Gohan has more transformations than almost any Dragon Ball character — from a crying kid with hidden power to the Beast that shook the gods. Here is every Gohan form ranked weakest to strongest, with where each debuted and what makes it special.
Quick Answer
Gohan’s forms, weakest to strongest: Base, Great Ape, Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan 2, Ultimate Gohan, and Gohan Beast. His first Super Saiyan 2 transformation against Cell remains the most iconic moment of his career, while Beast — unlocked in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero — is his current peak, strong enough to face Ultra Instinct Goku.
The Full Ranking
| Rank | Form | Debut |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Base Form | Dragon Ball Z, Saiyan Saga |
| 5 | Great Ape | Dragon Ball Z, Saiyan Saga |
| 4 | Super Saiyan | Dragon Ball Z, Cell Saga |
| 3 | Super Saiyan 2 | Dragon Ball Z, Cell Games |
| 2 | Ultimate Gohan | Dragon Ball Z, Buu Saga |
| 1 | Gohan Beast | Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero |
6. Base Form
Every legend starts somewhere. Gohan’s base form — the crying four-year-old kidnapped by Raditz — hid power that shocked even Vegeta and Nappa when his rage broke through. As an adult scholar, his base is far stronger, but it remains the floor every other form builds on.
5. Great Ape
The classic Saiyan transformation multiplies power tenfold. Kid Gohan’s Great Ape rampage against Vegeta turned the Saiyan Saga’s climax — until Yajirobe cut his tail. Raw and uncontrollable, it showed the world what Gohan’s hidden potential looked like unleashed.
4. Super Saiyan
Gohan achieved Super Saiyan in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber before the Cell Games, training alongside Goku. Calm and controlled unlike his Great Ape rampages, this form let him fight the Cell Juniors — but it wasn’t enough for Perfect Cell himself.
3. Super Saiyan 2
The most iconic transformation in Dragon Ball history. When Android 16’s death pushed Gohan past his limits, he became the first Super Saiyan 2 ever — and dismantled the Cell Juniors and Perfect Cell in minutes. The lightning-crackling aura and cold fury defined an era.
2. Ultimate Gohan
After Old Kai’s ritual unlocked his sleeping potential in the Buu Saga, Gohan didn’t even need to transform — his base state surpassed Super Saiyan 3 Gotenks. He dominated Super Buu effortlessly. Fans call it “Mystic Gohan,” and it remains his most efficient form: all power, no stamina drain.
1. Gohan Beast
Unleashed in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero when Cell Max threatened Pan, Beast is Gohan’s current peak — silver hair, red eyes, and power that rivals the gods. In the manga he has since sparred with Ultra Instinct Goku himself. The scholar finally surpassed every version of himself before.
Why Gohan’s Forms Tell His Story
Gohan’s transformations mirror his journey: raw hidden power as a child, disciplined strength as a teen, wasted potential as an adult, and finally a scholar who chose to fight again. No other Dragon Ball character’s forms map so perfectly onto a life story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gohan’s strongest form?
Gohan Beast, unlocked in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. It is his current peak, presented at a level where he can spar with Ultra Instinct Goku.
What was Gohan’s first transformation?
Great Ape, during the Saiyan Saga — his rampage against Vegeta after his tail grew back.
Is Gohan Beast stronger than Ultra Instinct Goku?
They have sparred in the manga with neither clearly dominant. Beast is portrayed as Gohan’s god-tier answer — exact placement is still debated.
Why is Ultimate Gohan also called Mystic Gohan?
“Mystic” is a fan name; the form is Gohan’s unleashed potential from Old Kai’s ritual, needing no Super Saiyan transformation.
Will Gohan get a new form after Beast?
Unknown. Beast is his latest form, and no new transformation has been announced.
Which Gohan transformation is the most iconic?
Super Saiyan 2 against Cell — the first SSJ2 in history and one of anime’s defining moments.
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