Shanks possesses immense mastery in the usage of Haki. There are three distinct types of Haki, all of which Shanks possesses: sensing others' spiritual energy to anticipate their movements, producing a protective coating of energy from one's own body, and overwhelming the willpower of others. Shanks is particularly skilled in the use of 'Haoshoku Haki', which allows him to control his own presence and even intimidate powerful creatures into fleeing. He can infuse this Haki into his body or weapons, notably his sword Gryphon, making his attacks incredibly potent. His Haki-imbued sword can even block powerful attacks, such as Akainu's magma-enhanced punch.