The One Piece universe has long been a battleground for the strongest pirate crews, with fans endlessly debating the power rankings of both individual characters and entire crews. Given the dynamic nature of the series, power scaling has evolved as new alliances form and legendary figures clash. Below, we break down the top 10 strongest pirate crews in One Piece, based on their influence, strength, and historical significance.
10. The Heart Pirates
First Appearance: One Piece Chapter 498; Episode 392
Led by Trafalgar Law, a former member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Heart Pirates remain a formidable force. Although they haven’t been at the forefront for much of the series, their role in key events, such as their alliance with the Straw Hat Pirates to defeat Kaido, places them among the top-tier crews. Despite their smaller numbers, Law’s victory over Big Mom and their survival against the Blackbeard Pirates in the Egghead Arc show that the Heart Pirates should not be underestimated.
9. Cross Guild
First Appearance: One Piece Chapter 1056; Episode 1083
A relatively recent and unconventional crew, Cross Guild is led by former Warlord Crocodile, the world’s greatest swordsman Mihawk, and the eccentric Buggy. Although Buggy is mostly a figurehead, Crocodile and Mihawk provide immense power. Buggy’s mercenary group, Buggy’s Delivery, contributes additional strength, but the crew’s future remains uncertain, especially after the loss of some of their most powerful members. Nevertheless, Cross Guild’s unique nature makes them an interesting contender in this list.
8. The Straw Hat Pirates
First Appearance: One Piece Chapter 5; Episode 3
The Straw Hat Pirates, captained by Luffy, have evolved from a small group of misfits into one of the world’s most notorious crews. Following Luffy’s ascension to Emperor after defeating Kaido and Big Mom, the Straw Hats solidified their place in the One Piece universe. While each member is powerful in their own right, the crew’s relatively small size and lack of an extensive fleet or strong external allies prevent them from ranking higher than other more established crews.
7. The Red-Haired Pirates
First Appearance: One Piece Chapter 1; Episode 4
The Red-Haired Pirates, captained by the iconic Shanks, are one of the most powerful crews in One Piece. Shanks himself is a figure of great strength, with his feats including a face-off with Kizaru and single-handedly dismantling the Kid Pirates. However, their strength is often tied to Shanks’ personal power and the loyalty of his crew, rather than a vast network of allies. The Red-Haired Pirates remain formidable but rely heavily on the strength of their core members.
6. The Blackbeard Pirates
First Appearance: One Piece Chapter 234; Episode 151
Under the command of Marshall D. Teach, the Blackbeard Pirates have become one of the most dangerous crews in the New World. Their strength lies in their diverse and powerful crew members, including former Warlord of the Sea Blackbeard and former Admiral Aokiji. After claiming the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit and the Dark-Dark Fruit, Blackbeard quickly rose to power, even taking the mantle of Emperor. Though still relatively new to the upper echelons, the Blackbeard Pirates’ future looks incredibly promising.
5. The Big Mom Pirates
First Appearance: One Piece Chapter 651; Episode 570
Led by the formidable Big Mom, one of the most powerful pirates in history, the Big Mom Pirates were an unstoppable force until their defeat by Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid in the Wano Arc. The crew is primarily composed of the Charlotte Family, Big Mom’s children, including the mighty Katakuri, a key opponent in Luffy’s journey. Despite Big Mom’s defeat, the crew remains an influential presence in the One Piece world.
4. The Beast Pirates
First Appearance: One Piece Chapter 595; Episode 513
Once led by the infamous Kaido, known as the “Strongest Creature in the World,” the Beast Pirates were a near-unbeatable force until their downfall in the Wano Arc. The crew is famed for its brutal mastery of Haki and powerful Zoan-type Devil Fruits, along with the dangerous SMILE artificial fruits, created by Doflamingo. Their strength and tactical power made them a daunting force, and the defeat of Kaido’s forces marked one of the most significant moments in One Piece history.
3. The Whitebeard Pirates
First Appearance: One Piece Chapter 154; Episode 91
Once considered the strongest crew in the world under the leadership of Whitebeard, the Whitebeard Pirates were a massive force in the One Piece universe. Though they were decimated after Whitebeard’s death during the Paramount War, the legacy of the Whitebeard Pirates lives on. Whitebeard’s unmatched power, his rivalry with Gol D. Roger, and the indomitable strength of his crew during the Marineford War cement their place as one of the most powerful crews in history.
2. The Roger Pirates
First Appearance: One Piece Chapter 19; Episode 8
The Roger Pirates, led by Gol D. Roger, are perhaps the most legendary crew in One Piece. Roger’s crew was the only one to successfully navigate the Grand Line and discover the island of Laugh Tale, uncovering the secrets of the One Piece treasure. The crew’s strength is exemplified by the feats of Roger himself, who was able to rival Whitebeard in his prime. While their story ended with Roger’s death, their legacy remains unmatched in terms of historical significance and power.
1. The Rocks Pirates
First Appearance: One Piece Chapter 957; Episode 958
Commanded by the enigmatic Rocks D. Xebec, the Rocks Pirates were the most dangerous crew in One Piece history. Comprised of future Emperors such as Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom, the Rocks Pirates were a fearsome and nearly unstoppable force. Their reign of terror was so intense that the World Government went to great lengths to erase their existence after they were defeated in the God Valley incident. The fact that Roger and Garp were forced to team up to take them down only underscores their immense power, making the Rocks Pirates the undisputed strongest crew in One Piece.
These pirate crews represent the pinnacle of strength and influence within the One Piece universe, with each having a profound impact on the series’ ongoing narrative. While the rankings may shift as new developments unfold, these crews have earned their place in the lore of one of anime’s greatest stories.
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