Summary
TheStar Trekuniverse is one of the most expansive in all science fiction. Since it first aired in 1966, the franchise has introduced a vast and ever-growing roster of unique species. Among the countless life forms scattered across the galaxy, a select few stand out for their impressive strength.
From genetically engineered reptilian soldiers to apex predators from Fluidic Space, these species should not be taken lightly. In this ranking, we’ll look at nine of the strongest species in theStar Trekfranchise, excluding god-like beings like the Q Continuum, the Prophets, and the Douwd.
9Romulan
“If Knowledge Is Power, Then To Be Unknown Is To Be Unconquerable”
The Romulans are one of the United Federation of Planets' oldest enemiesand long-lost descendants of the Vulcans, who left their homeworld after rejecting Surak’s philosophy of logic and peace. They eventually settled on Romulus, and over millennia, evolved into a distinct species with their own culture and identity.
Sharing a similar physiology to Vulcans, Romulans possess enhanced strength and muscle density. However, it’s suggested that the planet Romulus has slightly weaker gravity than Vulcan, which may explain why Romulans aren’t quite as physically strong as their biological counterparts. Despite not being as strong as Vulcans, Romulans are still superior in strength to humans and many other species in theStar TrekUniverse.
8Klingon
“Only A Fool Fights In A Burning House”
While Klingons aren’t the strongest species in theStar Trekuniverse, the average Klingon is still stronger than most humanoids, easily surpassing human physical strength. Due to their warrior culture and harsh planetary conditions, over thousands of years, the Klingons have evolved to become a strong and durable species, allowing them to conquer large portions of the Beta Quadrant.
One of the strongest Klingons seen on screen is Starfleet officer Worf. Worf has shown his strength time and time again-going hand-to-hand with Jem’Hadar, ragdolling other humanoid species with ease, and, at the age of 13, accidentally killing a human with a powerful headbutt. In the episode “Day of the Dove,” it’s shown that it takes multiple humans to restrain a fully grown, enraged Klingon.
7Vulcan
“Live Long And Prosper”
Due to the Vulcans' more peaceful and logical nature, they are often overlooked when discussing the strongest species. However, it’s been shown time and time again that Vulcans have immense levels of strength. Due to Vulcan’s increased gravity, the Vulcan species has much denser muscle fibers than other humanoid species.
EvenSpock, only half Vulcan, held his own against Human Augments, easily overpowered Kirk, and tossed a Romulan officer like it was nothing. In theDeep Space Nineepisode “Take Me Out to the Holosuite,” it’s stated that Vulcans have three times the strength of an average human.
6Human Augments
“I’ve Done Far Worse Than Kill You. I’ve Hurt You. And I Wish To Go On Hurting You”
Human Augments were a species of genetically altered humans created during the 20th century. Both in and out of the universe, it’s stated that Augments are at least three, maybe five, times stronger than normal humans, easily overpowering Klingons and even Vulcans in hand-to-hand combat.
In theOriginal Seriesepisode “Space Seed,” the Human Augment Khan effortlessly overpowers multiple crew members, including Spock. In the controversialStar Trek Into Darkness, he’s seen smashing through solid metal, taking down a squad of Klingons single-handedly, and crushing a human skull with his bare hands in a display of pure strength.
5Jem’Hadar
The Jem’Hadar were a reptilian-like humanoid race that weregenetically engineered to serve as the army for the Dominion. The Jem’Hadar were created in birthing chambers and hatcheries and were designed to have strength several times greater than humans. Their scaly skin provides them enhanced durability, brushing off stun phaser beams that would usually incapacitate most humanoid species.
InDeep Space Nine, the Jem’Hadar are shown to be incredibly strong - snapping a man’s neck with one hand, overpowering Klingons with ease, and tossing fully armored Starfleet officers around as if they were weightless. In the episode"By Inferno’s Light," Ikat’ika can be seen overpowering an injured Worf, one of the strongest Klingons, with relative ease.
4Hirogen
“The Way A Creature Behaves When It Is Wounded Is The Key To Its Destruction”
The Hirogen are one of the most underrated species inStar Trek, and perhaps the best hunters in the galaxy. Thanks to their physiology and hunting culture, the Hirogen have evolved to be one of the strongest and most durable species, even capable of surviving on Y-Class planets for a short period.
They have been consistently shown to overpower Starfleet crewsand have been able to take down Human Borg drones with relative ease. In theVoyagerepisode"The Killing Game," a Hirogen can be seen lifting and throwing an adult human across the room with one hand, showing just how strong they can be.
3Gorn
“I Weary Of The Chase. Wait For Me. I Shall Be Merciful And Quick”
The Gorn are a reptilian species best known for being one of the strongest alien races in theStar Trekuniverse. Thanks to their reptilian physiology, the Gorn, especially younger Gorns, are incredibly fast and agile, and it’s said that a single Gorn could take down a fully armed Starfleet landing party.
InStrange New Worlds, an adolescent Gorn appears to have wiped out most of the crew on the USS Pereginre, and in the episode"All Those Who Wander," even a freshly hatched Gorn is seen manhandling Starfleet officers and tearing through them with ease. The Gorn are also one of the most durable species, seen in the episode “Arena,” when Kirk rolls a massive boulder onto an adult Gorn, which would crush most humanoids, but it only stuns the Gorn captain.
2The Borg
“Resistance Is Futile”
While the Borg aren’t a species in the traditional sense, they’ve more than earned their place on this list. Made up of countless assimilated lifeforms, the Borg Collective is undeniably powerful, having assimilated nearly every species in the universe and this ranking, with the sole exception of Species 8472.
While most species are assimilated for their knowledge rather than brute strength, the Borg do enhance their drones with nanoprobes, improving their strength, durability, and stamina. Individual drones have been shown overpowering fully armed Starfleet officers, walking through phaser fire, and forcing open sealed bulkheads with pure strength.
1Species 8472
“In My Estimation, Species 8472 Posed A Greater Threat Than The Borg”
Hailing from an alternate dimension known as Fluidic Space, the species designated 8472 bythe Borg Collectiveare terrifyingly strong, and the only species the Borg genuinely fear. They’ve been seen effortlessly ragdolling Borg drones and even ripping open starship hulls with nothing but brute force.
Standing around three meters tall, Species 8472 is one of the largest life forms the Federation has ever encountered. In theVoyagerepisode"Prey," two Hirogen hunters take on a badly injured 8472, and still can’t overpower it head-on, a clear sign of just how strong these creatures are.
