Hunter x Hunter' Phantom Troupe: Each Member's Abilities and Status in the Story

The Phantom Troupe, also known as the “Spiders,” is a notorious band of thieves and criminals in Hunter x Hunter, famous for their ruthless efficiency and deadly skills. Each member is a proficient Nen user, with unique abilities that make them formidable individually and even more dangerous as a group. Led by Chrollo Lucilfer, the Troupe seeks to wreak havoc on the world and reshape it as they please. Known for their brutal methods, they are feared across the world and remain some of the series’ most complex and morally ambiguous characters.

Hunter x Hunter, created by Yoshihiro Togashi, follows the journey of Gon Freecss, a young boy who becomes a Hunter in search of his father and to learn more about the mysterious world around him. The Phantom Troupe plays a pivotal role, especially during the Yorknew City arc, where they clash with one of Gon’s friends, Kurapika, who has a personal vendetta against them. The Phantom Troupe returns to the forefront of the action in Togashi’s ongoing manga, boarding the Black Whale 1, an exploratory mission to the Dark Continent, as an all-out war erupts for the Kakin Empire’s crown.

Chrollo Lucilfer

Status: Active; Ability: Skill Hunter

Chrollo is the leader of the Phantom Troupe, feared for his strategic mind and his Nen ability, Skill Hunter, which allows him to steal and use other Nen abilities. He is often calm and collected, treating the Troupe members as family and displaying a strong sense of loyalty to them. While he appears ruthless, Chrollo is driven by a strange sense of morality and has a detached view of life, making him one of Hunter x Hunter‘s most enigmatic characters.

Currently, Chrollo is on a mission to kill Hisoka, who has sworn to hunt down the Troupe members after their Heaven’s Arena duel. Chrollo continues to grieve the fallen members of the Troupe, and he’s channeling his rage toward protecting his remaining “family.” Onboard the cruise ship bound for the Dark Continent, Chrollo is also leading the Troupe in stealing the vast treasures possessed by the Kakin royal family. It was revealed that this is a requirement to upgrade his Skill Hunter so he can obtain the powerful ability needed to kill Hisoka.

Hisoka Morrow

Status: Active (no longer affiliated); Ability: Bungee Gum, Texture Surprise

Though not a formal member of the Troupe, Hisoka’s history with them is deeply entwined. Known for his bloodlust and obsession with fighting strong opponents, Hisoka is a masterful Nen user with Bungee Gum, a versatile ability that gives his aura the qualities of both rubber and gum. He initially allied with the Troupe out of interest in challenging Chrollo but left once Kurapika sealed his target’s Nen.

Hisoka’s relentless pursuit of Chrollo drives him to exorcise Kurapika’s curse and finally fight Chrollo at Heaven’s Arena. Hisoka is seemingly killed, but revives himself using Bungee Gum, unbeknownst to the Phantom Troupe. He quickly kills Shalnark and Kortopi post-revival, so that their abilities disappear from Chrollo’s book before their rematch. Hisoka now lurks on the Black Whale, methodically targeting each member with no sign of relenting.

Shalnark

Status: Deceased; Ability: Black Voice

Shalnark was a brilliant Troupe member, skilled in tactics and reconnaissance, and known for his Manipulation-type ability. His powers allowed him to control others by implanting his “Black Voice” antenna into them, which made him invaluable for infiltration and intelligence-gathering missions. Shalnark’s laid-back attitude and high intelligence made him a popular member among the Troupe, often adding a much-needed jovial tone to a very quiet bunch.

Shalnark’s Black Voice was instrumental in Chrollo defeating Hisoka at Heaven’s Arena, and therefore, he’s one of the first Troupe members Hisoka kills once he’s revived. His sudden and brutal death was a blow to the Troupe and continues to weigh heavily on Chrollo. The team also lost its Manipulator with Shalnark’s death, necessitating the addition of Illumi to the Spider’s numbers.

Kortopi

Status: Deceased; Ability: Gallery Fake

Kortopi was the Troupe’s specialist in stealth and replication, able to create temporary duplicates of objects using his Gallery Fake ability. Though quiet and reserved, Kortopi was an invaluable resource, aiding the Troupe in deceptive and heist-based missions. His duplication skills made him especially useful when infiltrating high-security areas and evading detection.

Unfortunately, Kortopi is one of the first Troupe members killed by Hisoka following his clash with Chrollo at Heaven’s Arena. Kortopi’s death is swift and sudden, with Hisoka decapitating him and leaving the head to be picked apart by crows. With Kortopi now dead, Chrollo can no longer borrow his ability, which was essential to defeating Hisoka the first time.

Nobunaga Hazama

Status: Active; Ability: Unknown

Nobunaga is a veteran Troupe member and expert swordsman, known for his intense loyalty to the group and his brotherly bond with Uvogin, whom he continues to mourn. He may appear relaxed, but Nobunaga is deeply protective of his comrades, valuing their safety above all else. Although he can be cold, he also has a nurturing presence, and immediately sees the potential within Gon and Killua.

Now on the Black Whale, Nobunaga’s steadfast nature adds stability to the group, especially when faced with the Succession War’s chaos. His role as a Troupe defender may soon put him at the forefront, whether he confronts Hisoka or gets involved in Kakin’s Succession Contest. Currently, Nobunaga, Phinks, and Feitan are trying to reach Hisoka to fight him in Chrollo’s place.

Feitan Portor

Status: Active; Ability: Pain Packer

Feitan is one of the Troupe’s most ruthless and violent members, wielding the Pain Packer ability, which transforms his own pain into devastating attacks. Known for his sadistic tendencies, he often assumes the role of the Troupe’s torturer, displaying unflinching loyalty to Chrollo and the Troupe’s cause. Despite his small stature, Feitan’s sheer ferocity makes him one of the group’s most formidable fighters.

Feitan spent most of his time aboard the Black Whale retrieving his weapons from the storage locker, then searching the ship’s lower tiers for Hisoka with Nobunaga and Phinks. Hopefully, someone aboard the ship will give Feitan a reason to show off another Pain Packer attack, different from the miniature simulated Sun he used to destroy Zazan during the Chimera Ant arc.

Machi Komacine

Status: Active; Ability: Nen Stitches, Nen Thread

Machi is the third leg of the Spider, known for her quick thinking, loyalty, and her Nen threads, which can sew wounds or create deadly traps. She shares a complex relationship with Hisoka, whom she seems to tolerate, though she’s fiercely loyal to Chrollo and often expresses a desire to protect the Troupe. Machi is one of the most collected and rational members, though she’s capable of extreme violence if provoked.

Currently, Machi remains on the Black Whale alongside Chrollo and the other Troupe members. She’s aware of Hisoka’s vendetta and may be a high-priority target, given her close association with both him and Chrollo. Her tension with Hisoka hints that she may take a proactive stance in confronting him if their paths cross, potentially revealing more about her role and relationship within the Troupe.

Kalluto Zoldyck

Status: Active; Ability: Dance of the Serpents’ Bite, Surveillance Paper Dolls

Kalluto is the youngest member of the Zoldyck family and the sibling of Killua and Illumi. Although quiet and unassuming, Kalluto is a skilled assassin and possesses an exceptional level of Nen mastery for his age. Specializing in Manipulation and Conjuration, he uses a unique paper fan technique, which allows him to control paper in combat for attacks and surveillance.

Kalluto has already displayed skill and determination in combat, especially during the Troupe’s mission to exterminate the Chimera Ants. His true motive for joining is hinted to be connected to getting his brother back, but which brother remains to be seen. Currently, he’s aboard the Black Whale, searching for Hisoka alongside Illumi.

Phinks Magcub

Status: Active; Ability: Ripper Cyclotron

Phinks is one of the Troupe’s most physically powerful members, known for his quick temper and Nen ability, Ripper Cyclotron, which increases his attack power based on how many times he winds up his arm. Though impulsive and sometimes hot-headed, Phinks is deeply loyal to Chrollo and fiercely protective of his fellow Troupe members, willing to confront any threat to their safety.

On the Black Whale, Phinks is fully aware of Hisoka’s vendetta against the Troupe and searches for him alongside Feitan and Nobunaga. His strength and resilience make him a strong defender, especially in the chaotic environment of the Succession Contest. His hot-headed nature has already ruffled feathers among the various Mafia families aboard the ship, but he’s managed to discover a path to the upper tiers.

Franklin Bordeau

Status: Active; Ability: Double Machine Gun

Franklin’s bulky physique and intimidating Double Machine Gun ability, which lets him fire Nen bullets from his fingers, make him a powerful member of the Troupe. Although reserved and quiet, he holds deep loyalty to the group and has a straightforward personality that contrasts with some of his more chaotic comrades. He’s most often seen butting heads with Nobunaga.

When he first boards the Black Whale, Franklin has a run-in with one of the Mafia families over a table in the main banquet hall. After he moves to another table, he maintains a “wait and see” approach, believing that if Hisoka is determined to find and kill the Phantom Troupe, then searching for him is a wasted effort. It is also revealed that Franklin does not like small, confined spaces, which may explain an ulterior motive for not searching the cruise ship’s tight corridors.

Shizuku Murasaki

Status: Active; Ability: Blinky

Shizuku, the forgetful yet resourceful Troupe member, uses her vacuum Nen ability, Blinky, to clear away evidence and handle clean-up after bloody battles. While she may appear harmless, Shizuku is a loyal and ruthless Troupe member, ready to eliminate any threat. Her quick thinking and deductive reasoning are on full display during her iconic fight with the Chimera Ant, Pike.

Currently, Shizuku’s on the Black Whale, where her abilities aid in concealing the Troupe’s presence. Blinky doesn’t work well against Hisoka’s Bungee Gum, so Shizuku teams up with Chrollo and Bonolenov to search the ship together safely. She asks Chrollo to use Lovely Ghostwriter to tell her fortune again, which prompts the Boss’ realization that he no longer has that power in his book.

Pakunoda

Status: Deceased; Ability: Psychometry, Memory Bomb

Pakunoda was a Troupe member known for her unique Nen ability, which allowed her to read others’ memories through physical contact. Her loyalty to Chrollo and the Troupe ran deep, and she was instrumental in gathering intelligence during the Yorknew City arc. Pakunoda’s unwavering dedication to her leader and comrades made her choose self-sacrifice in order to reveal Kurapika’s identity to them.

Pakunoda’s death remains one of the most impactful losses for the Troupe. She sacrificed herself to protect Chrollo despite his philosophy that no one member is more important than the whole. Paku was one of the coldest and most calculating of the Spiders, but underneath her tough exterior, she cared deeply for her chosen family. Her death only strengthened the Phantom Troupe’s resolve to continue shaping the world in their wicked image.

Bonolenov Ndongo

Status: Active; Ability: Battle Cantable

Bonolenov, a quiet yet deadly Troupe member, hails from the Gyudondond tribe and uses his Battle Cantabile ability to create powerful sonic attacks through his unique body modifications. Though he often keeps to himself, Bonolenov’s abilities are versatile, making him a valuable asset in combat. His skills are especially effective in confined spaces, where his sonic powers can wreak havoc.

Currently, Bonolenov is on the Black Whale, where his skills could prove essential in the Troupe’s mission amidst the intense Succession War. He uses his Metamorphosen technique to change his appearance to that of Hisoka, reasoning that he will be able to gain access to the higher tiers. Once there, he discovers someone who appears to be the “real” Hisoka at a casino.

Uvogin

Status: Deceased; Ability: Big Bang Impact

Uvogin was one of the Troupe’s strongest members, known for his immense physical power and fierce loyalty to his comrades. Specializing in Enhancement-type Nen, he could deliver devastating blows that shattered steel and rock, making him the group’s heavy-hitter in battles. Though often reckless and thrill-seeking, Uvogin held a deep bond with fellow members, especially Nobunaga, with whom he shared a brotherly relationship.

Uvogin’s death at the hands of Kurapika during the Yorknew City arc was a pivotal moment for the Troupe, sparking the group’s brutal retaliation against Kurapika and his allies. Although he was the brute strength of the Troupe, Uvo displayed a high level of intellect and tried to outmaneuver his captors every step of the way. In the end, Uvogin served as a test subject for Kurapika’s Nen abilities and demonstrated how powerful and ruthless the young Kurta Clan member truly is.

Illumi Zoldyck

Status: Active; Ability: Body Alteration, Hypnotic Spell, Corpse Control, Needle People

Illumi, Killua’s older brother, is a skilled Manipulator and highly trained assassin from the infamous Zoldyck family. Known for his unsettling calmness and blank personality, Illumi holds a strong, possessive attachment to Killua, often interfering in his life to steer him back toward their family’s way of life. Illumi’s Nen abilities allow him to control people by implanting needles into them, giving him effective and frightening control over both combat situations and minds.

Illumi joins the Phantom Troupe at both Chrollo’s invitation and the request of Hisoka after his defeat at Heaven’s Arena. Illumi and Kalluto search for Hisoka on Tier 3 of the Black Whale, but are met with resistence by the Mafia, then have a run-in with the Zodiacs. It’s still unknown which side Illumi will choose when the Spiders and Hisoka finally come face to face.