From Weakest to Strongest Saiyajin: Ranking Goku's Super Saiyan Transformations In Dragon Balls Series

Known for his incredible strength and power, as well as his ability to transform into different states, it has been a major part of his journey as a Saiyan warrior.

In this article, we will rank all Goku's Super Saiyan transformations, from the weakest to the strongest.

For those who are unfamiliar with the series, the Super Saiyan transformation is triggered by an intense emotion or pressure, and provides the Saiyajin with a deeper level of power and intensity.

The transformation is characterized by Son Goku's golden hair and glowing aura, and has evolved throughout the Dragon Ball franchise.

So join us as we dive into each of these powerful transformations, and see just how far Goku has come on his journey to become the strongest warrior in the universe.

Base Goku - Our Saiyan’s Incredible Raw Power

Base Goku

As fans of the series, we followed Goku’s adventures as a Saiyan with a mission to conquer Earth, but he lost his memories in the process.

And it is safe to say that even without any transformations, Goku is still an incredibly strong and powerful character.

In his base form, he can train extensively and reach impressive levels of strength and power. He is also able to harness and control his ki, or life force energy, which he uses to perform various techniques and attacks.

In short, while Goku's transformations may enhance his strength and power, he is still a formidable force to be reckoned with even in his base form.

Kaioken: The Transformative Technique of Goku's Afterlife Training

Goku Kaioken

While training in the afterlife with King Kai, Goku gained access to the formidable Kaioken technique.This transformative ability allows the user to temporarily increase their strength and speed by drawing upon their life force energy (generally known as ki.)

By channeling this energy and focusing it on their physical abilities, the user can enhance their attacks and surpass their normal limits.

The Kaioken is a highly effective tool in battle, but it also puts a great strain on the user's body, so it must be used with caution.

Goku initially learned the Kaioken from King Kai and used it to defeat the powerful Saiyan warrior Raditz.He later employed the technique in his battles against Vegeta, Frieza, and other formidable opponents, and with practice and training, he was able to master the Kaioken and use it more effectively and efficiently without affecting his life force extensively.

The Iconic Transformation: A Look at Goku's Super Saiyan 1 Form

Goku Super Saiyan 1

 

Goku's first state of Super Saiyan transformation is triggered by intense emotion or stress, and it allows him to tap into a deeper level of power and strength.


The transformation is characterized by golden hair and green eyes, and it represents a significant increase in Goku's fighting capabilities.

Goku first achieved this transformation during his battle with Frieza on Namek, after Frieza killed Krillin and triggered a powerful emotive response in Goku.

From that point on, the Super Saiyan transformation became an integral part of Goku's arsenal, and he used it to defeat many powerful opponents throughout the series.

Super Saiyan 2 Evolution: The Next Step in Goku's Transformation

Super Saiyan 2 Evolution

The Super Saiyan 2 transformation represents the next step in Goku's journey with his awe-inspiring transformations.


This evolution of the Super Saiyan form is characterized by an even greater increase in strength and power, as well as a change in the appearance of the aura.


Goku first achieved this transformation during his training in the afterlife, and he later used it in the battle against powerful opponents on the following lists.

  • Cell: During the Cell Games, Goku used his Super Saiyan 2 transformation to defeat Cell, the genetically engineered android who was threatening the world.
  • Majin Buu: After being revived by the Dragon Balls, Goku trained hard to ultimately use his Super Saiyan 2 transformation to fight Majin Buu, the evil being who had terrorized the universe.

These are just a few examples of the opponents that Goku defeated using his Super Saiyan 2 transformation. It is a powerful and valuable tool in his arsenal, and it has played a crucial role in many of his battles. 

As he continues to face new and powerful challenges, it will be interesting to see how the Super Saiyan 2 transformation evolves and plays a part in Goku's journey.

Super Saiyan 3: Just The Tip Of Goku's Strength

Goku Super Saiyan 3

The Super Saiyan 2 and Super Saiyan 3 transformations are both advanced forms of the Super Saiyan transformation, and they represent significant increases in strength and power. 

The main difference between the two transformations is the level of power and strength that they provide. The Super Saiyan 2 transformation is characterized by a golden aura and an increase in muscle mass, and it represents a significant increase in strength and power. 

The Super Saiyan 3 transformation, on the other hand, is characterized by an even greater increase in potency and might, as well as a change in the appearance of the aura. It is a formidable and impressive state, and it allows the user to tap into a level of power that is beyond their normal limitations.

But, it’s not without any cons. Gaining a tremendous amount of power that can shake the cosmos comes with a bit of a catch.

One of the main drawbacks of the Super Saiyan 3 transformation is the strain that it puts on the user's body. 

The transformation requires a tremendous amount of energy, and it can be physically and mentally exhausting for the user. As a result, it is not a form that can be sustained for long periods, and it must be used sparingly. 

Despite these flaws, the Super Saiyan 3 transformation remains a valuable means in Goku's arsenal, and he has used it to defeat many powerful opponents throughout the series.

The Ultimate Super Saiyan Transformation: The Unmatched Power of Goku's Super Saiyan 4 Form

Goku Super Saiyan 4

The Super Saiyan 4 transformation is widely considered to be one of the most powerful states in the Dragon Ball series, and it made its highly anticipated debut in the Dragon Ball GT. 

Despite its initial appearance in a non-canon series, the Super Saiyan 4 transformation has made frequent impressions in video games and merchandise, cementing its place as a fan favorite. 

To unlock this form, Goku had to first regain his Saiyan tail with the help of Old Kai, Sugoro, and Shusugoro. This allowed him to transform into a Golden Oozaru, a form that is powered by the full moon and grants the user a massive leap in strength. 

However, Goku initially struggled to control this form due to its primal nature.

But with a bit of some training, Goku was able to gain control of his Golden Oozaru form and complete his ascent to Super Saiyan 4. 

This transformation is characterized by Goku's physical appearance undergoing several changes. 

His hair becomes longer and thicker. His eyes also become golden in color, and his skin is then covered in red fur. 

Complimenting one of these physical changes, the Super Saiyan 4 transformation is also indicated by its increase in muscle mass and an overall more muscular and toned appearance. 

The Super Saiyan 4 transformation also grants the user not only a huge outburst of strength but also a greater level of control over his abilities, allowing them to better harness and utilize their strength in battle. 

In addition to it, Son Goku also gains an impressive amount of power, wherein it enables him to use one of his signature moves in an upgraded form, the 10x Kamehameha– that truly represents it being one of the peaks of his Super Saiyan mode.

Super Saiyan Red: The Legendary Super Saiyan God State

Super Saiyan Red - Super Saiyan God

The Super Saiyan God transformation is the ultimate form among the legendary warrior race, the Saiyans. It is a state of being that grants the recipient godly powers and significantly increases their strength. 

A group of six Saiyans with pure hearts performs the Super Saiyan God ritual in the Dragon Ball Super anime to change another Saiyan into a Super Saiyan God. The metamorphosis provides the recipient with heavenly powers and dramatically improves their strength.

The other Saiyans perform the ceremony by placing their hands on the recipient's back, pouring their ki into them, and uttering a unique incantation. The recipient's eyes turn a vivid red color and their hair turns crimson after the change is finished, signaling the Saiyan’s new godly powers.

The Super Saiyan God form is considered to be the strongest form a Saiyan can achieve, and it is revered as a legend among the Saiyan race.

Goku’s Super Saiyan Blue Transformation (SSGSS)

Goku Super Saiyan Blue

The Super Saiyan Blue transformation is an advanced version of the SSG that Goku and Vegeta achieved through the Super Saiyan God ritual. 

To transform into a Super Saiyan Blue, a Saiyan must first have achieved the Super Saiyan God form and then mastered the power of the form, allowing them to access its full potential.

In the anime, Goku attained the Super Saiyan Blue form while training with Vegeta under the Guide Angel Attendant of Universe 7's God of Destruction, Whis. 

The Super Saiyan Blue form grants the user godly powers and significantly increases their strength, speed, and durability.

The Super Saiyan Blue transformation is the result of a mortal, such as Goku or Vegeta, combining the power of the first Super Saiyan form with the godly ki of a Super Saiyan God. 

This results in a cyan-blue aura and a brighter shade of blue hair. The transformation grants the user godly powers and significantly increases their strength, speed, and durability.

Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken: Applying Principles of Kaioken and SSBSS

Goku Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken

In the Dragon Ball Super anime, Goku's Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken is a technique in which he combines the SSBSS transformation with the Kaioken technique, as a trump card against an eventual rematch with Beerus, the God of Destruction. 

The Kaioken is a powerful method that Goku learned from King Kai, which allows him to increase his power level significantly by multiplying it.

To use the Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken, Goku first transforms into a Super Saiyan Blue, and then he uses the Kaioken to multiply his power level even further. 

This results in a significant increase in his strength and speed, but it also puts a great strain on his body, as the Kaioken requires a high level of base energy to maintain.

Ultra Instinct Omen: The Gateway To True Ultra Instinct

Goku Ultra Instinct Omen

 

Goku's Ultra Instinct Omen is a form that he achieved during the "Universe Survival" arc of the Dragon Ball Super anime. 

It is an incomplete version of the Ultra Instinct transformation, which is a state of being that allows a person to automatically react to any situation without thinking, giving them almost instant reflexes.

To achieve the Ultra Instinct Omen form, Goku must tap into the Ultra Instinct power that lies dormant within all living beings. This power is incredibly difficult to access, as it requires the user to let go of all ego and preconceptions and simply let their body move on its own.

The form grants him godly powers and significantly increases his strength and speed, but it also puts a great strain on his body, as it is an incomplete version.

Goku has used the Ultra Instinct Omen form on several occasions, including in his battle against Kefla and Jiren in the "Tournament of Power" arc of the Dragon Ball Super anime.

Goku’s Perfected Ultra Instinct: The Most Powerful Form

Goku Perfected Ultra Instinct

 

Ultra Instinct is a state of being that allows the user to tap into their full potential and instinctively react to any situation without having to think– a way more complete version of his previous state. 

It is an incredibly difficult technique to master, as it requires the user to let go of their ego and preconceptions and simply let their body move on its own. 

Even gods like the Hakaishin find it difficult to access this state. However, some angels, such as Whis, have mastered Ultra Instinct and can access it at will. As a result, Ultra Instinct is often referred to as the "state of the gods."

In the Dragon Ball series, Ultra Instinct is most commonly associated with Son Goku, and it is his most powerful form. When Goku accesses Ultra Instinct, he undergoes a transformation that significantly increases his strength, speed, and durability. 

The transformation is considered to be even more powerful than the Super Saiyan Blue form, and it allows Goku to effortlessly dodge attacks and counter his opponents, instantaneously. 

Despite this, other gods, such as Beerus, recognize the transformation and have even used it themselves, suggesting that it may not be unique to Goku.