It’s wild to think that even after forty years, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. As we step into 2026, the franchise feels like it’s standing on the edge of a massive new chapter. With big project announcements on the horizon and the likely return of the Dragon Ball Super manga from its hiatus, we’re about to see the power ceiling shattered all over again.
Whenever the series evolves like this, the old “status quo” usually goes out the window. Between brand-new villains showing up and our favorite heroes hitting ridiculous new plateaus, the power rankings are bound to get messy. Before the dust settles on this next era, let’s take a beat to look at who actually holds the title of the strongest canon characters in the universe right now.
Why the 2026 Power Scale Matters
- The Manga’s Return: A resumed serialized story means new threats that make previous villains look like warm-up acts.
- New Milestones: Characters like Gohan and Piccolo have recently closed the gap, making the “strongest” conversation more interesting than just Goku vs. Vegeta.
- Fresh Blood: New projects often introduce cinematic-scale threats that redefine what “god-tier” actually means.
10. Jiren (Universe 11)
Jiren remains the benchmark for mortal strength. During the Tournament of Power, he was the ultimate wall that Goku had to climb, forcing the first appearance of Ultra Instinct. While others have since surpassed him through divine training or magical wishes, Jiren’s “Super Full Power” state still makes him one of the most formidable fighters in the multiverse.
9. Gamma 1 & 2
The Red Ribbon Army really outdid themselves this time. Introduced in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, these Androids weren’t just “strong for robots”—they were legitimately holding their own against Ultimate Gohan and Piccolo. Their efficiency and raw output proved that Earth’s technology can still rival the gods if pushed far enough.
8. King Gomah (Evil Third Eye)
A newer addition from the Dragon Ball Daima era, King Gomah becomes a legitimate threat once he accesses the power of the Evil Third Eye. This isn’t just a power boost; it grants him a near-limitless healing factor and the ability to withstand attacks from heavy hitters like Super Saiyan 4 Goku. He wins through sheer attrition, making him a nightmare for any opponent.
7. Granolah
The lone survivor of the Cerealian race took a massive gamble, wishing on the Dragon Balls to become the strongest in the universe at the cost of his lifespan. It worked—for a time. His “evolved” state allowed him to dismantle Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta simultaneously. Even though he’s since been leapfrogged by others, his tactical precision and “Finger Blitz Barrage” remain elite.
6. Orange Piccolo
For years, Piccolo was the “strategist” who stayed in the background, but the Super Hero saga changed everything. Thanks to a potential-unlocking wish from Shenron (with a little extra “bonus” from the dragon), Piccolo achieved his Orange form. It officially puts him back in the same tier as Goku and Vegeta, allowing him to trade blows with the universe’s top-tier threats.
5. Broly
The Legendary Super Saiyan is the definition of “unlimited potential.” Training on Beerus’ planet has helped him gain more control, but it’s his raw, surging power that remains his greatest asset. He may still be a “work in progress” compared to the refined techniques of his rivals, but in terms of pure destructive force, few can match him.
4. Vegeta (Ultra Ego)
Vegeta has finally found a path that doesn’t involve following in Goku’s footsteps. Ultra Ego allows him to harness the power of Destruction, actually growing stronger the more damage he takes. It’s a risky, brutal fighting style that perfectly suits the Saiyan Prince’s tenacity, and it has officially placed him in the realm of the Gods of Destruction.
3. Goku (True Ultra Instinct)
Goku’s journey with Ultra Instinct has evolved past just “dodging automatically.” By tapping into True Ultra Instinct, he’s learned to stay in his natural emotional state while utilizing divine speed. He is constantly breaking his own limits, and as of 2026, he remains the gold standard for what a mortal martial artist can achieve.
2. Gohan Beast
The debate is over: Gohan is back at the top. When he snapped during the battle against Cell Max, he unlocked Gohan Beast, a transformation that Akira Toriyama himself suggested might make him the strongest mortal in the franchise. With his Special Beam Cannon and overwhelming ki, Gohan has finally realized the untapped potential we’ve been hearing about since the Raditz saga.
1. Black Frieza
As of early 2026, the emperor of the universe sits alone at the peak. After discovering a Room of Spirit and Time and training for the equivalent of ten years, Frieza emerged with his Black Frieza form. He famously one-shotted both Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta without breaking a sweat. Until the manga returns to show us otherwise, Frieza is the undisputed apex predator of Universe 7.
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