Great Ape
A transformation exclusive to Saiyans. When a Saiyan with a tail absorbs at least 17 million zeno units of Blutz Waves through their retinas, they transform into a Great Ape. This is typically achieved by looking at a full moon. However, other methods can recreate the reaction. The affected Saiyan's body will grow into a giant, anthropomorphic, monkey-like creature.
Goku transforms into a Great Ape at least four times, twice before the events of Dragon Ball, once when he is trapped in Pilaf's Castle, and again at the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament against Jackie Chun.
This transformation provides a 10x multiplier to the user's base power.
Super Saiyan
The initial stage of the Super Saiyan line of transformations, all of which are exclusive to Saiyans. Initially considered a legend until Goku achieved it. Obtained when a Saiyan's S-Cell count reaches a large amount, and a feeling of intense anger or sadness triggers the transformation. When transformed, the user's hair turns golden blonde and stands upright. While their eyes become teal. The user's emotions are also affected. A once calm and collected nature turns rash and noticeably violent.
Goku becomes a Super Saiyan, triggered by rage, in his fight against Freeza on Namek. Following this fight, he trains to master the Super Saiyan form, enabling him to access it for extended periods while maintaining control over his emotions. He continues to sparingly utilize Super Saiyan throughout the series, often needing to use stronger forms he obtains later.
This transformation provides a 50x multiplier to the user's base power.
Super Saiyan 2
The Super Saiyan form ascended beyond a Super Saiyan. First achieved by Goku's son Gohan. Attained via various methods, all of which require mastering Super Saiyan and a high enough battle power. Awakened similarly to Super Saiyan. The user's hair stands up even more and becomes spikier. Lightning also surrounds the user.
It is not shown when Goku unlocks Super Saiyan 2, but it happens at some point in the Other World between Cell's defeat and the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament. Goku notably uses this form in his fight against Majin Vegeta.
This transformation provides a 100x multiplier to the user's base power.
Super Saiyan 3
The Super Saiyan form beyond Super Saiyan 2. This form is reached when a Saiyan who has achieved the previous two Super Saiyan forms undergoes intense training. The user's hair becomes long and flowing (Vegeta being an exception), their eyebrows disappear, and their brow ridge becomes more pronounced. Lightning also surrounds the user. The form boasts incredible amounts of power and speed, but rapidly consumes ki, causing the user to exhaust their energy quickly.
It is not shown when Goku unlocks Super Saiyan 3, but it happens at some point in the Other World between Cell's defeat and the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament. Goku first displays this form as a stall tactic against Majin Buu.
This transformation provides a 400x multiplier to the user's base power.
Super Saiyan 4
The successor to Super Saiyan 3. Upon receiving a magical power-up from the elder Namekian Neva, Goku achieved this form. Goku's body grows crimson fur around his upper body and along his arms, and his eyes turn red. He also regains his tail while in this form. The tail disappears when Goku returns to his base form. His hair reaches down to the middle of his back and becomes a slightly darker crimson. He becomes taller and bulkier, and his arms grow longer. His forearms and hands also increase in size. His movement also becomes more monkey-like and his voice deepens.
Goku utilizes this form in both his child body and his adult body in Dragon Ball DAIMA.
This transformation's multiplier is not officially stated or recognized.
Super Saiyan God
A Saiyan form that transcends into the realm of the gods. Another form considered to be a legend besides Super Saiyan. Can either be obtained through a ritual in which five righteous Saiyans channel their ki into a sixth Saiyan or through intense training under the supervision of a god or an angel. (ie. Vegeta via Whis). The transformation gives the user access to God ki. The user's build becomes slightly thinner, and their hair becomes red while maintaining its natural style.
Following the appearance of the God of Destruction Beerus, Goku undergoes the ritual to become a Super Saiyan God. He battles the God and saves the Earth from destruction.
This transformation's multiplier is not officially stated or recognized.
Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan (Super Saiyan Blue)
When a "Saiyan with the power of a Super Saiyan God further transforms himself into a Super Saiyan", this transformation is achieved. Although simple sounding in concept, one can only attain this form through extensive training. The user's body resembles that of a Super Saiyan, but their hair and eyes are instead a cyan color. This form, similarly to Super Saiyan 3, provides incredible boosts in speed and power, but drains stamina quickly if not honed.
Goku achieves this form after training on Beerus' Planet with Whis. He first showcases the transformation against a resurrected Freeza.
This transformation's multiplier is not officially stated or recognized.
Ultra Instinct -Sign-
A godly technique utilized via transformation. The technique enables the user's body to function independently of all other parts, automatically reacting to threats with precision. However, this form is merely an incomplete state of Ultra Instinct. It offers enhanced agility capabilities, but falls short in terms of raw power. Goku's hair remains black and slightly sticks upward, becoming slightly spikier and more solid, while his irises become silver.
Goku unlocks this form during the Tournament of Power. He later elects to use it in favor of the Perfected Ultra Instinct state due to possessing an uncalm heart in his fight against Gas.
This transformation's multiplier is not officially stated or recognized.
Perfected Ultra Instinct
The perfected state of the Ultra Instinct transformation. It boasts monumental levels of power, even compared to its incomplete state. To reach this state, one must "achieve self-control in the face of a jarring shock to your emotions." To maintain and utilize this form at its peak, one must stay calm. Visually similar to Ultra Instinct -Sign-, however, Goku's hair becomes more solid, slightly wilder, and silver, matching his irises.
Goku also attains this form in the Tournament of Power, but later perfects it under the training of Merus, allowing himself to go in and out of the transformation at will. With enough power, Goku can create a giant ki avatar of himself, used for overwhelming attacks.
This transformation's multiplier is not officially stated or recognized.