All Of Goku's Forms In Dragon Ball, Ranked By Impact

Dragon Ball is widely regarded as one of the most iconic anime series of all time. One of the most notable aspects of the series is the constant introduction of new power-ups and transformations for its characters, which often prove crucial in defeating their enemies during pivotal battles. This trend has become a hallmark of the franchise, ensuring that viewers can always expect something new and exciting from Dragon Ball.

Throughout the years, the lead character of Dragon Ball, Goku, has undergone numerous transformations, ranging from Great Ape to Super Saiyan. Although each of these forms serves a purpose, some of Goku's transformations are undoubtedly more impressive and memorable than others, often leaving viewers amazed and having a significant impact on the Dragon Ball series as a whole.

13.Base Goku

In most of the Dragon Ball series, Goku spends most of his time in his base form, which is his natural state. However, this form is considered to be his weakest in terms of power. During critical battles, Goku often abandons his base form and transforms into a more powerful form. Despite this, he still remains a formidable opponent even in his base form.

Goku's base form is undoubtedly the most recognizable due to its iconic appearance. The unique shape and black color of Goku's hair make it instantly recognizable, even to individuals who have never watched any Dragon Ball content.

12.Super Saiyan 2

The transformation of Gohan into a Super Saiyan 2 is considered to be one of the most memorable moments in Dragon Ball Z. However, by the time Goku achieved this form, it had already become a common occurrence. Goku only utilizes the Super Saiyan 2 form during one significant battle against Majin Vegeta.

Vegeta was unaware that Goku had already surpassed the Super Saiyan 2 form and had unlocked the even more powerful Super Saiyan 3 transformation. As a result, the Super Saiyan 2 form became outdated for Goku. Although he occasionally utilizes the Super Saiyan 2 form, it is mainly used as a way for Goku to assess the strength of his opponents.

11.Golden Great Ape

The Golden Great Ape transformation was exclusively introduced in Dragon Ball GT. Although Baby Vegeta's Golden Great Ape transformation is more well-known, Goku's transformation was also significant. Goku could achieve the Golden Great Ape form by gazing at the full moon or a full Earth.

Initially, Goku had limited control over this form, causing destruction and chaos wherever he went. However, with the help of Pan, he regained his composure, allowing him to unlock the legendary Super Saiyan 4 form. The Golden Great Ape transformation harkens back to the pre-Super Saiyan era of transformations, making it a unique and interesting addition to the series.

10. Great Ape 

Goku's first transformation in Dragon Ball was into the Great Ape, which occurred around twelve episodes into the series. When Goku's tail is exposed to the light of a Full Moon, he transforms into a massive and uncontrollable Ape with ten times his normal strength, causing widespread destruction.

Although the Great Ape form is a formidable power, Goku is unable to control himself in this state. This is the reason why Goku does not intentionally transform into a Great Ape like his rival, Vegeta. Since a Saiyan can only transform by using their tail, this form will remain inaccessible to Goku as long as he chooses not to regrow his tail.

9.Super Saiyan 4

Although Dragon Ball GT receives criticism from fans for various reasons, Goku's Super Saiyan 4 form is undeniably one of the coolest additions to the series. Unlike any other transformation that Goku has undergone up to that point, his hair remains jet black while a crimson coat of fur covers his body. Additionally, Goku's appearance changes from a child to an adult, and he gains a more rough and edgy voice, making the transformation even more impactful.One disappointing aspect of Super Saiyan 4 Goku is that it is no longer considered canon, despite the pleas from the Dragon Ball community to reintroduce it. Nevertheless, Super Saiyan 4 Goku remains popular and has received considerable attention through the Super Dragon Ball Heroes anime web series.

8.Super Saiyan God

Goku's Super Saiyan God form is a highly challenging transformation for a Saiyan to attain. This form allowed Goku to match the strength of Beerus, the legendary God of Destruction. Achieving this form requires the unification of pure-hearted Saiyans. Goku's incredible power in this form is strong enough to bend reality to its limits. This transformation offers permanent empowerment to a Saiyan, surpassing all prior limitations.Although the Super Saiyan God form was briefly showcased in the first two arcs of Dragon Ball Super, it was overshadowed by the Super Saiyan Blue transformation due to the arcs being originally released as movies. Goku reintroduces this form in the later part of Dragon Ball Super, and Vegeta also showcases this transformation in the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie.

7.Ultra Instinct

Ultra Instinct -Sign- is a highly potent form that Goku possesses. This form was introduced during the Tournament of Power, and it has generated mixed reactions from fans. While some have grown weary of the constant unveiling of new transformations, others were thrilled when Goku first used this form.

Goku relied on Ultra Instinct -Sign- for the remainder of the Tournament of Power, using it to defeat the formidable Saiyan fusion Kefla. Despite later mastering Ultra Instinct, Goku continues to use this form, and it ultimately paved the way for the creation of the True Ultra Instinct form.

6.True Ultra Instinct

Following the Tournament of Power, Goku struggled to access Ultra Instinct voluntarily, which hindered his ability to defeat Broly effortlessly. However, while training with Merus in the Galactic Patrol Prisoner arc, Goku achieved the ability to use Ultra Instinct -Sign- form at will. Subsequently, he managed to access his Perfected Ultra Instinct form as well.

Despite being able to use Ultra Instinct at will, Goku continued to face challenges while trying to integrate it into his fighting style in the Granolah The Survivor arc. However, during a crucial moment in his fight against Gas, Goku heard his father's voice and was inspired by Bardock's words about the significance of emotions and the will to succeed. By tapping into his Ultra Instinct -Sign- form and utilizing the power of his Saiyan emotions, Goku achieved the True Ultra Instinct form, which combines the benefits of Ultra Instinct with his strengthened willpower.

5.Kaio-Ken

The Kaio-Ken technique is a powerful technique that amplifies the user's power by a certain factor, but it comes with a significant strain on the body. Goku first used this technique in his famous beam struggle against Vegeta in the Saiyan Saga, and the cost of the technique makes each fight all the more intense.

After mastering the Kaio-Ken technique up to a multiplier of x20 in his battle against Frieza, Goku primarily relied on his Super Saiyan form and eventually retired the use of Kaio-Ken. However, there were instances later on where Goku used Kaio-Ken in combination with his Super Saiyan transformations, most notably his Super Saiyan Blue Kaio-Ken form.

4.Super Saiyan 3

Super Saiyan 3 is a transformation that had a significant impact on the planet when Goku first achieved it. This transformation marked a turning point for Goku's forms, as they became increasingly over-the-top. When Goku transforms into Super Saiyan 3, he is surrounded by lightning, his eyebrows disappear, and his hair grows all the way down to his waist.

Despite its absurd appearance, Super Saiyan 3 remains one of Goku's most beloved transformations, largely due to its sheer power and intimidating appearance. This transformation also set the trend of Goku seeking out a new form every arc or two, and the moment when he first transformed into Super Saiyan 3 is often considered the most memorable moment of the entire Buu Saga.

3.Super Saiyan Blue

Super Saiyan Blue, also known as Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan, is a relatively straightforward transformation compared to other high-level forms. Its appearance is similar to that of the Super Saiyan transformation, but with blue hair. Goku first used this transformation against Golden Frieza, and it quickly became the signature transformation of the Dragon Ball Super series.

While some Dragon Ball fans believe that Goku's transformations should have followed the design of Super Saiyan 3 and Super Saiyan 4, others consider Super Saiyan Blue to be the ultimate form. This modern transformation is simple yet powerful, and it has become a fan favorite in the Dragon Ball series. In fact, many fans believe that no other form of Goku can match the coolness and prominence of Super Saiyan Blue.

2.Perfected Ultra Instinct

During the Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Super, Goku first accessed Ultra Instinct. However, his initial form of Ultra Instinct, known as Ultra Instinct -Sign-, was flawed and unable to match Jiren's immense power. As the tournament progressed, Goku was able to master Ultra Instinct and achieve its completed form, which is also known as Perfected or Mastered Ultra Instinct.

Perfected Ultra Instinct is still the peak of Goku's power and allowed him to defeat Jiren and later Moro. Although Goku has since favored the True Ultra Instinct form, he can still shift to Perfected Ultra Instinct at a moment's notice when needed.

1. Super Saiyan

Goku's transformation into a Super Saiyan for the first time is considered a pivotal moment in the Dragon Ball series. Frieza's killing of Krillin was the catalyst that triggered this legendary transformation, which occurred at a time when transformations were not a common occurrence in the series. The significance of this moment laid the foundation for all future transformations in Dragon Ball. The Super Saiyan form was also utilized throughout the entire Android Saga, making it a key element in the series.

Goku's decision to make Super Saiyan his base form elevated his powers to a new level, leading to one of the greatest fights in the series against Cell. The Super Saiyan form has become the most iconic transformation in Dragon Ball and remains an integral part of the series.