What If Vegeta Achieved Super Saiyan 3? The Untold Potential

Super Saiyan 3 (SSJ3) is one of the most visually dramatic and energy-intensive transformations in the Dragon Ball universe. First introduced during the Majin Buu Saga, it was achieved by Goku, showcasing an incredible leap in power. The form is known for its extreme hair length, lack of eyebrows, and a deep, growling voice. While the transformation grants a massive power boost, it also consumes enormous energy, which limits its practical use—especially for those not accustomed to handling it. Despite several powerful warriors attaining various Super Saiyan forms, Vegeta never achieved Super Saiyan 3 in the main series.

Vegeta’s Progression Through Super Saiyan Forms

Vegeta’s journey as a Saiyan warrior is defined by his relentless pursuit of strength. He was among the first to achieve Super Saiyan, and later went on to master advanced forms like Super Saiyan Grade 2, Super Saiyan 2, and eventually the God and Blue transformations. His ascension through these tiers was always marked by intense training, pride, and rivalry with Goku. But unlike Goku, Vegeta never transitioned into Super Saiyan 3 in the canonical storyline—a detail that has often left fans speculating on what might have been.

Why Didn’t Vegeta Achieve Super Saiyan 3?

There are several in-universe and meta-reasonings behind why Vegeta never reached SSJ3. One of the most practical explanations is the inefficiency of the form. While SSJ3 is powerful, it consumes stamina at an extreme rate, making it unsustainable in prolonged battles. Goku himself admitted that the form was difficult to maintain for long, especially while alive. Vegeta, being more pragmatic in his approach to combat, may have deliberately bypassed this form in favor of more stable and energy-efficient transformations like Super Saiyan God and Blue. Additionally, the creators likely wanted to keep the form exclusive to Goku to highlight the contrast in their respective power paths.

What Would Vegeta’s Super Saiyan 3 Look Like?

Visually, fans have often imagined Vegeta’s SSJ3 form through fan art, video games like Dragon Ball Heroes, and fan-made animations. The most noticeable difference would be his signature upright, long golden hair, which would cascade down his back like Goku’s. His widow’s peak would still be prominent, and his stern eyes—now without eyebrows—would convey even more intensity. The electric aura surrounding him would be enhanced with a more violent and aggressive feel, aligning with Vegeta’s typical battle stance and demeanor.

The Power Surge of SSJ3 Vegeta

Had Vegeta unlocked Super Saiyan 3, the power amplification would have been immense. The jump from SSJ2 to SSJ3 is exponentially greater than the previous form upgrades. In combat, SSJ3 Vegeta would have easily surpassed Majin Buu in raw power, possibly altering the outcome of that arc altogether. While Goku struggled to maintain the form due to its energy cost, Vegeta’s immense willpower and intense training methods might have allowed him to better adapt the transformation for real-time combat. His ferocity in battle, combined with SSJ3’s raw might, would have made him one of the most unstoppable fighters during that era.

Impact on the Majin Buu Saga

If Vegeta had used SSJ3 during the Majin Buu saga, the storyline could have taken a drastically different turn. During his fight with Majin Buu, Vegeta fought bravely in his SSJ2 form and ultimately sacrificed himself in a failed attempt to destroy the villain. Had he possessed SSJ3, the fight might have been more evenly matched or even resulted in Buu’s defeat before his various transformations. It’s possible that Goku wouldn’t have needed to return for the final battle, and the fusion between Goten and Trunks into Gotenks may never have happened. This alternate timeline would present an entirely different evolution for the series.

Training with Whis and Missed Opportunities

During the Dragon Ball Super timeline, both Goku and Vegeta trained under Whis, the Angel attendant of Beerus. It was during this period that they learned to control their ki more efficiently, adopt godly forms, and fight with ultra-refined techniques. Interestingly, even then, Super Saiyan 3 was never part of Vegeta’s transformation lineup. This could imply that he considered the form obsolete or simply less effective compared to the divine power levels they were now aiming for. Still, the lack of SSJ3 in Vegeta’s arsenal leaves a nostalgic gap for many fans who wished to see the prince of all Saiyans take on that iconic form at least once.

Vegeta in Dragon Ball Heroes

In Super Dragon Ball Heroes, a non-canon promotional anime and card game, Vegeta has actually been shown in Super Saiyan 3 form. Though not part of the official storyline, it gave fans a glimpse of what could have been. In this alternate universe, Vegeta showcases the transformation during intense battles, looking every bit as powerful and fierce as one would expect. These appearances, though brief and non-canonical, reignited interest and conversations around SSJ3 Vegeta, proving that the form still holds a place in fan desire and Dragon Ball fantasy.

The Evolution Beyond SSJ3

In the grander scheme of Dragon Ball transformations, Super Saiyan 3 has become somewhat of a relic. With the advent of Super Saiyan God, Super Saiyan Blue, Ultra Instinct, and Ultra Ego, SSJ3 is now seen as a transitional form. Vegeta, in particular, has carved out his own unique power path, notably with Ultra Ego—a transformation that directly reflects his pride and aggressive fighting style. Unlike SSJ3, Ultra Ego is built on enduring damage and growing stronger with every blow, making it far more suitable for Vegeta’s character and philosophy.

Fan Perspective and Cultural Legacy

For many fans, the idea of SSJ3 Vegeta remains one of the greatest “what-ifs” in Dragon Ball history. It represents not just a missed transformation but a narrative thread that could have added more depth to Vegeta’s journey. Despite never achieving it in canon, the desire to see it realized is a testament to the impact and appeal of both the character and the form. The legacy of SSJ3 is enduring, and even in its absence from Vegeta’s official record, it continues to influence fan art, games, and discussions.

Final Thoughts

While Vegeta never officially reached Super Saiyan 3 in the main continuity, the idea of him achieving it remains an exciting and beloved topic among fans. Whether due to narrative decisions or practical energy concerns within the universe, the form was skipped in favor of more advanced transformations. Yet, the image of SSJ3 Vegeta—a blend of intense power, pride, and potential—continues to resonate in Dragon Ball culture. Perhaps someday, even if only in a cameo or a special episode, fans might get the moment they’ve long imagined: Vegeta, standing tall with his golden mane, in full Super Saiyan 3 glory.