The Saiyans are arguably the most powerful warrior race in the universe of Dragon Ball. Each member of this elite species can attain magnificent heights of power, decimating any enemy that might stand in their way. These Saiyans have managed to decimate their foes time and time again. This is in no small part due to their stubbornness and the will to persevere against the most unrealistic odds imaginable.
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Saiyans' power as fighters is mainly due to the slew of abilities that they have at their disposal. These allow them to become absolute behemoths in terms of raw power, and let them to unlock and utilize skills that can turn the tide of battle in an instant. With this in mind, here are ten of the strongest abilities in a Saiyan's arsenal that allows them to become the apex fighter in combat.
10 Reading Minds
This ability has been used sparingly through the series. Still, there's no denying the fact that Saiyans definitely can read minds when the situation arises.
Perhaps the most notable example of this is when Vegeta communicates with Goku, while the latter suffers a heart illness in his fight against Android 19. Other moments include Vegeta and Goku reading Buu's mind, and Goku reading Krillin's mind during the Trunks saga.
9 Telekinesis
Another sparingly-used ability in the series is Telekinesis. The ability to move objects with one's mind can definitely augment the strength of a Saiyan quite a bit. However, it causes a massive strain on the bodies of Saiyans, who'd prefer to use their energy in more efficient ways.
Thus, Telekinesis has been used mostly as a means to hone a Saiyan's mind in training. One example is when Vegeta used this ability to train in space during the Garlic Jr. Saga.
8 Zenkai Boost
This boost was seemingly only relevant during the Frieza Saga, and has been forgotten since. The Zenkai Boost is an incredibly powerful ability, which allows for Saiyans to reach new heights in power once they've faced a near-death experience.
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The biggest benefactor of this is Vegeta. He ends up using the Zenkai Boost several times to increase his power levels in order to stand toe-to-toe with Frieza and his henchmen.
7 Great Ape Transformation
This is one of the most iconic abilities in a Saiyan's arsenal. Long-time fans of Dragon Ball will look back on fondly at the times when the Saiyans would regularly transform into a Great Ape (or an imitation of it) upon looking at the full moon.
A Saiyan's power multiplies dramatically upon transforming into a Great Ape. Some fighters can retain their sanity in this state as well. It's a form that was more relevant in the early days of Dragon Ball, but is still something to be feared regardless.
6 Expedited Healing
The Saiyans are hell-bent on fighting in every way, shape, and form. It goes without saying that members of such a race would obviously get injured several times in their pressing need to quench their thirst for battle.
Thankfully, Saiyans don't have to worry too much about sustaining permanent injuries. Their innate healing abilities are strong enough to take care of most wounds, without needing an extended recovery time or having to face long-term injuries.
5 Ki Manipulation
One of the most powerful abilities a Saiyan has in their arsenal is the ability to manipulate the ki in their bodies to craft unique and powerful energy attacks. These form the bulk of their offense in battle.
It's true that other races in the Dragon Ball series — especially humans — have shown the ability to manipulate ki as well. Still, Saiyans have a greater knack for doing so, and are more naturally talented when it comes to using their ki as a weapon in battle.
4 Hybrid Saiyan Power Boost
This is an advantage only reserved for Hybrid Saiyans. The children of the Dragon Ball series with Saiyan blood in them manage to unlock powerful transformations and high-level abilities. What's more, they don't to deal with rigorous training to do so.
This is mainly due to the fact that Hybrid Saiyans are more naturally inclined towards attaining massive levels of power and don't really have to struggle for them. However, unlike pure-blooded Saiyans, these hybrids don't have the warrior spirit in them, making them more complacent in these matters.
3 Superhuman Strength
Though it's rather obvious, this ability still deserves discussion. The massive power that Saiyans can wield in battle is mainly due to the fact that they possess superhuman strength and resilience from birth.
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Many fans rightfully argue that it takes more than superhuman strength to achieve some of the feats that Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of the Saiyans on the show have accomplished. However, no denying the fact that this innate strength is a major advantage for this race. It allows them to reach new levels of power with ease.
2 Immense Fighting Determination
Along with superhuman strength and resilience, pure-blooded Saiyans are unique in the sense that they have a strong warrior spirit. They possess a seemingly unquenchable thirst for battle.
This is precisely why both Goku and Vegeta are so addicted to the concept of training. Unlocking new levels of power is something that excites them. Shattering their power ceilings is an addictive prospect that they wish to experience time and time again.
1 Super Saiyan Transformation
It would be impossible to talk about Saiyan abilities without mentioning the iconic transformation that allows them to unlock a whole new level of power and take care of most threats in their path. This is the Super Saiyan transformation.
This transformation first appeared in the Frieza Saga, and has evolved numerous times ever since. The Super Saiyan transformation is easily one of the most useful abilities present in a Saiyan's arsenal, and an iconic aspect of Dragon Ball.
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