The best Manhwa where the MC outsmarts his opponents

Key points

• Manhwa series feature intelligent protagonists who use their mind as a weapon, not brute force.
• These characters excel at outsmarting enemies and relying on intelligence rather than confrontation.
• The protagonists prefer to avoid fights, manipulate situations and accumulate power through cunning.

Manhwa Main characters they prefer to use intelligence rather than brawn they are hard to find. Since most of the currently running series are focused on Shonen demographics, there are a lot of “Battle Manhwa” out there, and in these series, the protagonists are all about scales of power and brutal martial prowess.

This list shows some of the best Manhwa featuring protagonists who use their mind as a weapon and prefer to outsmart their opponents or use other methods to avoid confrontations. Be that as it may, do not underestimate them, because among them there are some dangerous individuals.

7 The Knight of the Embers

His mind is the most dangerous weapon in the world

• Type: Action, Martial Arts, Drama, Adventure, Mild Fantasy, Revenge
• Author: Hwan Daeng
• Artists: Hwan Daeng

Nagyun from The Ember Knight is the perfect example of a main character whose only power is high intelligence, but that doesn't make him any less dangerous than all the superpowers roaming the world. From the mighty Generals of the Empire, to the Scions of the rebellious Dragons, even the strongest Knights have recognized Nagyun (known to them as Najin) for his ability to use his mind as a weapon.

This Manhwa series is a great read for anyone who loves incredible battles, but also great revenge plots. It features some of the best character development and detailed world building that intertwines with the plot on a deep level.

6 The sweet life of the reincarnation professional

A lazy genius dominates the markets and foils his enemies' plans

• Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical, Shounen, Isekai
• Author: Sooha song
• Artist: Ebipo

The Sweet Life Of The Reincarnation Pro is one of the first examples of a Manhwa series with a protagonist who lives a lazy, laid-back life and prefers others to do his dirty work for him.

He knows many indirect ways to gain respect from others and amass a great fortune by using past knowledge from his 101 past lives. In terms of Smart over Brawl, he is a true pro, using brute force as a last resort.

5 The lout of the count's family

An intelligent couch potato rules the North

• Type: Isekai, Drama, Comedy, Fantasy
• Author: Elegant (Yoo Ryeo Han)
• Artist: Elegant (Yoo Ryeo Han)

The Dirty Count's Family has one of the smartest protagonists in all of Isekai Manhwa, Cain Henituse. A person who is dedicated solely to gathering allies and protecting his family from future events, thanks to his knowledge of the novel in which he was reincarnated.

As such, he not only avoids combat at all costs, but has an army of magical creatures (which includes the baby black dragon Raon) to fight for him. Pretty smart guy.

4 Doctor Elisa

He's got the wits, he's got the looks

• Type: Isekai, Drama, Comedy, Romance
• Author: Mini
• Artist: Kidarient, Yui

Of all the genius female protagonists I've ever seen in Manhwa, Dr. Elise, the lady with the lamp is probably the smartest. She avoids all confrontations by masterfully mastering the art of deception and defeating her enemies by appearing weak and kind, but being cunning and a powerful player in the shadows.

This series is one of the most popular still running and even has its own anime adaptation, which varies slightly in both graphics and plot, but is still great to watch.

3 Reset the Lady

Don't try to outwit her, otherwise you will be dead

• Genres: Psychological Drama, Fantasy, Mature, Romance, Tragedy, Reincarnation
• Author: Baekwoo
• Artist: Cha Seo-Jin, Taegong

Resetting Lady is one of the few series that hooked me from the start. It has gorgeous graphics, an exciting story, and overall: one of the best female protagonists capable of some of the smartest powerplays in the drama genre.

It's a shame that this Manhwa hasn't received an official English translation yet, but for those who don't read Korean, an official translated version of the web novel is available. Unfortunately it only has 3 volumes.

2 Aren't the Lord's coins decreasing?!

Even though he has a lot of power, he prefers to outwit his opponents

• Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Mature, Reincarnation, Martial Arts
• Author: Hong Dae Eui
• Artist: Mokhyeon, Teurubereu

Aaron Steelguard is a cunning and powerful reincarnated nobleman who especially enjoys accumulating wealth, knowledge, and martial arts techniques. He could definitely take over the world if he wanted to, but his main goal is to get revenge on those who betrayed him in his past life.

He rarely uses his strength to do so, as he prefers to play with his targets, ruining them financially and exposing their sins to the world. In the one case where he decided to personally kill one of those who betrayed him, things became too complicated for him. So he kept a low profile and manipulated everything in the shadows, fighting only when necessary.

1 Talent Swallower Wizard

He started from nothing and used his intelligence to eat the world

• Type: Action, dark fantasy, comedy, school life, drama, sword and sorcery
• Author: Bread-eating squirrel
• Artists: Younggeun

Talent Swallowing Magician is all about cleverness rather than brawling, with an intense plot, deep world-building that weaves into the narrative seamlessly, and, most importantly: a main character who uses his privileged mind to overcome in outwit his rivals.

And although he wasn't as powerful and talented in the beginning as he is now, Elric Melvinger has always been a more cunning character. He prefers to avoid confrontation whenever possible, but is also willing to accept the challenge if any rival spellcaster dares to ridicule the Melvinger family name.