The Nine Titans defined Attack on Titan’s power structure. Each grants unique abilities to its holder. Let’s examine every shifter and their capabilities.
The Founding Titan
Primary Ability
Total control over all Eldians and Titans
- Can alter Eldian bodies and memories
- Commands Pure Titans
- Connects to all Subjects of Ymir through PATHS
Known Users
- Ymir Fritz (original)
- Fritz/Reiss Royal bloodline
- Grisha Yeager (briefly)
- Eren Yeager
Limitations
Without royal blood, full power is inaccessible. Eren required Zeke’s royal blood contact to use it fully.
The Attack Titan
Primary Ability
See future inheritors’ memories
- Grants vision of future holders’ experiences
- Can influence past holders through memory transmission
- Represents “freedom”—always advances forward
Known Users
- Eren Kruger
- Grisha Yeager
- Eren Yeager
Combat Stats
15-meter class, balanced fighter. No special combat abilities beyond standard Titan powers.
The Colossal Titan
Primary Ability
Nuclear-level transformation explosion
- 60-meter height—largest non-Founding Titan
- Transformation creates devastating explosion
- Can control steam emission defensively
- Nearly impossible to kill conventionally
Known Users
- Bertholdt Hoover
- Armin Arlert
Weaknesses
Slow movement, high energy consumption, vulnerable nape at standard position.
The Female Titan
Primary Abilities
Versatility and mimicry
- Can harden skin selectively
- Attracts Pure Titans with scream
- Copies abilities from consumed shifter spinal fluid
- Superior speed and endurance
Known User
- Annie Leonhart
The Armored Titan
Primary Ability
Hardened armor plating
- Nearly impenetrable skin
- Enhanced charging attacks
- Can shed armor for speed boost
Known User
- Reiner Braun
Weaknesses
Armor has gaps (joints); Thunder Spears can pierce it.
The Beast Titan
Primary Ability
Animal form + ranged combat
- Form varies by user (Zeke’s is ape-like)
- Extreme throwing accuracy and power
- Can create and command Pure Titans (with royal blood)
Known Users
- Tom Ksaver (sheep form)
- Zeke Yeager (ape form)
The Jaw Titan
Primary Ability
Hardened teeth and claws
- Smallest shifter (5 meters)
- Fastest Titan
- Jaws can crush anything—even other Titan hardening
Known Users
- Marcel Galliard
- Ymir (Survey Corps)
- Porco Galliard
- Falco Grice (with avian features)
The Cart Titan
Primary Ability
Extreme endurance and support capability
- Quadrupedal form for cargo transport
- Can stay transformed for months
- Carries weapon platforms and supplies
Known User
- Pieck Finger
The War Hammer Titan
Primary Ability
Create weapons from hardened material
- Forms any weapon imaginable from Titan crystal
- Remote operation—user can be outside Titan body
- Crystal is extremely durable
Known Users
- Tybur family
- Lara Tybur
- Eren Yeager (consumed)
Power Rankings
- Founding Titan: God-tier with full access
- Attack Titan: Future sight makes it strategically unbeatable
- Colossal Titan: Mass destruction capability
- War Hammer Titan: Versatility and remote operation
- Beast Titan: With royal blood, extremely dangerous
- Female Titan: Jack of all trades
- Armored Titan: Pure defense
- Jaw Titan: Speed glass cannon
- Cart Titan: Support role
The 13-Year Curse
All shifters die 13 years after inheriting their Titan—the “Curse of Ymir.” Only way to extend life is passing the Titan on.
Related: Attack on Titan Timeline: Complete Story Explained