The Dragon Ball series has always been about growth, training, and reaching new levels of strength. From the early days of Dragon Ball Z to the latest arcs in Dragon Ball Super, Saiyans have shown the ability to transform into new forms that push the limits of power. Each transformation not only changes their appearance but also boosts their fighting abilities to incredible levels. This guide explains every Saiyan transformation, how it works, and what the power levels look like across the franchise.
Great Ape (Oozaru)
The first true Saiyan transformation is the Great Ape, also known as Oozaru. A Saiyan with a tail can transform into a massive ape when looking at the full moon. This form increases their power by ten times compared to their base form. Goku used this in the early Dragon Ball Z days before losing his tail, and Vegeta also transformed during his battle with Goku on Earth. While the power increase is huge, the Saiyan often loses control, which makes it dangerous.
Super Saiyan
Super Saiyan is the most iconic transformation in Dragon Ball history. Goku first unlocked this form against Frieza on Planet Namek. The transformation multiplies a Saiyan’s power by about 50 times their base strength. With golden hair, green eyes, and a glowing aura, Super Saiyan became the foundation for all future transformations. Vegeta, Gohan, Trunks, and Goten later reached this form as well.
Super Saiyan 2
Super Saiyan 2 is the upgraded version of the first form. It was first shown when Gohan fought Cell during the Cell Games. This form doubles the strength of Super Saiyan, making it around 100 times stronger than base. Lightning sparks appear around the aura, and the energy feels much sharper and more explosive. Goku and Vegeta later mastered this form too, but Gohan’s debut is still considered one of the best moments in Dragon Ball.
Super Saiyan 3
Super Saiyan 3 is one of the flashiest but also most energy-draining forms. Goku unlocked it during his fight with Majin Buu. The form multiplies a Saiyan’s base strength by about 400 times, giving them long golden hair that reaches down the back and no eyebrows. While extremely powerful, it burns stamina very quickly, which makes it less practical in long battles. Gotenks also used this form during the Buu Saga.
Super Saiyan 4 (Dragon Ball GT)
Super Saiyan 4 is unique to Dragon Ball GT and does not appear in the main Dragon Ball Super timeline. To unlock this form, a Saiyan needs to transform into a Golden Great Ape and then regain control. The result is a humanoid form with red fur, black hair, and yellow eyes. This form is said to multiply power several thousand times above base, making it stronger than Super Saiyan 3. Goku and Vegeta both achieved Super Saiyan 4, and when fused, they created the powerful Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta.
Super Saiyan God
Dragon Ball Super introduced the Super Saiyan God form. It is achieved through a ritual involving five other Saiyans channeling their energy into one warrior. Goku unlocked this power during his fight with Beerus, the God of Destruction. In this form, Goku becomes slimmer, with red hair and a fiery aura. While no clear multiplier is given, it is much stronger than any previous form. The god ki it grants also allows the Saiyan to sense divine energy.
Super Saiyan Blue (Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan)
The next step is Super Saiyan Blue, or Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan. This combines the god ki of Super Saiyan God with the raw strength of Super Saiyan. Goku and Vegeta both mastered this form through training with Whis. The transformation has blue hair and aura, and its power is far beyond even Super Saiyan God. Fans estimate the multiplier to be in the tens of thousands above base.
Ultra Instinct (Goku)
Ultra Instinct is not exactly a Saiyan transformation, but it is Goku’s most advanced state. This form allows the body to react without thought, making his movements almost impossible to predict. Goku first tapped into Ultra Instinct during the Tournament of Power against Jiren. The silver hair and glowing white aura represent his complete mastery. Ultra Instinct pushes Goku far beyond mortal limits, though it requires intense focus and drains stamina heavily.
Ultra Ego (Vegeta)
In contrast to Goku’s Ultra Instinct, Vegeta developed Ultra Ego under the training of Beerus. This form thrives on destruction and grows stronger the more damage Vegeta takes. His hair turns purple, and his aura radiates raw destructive power. Unlike Ultra Instinct, which is about defense and dodging, Ultra Ego is about overwhelming offense. Its true limits are still unknown, but it is one of Vegeta’s strongest powers in Dragon Ball Super.
Super Saiyan 4 Goku (Dragon Ball Daima)
Super Saiyan 4 has always been one of the most unique Saiyan forms because it combines primal power with Saiyan evolution. Originally introduced in Dragon Ball GT, the form was not canon for a long time, but Dragon Ball Daima has reimagined it in a new way for Goku.
In this form, Goku taps into his Saiyan instincts by regaining his tail and channeling the Great Ape’s raw energy into a controlled humanoid form. His hair turns black with a red tint, his eyes gain a golden glare, and his body is covered in red fur. Unlike earlier transformations that rely purely on increasing ki, Super Saiyan 4 balances speed, strength, and stamina, making it one of the most complete Saiyan states.
While Dragon Ball Daima hasn’t officially confirmed exact power levels, Super Saiyan 4 Goku is portrayed as being stronger than Super Saiyan Blue in terms of raw energy output but with less divine ki control. This makes it a transformation that bridges the gap between mortal Saiyan power and god-level techniques like Ultra Instinct.
Final Thoughts
Saiyan transformations are one of the main reasons Dragon Ball has stayed exciting for so long. From the primal power of the Great Ape to the divine energy of Super Saiyan God and the limitless instincts of Ultra Instinct, each new form raises the stakes. Goku and Vegeta continue to explore new heights, and fans always look forward to the next big transformation. With Dragon Ball’s future still open, there may be even stronger Saiyan forms waiting to be revealed.
Must Read : Dragon Ball Watch Order Guide (Z, GT, Kai, Super, Movies)
