How Gohan Unlocked The Ultimate Form, Explained

Following the events of the Android Saga in Dragon Ball Z, many believed Gohan would become the new face of the franchise and surpass his father, Goku. While the original plan of creator Akira Toriyama was to ease Gohan into the role of the main protagonist of Dragon Ball, it sadly ended up being scrapped in favor of Goku, as Toriyama had a change of heart.

With the decision made, Gohan took a rather different approach to his character and how he handles business, adopting the Great Saiyaman gimmick and continuing to attend school. It’s here that it becomes clear that his power level has not only become stagnant, but Gohan hasn’t grown at all since his victory over Perfect Cell. It’s a revelation that eventually leads him on a path to discovering a new form — Ultimate Gohan.

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What Is Gohan’s Ultimate Form?

A Transformation Granted by the Elders

Gohan’s Ultimate Form is a transformation that involves a special ritual involving help from the Kais. Using the usual power-ups that Saiyans have been known to use, Gohan adds an extra element, known as kiai — a form of mental readiness — to unlock this new form. In doing so, Gohan sends a ripple of electric waves and an immense pressure that catches even Goku off guard.

In this form, Gohan’s appearance doesn’t undergo any drastic change, at least not at first glance. Though his hair remains the same size and color, one of his bangs now drapes over his forehead. Furthermore, Gohan appears far more confident, as his shoulders straighten and his eyes portray that of a fighter with tremendous spirit.

When Does Gohan Unlock Ultimate Form?

Gohan first used his Ultimate Form during the Majin Buu Saga in Dragon Ball Z, gaining access to the form to counter their most-powerful foe at the time. Thanks to the help of Elder Kai and other Kais, Gohan was able to unlock the Ultimate Form. It’s a form so powerful that it takes a ritual involving the Elder Kai dancing for around five hours, followed by intense meditation for an additional 20 hours.

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Thanks to Gohan’s latent power and potential as a Hybrid Saiyan, the ritual took less time and Gohan was able to perform the transformation with little effort. While Gohan was never a willing combatant in most fights, being pushed to the brink in order to use his tremendous strength, the Ultimate Form was unlike anything ever seen before, and Gohan’s most powerful transformation at the time.

According to the Dragon Ball Z anime, Gohan’s Ultimate Form is as powerful as the Super Saiyan 3 form, which means Gohan achieved a power as great as his father. The transformation allowed for Gohan to go toe-to-toe with Majin Buu and get the better of him in battle, though his over-confident state led to Gohan making a critical error during the fight. This led to Gohan becoming absorbed by Majin Buu, making the villain exponentially stronger.

Other Appearances of Gohan’s Ultimate Form

When Has Gohan Used The Powerful Transformation?

Gohan’s first use of the ultimate transformation may have taken place in Dragon Ball Z, but it wasn’t the only time he’s brought out the form for battle. In many cases, Gohan’s use of the Ultimate Form has come in handy at times when the main cast was falling behind in battle and required some assistance. Gohan’s Ultimate Form is not only visually pleasing to watch, it’s one of the best opportunities to turn the tables on the villains of the fight.

Considering canon stories only, Gohan has used the Ultimate Form in the following events:

• In Dragon Ball Super, taking on the God of Destruction, Beerus, in a losing effort.
• In Dragon Ball Super, sparring with Piccolo before the Tournament of Power, re-gaining his fighting power and prowess.
• In Dragon Ball Super, sparring with Goku before the Tournament of Power, to test his limits against a much-powerful opponent.
• In Dragon Ball Super, during the Tournament of Power, defeating Obni.
• In Dragon Ball Super, during the Tournament of Power, sparring with Golden Frieza to trick Frost.
• In Dragon Ball Super, during the Tournament of Power, taking on Saonel and Pilina alongside Piccolo.
• In Dragon Ball Super, during the Tournament of Power, taking on Universe 3’s Koiceareta and Agnilasa after they fused.
• In Dragon Ball Super, during the Tournament of Power, going head-to-head with Top and Dyspo.
• In Dragon Ball Super manga, Gohan remains in Ultimate Form during the entirety of the Tournament of Power.
• In Dragon Ball Super manga, Gohan uses the Ultimate Form to take on Moro’s henchmen, becoming the third-strongest fighter on Earth, behind Goku and Vegeta.

Can Someone Else Achieve Ultimate Form?

As of this writing, Gohan is the only character that has performed the ritual of the Kais and gained access to the Ultimate Form. With that said, he is still significantly behind in battle power when compared to Goku’s Ultra Instinct and Vegeta’s Ultra Ego. As of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Gohan’s Ultimate Form is no longer his strongest transformation, as the Beast Form he used in his battle with Cell Max is a level beyond the previous form.

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