Dragon Ball Super introduced a new transformation for Goku this past weekend, but fans are still left with numerous questions regarding the power-up.
During his battle with Jiren, Goku unlocked this new form after a dramatic encounter with a Spirit Bomb. Viewers watched as he unleashed an incredible transformation known as Ultra Instinct. However, despite this powerful upgrade, Goku was not yet proficient enough with the form to defeat Jiren.
Even so, the Universe 7 warrior stands a strong chance of overcoming the Pride Trooper if he can learn to harness Ultra Instinct properly. The issue, however, is that mastering this technique is no simple feat.
Previously, Whis explained that Ultra Instinct is a form even the gods struggle to control. While Whis himself has a firm grasp on the ability, he admitted that Beerus is still working to master it.
Since Goku only just accessed the form for the first time, it remains unclear how he will refine it. However, fans have their theories on how he might eventually turn Ultra Instinct to his advantage.
Achieving full mastery will require significant training—or the right kind of motivation.
Dragon Ball Super airs on Crunchyroll every Saturday at 7:15 p.m. CST, while the English dub is broadcast on Toonami via Adult Swim on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m.
One of the biggest challenges Goku faces with Ultra Instinct relates to his energy reserves. While he has considerable stamina, he was already running low on power when he faced Jiren. Their intense battle drained him almost entirely, and Goku only got a second wind when the energy of his deflected Spirit Bomb infused him.
Whis and the other gods took note of the heat Goku emitted after being struck by his own Spirit Bomb, recognizing it as a crucial factor in his transformation. However, this method is not a reliable way for Goku to re-enter Ultra Instinct at will.
If he intends to use the form effectively, he must learn how to tap into his own energy reserves to trigger the transformation himself. Doing so will allow him to control and regulate his power output more effectively.
Dragon Ball Super has not yet depicted Ultra Instinct in use outside of Whis or the gods, making it uncertain how Goku will wield the form in battle. In the anime, he used it primarily to evade all of Jiren’s attacks, but there is a crucial aspect Goku must master if he hopes to fight on equal footing with the Universe 11 warrior.
Goku needs to refine his control over both his ki and his emotions.
For Saiyans, emotions play a vital role in their power levels—intense anger often leads to dramatic boosts in strength.
While Ultra Instinct helps Goku filter out some of his more reckless instincts, Jiren’s disciplined approach through meditation gives him an edge. If Goku hopes to fully master Ultra Instinct like Whis, he will need to exercise greater restraint over his emotions.
Additionally, Goku must perfect his ki control. In the Dragon Ball Super manga, he managed to refine his Super Saiyan Blue form, allowing him to wield immense divine ki without excess energy escaping. Jiren, too, has mastered his ki, keeping its full potential hidden until he needs it.
Goku, however, has yet to reach this level of control. When Jiren finally unleashed his ki, even the gods were taken aback by how seamlessly he wielded it for both offensive and defensive purposes.
To push his limits in the anime, Goku must achieve instinctive control over his ki. Once he pairs that mastery with Ultra Instinct, he will become the kind of fighter Jiren will have every reason to fear.
