Dragon Ball: Every Unique Saiyan Form, Explained

In this piece, you’ll find every exclusive Saiyan form as per the show’s main storyline. Therefore, any forms that debuted in Dragon Ball GT or Super Dragon Ball Heroes are not part of it.

One distinct feature of the Dragon Ball storyline lies in its focus on transformations. Frequently, crucial and significant events within the series are either triggered by or lead to a transformation, particularly in relation to the Saiyan main characters. As a result, these forms have become a vital part of the franchise’s essence.

Over the course of Dragon Ball Z, the typical sequence of transformations for Saiyans followed a consistent pattern after Goku achieved the original Super Saiyan form. Yet, in Dragon Ball Super, this pattern gradually evolved, with most key Saiyans developing unique transformations that showcased their distinctive abilities. Let’s examine each amazing form now.

The Ultimate Form Made Gohan The Strongest Warrior At The End of Z

User: Gohan

First Appearance Dragon Ball Z, Episode 262, “Unlucky Break”
Story Arc Buu Saga
  • This was Gohan’s most powerful state for the longest time.

Fight you? Nah, I wanna kill you!

Following the emergence of Super Buu, the heroes found themselves in a dire predicament as no one could match the lethal abilities of the antagonist. However, thanks to his time spent in Otherworld, Gohan experienced a massive power-up under Old Kai’s guidance, transforming him into the strongest Saiyan fans had witnessed thus far, surpassing even Super Saiyan 3 Goku in power. This was possible because of Gohan’s remarkable potential that lies dormant and unparalleled within him, and with his Ultimate transformation, all this hidden strength was released, making him stronger than ever before.

Super Saiyan 4 Had Been Kept A Secret Until The End Of the Daima Arc

User: Goku

First Appearance Dragon Ball Daima, Episode 18, “Awakening”
Story Arc Daima
  • The return of the best Super Saiyan form.

Now… to go even further beyond. Get a load of this!

In Dragon Ball Daima’s final episodes, the Super Saiyan 4 form was officially established as canon, though it had originally been introduced in Dragon Ball GT. Despite this, the origins of this power are largely mysterious. Although Goku’s first experience with Super Saiyan 4 came after receiving an energy boost from Neva, he later claimed to have previously unlocked it independently. It seems that, similar to its counterpart in GT, the Super Saiyan 4 form summons the immense power of a Great Ape while preserving the speed and might of a Saiyan.

Super Saiyan Rage Was Born From The Energy Of Many Living Beings

User: Future Trunks

First Appearance Dragon Ball Super, Episode 61, “Zamasu’s Ambition! The Storied ‘Project 0 Mortals’ of Terror!”
Story Arc Goku Black Arc
  • Future Trunks’ strongest form.

You say my choices make me evil?! Then that’s what I’ll be!

In simpler terms, the Super Saiyan Rage transformation appears mysteriously and took everyone by surprise. After being defeated by Goku Black and Zamasu, Future Trunks found an extraordinary form beyond his Super Saiyan 2 state. This new form was triggered by intense rage and matched the strength of both powerful villains simultaneously.

Usually, one might expect Super Saiyan 3 to follow Super Saiyan 2, but Trunks unlocked this powerful transformation instead. He also gained an additional boost to his power by absorbing energy from others, similar to a Spirit Bomb, which allowed him to cut open Merged Zamasu.

Super Saiyan Rosé Was One Of The Most Striking Transformations Ever

User: Goku Black

First Appearance Dragon Ball Super, Episode 56, “The Rematch With Goku Black! Enter Super Saiyan Rosé!”
Story Arc Goku Black Arc
  • An evil version of Super Saiyan Blue.

What do you think of it? Quite the color, huh?

In the Dragon Ball universe, Goku Black stands out as one of the most memorable villains due to his exceptional design, which is particularly evident when he transforms into his Super Saiyan Rosé form. As he had possessed Goku’s body, this transformation occurred when he became a Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan, or Super Saiyan Blue, while blending the God Ki with his own malevolent energy as an evil Kai. Essentially, it can be said that his Super Saiyan Rosé form represents Goku Black’s take on the Super Saiyan Blue transformation.

The Full Power Super Saiyan May Have The Greatest Strength Of Them All

User: Broly

First Appearance Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Story Arc Broly Arc
  • Fans still call this the Legendary Super Saiyan.

Look at this… Your battle power is astonishing!

In terms of innate ability, no Saiyan surpasses Broly’s extraordinary genetic talents, even though Gohan gets close. It’s important to mention that Broly had only fought Paragus and was prevented from unleashing his Super Saiyan form until then. During his first significant battles against Goku and Vegeta, the incredible potential in Broly became evident. He achieved a Full Power Super Saiyan state because of the immense power he wielded, but he couldn’t master controlling it. Nevertheless, in the manga, Broly has finally learned to control this power, making him one of Universe 7’s most powerful warriors.

Beast Is A Transformation That Brings Gohan To Ultra Instinct’s Level

User: Gohan

First Appearance Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
Story Arc Super Hero Arc
  • Gohan’s strongest state.

My goal is an ultimate form that no one has ever seen before!

Instead of just having one distinctive form, Gohan unveiled a long-awaited transformation that placed him on par with Goku and Vegeta. With Beast, he fully utilized his hybrid-Saiyan potential, enhancing his speed and strength to match their Divine Transformations. This fan-favorite character is now as vital to the storyline as he once was, even though this transformation isn’t entirely unique in its usage. Gohan now ranks among the Dragon Ball series’ most powerful characters.

Ultra Ego Is A Transformation That Grants The Powers Of A Destroyer

User: Vegeta

First Appearance Dragon Ball Super, Chapter 74, “Vegeta vs. Granolah”
Story Arc Granolah the Survivor Saga
  • Allows Vegeta to use the Energy of Destruction.

Kakarot’s body may have a mind of its own, but I’m all ego!

In the advent of Ultra Ego, “Dragon Ball” veered towards an extraordinary path as the novel forms catered to each character’s unique abilities and inclinations, rather than offering a uniform power-up. Initially, Vegeta aspired for Ultra Instinct; however, he eventually unlocked the distinctive signature technique of the Destroyer Gods, which synced perfectly with his combat style. Equipped with Ultra Ego, Vegeta amplified in strength every time he was struck and could harness the Energy of Destruction, much like the Destroyers who’s form he adopted.

Ultra Instinct Is The Greatest Martial Arts Technique In The Multiverse

User: Goku

First Appearance Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
Story Arc Beerus the Destroyer Arc
  • The legendary technique of the Angels.

Power comes in response to a need, not a desire. You have to create that need.

It’s widely believed that Ultra Instinct, a martial arts technique, holds the top position across all universes due to its association with the most powerful race known to exist. Remarkably, while accessible to anyone theoretically, the complexity of mastering it is such that not even the Gods of Destruction have managed to do so. However, Goku, renowned for his martial arts prowess, was able to tap into this form and exhibited remarkable control over it during the Tournament of Power.

Dragon Ball can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-08-26 21:53