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Dragon Ball Superrecently concluded the Super Hero Saga, and fans are eager to learn what happens next.Dragon Ball Superhas introduced many amazing forms, such as Super Saiyan God, Super Saiyan Blue, Super Saiyan Rosé, Beast, Ultra Ego, and Ultra Instinct.
Goku’s most powerful transformation, at least for now, is Mastered Ultra Instinct (or Perfected Ultra Instinct), although True Ultra Instinct is nearly as powerful. But could he eventually unleash a whole new level of power?
When Did Goku Unlock Ultra Instinct?
Goku firstunleashed Ultra Instinct inDragon Ball Super Episode 166and manga chapter 66. However, Gohan and Vegeta have reached similar power levels with other transformations (Beast Gohan and Ultra Ego Vegeta), soDragon Ball Superis apparently following the route of giving characters unique transformations instead of having everyone unleash the same form (as happens with the Super Saiyan forms).
Ultra Instinct is a divine form achieved by breaking one’s own limits, making it easier to use the Autonomous Ultra Instinct Technique, with which the user becomes almost invincible, as they are able to instinctively dodge attacks. However, just like Kaioken, mortals who use this ability can die if they do it for too long. In this case, “too long” doesn’t necessarily mean a long time; it could be as short as a minute. Like any other transformation, users can train and master the Ultra Instinct form, reaching the Mastered Ultra Instinct (or Perfected Ultra Instinct), and then use it for a longer time.
Like Super Saiyan Blue, Ultra Instinct requires a calmki. The transformation can be unleashed with emotional stress—in fact, Goku seemingly can only do it when he’s in extreme danger—but the user needs to maintain a calm mind to stay in this form. And, of course, Ultra Instinct costs a lot of stamina. In fact, many powerful transformations that Goku unleashesare similar to Kaioken, as if they were enhanced versions of this technique. One might wonder if Goku would have unlocked a different form if he hadn’t learned Kaioken.
However, Goku found a way to use Ultra Instinct when he can’t maintain a calm mind. Takingadvantage of his Saiyan nature, he unleashed True Ultra Instinct, in which he doesn’t have to maintain his aura at all times. Even so, it’s been established in the Super Hero Saga that Goku’s Mastered Ultra Instinct is stronger than True Ultra Instinct.
Is Ultra Instinct More Powerful than Super Saiyan Blue?
Ultra Instinct is confirmed to be the most powerful form Goku has achieved so far, and it greatly increases his strength. This means thatit surpasses Super Saiyan Blue in power. While Goku could potentially use Autonomous Ultra Instinct while in Super Saiyan Blue, he wouldn’t be as powerful as he is in the Ultra Instinct form.
Actually, Goku can combine Autonomous Ultra Instinct with any transformation, but Super Saiyan Blue and Ultra Instinct are the only ones that require a calm mind, which makes using this technique much safer. Combining AUI with transformations that involve emotional turmoil, like the other Saiyan forms, would be even more dangerous and certainly lead to death.
A New Saiyan Form Could Be Coming
Ultra Instinct can let Goku be on par with Gods of Destruction for a while, but he still has a long way to go with this form.Dragon Ball Superhas been on hiatus for some time, but fans expect the series toreturn with the Black Frieza Arc. It has already been established that Black Frieza is above all the Z-Fighters in terms of power; in fact, Black Frieza is believed to be on par with the Gods of Destruction, or perhaps even stronger than them.
Look at that brilliant form… There can be no doubt! This is the true power, complete in all its majesty! This is… Autonomous Ultra Instinct!
— Beerus
Fans speculate that a new Super Saiyan evolution might be revealed in the series, allowing Goku and Vegeta to further enhance their powersand defeat Black Frieza. Since the series has introduced many Saiyan forms with different hair colors, some believe that the ultimate Super Saiyan could be Super Saiyan Rainbow. Though it is partly a joke, it’s not entirely far-fetched.
Goku once mentioned that he felt more powerful with his tail, so it seems Saiyans are stronger with them. Thus, there could also be a new transformation that makes a new tail grow, like Super Saiyan 4.
Goku Could Reach A New Ultra Instinct Level
Besides a new Saiyan form, Goku could reach a whole new level of power by unlocking an advanced form of Ultra Instinct. Some fans believe he could reach Ultra Instinct God or Ultra Instinct Beyond—the name doesn’t really matter. What is really important is that it would be an evolved version of Mastered Ultra Instinct. Anyway, since the series has shown thatGoku can adapt Ultra Instinct to his style, anything could be possible in the future.
Additionally, King Kai has offered to unlock Goku’s potential, just like he did with Gohan in the Buu Saga. If Goku ever accepts this offer, he could become stronger evenwithout unleashing a new Ultra Instinct form. So, while Ultra Instinct is powerful, there is still room for new evolutions to come.
Dragon Ball Superis available toread on MANGA Plusin English and Spanish.