Nen Types & Hatsu in Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Complete guide to all six Nen types and individual Hatsu techniques — every character's Nen ability explained. Updated 2026.
What is Nen?
Nen is a technique for controlling life energy (aura) that flows naturally through all living things. In Hunter x Hunter, Nen is the foundation of all advanced combat — those who cannot use Nen are invisible to Nen users in battle and can be killed without realizing why. Learning Nen requires first opening the body's aura pores, either gradually through training or traumatically through a forced "baptism" (being flooded with another user's Nen).
Every Nen user has a natural affinity for one of six types, determined by a water divination test. Using one's natural type is most efficient; adjacent types on the hexagon are next; opposite types are hardest to learn. Beyond the type, each fighter develops a personal Hatsu — a unique technique that reflects their personality. The stronger the restriction (rule or oath imposed on the ability), the more powerful the Hatsu becomes.
Nen Types (The Six Categories)
Conjurer
Conjurers manifest real physical objects from their Nen. Conjured objects have real mass and properties and persist until dismissed. They tend to be nervous and high-strung. Notable Conjurers: Kurapika (chains), Shizuku (Blinky the vacuum), Neon Nostrade.
Emitter
Emitters fire or project Nen away from their body, maintaining its properties at a distance. They tend to be impatient and short-tempered. Notable Emitters: Leorio Paradinight (medical punch), Razor, Franklin (Phantom Troupe).
Enhancer
Enhancers strengthen their own physical abilities — strength, speed, and toughness — to their absolute limit. The most straightforward Nen type in combat. Notable Enhancers: Gon Freecss, Uvogin (Phantom Troupe), Rammot.
Manipulator
Manipulators control other living things or objects using Nen. The degree of control depends on their rules and conditions. They tend to be logical and methodical. Notable Manipulators: Illumi Zoldyck (needles), Nobunaga (En), Morel Mackernasey.
Specialist
Specialists have unique Nen abilities that do not fit any other category. Specialist abilities are often the most powerful and unpredictable. Notable Specialists: Chrollo Lucilfer (Skill Hunter — steals others' abilities), Kurapika in Emperor Time mode, Neon Nostrade (prophecy).
Transmuter
Transmuters alter the properties of their Nen, making it behave like electricity, rubber, or any other substance. They tend to be whimsical and dishonest. Notable Transmuters: Killua Zoldyck (lightning), Hisoka (gum/rubber), Zeno Zoldyck (dragon shapes).
Hatsu (Individual Nen Techniques)
Bungee Gum
Hisoka's Hatsu — his Nen has the properties of both rubber and gum simultaneously. He can attach it to himself or others to pull, push, retract, or bind. The name was deliberately chosen to confuse (bungee cord is elastic; bubblegum is sticky). Used in all his major fights.
Emperor Time
Kurapika's Hatsu that activates when his Scarlet Eyes appear (when angered by the Phantom Troupe). In Emperor Time, Kurapika gains 100% efficiency in ALL Nen types simultaneously — normally impossible. The cost: one hour of Emperor Time = one hour of his lifespan.
Godspeed
Killua's advanced Hatsu using lightning Nen. Godspeed has two components: Speed of Lightning (reflexes automatically dodge at electrical speed) and Whirlwind (body movements become automatic). Killua moves faster than conscious thought can process. First used against Youpi.
Jajanken
Gon's Rock-Paper-Scissors Nen technique. Rock (Ja) is an Enhancer attack concentrating all Nen into a fist. Scissors (Jan) is a two-finger Transmutation blade of compressed Nen. Paper (Ken) is an Emission-based Nen blast. The charge time varies — Rock takes the longest.
Judgment Chain
Kurapika's Conjured chain with a stake. He inserts it into a target's heart and sets a rule — if they break it, the stake pierces their heart and kills them. He used it to prevent Chrollo from using his Nen and to force Uvogin into confessing before killing him.
Skill Hunter
Chrollo Lucilfer's Specialist Hatsu — a book (Bandit's Secret) that steals other people's Nen abilities. Requirements: seeing the ability with both eyes, the target touching the book cover, and asking Chrollo a question he answers correctly within one hour. Stolen abilities persist until Chrollo opens the book or dies.