Shadow Monarch
Inspired by Solo Leveling — Sung Jin-Woo (Ashborn, the Shadow Monarch)
Kit
Signature: Arise (mastered g-skill summons shadow allies). Skills — m1: 6/14 hits · z: 21×3 = 63 · x: 19×7 = 133 · c: 12×11 = 132 · g: 2×26 = 52 (per shadow) · v: summons 2 shadows that attack zombies. Strongest for Infinite-mode wave clearing — converts downtime into DPS.
Shadow Monarch is the Solo Leveling-themed S-tier ability and the dominant pick for Infinite-mode wave clearing. The signature Arise summons shadow allies that continue dealing damage between player inputs — effectively converting downtime into DPS.
Canonical IP attribution
Shadow Monarch is internally referred to as Sung Jin-Woo (often abbreviated “Sjw”) — the protagonist of Solo Leveling. This is confirmed by:
- The official
❔ faqDiscord channel — V skills showcase thread (NTS_Bill, 2026-05-02) refers to the ability as “Sjw / Shadow Monarch” - The Best Traits on Abilities thread by Rolasyum (2026-05-10) explicitly lists “Shadow Monarch / Sung Jin Woo” under the Survival/Infinite Flash-trait category
- The in-game title Shadow Monarch (Sjw) (+5% DMG) is unlocked by getting the ability in spins
- The signature Arise skill name and shadow-army mechanic are direct Solo Leveling references
Base damage (Foong, 2026-05-12)
| Skill | Output |
|---|---|
| m1 | 6 hits → 14 (mastered) |
| z | 21 × 3 = 63 |
| x | 19 × 7 = 133 |
| c | 12 × 11 = 132 |
| g (mastered) | 2 × 26 = 52 (per-shadow tick — multiplied by uptime) |
| v (Mastery 100) | summons 2 shadows that attack zombies independently |
Shadow Monarch’s per-button damage looks low because the value lives in summon uptime — g and v create autonomous shadows that DPS while the player walks/dodges. Optimal play prioritizes survival and trait CDR over raw hit-confirms.
Recommended loadout
- Trait: Flash — CDR cycles Arise faster (Rolasyum 2026-05-10 verdict for Survival/Infinite)
- Pet: Colossus Titan (meta) — Igris is a thematic pick (also Solo Leveling) but Colossus Titan posts higher raw DMG/HP/Drops
- Cosmetic: Hei Outfit (Survival) · Battle Suit (Raid)
- Best modes: Infinite (V-skill summons stack), Survival wave-clear
Related title
- Shadow Monarch (Sjw) — +5% damage; unlocked by getting Shadow Monarch in spins
Sources
As of: