For years, Dragon Ball fans have wondered if there’s more to the multiverse than we were told. Ever since the Tournament of Power introduced twelve universes, a question has quietly followed what happened to Universe 13? It was never shown, never mentioned, and yet the idea of a “lost universe” has become one of the biggest mysteries in Dragon Ball’s entire history.
Could it be that Akira Toriyama once planned something bigger something that was erased long before Goku ever met Beerus? Let’s dive into the fan theories, clues, and possible truths about the hidden Universe 13, and why it might hold the key to Dragon Ball’s future.
The Multiverse as We Know It
In Dragon Ball Super, the concept of twelve universes changed everything we knew about the series. Each universe has its own God of Destruction, Supreme Kai, and Angel, creating a massive cosmic balance. Zeno, the Omni-King, sits above them all, controlling existence itself.
But even in that perfect structure, something feels missing. The universes were presented as twelve paired dimensions for example, Universe 6 and Universe 7 mirror each other. So, mathematically, everything seems complete. Yet, many fans believe Toriyama originally had a thirteenth universe in mind a realm erased before the story began.
The Mystery of the Erased Universes
During the Tournament of Power, it was revealed that Zeno erased several universes in the past for being “too chaotic.” This single line opened the door for endless speculation. How many universes were truly destroyed? Could Universe 13 have been one of them?
Fans noticed something interesting in the official Dragon Ball Super guidebooks. In early drafts, there were references to “other universes” that didn’t make it into the final story. While nothing confirmed the number 13 directly, these notes suggested Toriyama had ideas beyond the twelve-universe system.
Many believe Universe 13 could have been an ancient realm of warlike Saiyans, corrupted gods, or even failed angels a universe so dangerous that Zeno had no choice but to erase it.
The Theory of the Forbidden Universe
One of the most popular theories among fans is that Universe 13 was the original home of the Saiyan gods beings who mastered both creation and destruction. Unlike Universe 6 and 7’s Saiyans, these ancient warriors might have reached divine power naturally, without needing transformations.
Their leader, some say, rivaled Zeno himself. This being could have challenged the Omni-King, leading to a war across reality. The result? Zeno erased their universe completely, leaving behind no survivors or records.
Some even think Yamoshi, the original Super Saiyan God, came from this lost universe. If true, then the entire Saiyan race might have fragments of divine DNA that survived the destruction of Universe 13.
Hidden Clues in Dragon Ball Super
Toriyama loved hiding small mysteries in plain sight. In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Beerus mentions “destroying planets that annoyed him,” but he never explained whether he acted on his own orders or on Zeno’s command. Some fans see this as a hint that Beerus could have helped wipe out a universe in the past possibly Universe 13.
Another clue lies in Dragon Ball Heroes, the non-canon spin-off anime. While not officially part of Toriyama’s main timeline, Heroes features alternate universes and gods who break the rules of existence. There’s even mention of “forbidden timelines” and “shadow realms,” which many fans interpret as a nod to the mysterious 13th universe that the creator never revealed.
Could Universe 13 Return?
Here’s where things get exciting. With Akira Toriyama’s passing and Dragon Ball Daima serving as his final original story, the future of Dragon Ball rests in new creative hands. Toyotarou and Toei Animation have the freedom to explore deeper lore.
Many fans believe that Universe 13’s returnnor discoveryncould be the perfect way to expand the multiverse again. Imagine a story where Goku, Vegeta, and even Beerus discover an energy signature that doesn’t belong to any known universe. What if the erased gods of Universe 13 are coming back for revenge, bringing divine chaos with them?
It would open the door for new transformations, ancient Saiyan legends, and a power level beyond even the angels.
The Symbolism of “13” in Dragon Ball
Interestingly, the number 13 carries deep symbolism in Japanese storytelling. It’s often associated with misfortune, forbidden power, or imbalance exactly the kind of mystery that fits Dragon Ball’s cosmic tone. Toriyama might have intentionally avoided the number in official canon, keeping it as a “mythical concept” rather than a visible reality.
Still, the fact that fans continue to discuss it decades later proves that Universe 13 has become more than a rumor it’s now part of Dragon Ball’s legend.
If Universe 13 Existed… What Would It Look Like?
Imagine a place where time itself moves differently. Angels fallen from grace, gods stripped of divinity, and warriors who use Destruction Ki and Creation Ki together. Maybe the beings of Universe 13 were experimenting with powers that broke the laws of existence.
In this dark realm, even Zeno’s energy couldn’t reach completely. Perhaps some survivors escaped the erasure waiting in the void between universes for their chance to return.
A future Dragon Ball series could easily pick up this concept. Goku and Vegeta, now masters of divine power, could finally face a threat that isn’t from their world—or even their reality.
Conclusion
Whether Universe 13 ever existed or not, the idea represents everything fans love about Dragon Ball mystery, endless possibility, and untold power. Akira Toriyama may never have confirmed it, but that’s what makes it magical.
Universe 13 isn’t just a missing number in the multiverse it’s a symbol of the unknown, a door left open for future creators to explore.
Maybe, just maybe, the day will come when the Dragon Balls reveal the truth about the universe that time itself forgot.
