Goku, the legendary Saiyan warrior, has undergone numerous transformations throughout the Dragon Ball series, each increasing his power and unlocking new abilities. From his humble beginnings in Dragon Ball to his godly transformations in Dragon Ball Super, Goku’s journey is filled with remarkable forms that have cemented his status as one of the most powerful characters in anime history. Below is a detailed look at all of Goku’s known forms, their origins, and their first appearances in the anime and manga.
1. Base Form (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Episode 1, Manga Chapter 1)
Goku’s base form is his natural state without any transformations. Despite lacking power-ups, his strength, speed, and fighting skills are formidable.
2. Great Ape (Oozaru) Form (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Episode 12, Manga Chapter 21)
When Goku’s Saiyan tail was intact and he looked at a full moon, he transformed into a gigantic Great Ape (Oozaru), multiplying his power tenfold. This form played a major role in his early battles.
3. Kaioken (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z Episode 30, Manga Chapter 226)
Taught by King Kai, the Kaioken technique temporarily increases Goku’s speed and power at the cost of severe strain on his body. He first used it against Vegeta during the Saiyan Saga.
4. Super Saiyan (SSJ) (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z Episode 95, Manga Chapter 317)
Goku achieved this iconic transformation in his battle against Frieza on Planet Namek, marking one of the most significant moments in anime history. This form dramatically increases his power, speed, and energy output.
5. Super Saiyan Grade 2 & 3 (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z Episode 154, Manga Chapter 374)
These are enhanced versions of Super Saiyan that boost power and muscle mass but at the cost of speed. Goku briefly experimented with these forms during his training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
6. Super Saiyan 2 (SSJ2) (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z Episode 229, Manga Chapter 430)
A more powerful variant of Super Saiyan, characterized by increased muscle definition, sharper aura, and lightning sparks. Goku first used this form during the Majin Buu Saga.
7. Super Saiyan 3 (SSJ3) (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z Episode 245, Manga Chapter 474)
This form, which Goku unveiled against Majin Buu, significantly increases power but drains stamina rapidly. It features long, flowing golden hair and a fierce aura.
8. Super Saiyan God (SSG) (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, Dragon Ball Super Episode 9, Manga Chapter 14)
Attained through a Saiyan ritual involving five other Saiyans, this form grants godly ki, making Goku incredibly powerful while maintaining a slender physique and red hair.
9. Super Saiyan Blue (SSB / Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan) (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F, Dragon Ball Super Episode 24, Manga Chapter 22)
A combination of Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan, this form offers extreme power with better ki control. It was first used against Golden Frieza.
10. Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Super Episode 39, Manga Chapter 26)
By stacking Kaioken onto Super Saiyan Blue, Goku gains an exponential power increase but at great risk to his body. He first used it against Hit in the Universe 6 tournament.
11. Ultra Instinct Sign (Incomplete Ultra Instinct) (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Super Episode 110, Manga Chapter 39)
This state allows Goku to instinctively dodge attacks with heightened speed and precision. It first appeared during his fight with Jiren in the Tournament of Power.
12. Mastered Ultra Instinct (Perfect Ultra Instinct / True Ultra Instinct) (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Super Episode 129, Manga Chapter 40)
An evolved version of Ultra Instinct Sign, this form gives Goku silvery-white hair and grants him godlike reflexes and combat abilities.
13. Super Saiyan 4 (SSJ4) (First Appearance: Dragon Ball GT Episode 34, Non-canon)
A form exclusive to Dragon Ball GT, Super Saiyan 4 blends Saiyan power with Great Ape characteristics, granting immense power without the stamina drawbacks of Super Saiyan 3.
14. Xeno Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 Limit Breaker (First Appearance: Super Dragon Ball Heroes Episode 3, Non-canon)
This upgraded version of SSJ4 is unique to Super Dragon Ball Heroes and grants Goku a reddish aura with godlike enhancements.
15. True Ultra Instinct (TUI) (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Super Manga Chapter 85)
A refined version of Ultra Instinct where Goku fights with emotions rather than suppressing them, making the technique more adaptable and powerful.
16. Black Frieza Battle Form (First Appearance: Dragon Ball Super Manga Chapter 87)
Though not Goku’s form, this transformation is important because it forced Goku to realize his current power levels were still insufficient against stronger threats.
Goku’s evolution in Dragon Ball has been nothing short of legendary. His transformations continue to push the limits of Saiyan potential, making him an ever-growing force in anime and manga. With Dragon Ball Super still expanding the lore, fans eagerly anticipate what new forms Goku might unlock in the future!
