The world of Hunter x Hunter is filled with challenges, mysterious characters, and intense trials that test both physical strength and mental determination. One of the most memorable starting points in the story is the Hunter Exam, a dangerous selection process designed to identify individuals worthy of becoming professional Hunters. Among the many interesting details introduced during this arc is the number of participants who begin the exam. At the start of the exam featured in the series, there are 404 applicants. This number might seem like a simple statistic at first, but it actually highlights how competitive and risky the journey to becoming a Hunter truly is. As the exam progresses, viewers quickly realize that only a tiny fraction of these candidates will survive the brutal tests and move forward toward their dream.
The Importance of the Hunter Exam
The Hunter Exam is one of the central elements in the early part of the Hunter x Hunter story. It acts as a gateway into the larger world of Hunters, individuals who take on dangerous missions, explore unknown lands, track criminals, and search for rare treasures or creatures.
Because the profession offers incredible freedom and authority, the requirements for becoming a Hunter are extremely strict. Every year, hundreds of people attempt the exam, but only a few succeed. The group of 404 applicants in the exam arc represents the wide range of people who dream of gaining a Hunter license.
These applicants come from many different backgrounds. Some are experienced fighters, while others rely on intelligence or strategy. The exam is designed to challenge all of these qualities at once, ensuring that only the most capable individuals reach the end.
Who Are the 404 Applicants?
The number 404 refers to the total candidates registered at the beginning of the Hunter Exam seen in the series. This group includes both the main characters and hundreds of other hopeful participants. Many of these individuals appear only briefly, yet they contribute to the feeling that the exam is massive and unpredictable.
Among the 404 applicants are several characters who become very important to the story. Their personalities, motivations, and abilities help shape the tone of the entire arc.
Main Characters Among the Applicants
Several well-known characters are part of the 404 participants who start the exam. Each one joins for a different reason, which adds depth to the narrative.
- Gon Freecss – A cheerful and determined boy who wants to become a Hunter to understand why his father chose that path.
- Killua Zoldyck – A skilled fighter from a famous assassin family who enters the exam seeking freedom and excitement.
- Kurapika – A calm and intelligent applicant driven by the goal of avenging his destroyed clan.
- Leorio – A passionate candidate who dreams of becoming a doctor and believes the Hunter license will help him achieve that goal.
These four characters form the core group of the story during the Hunter Exam arc. Their friendship develops as they face the same dangerous challenges as the other applicants.
Notable Rival Applicants
While many of the 404 applicants remain background characters, a few stand out because of their strength or unusual personalities. These individuals create tension and competition throughout the exam.
One example is Hisoka, a mysterious and extremely powerful participant whose unpredictable behavior makes him both fascinating and terrifying. Another notable candidate is Illumi, whose calm and cold personality hides incredible skill.
The presence of these powerful competitors makes it clear that the Hunter Exam is not just a test of endurance but also a battle of survival.
The First Stage of the Exam
The early stage of the Hunter Exam immediately shows why starting with 404 applicants does not guarantee survival. The first phase requires participants to run a very long distance through underground tunnels and difficult terrain.
This test is designed to eliminate people who lack stamina or determination. As the run continues, many applicants begin to fall behind or collapse from exhaustion. The number of candidates quickly drops, demonstrating that only those with strong physical conditioning can continue.
The examiners observe carefully, watching how each participant reacts under pressure. Endurance, discipline, and mental focus all become important factors during this stage.
Why the Number 404 Matters
The fact that 404 applicants begin the exam highlights how selective the Hunter profession truly is. Even though hundreds of people attempt the exam, only a handful will eventually earn their license.
This large starting number creates several important effects in the story
- It shows how popular the Hunter profession is.
- It emphasizes the difficulty of the selection process.
- It creates a sense of scale for the competition.
- It allows many unique characters to appear, even briefly.
As the exam continues through multiple stages, viewers see the number shrink dramatically. By the end, only a few candidates remain, proving how demanding the process truly is.
Different Types of Applicants
The group of 404 applicants is not made up of identical competitors. Instead, it includes a wide range of personalities, abilities, and motivations. This variety makes the Hunter Exam arc engaging and unpredictable.
Experienced Fighters
Some participants are already skilled warriors before entering the exam. These applicants often rely on strength, combat techniques, or physical endurance. They tend to perform well in challenges that require power or survival skills.
Strategic Thinkers
Other applicants depend more on intelligence and planning. These candidates analyze situations carefully and look for creative ways to overcome obstacles. In certain exam stages, strategy becomes more important than raw strength.
Unpredictable Participants
There are also applicants whose motives or personalities make them difficult to understand. Some enter the exam for fame, excitement, or even darker reasons. Their actions often create unexpected situations that add tension to the story.
The Role of Competition and Cooperation
With 404 applicants competing for a limited number of Hunter licenses, rivalry becomes inevitable. Many candidates see each other as obstacles rather than allies. However, the exam occasionally rewards cooperation as well.
The main characters often help one another survive difficult situations, even when the rules encourage competition. This balance between rivalry and teamwork adds emotional depth to the arc.
It also highlights an important message within the story becoming a Hunter requires more than just strength. Qualities like loyalty, compassion, and trust can be just as valuable.
How the Exam Reduces the Numbers
Throughout the Hunter Exam, each stage eliminates a large portion of the applicants. Some candidates fail due to exhaustion, others make poor decisions, and a few are defeated in direct confrontations.
By the time later stages begin, the once massive group of 404 applicants has been reduced dramatically. This gradual reduction builds suspense because viewers never know exactly who will survive the next challenge.
The examiners intentionally design these tests to reveal the true nature of each participant. Strength alone is not enough to pass every stage, which makes the final results unpredictable.
The Lasting Impact of the 404 Applicants
Even though many of the 404 applicants appear only briefly, their presence plays an important role in shaping the Hunter Exam arc. They create the sense that the exam is a major global event attracting people from many different regions and backgrounds.
This large group also highlights the achievements of the characters who eventually pass the exam. Surviving a competition that begins with 404 determined applicants makes their success far more impressive.
For fans of Hunter x Hunter, the number has become a memorable detail that represents the scale and difficulty of the Hunter Exam. It reminds viewers that the path to becoming a Hunter is never easy, and that every candidate must prove their worth through courage, intelligence, and determination.
In the end, the story of the 404 applicants is not just about numbers. It reflects the beginning of a journey filled with challenges, friendships, and personal growth. From that large crowd of hopeful participants emerge a few unforgettable characters who will go on to shape the entire adventure.