The Mightiest Hands: Ranking Every Character Who Wielded Stormbreaker in the MCU

Stormbreaker, forged in the heart of a dying star, is more than just a weapon; it's a symbol of immense power, a devastating instrument of cosmic force, and a testament to the might of those who dare to wield it. Unlike Mjolnir, Stormbreaker carries no worthiness enchantment, meaning that raw strength and the ability to endure its immense power are the sole prerequisites for its mastery.

While only a select few have ever grasped its handle, their encounters with this legendary axe-hammer have left an indelible mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Let's delve into the fascinating roster of characters who have held Stormbreaker and rank them by the sheer strength they displayed.

Our journey begins with a character whose contribution was utterly selfless and foundational: Groot.

During the harrowing creation of Stormbreaker on Nidavellir, as the last remaining forge cooled and Thor's life hung in the balance, Groot, without hesitation, sacrificed his arm to form the handle for the still-molten axe-head. While he didn't wield it in combat, his act of incredible self-sacrifice and his biological composition allowed the weapon to become whole.

This required a unique form of 'strength' – the resilience of his wood-like physiology to contain such a potent cosmic force, making him an indirect, yet vital, wielder.

Next, we ascend to a figure who shocked audiences with his ability to wield two of Asgard's greatest weapons simultaneously: Captain America.

In the climactic battle against Thanos during Avengers: Endgame, Steve Rogers proved his unyielding spirit and immense physical fortitude by not only wielding Mjolnir but also briefly taking up Stormbreaker. He used both powerful weapons in a breathtaking display against the Mad Titan, showcasing an incredible, almost superhuman, level of strength and resilience.

While he may not possess the inherent cosmic power of Thor, his ability to handle Stormbreaker alongside Mjolnir speaks volumes about his sheer willpower and physical prowess, elevating him beyond mortal limitations when the fate of the universe hangs in the balance.

Before we reach the ultimate wielder, we must acknowledge a moment of terrifying power when Stormbreaker fell into the wrong hands.

Thanos, the Mad Titan himself, briefly managed to seize Stormbreaker from Thor during their brutal confrontation in Wakanda. In a shocking display of raw, unparalleled physical might, Thanos overpowered Thor and used the axe-hammer to gravely wound him. This instance underscores that Stormbreaker, while powerful, is ultimately a tool.

In the hands of someone with Thanos's strength, cunning, and ruthlessness, it becomes an even more devastating force, used against its rightful owner. His ability to disarm Thor and wield it, albeit briefly, cemented his place as one of the strongest beings in the universe.

Finally, there can be only one true master of Stormbreaker: Thor, the God of Thunder.

Stormbreaker was forged for him, by him (with the help of Eitri and Groot), specifically to replace his shattered Mjolnir and empower him to face Thanos. Thor wields Stormbreaker with an unparalleled synergy, leveraging his divine strength, control over lightning, and millennia of combat experience.

He uses it to channel his cosmic power, summon the Bifrost, and devastatingly cut through even the most formidable foes. His inherent god-like strength, combined with his deep connection to the weapon, makes him the most potent and effective wielder. When Stormbreaker is in Thor's hands, it is not just an axe-hammer; it is an extension of his own thunderous power, making him the strongest and most deserving character to wield this legendary weapon.

From Groot's sacrificial act to Thor's godly mastery, Stormbreaker has been a central figure in some of the MCU's most iconic moments.

Each character who has laid hands on it has contributed to its legend, demonstrating that whether through resilience, willpower, raw power, or divine right, the mightiest tools truly belong to the mightiest hands.