Who is the rarest Saiyan in Dragon Ball?

The Dragon Ball franchise has introduced numerous Saiyans, each with unique qualities and abilities. While all Saiyans are strong and have the potential for immense power, some stand out as incredibly rare, whether due to their abilities, lineage, or the circumstances of their birth. Let’s take a closer look at some of the rarest Saiyans in the Dragon Ball universe.

1. Baby Vegeta (The Vegeta Saga)

The transformation into Baby Vegeta is one of the rarest forms in Dragon Ball GT. Baby is a parasitic Tuffle, who uses the body of Vegeta to gain immense strength. Baby Vegeta is considered rare because he represents an alien species’ ability to hijack the body of a Saiyan, using the Saiyan’s power for his own purposes. Baby’s rare ability to possess the body of a Saiyan and use it against others makes him one of the unique figures in the Dragon Ball series.

2. Super Saiyan God (Goku and Vegeta)

The Super Saiyan God form is an incredibly rare transformation in the Dragon Ball universe. Achieved through a unique ritual that requires five pure-hearted Saiyans, this form grants immense power. The transformation is so rare that, for a time, it was considered a near-mythical state. Goku first achieves this form in Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods after performing the ritual with five Saiyans (including Vegeta, Gohan, Trunks, Goten, and Pan). Only a select few Saiyans can access this transformation, making it one of the rarest in the series.

Why it's rare:

• The transformation requires a specific ritual.
• Not every Saiyan has the power or the purity needed to perform the transformation.
• It was initially a near-mythical form, with very few Saiyans being able to attain it.

3. Vegeta (The Royal Bloodline)

Vegeta, the Prince of all Saiyans, is one of the rarest Saiyans due to his royal bloodline. Born into the Vegeta family, Vegeta has access to a legacy of power and a history as the ruling class of the Saiyan race. His potential as a warrior is unmatched, being one of the few Saiyans who can compete with Goku, even though they both have different paths to power. Vegeta’s royal bloodline also implies that he carries some of the greatest genetic potential for strength, but it also comes with the responsibility of carrying on the legacy of the fallen Saiyan race.

Why it's rare:

• He is of royal blood, making him one of the highest-ranking Saiyans.
• His immense potential for growth and the pressure to lead the remaining Saiyans makes him rare in the context of the universe.

4. Goku (The Legendary Saiyan)

Though not traditionally considered rare in terms of birth, Goku is a unique and extremely rare Saiyan in terms of his potential and accomplishments. Born as a member of the lower-class Saiyan warrior race, Goku became one of the most powerful and renowned fighters in the universe. What makes Goku particularly rare is his incredible ability to break through all limitations, transforming into multiple rare and powerful forms, such as the Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan God, and Ultra Instinct.

Why he's rare:

• He transcends the usual limitations of his race, achieving abilities no other Saiyan has reached.
• His potential is seen as limitless, with Goku continually surpassing the boundaries of power in the Dragon Ball universe.
• He is the first character to unlock Ultra Instinct, a form that even the gods find difficult to master.

5. Broly (The Legendary Super Saiyan)

Broly is perhaps one of the rarest Saiyans in the Dragon Ball universe, known as the Legendary Super Saiyan. Unlike regular Super Saiyans, Broly has a special genetic condition that causes his power to surge to unimaginable levels. His rare strength makes him a one-of-a-kind fighter. In the original continuity (from Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan), Broly's power was deemed nearly unstoppable. However, in Dragon Ball Super: Broly, his origins are slightly reworked, but he remains an exceptional and rare Saiyan due to his uncontrollable power and ability to tap into the Legendary Super Saiyan form at will.

Why he's rare:

• He possesses the Legendary Super Saiyan transformation, a unique and extremely dangerous form.
• His power is not something that can be replicated by other Saiyans, making him an outlier among his kind.

6. Future Trunks (The Savior of Two Timelines)

Future Trunks is a unique Saiyan due to his origins in an alternate timeline. He is the son of Vegeta and Bulma and was raised in a timeline devastated by the Androids and Cell. Future Trunks' story is one of tragedy and heroism, as he is the one who first defeats Frieza in the future timeline. He also travels back in time to assist Goku and the Z Fighters in Dragon Ball Z, bringing hope to the main timeline. His presence in two timelines makes him a rare Saiyan, as he exists in multiple dimensions.

Why he's rare:

• He is from an alternate future where he fights against powerful foes.
• His potential as a warrior and the fact that he travels between timelines makes him rare in terms of his influence on the story.

Conclusion:

In the Dragon Ball series, there are numerous rare and unique Saiyans, each with special abilities or histories that make them stand out. Goku, Vegeta, Broly, Future Trunks, and the Super Saiyan God transformations are just a few examples of Saiyans whose abilities or circumstances make them incredibly rare. Whether it's because of their incredible power, royal bloodline, or unique transformations, these Saiyans leave an indelible mark on the Dragon Ball universe, each contributing to the legacy of the Saiyan race in their own distinct ways.