Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE Guide | How to Use Shadow Monarch

Here’s how you can go into the Shadow Monarch mode in Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE.

Game Guide by Joyramen on Dec 01, 2025

The Shadow Monarch ability in Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE is one of the strongest transformations available to Sung Jinwoo.

Unfortunately, it doesn't unlock immediately at the start of the game. To access it, you'll need to progress through the main story up until it becomes available through the missions.

Once it's unlocked, it only becomes usable where Sung Jinwoo is the main character that is being controlled. Missions that switch to other Hunters will not give you access to the transformation.

When you are in combat, a special bar will appear at the bottom of the screen, marked with a purple icon. It fills up as Sung Jinwoo fights enemies.

Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE, How to Use Shadow Monarch, PC, Screenshot, Gameplay, NoobFeed

Once it reaches full charge, you will be able to do the transformation by pressing L1 + R1 (or equivalent), triggering the transformation instantly.

When it's activated, your form will send out a burst of energy, causing damage to nearby enemies. Your AOE is strong enough to clear surrounding mobs effortlessly, which is ideal, especially when it comes to difficult encounters.

The transformation also has you unlocking special abilities stronger than your usual attacks.

Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE, How to Use Shadow Monarch, PC, Screenshot, Gameplay, NoobFeed

Whilst you are in the Shadow Monarch mode, you will have this cool levitating mobility feature that lets you glide across the map by holding X (controller equivalent) close, allowing you to reposition quickly.

You will also have the ability to fire special arrow-like projectiles, adding another cool aspect to the transformation.

You can use the transformation to clear enemies first, take on bosses, and enjoy the cool battle animations. Its combination of burst damage and abilities, as well as movement, makes it one of the enjoyable features in the game once it's unlocked.

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