Throughout its history, Dragon Ball has showcased numerous transformations, ranging from Super Saiyan to Ultra Instinct. These forms vary greatly, with some featuring subtle distinctions and being exclusive to particular characters. The Dragon Ball Super manga continues to unveil new transformations, hinting at an array of future forms awaiting Goku and his companions.
Twenty years ago, achieving the Super Saiyan form was the pinnacle of power. Today, it barely scratches the surface of a Saiyan's potential. While Goku was the trailblazer in attaining the highest levels of Super Saiyan in Dragon Ball lore, many other Saiyans and similar beings have since surpassed those milestones. What was once a monumental spectacle in Dragon Ball Z's narrative—Goku's ascent to Super Saiyan—has evolved dramatically over multiple decades. Now, with divergent timelines, there exist distinct lineages of Super Saiyan transformations.
Most Super Saiyan forms represent exponential increases in raw power and combat prowess. Their significance often lies not only in enhanced abilities but also in their visual impact, marking pivotal moments in battles against Goku's fiercest adversaries. To navigate this intricate hierarchy, both casual fans and seasoned viewers could benefit from a refresher on the various Super Saiyan levels, some of which may surprise in terms of their potency.
- False Super Saiyan
- First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug
-
Goku briefly taps into this form during a clash with Lord Slug. Unlike the traditional Super Saiyan, his hair doesn't turn yellow, but his pupils vanish, and his aura gains a golden hue. While powerful, this state is unsustainable.
-
Super Saiyan
- First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z, "Transformed at Last"
-
Iconic for its debut when Goku transforms after witnessing his friend's demise, the classic Super Saiyan features spiky yellow hair and a golden aura. This form laid the foundation for many subsequent Dragon Ball sagas.
-
Ascended Super Saiyan
- First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z, "Super Vegeta"
-
Similar to the base Super Saiyan but with increased muscle mass and wilder hair, achieved through intensive training. Vegeta notably employs this form against Semi-Perfect Cell.
-
Super Saiyan Third Grade
- First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z, "Trunks Ascends"
-
Known for its immense power increase, this form sacrifices speed due to muscular growth. Goku, Vegeta, and Cell identify its limitations during pivotal battles.
-
Super Saiyan Full Power
- First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z, "Meet Me in the Ring"
-
Goku realizes the efficiency of maintaining the original Super Saiyan form continuously. This approach minimizes energy consumption and emotional volatility, crucial during the Cell Saga.
-
Super Saiyan II
- First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z, "Cell Juniors Attack!"
-
Gohan achieves this form during the Cell Saga, characterized by longer hair and increased power and speed. Goku, Vegeta, Trunks, Kale, and Caulifla have also attained this level.
-
Legendary Super Saiyan
- First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan
-
Marked by enormous muscle growth and a distinctive green hair tint, this form's raw power rivals Super Saiyan II. Initially non-canonical, it gained canon status with Universe 6's Kale.
-
Berserker Super Saiyan
- First Appearance: Dragon Ball Super, "You're Our Tenth Warrior! Goku Approaches Frieza!!"
-
Kale taps into this form, resembling Broly's overwhelming power and losing control due to intense rage. It proves formidable even against Goku's Super Saiyan Blue.
-
Super Saiyan III
- First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z, "Super Saiyan 3?!"
-
Goku and Gotenks achieve this form, characterized by flowing blonde hair and heightened power. However, its energy consumption limits its duration.
-
Golden Great Ape
- First Appearance: Dragon Ball GT, "The Tail's Tale"
- A transformation from the Super Saiyan state while in Oozaru form, featuring golden fur and immense strength. No longer canon post-Dragon Ball Super.
These transformations exemplify the evolution of Saiyan power in Dragon Ball lore, from the foundational Super Saiyan to the extraordinary heights of Ultra Instinct and beyond. Each form not only enhances physical capabilities but also defines pivotal moments in the series' expansive narrative.