The Saiyan race from the Dragon Ball franchise is renowned for its incredible power and ability to transform into increasingly potent forms. From the primal Great Ape to the god-like Ultra Instinct, each transformation represents a significant leap in power and a unique visual change. This article will explore and rank the ultimate forms of the most prominent Saiyans, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact on the Dragon Ball universe.
Goku’s Ultimate Transformations
Mastered Ultra Instinct
Goku’s Mastered Ultra Instinct form is arguably his most powerful transformation to date. This form is the pinnacle of the Ultra Instinct technique, where Goku’s body moves and reacts on its own, without conscious thought. In this state, Goku’s hair turns completely silver, and his aura becomes more stable. This allows him to fight much more effectively, dodging attacks effortlessly and unleashing devastating counterblows. Mastered Ultra Instinct is not just about power but also about the perfect synchronization of mind and body. It has been said that even Angels like Whis are permanently in a similar state, which they can switch off at will.
True Ultra Instinct
True Ultra Instinct is a more recent evolution of the form, achieved by Goku by incorporating his Saiyan emotions and willpower into the Ultra Instinct state. This transformation allowed him to defeat Gas in the Granolah Arc. Unlike previous forms that felt somewhat detached from his personality, True Ultra Instinct is a technique developed by Goku, making it uniquely his own and showcasing his growth as a character. It’s a powerful blend of the calm, reactive nature of Ultra Instinct with the raw power and passion of a Saiyan warrior.
Super Saiyan Forms
While Goku has achieved many Super Saiyan forms, including Super Saiyan 3, which was once his most powerful form in Dragon Ball Z, it is now considered impractical due to its enormous ki drain. He has also used Super Saiyan Blue with the Kaioken technique, which multiplies his power further but severely strains his body. The original Super Saiyan form is considered the most practical form overall.
Vegeta’s Ultimate Transformations
Ultra Ego
Ultra Ego is Vegeta’s answer to Goku’s Ultra Instinct, a transformation that aligns with his character’s pride and Saiyan heritage. Achieved through training with Beerus, the God of Destruction, Ultra Ego allows Vegeta to tap into the power of destruction, similar to the Gods of Destruction. In this form, Vegeta becomes more powerful as he takes damage. His power is fueled by his intense emotions and lust for battle, making him a formidable opponent. However, the form has limitations and can drain his stamina.
Super Saiyan Blue Evolved
Super Saiyan Blue Evolved is another powerful transformation unique to Vegeta. It’s an ascended variant of Super Saiyan Blue that he unlocked during the Tournament of Power. It is stronger than the regular Super Saiyan Blue form and gives Vegeta a unique hue and aura. This transformation was a result of Vegeta pushing his body to its limits, fueled by his desire to protect his loved ones. It showcases Vegeta’s ability to carve his own path, separate from Goku’s.
Super Saiyan 4
Although non-canonical, Super Saiyan 4 is one of Vegeta’s most visually striking and powerful forms. This form combines the power of a Super Saiyan with the Great Ape transformation, giving him red fur, a tail, and a drastically different look. It is considered to be very powerful. While it hasn’t been seen in Dragon Ball Super, it remains a fan favorite and a symbol of Vegeta’s raw, untamed power.
Gohan’s Ultimate Transformations
Beast Gohan
Beast Gohan is Gohan’s most recent and strongest transformation. It is said to be an evolution of his “Potential Unleashed” state. This form was unlocked when Gohan witnessed Piccolo seemingly die. The rage and determination fueled the deepest part of his energy. In this state, Gohan’s hair turns white and stands up, accompanied by crackling lightning, proving to be the strongest in the galaxy.
Ultimate Gohan
Also known as Mystic Gohan or Potential Unleashed, this form was achieved through training with the Elder Kai. It’s a state where Gohan’s latent potential is unlocked. Ultimate Gohan is more powerful than the base Super Saiyan or Super Saiyan 2 forms. He rarely needs to transform into a Super Saiyan while in this state. This form was initially unnamed in the manga/anime but was later officially named “Ultimate Gohan” in Dragon Ball Super.
Broly’s Ultimate Transformations
God Broly
God Broly is perhaps the strongest form Broly has ever displayed. This transformation appears in a non-canon 4-D ride at Universal Studios Japan. In this form, he is so overwhelmingly strong that even the combined might of Goku and Vegeta in Super Saiyan Blue form is not enough to stop him. This form is mostly unexplained, but it’s speculated that it results from Broly tapping into God Ki. It is believed that this form sacrifices some of his sanity for power.
Full Power Super Saiyan
Also known as Legendary Super Saiyan, Full Power Super Saiyan is Broly’s equivalent of the Legendary Super Saiyan form seen in the Dragon Ball Z movies. In this form, Broly’s power grows continuously as he fights. This forces even Gogeta to transform into Super Saiyan Blue. Broly’s unique genes and immense power make him a force to be reckoned with.
Other Notable Saiyan Transformations
Legendary Super Saiyan
The Legendary Super Saiyan form is often associated with Broly but has also been achieved by other Saiyans like Kale. This form is characterized by a berserker state, where the user’s power grows indefinitely, but their judgment is clouded. The form is fueled by intense negative emotions like hatred, anger, or sorrow. The user becomes a rage-fueled monster, and it is a difficult transformation to control.
Super Saiyan Second Grade
Super Saiyan Second Grade is a form Vegeta and Trunks achieved in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber during the Cell Saga. It is an enhancement of the regular Super Saiyan form. While powerful at the time, it sacrifices speed for raw power.
Great Ape (Oozaru)
The Great Ape form is a primal transformation that all Saiyans with a tail can achieve by absorbing Blutz Waves, often by looking at a full moon. In this state, the Saiyan transforms into a giant ape. It is a form that grants a tenfold increase in power, but the user loses control. Gohan’s Great Ape form was also particularly powerful when he was a child.
Ranking the Transformations
Ranking these ultimate forms is challenging, as power levels in Dragon Ball are always evolving. However, based on the available information, here’s a general ranking:
- Mastered Ultra Instinct (Goku): The pinnacle of the Ultra Instinct technique, providing unparalleled power, speed, and reaction time.
- True Ultra Instinct (Goku): A uniquely developed form that merges the calm of Ultra Instinct with Goku’s Saiyan emotions.
- Beast Gohan (Gohan): An evolved state that allows Gohan to reach unparalleled power, surpassing even his Ultimate form.
- God Broly (Broly): Overwhelming power that even SSJBlue Goku and Vegeta can’t stop.
- Ultra Ego (Vegeta): A form that taps into destructive power. It is strengthened by damage taken.
- Full Power Super Saiyan (Broly): An uncontrollable form with rapidly growing power.
- Super Saiyan Blue Evolved (Vegeta): A powerful form that is a step above the regular Super Saiyan Blue, showing Vegeta’s unique growth.
- Ultimate Gohan (Gohan): A powerful form that unlocked Gohan’s latent potential, making him a formidable fighter.
- Super Saiyan 4 (Vegeta/Goku): A non-canonical yet extremely powerful and visually striking form.
- Legendary Super Saiyan (Broly/Kale): A berserk form that grants immense power but sacrifices control.
- Super Saiyan Second Grade (Vegeta/Trunks): An enhancement of Super Saiyan that sacrifices speed for raw power.
- Super Saiyan Blue with Kaioken (Goku): A powerful but risky technique that enhances power but strains the body.
- Super Saiyan 3 (Goku): A powerful form with enormous ki drain.
- Great Ape (Various Saiyans): A primal transformation that grants immense power at the cost of control.
Conclusion
The Saiyans of Dragon Ball are constantly pushing their limits, achieving new forms that showcase their incredible potential. From the raw power of the Great Ape to the godly heights of Ultra Instinct, each transformation is a testament to their warrior spirit. While the ranking may shift with future developments in the series, this list provides a comprehensive overview of the ultimate forms achieved by the most iconic Saiyans.
