Few warriors in anime and manga history have endured as much pain, suffering, and bloodshed as Guts from Berserk. As the Black Swordsman, he has fought against the strongest foes—both human and demonic—while carving his way through a world that is as cruel as it is breathtaking. Each battle Guts fights is a testament to his willpower, combat skill, and unbreakable spirit. Let’s take a deep dive into Guts’ most brutal battles, the ones that have defined his journey.
The Eclipse: Guts vs. The Apostles
No battle in Berserk is as traumatic and world-changing as the Eclipse. This event is where Guts faces an impossible nightmare—betrayed by his closest friend, Griffith, who ascends to godhood as Femto at the cost of the Band of the Hawk.
As the Apostles descend upon his comrades, slaughtering them one by one, Guts fights desperately to save Casca and avenge his fallen allies. But against overwhelming numbers and demonic power, even he is pushed to his limits. His right eye is gouged out, his arm is severed, and he can do nothing but watch in horror as Griffith defiles Casca before his very eyes. The Eclipse brands him both physically and mentally, making it the most harrowing battle of his life.
Why It’s Brutal:
- Guts loses everything—his friends, his dream, and even his humanity.
- The physical and emotional scars from this battle define him forever.
- It’s one of the most infamous and disturbing moments in manga history.
Guts vs. The Hundred Men
Following the Eclipse, Guts embarks on his journey of vengeance. One of his most legendary fights happens during the Conviction Arc, when he is cornered by a hundred enemy mercenaries in a forest. Instead of running, he chooses to stand his ground, wielding his massive Dragonslayer against the swarm of enemies.
For an entire night, Guts fights relentlessly, using raw strength, tactical precision, and sheer endurance. He suffers multiple wounds, losing a lot of blood, but his rage and battle instincts keep him going until he cuts down every single enemy.
Why It’s Brutal:
- One man vs. a hundred skilled warriors, with no backup.
- Guts endures non-stop combat, bleeding out but refusing to fall.
- The sheer physical strain and psychological willpower required make this one of the greatest battles in Berserk.
Guts vs. Nosferatu Zodd (First and Second Fights)
Nosferatu Zodd, one of the most fearsome Apostles, is an immortal, battle-hardened warrior who seeks only the thrill of combat. Guts’ first encounter with him comes when he is still a member of the Band of the Hawk. As he fights Zodd in his human form, he quickly realizes he’s facing an opponent beyond human capabilities. But when Zodd transforms into his true monstrous form, Guts and Griffith barely escape with their lives.
Their second battle, years later, is even more intense. Guts is stronger than before, now wielding the Dragonslayer and the Berserker Armor. This time, he fights Zodd as an equal, trading devastating blows in a clash that shakes the battlefield.
Why It’s Brutal:
- Zodd is one of the strongest Apostles, making this a true test of Guts' strength.
- Their battles are full of bone-crushing blows and near-death experiences.
- Guts proves himself capable of holding his own against the Apostles, marking a turning point in his growth.
Guts vs. Rosine
Rosine, one of the lesser Apostles, has the body of an insect-like fairy and the mind of a traumatized child. Despite her deceptive appearance, she is one of the fastest and most dangerous enemies Guts faces. Their battle is a spectacle of speed and brutality, taking place in the skies as she bombards Guts with attacks.
Even though she’s a tragic figure, Guts shows no mercy, hacking her down in a fight that pushes him to his limits. He battles through swarms of Rosine’s insect minions while struggling against the fatigue and blood loss from previous battles.
Why It’s Brutal:
- It’s a battle of endurance, with Guts constantly being attacked from all angles.
- Rosine’s speed and aerial combat force Guts to fight in an unfamiliar way.
- Guts is pushed beyond his physical and emotional breaking point.
Guts vs. Slan
One of the most grotesque battles in Berserk happens when Guts encounters Slan, a member of the God Hand, in the Qliphoth. Unlike his fights against Apostles, Guts is completely outmatched—Slan is a being far beyond human comprehension.
Slan toys with him, skewering him on thorns, playing with his body like a doll. Just when it seems hopeless, Guts’ rage activates the Berserker Armor, allowing him to fight back and even wound Slan—a feat unheard of for a mere mortal.
Why It’s Brutal:
- Slan’s sadistic nature makes this fight more of a nightmare than a battle.
- Guts is helpless for much of the fight, something that rarely happens.
- The Berserker Armor is first unleashed in its full, terrifying glory.
Guts vs. Grunbeld
Grunbeld, a mighty Apostle and member of the Neo Band of the Hawk, is a monstrous warrior clad in dragon-like armor. His sheer size and strength rival even Zodd, making him one of Guts’ toughest opponents.
In their battle, Guts, clad in the Berserker Armor, unleashes his most savage side, striking with unparalleled ferocity. The fight is a war of attrition—Grunbeld’s strength versus Guts’ relentless will. In the end, Guts finds a way to overcome even this behemoth.
Why It’s Brutal:
- Guts fights on pure instinct, barely in control of his own body.
- The Berserker Armor nearly kills him as much as it aids him.
- Grunbeld’s strength and durability make this one of the longest and hardest fights.
The Never-Ending Struggle
Guts' greatest battles aren’t just about physical combat—they’re about his struggle against fate, his refusal to surrender, and his undying quest for vengeance and survival. Every fight takes a toll, yet he continues forward, no matter how battered, broken, or bloodied he becomes.
His battles are more than just action scenes; they are raw expressions of pain, perseverance, and power. Whether fighting monsters, demons, or fate itself, Guts remains one of the greatest warriors in anime and manga history.
