An Ascended Legacy: The Strongest Forms of Every Saiyan, Ranked

The journey of a Saiyan is defined by their transformations. From the iconic golden hair of the first Super Saiyan to the godlike power of Ultra Instinct, each new form represents a pinnacle of strength, a breaking of limits that pushes the boundaries of what is possible. The Dragon Ball franchise, with its ever-expanding lore and power-scaling, has introduced a dizzying array of these forms. For fans of the series, the debate over which form is the strongest is a never-ending one. It’s a question that pits raw power against divine technique, rage against control. This article ranks the strongest forms achieved by the most prominent Saiyans in the series, from the legendary warrior Broly to the Saiyan Prince Vegeta, to determine who stands at the top of the Saiyan hierarchy. This is not just a list; it is a testament to the raw, untamed power that lies within every Saiyan warrior.

The Ranking: From Rage to Divine Power

The following list is a ranking of each major Saiyan’s strongest canonical form, taking into account their unique abilities and the power they have demonstrated in both the manga and the anime. This is a look at the absolute peak of each character’s power, a ranking of their ultimate, most terrifying forms.

1. Gohan Beast

For decades, Gohan’s potential was a central theme of the series. While he famously reached Super Saiyan 2 and surpassed his father, his focus on academic life led him to fall behind. But in the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film, Gohan finally unlocked a new form that surprised everyone. Gohan Beast is a unique transformation that is not tied to the traditional Super Saiyan forms but is an evolution of his “Potential Unleashed” state. The form is a manifestation of his dormant power, triggered by his rage at the sight of Piccolo’s apparent defeat. In this form, Gohan was able to effortlessly overpower and one-shot a Cell Max that even Goku and Vegeta in their most powerful forms would have struggled with. The form’s power is so immense that it is considered the strongest transformation in the series, surpassing even Goku’s Ultra Instinct and Vegeta’s Ultra Ego, for now.

2. Ultra Ego Vegeta

Vegeta has always been defined by his pride, his rage, and his desire to surpass Goku. In a bold new direction for the character in the Dragon Ball Super manga, Vegeta found a unique path to power that is perfectly suited to his nature. After training with Beerus, the God of Destruction, Vegeta unlocked the power of Ultra Ego. This form is a direct counter to Goku’s Ultra Instinct. While Ultra Instinct is a passive, reactive form that dodges attacks, Ultra Ego is an active, destructive form that gets stronger as Vegeta takes damage. The more he gets hit, the more powerful he becomes. It is a form that embraces a Saiyan’s innate destructive nature and allows Vegeta to reach new levels of power. While the form has its drawbacks, it is a testament to Vegeta’s willingness to forge his own path, and it is a terrifying display of his raw power.

3. True Ultra Instinct Goku

For years, Goku has been chasing the power of the gods. He unlocked Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue, but he finally achieved true divinity with Ultra Instinct. This technique, taught to him by Whis, is a form that allows his body to move and fight on its own, without the need for conscious thought. It is the ultimate defensive technique. However, in its most powerful form, Goku also gains a massive power boost and the ability to attack with the same flawless precision. The form has allowed Goku to go toe-to-toe with gods and angels, and it is a testament to his mastery of his own body and his pursuit of power. While it is a technique and not a true Saiyan transformation, it has become synonymous with Goku and is one of the most powerful forms in the entire series.

4. Legendary Super Saiyan Broly

Broly is a true anomaly. He is a Saiyan of pure, untamed power, a character who is so strong that he doesn’t need to train to be a threat. In the Dragon Ball Super: Broly film, he unlocked the Legendary Super Saiyan form, a transformation that is fueled by his rage. In this state, he was able to easily overpower both Super Saiyan God Vegeta and Super Saiyan Blue Goku, forcing them to fuse into Gogeta to defeat him. The form provides a near-infinite power boost, and as he fights, his power continues to grow. It is a form that is a testament to Broly’s raw, unadulterated strength, and it is a terrifying force of nature that has no equal among the traditional Super Saiyan transformations.

5. Super Saiyan Rage Trunks

Future Trunks is a survivor, a character who has been forced to fight for his life since he was a child. In the Dragon Ball Super anime, he unlocked a unique form known as Super Saiyan Rage. The form is a direct manifestation of his anger and despair at the hands of Goku Black and Zamasu. While the form is similar in appearance to a standard Super Saiyan, its power is far greater, with a blue, crackling aura that is reminiscent of a Super Saiyan Blue. In this state, he was able to hold his own against Super Saiyan Rosé Goku Black and even managed to cleave Fused Zamasu in half. The form is a testament to Trunks’s indomitable will and his tragic, brutal history. While it is not a true Super Saiyan Blue, its power is immense, and it is a reminder that even when a Saiyan is at their lowest, they can still find the strength to fight back.

6. Super Saiyan 2 Caulifla

The Saiyans of Universe 6 are a unique breed, a people who were able to master the Super Saiyan transformation with ease. Caulifla, in particular, is a natural prodigy who was able to go from her base form to a Super Saiyan 2 in a matter of minutes. In the Tournament of Power, she was able to hold her own against a Super Saiyan God Goku and even pushed him to his limits. While she may not have the same raw power as the Universe 7 Saiyans, her natural talent and ability to quickly ascend to new forms make her a formidable opponent. Her ultimate form, as part of the fusion Kefla, was able to go toe-to-toe with Ultra Instinct Goku, a feat that no other Saiyan in the tournament could match. Her Super Saiyan 2 form, with its electrifying power and explosive potential, is a testament to her talent and a clear sign that she is a force to be reckoned with.