronger. This constant exposure to loss and the need to overcome it has given him a certain level of emotional stability and strategic acumen that Mikasa hasn’t yet fully developed.

Combat Inheritance

Some theories suggest that Ackerman siblings might inherit combat abilities from deceased Ackermans. However, this theory does not seem to hold water, as Mikasa does not appear to have inherited any combat abilities from Le refinements. Instead, Mikasa might be receiving combat experience from deceased Ackermans through their legacy and teachings, but this is not clearly established in the story. What is clear is that Levi’s combat skills have been honed through years of training and battle, whereas Mikasa’s skills are more recent and less extensive.

Potential vs. Present Skills

Mikasa does have the potential to be a better fighter than Levi, but right now, she is not. Her potential is vast, and she has shown to be incredibly fast, resilient, and effective in close combat situations. However, her skills are still developing, and Levi’s superior combat experience gives him the edge in the present. For Mikasa to truly surpass Levi, she will need to gain more battle experience and strategic insight.

While Mikasa’s potential is undeniable, the gap in experience means she is currently not as strong as Levi. This disparity will likely bridge itself as Mikasa acquires more battles and experiences, but for now, Levi’s years of combat make him the superior fighter.

Ultimately, while Mikasa may have a better future ahead, Levi’s present combat skills are a result of years of rigorous training and countless battles. This makes him the current superior fighter in 'Attack on Titan,' setting a high standard for Mikasa to surpass.