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In my view, Dragon Ball remains one of the most legendary anime series ever produced. It’s famously recognized for a unique trait: when a character finds themselves in the tightest spot, they seemingly pull out a new power-up or transformation that can effortlessly annihilate their enemies. This isn’t exclusive to the main protagonist; it’s a common occurrence across the series. In Dragon Ball, there’s always an unexpected transformation waiting to be revealed when the chips are down.

As a diehard fan, I’ve got to say that the main character of Dragon Ball, Goku, has undergone an incredible array of transformations throughout the years. From Great Ape to Super Saiyan, each metamorphosis bestowed upon our legendary hero is not only unique but also comes with its own set of powers. However, it’s not every transformation that leaves a lasting impression – some Goku forms are simply more breathtaking and indelible than the rest! These transformations have left audiences gaping in amazement, their jaws dropping to the floor, and the impact they made on Dragon Ball is still felt today.

Originally posted on May 20, 2025, by Ajay Aravind: Goku is globally recognized as one of the most iconic fictional characters ever created. Throughout each version of the anime series, Goku has experienced various transformations. This article has been revised to provide additional pertinent details.

First Appeared: Dragon Ball Episode 1 (“The Secret Of The Dragon Balls”)

He’s a kid who’s eleven years old. Despite being naturally strong, training under Master Roshi allowed him to reach even greater heights. Consequently, Goku spends most of his time in the base form across each Dragon Ball series, which is his original state. However, it’s worth noting that this form represents his minimum power level. In crucial battles, Goku typically shifts out of this form to assume a much more potent form instead.

While it may not be his most powerful form, there’s no denying that Goku’s base form stands out and is instantly recognizable, even among those who haven’t watched any Dragon Ball content. Despite being a stepping stone to some incredible anime transformations, in terms of appearance, Goku’s base form is unquestionably the most iconic on this list.

First Appeared: Dragon Ball Z Episode 223 (“Next Up Goku”)

One significant milestone in Dragon Ball Z lore is when Gohan transforms into a Super Saiyan 2. In this state, he easily outmatches Cell, but surprisingly, even Cell attains a similar Super Saiyan 2 form before their battle concludes. Consequently, by the time Goku adopts this form, it had lost its novelty. Goku uses this form sparingly, employing it only once in a genuine fight against Majin Vegeta.

Without Vegeta knowing, by the point Goku was able to turn into Super Saiyan 2, he had previously activated the power of Super Saiyan 3, making the latter form essentially outdated for him. Although Goku occasionally uses Super Saiyan 2, it’s primarily a tool he employs to estimate another character’s strength. In essence, the Super Saiyan 2 form is not one that stands out as particularly significant in Goku’s transformations.

First Appeared: Dragon Ball GT Episode 33 (“The Tail’s Tale”)

The Golden Ape, or Golden Oozaru as some call it, predominantly appears in Dragon Ball GT. This form is first mentioned by Vegeta when he discusses the Legendary Super Saiyan from Saiyan folklore in Dragon Ball Z. It seems that the Golden Ape transformation could be the advanced version of the Great Ape, and it has the potential to cause massive destruction. Although Baby Vegeta’s Golden Ape transformation is widely recognized, Goku’s was equally significant.

Transforming into the Golden Great Ape occurs when Goku gazes upon a fully illuminated Earth or moon. At first, this transformation left him with minimal control, leading to widespread chaos and destruction. However, it was only through Pan’s assistance in restoring his consciousness that he mastered this potent form, effectively taking charge of it. The Golden Great Ape harkens back to the era prior to Super Saiyan transformations.

First Appeared: Dragon Ball Episode 12 (“A Wish To The Eternal Dragon”)

In Dragon Ball, Goku undergoes his initial transformation into a colossal Ape form, an event happening just a dozen episodes into the series. This metamorphosis occurs when Goku’s tail is exposed to moonlight. Once transformed, Great Ape Goku becomes a monstrous and unruly entity with strength tenfold compared to his normal self. It’s also worth noting that in Dragon Ball GT: Perfect File, it’s suggested that the Saiyan race evolved from Great Apes after gaining intelligence.

In comparison to the mighty Great Ape form, Goku struggles to keep his actions in check. That’s why he usually avoids turning into a Great Ape, unlike his counterpart Vegeta who can do so. Interestingly, for Saiyans, transformation into this form requires having a tail – a feature that Goku lacks since he doesn’t have one regrown. So as long as Goku chooses not to grow his tail back, this powerful form will continue to lay dormant.

First Appeared: Dragon Ball GT Episode 34 (“Back In The Game”)

Dragon Ball GT often receives criticism from fans due to multiple factors. However, one aspect that’s truly impressive is Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 form, which is undeniably one of the most striking elements to emerge from the series. Unlike his previous transformations, Goku’s hair remains as black as ever, but a thick coat of red fur covers his entire body instead. What’s more, Goku transitions from his childlike appearance to his adult form, and this transformation is accompanied by an exceptionally cool, gravelly voice.

Initially, Super Saiyan 4 emerged during Goku’s fight against Baby. Later on, Vegeta and Gogeta were able to achieve this transformation too. However, what was somewhat disappointing about Super Saiyan 4 Goku was that it wasn’t established as part of the main storyline, despite numerous requests from Dragon Ball fans for its comeback. This long-awaited wish came true in Dragon Ball Daima. Moreover, Super Saiyan 4 Goku has been given significant focus in the Super Dragon Ball Heroes anime series.

First Appeared: Dragon Ball Z: Battle Of The Gods

It might be the most challenging state for a Saiyan to attain, but it granted him an equal match against Beerus, the renowned God of Destruction. This feat is only possible due to the unified power of pure-hearted Saiyans. In this form, Goku’s strength verges on shattering the very fabric of existence. In fact, a single transformation irrevocably elevates a Saiyan beyond all previous constraints.

The Super Saiyan God form seldom appears following the initial battle against Beerus. It’s often surpassed by the Super Saiyan Blue transformation due to the first two arcs of Dragon Ball Super initially being movies. However, Goku revived this form towards the end of Dragon Ball Super, and it was also introduced for Vegeta in the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie.

First Appeared: Dragon Ball Super Episode 110 (“Goku Enkindled! The Awakened One’s New Ultra Instinct!”)

In simpler terms, Ultra Instinct -Sign- is one of Goku’s strongest transformations. Just like his regular and Super Saiyan 4 forms, Goku’s hair stays black but gets a bit spiky in this state. Despite some fans getting tired of the numerous transformations, others were thrilled when Goku introduced this form halfway through the Tournament of Power.

Obtaining this state requires surpassing personal boundaries, and it grants Goku the ability to employ the Autonomous Ultra Instinct skill. Throughout the Tournament of Power, Goku utilized this form of Ultra Instinct, even using it to defeat Kefla, a potent Saiyan fusion. Yet, despite its use, it seems less legendary compared to other transformations mentioned in this list.

First Appeared: Dragon Ball Super Manga Chapter 85 (“To Each His Own Answer”)

Following the Tournament of Power, Goku found it difficult to activate Ultra Instinct spontaneously, which would have significantly improved his battle against Broly. During the Galactic Patrol Prisoner arc, Goku managed to access his Ultra Instinct -Sign- state freely, and later his Perfected Ultra Instinct form. However, even with these advancements, Goku continued to grapple with effectively blending Ultra Instinct into his regular combat technique.

It wasn’t until Goku heard his father’s voice and Bardock’s speech during their battle against Gas that he truly understood the significance of feelings and the drive to succeed. By tapping into his Ultra Instinct -Sign- ability, Goku managed to attain Pure Ultra Instinct, granting him both the powers of Ultra Instinct combined with the determination strengthened by his Saiyan emotions. To date, Pure Ultra Instinct is the most powerful form that Goku has achieved.

First Appeared: Dragon Ball Z Episode 29 (“Lesson Number One”)

The Kaio-ken technique, invented by King Kai, changes a user’s aura to red and amplifies their power by a specific factor. However, this form puts immense stress on the fighter’s body, particularly if they struggle to regulate their ki flow. Goku utilized this method during his renowned beam battle with Vegeta in the Saiyan Saga. Unlike many other transformations, the price it exacts makes every fight that incorporates it even more awe-inspiring.

After doubling his power using Kaio-Ken against Frieza, Goku primarily switched to his Super Saiyan form. Yet, there were instances later where he combined Kaio-Ken with his Super Saiyan forms, such as the Super Saiyan Blue Kaio-Ken seen in “Super Dragon Ball Heroes”. This form is also obtained by Vegito in the same series.

First Appeared: Dragon Ball Z Episode 245 (“Super Saiyan 3?!”)

The incredible transformation of Super Saiyan 3, harnessing the maximum potential within a Saiyan warrior’s blood, was so powerful it shook an entire planet to its core. This is when Goku’s transformations took on an extraordinary, almost comical dimension. A storm of electricity envelops his body, his eyebrows disappear, and his hair extends to reach his waist. However, attaining Super Saiyan 3 demands a grueling training routine, as demonstrated by Goku’s Other World journey.

Among all his transformations, Super Saiyan 3 stands out as Goku’s most extravagant to date, making it a fan favorite due to its impressive appearance. This transformation marked the beginning of Goku constantly seeking a new form in each arc or two. The first time Goku transformed into Super Saiyan 3 is still one of the most unforgettable moments during the Buu Saga.

2025-05-21 22:59