Thirteen-year-old Hunter Steele, a resident of the Outer World, discovers the subterranean realm of Arachna guided by his grandfather Digger Steele's journal. An artifact attaches itself to his wrist, opening a portal within a pyramid that transports him to Arachna, where he encounters giant talking spiders and human warriors called Spider Riders. Hunter possesses green eyes and red hair, usually wearing a white headband adorned with four green gems. His civilian outfit is a bluish-white t-shirt under an open red vest, dark blue jean shorts with lighter blue trim, white socks, and brown shoes. His Spider Rider battle armor is blue, featuring a red orb on the chest, blue shoulder pads, white gloves, blue pants, and white boots.

Hunter exhibits determination and bravery alongside laziness, stubbornness, and impulsiveness. He frequently complains about missions or participates out of boredom rather than commitment. His initial partnership with the battle spider Shadow is fraught with conflict due to Hunter's cluelessness and Shadow's prideful desire for solitude. Their dynamic shifts from mutual distrust to a deep partnership when Hunter realizes collaboration is essential during a duel against Igneous and his spider Flame. This marks the start of Hunter's maturation, leading him to consider moral decisions and the need to protect Arachna.

A prophecy upon his arrival suggests an Earthen could bring salvation or destruction to Arachna. This uncertainty drives Hunter to prove his worth by defending humans against the insectoid Invectids. Key events accelerate his development: forming friendships like Corona, the first human he meets; encountering the warrior Magma and aiding his quest to find his spider's lost sister; and protecting villages from Invectid attacks. Hunter demonstrates growing leadership by volunteering for missions, such as aiding the Kingdom of Nuuma despite initial reluctance from others. His perspective on the war broadens after meeting Invectids like Grasshop and Katydid, who reveal not all Invectids are inherently evil, prompting Hunter to advocate for peace negotiations.

Hunter's combat abilities progress significantly. Starting with basic Spider Rider armor and an Axial Pike, he gains enhanced powers through Oracle Keys. The first key enlarges his left shoulder pad, enabling web-based "Electra Twist" attacks. A second key transforms his right shoulder pad, providing a larger shield, a long sword, non-flying wings, and the "Blue Bolt" attack. Additional keys further modify his armor, adding retractable wings and four metallic spider legs, unlocking the "Blue Wave" attack. These powers activate only in genuine danger or through intense focus, tied to his emotional state and resolve.

His relationship with Corona deepens, featuring subtle hints of romantic affection. He admires her spirit and draws calm from her image during battles, though he remains too shy to express his feelings. Other key relationships include mentorship under Prince Lumen, rivalry-turned-respect with Igneous, alliance with the reformed Grasshop, and encounters with legendary figures like the Lost Mariner and Quake, the latter revealing critical truths about the Invectids' history.

Hunter's arc culminates during the confrontation with Mantid, leader of the Invectids. Infiltrating Mantid's citadel, Hunter learns the Invectids lost their sunlight a century prior and initially sympathizes. Quake intervenes, exposing Mantid as the cause of the sunlight loss and revealing Mantid is an Earthen like Hunter. Despite Mantid's monstrous transformation, Hunter prepares a final attack. At the decisive moment, the Spirit Oracle appears, prompting Hunter to recall his core belief in protecting all life. He spares Mantid, offering reconciliation instead of vengeance. This act fulfills the prophecy as Arachna's salvation, demonstrating Hunter's evolution from a self-centered boy to a compassionate leader committed to peace.