Unlocking the Super Saiyan transformation is the primary goal for almost everyone who creates a Saiyan character in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. Unlike the first game where skills were often locked behind RNG (random number generation) in Parallel Quests, Xenoverse 2 uses a progression-based system tied to your character's level and specific "Time Rift" missions.

As of 2026, the game has expanded significantly, offering not just the standard golden forms but also godly tiers and cross-race transformations like Beast and Ultra Instinct. This guide covers the precise steps to move from a base warrior to the pinnacle of Saiyan power.

The fundamental requirement: Being a Saiyan

It sounds obvious, but the "Super Saiyan" Awoken skill is race-locked. If you chose an Earthling, Namekian, Frieza Race, or Majin, you cannot equip or use the Super Saiyan transformation. You can, however, unlock other powerful forms like Potential Unleashed or Beast, but the iconic golden hair is reserved exclusively for the Saiyan race. If you are playing another race and want this power, you must create a new character and select Saiyan as your race.

Unlocking the base Super Saiyan (1, 2, and 3)

In Xenoverse 2, Super Saiyan 1, 2, and 3 are contained within a single Awoken skill slot. The form you transform into depends on how many bars of Ki you have when you trigger the ability.

Step 1: Reach Level 40

The mission to unlock the transformation will not appear until your character reaches at least Level 40. You can reach this level quickly by completing the main story missions (the Time Patrols) or by speaking to Tosok in the back area of Conton City, who can level you up in exchange for Zeni or TP Medals.

Step 2: Visit Capsule Corporation

Head to the Capsule Corporation Time Rift. This is the large floating structure high above the city. Inside, you will find Vegeta standing near a training mat. Even before Level 40, he will offer a few sparring matches. You must complete his first two challenges to prove your worth. These are relatively straightforward combat trials.

Step 3: The Saiyan Awakening Mission

Once you are Level 40 and have completed the initial spars, a new event icon will appear over Vegeta. He will express frustration that you haven't reached the legendary state yet. He will then instruct you to talk to his family.

  1. Locate Bulma near the building entrance and speak to her.
  2. Find Kid Trunks in the same area and speak to him.
  3. Return to Vegeta.

Vegeta will then challenge you to a special mission titled "Saiyan Awakening." In this fight, you will face both Goku and Vegeta while they are in their Super Saiyan forms. During the battle, a prompt will appear on your screen telling you to transform. Press the transformation buttons (usually L1+R1+Face Button or equivalent), and your character will turn Super Saiyan for the first time. Finish the fight to permanently unlock the skill.

How the tiers work

  • Super Saiyan 1: Requires 3 bars of Ki.
  • Super Saiyan 2: Requires 4 bars of Ki.
  • Super Saiyan 3: Requires 5 or more bars of Ki.

Super Saiyan 3 offers the highest physical damage boost but significantly slows down your Ki recovery from basic attacks. It is recommended to pair this with a "Charge" skill like Maximum Charge or Burst Charge.

Unlocking Super Vegeta

For players who prefer using Ki Blasts (like Kamehameha or Galick Gun) over physical strikes, Super Vegeta is a superior choice. It offers a higher boost to Ki Blast Supers than the standard Super Saiyan form but only goes up to level 2.

To get this, you must reach Level 60. Once at this level, return to Vegeta at Capsule Corp. He will have another mission for you. Defeat him in his Super Vegeta form, and you will unlock this variant. Like the base form, the version you get depends on your Ki: 3 bars for Super Vegeta 1, and 4 bars for Super Vegeta 2.

Unlocking Future Super Saiyan

This is a niche transformation favored by competitive players because it speeds up stamina recovery, which is vital for defensive play. To unlock this, you must complete the main story mode and the "Unknown History" epilogue. This requires collecting all five Time Eggs from the various Time Rifts (Capsule Corp, Guru's House, Majin Buu's House, Frieza's Spaceship, and Hercule's House). After finishing the secret mission involving Future Gohan and Trunks, you will receive this skill.

Reaching the Godly Tiers: Super Saiyan God (SSG)

Super Saiyan God (the red-haired form) focuses on timed hits and massive basic attack damage. Unlocking it is a multi-step process that involves the Dragon Balls.

  1. Collect the 7 Dragon Balls: Farm Parallel Quest 4 or 23 to get them quickly.
  2. Summon Shenron: Select the wish "I want to become a Super Saiyan God."
  3. Max Friendship with Five Mentors: Shenron will tell you that you need the help of five other Saiyans. You must max out your friendship meter with:
    • Goku
    • Vegeta
    • Gohan & Videl (they count as one)
    • Gotenks
    • Pan
  4. Talk to Beerus: Once your friendships are maxed (check this in the Play Data menu), find Beerus at the Orange Star High School area. He will grant you the Super Saiyan God Awoken skill.

Ascending to Super Saiyan Blue (SSGSS)

Super Saiyan Blue provides a massive 25% damage boost to everything but constantly drains your Ki. To unlock this, you do not need the Dragon Balls.

  1. Reach Level 90: This is a hard requirement.
  2. Max Friendship with Whis: Make Whis your instructor and take him on Parallel Quests, or give him the custom gift from the TP Medal shop to speed this up.
  3. Talk to Whis: Once you hit Level 90 and he is your "best friend," speak to him at the school area. He will reward your progress with the Super Saiyan Blue transformation.

Super Saiyan Blue Evolved (SSBE)

This is the strongest Saiyan-specific form in the game, offering a roughly 35% damage increase. The Ki drain is more aggressive than the standard Blue form.

  1. Reach Level 95: You must push your level cap beyond the initial limits.
  2. Max Friendship with Vegeta: If you haven't already maxed your bond with him during the earlier steps, do so now.
  3. Talk to Whis: Even though it's Vegeta's form, Whis is the one who acknowledges your growth and grants the skill, provided you have already unlocked the standard Blue form.

The Newest Meta: Beast and Ultra Instinct

While these aren't technically "Super Saiyan" forms in the traditional sense, they are used by Saiyans and currently dominate the 2026 meta.

  • Beast: To unlock this, max your friendship with Piccolo and Gohan & Videl. Then, complete a special spar with Piccolo to unlock a bonus mission. Defeating Cell Max in this mission grants the Beast form to all your characters. It offers the highest damage in the game but increases the damage you take.
  • Ultra Instinct: This is unlocked by finding Jiren (in his power-up state) in the Conton City marketplace. You will need to complete a grueling battle against him where you learn to dodge automatically. It is a powerful defensive tool that works exceptionally well for Saiyans who want to focus on counter-attacking.

Optimizing your Super Saiyan build

Simply having the golden hair isn't enough; you need to manage the side effects of these transformations.

Dealing with Ki Drain

If you use Super Saiyan Blue or Blue Evolved, you should equip a Super Soul that provides "Ki Auto-Recovery." The Super Soul "Our two strengths aren't just added together" or "I think I'm getting fired up!" can nullify the drain, allowing you to stay in the form indefinitely without charging.

Managing Stamina in SS3

Since Super Saiyan 3 makes it harder to recover Ki, players often find themselves unable to use Evasive moves or Supers when they need them. Using the "Future Super Saiyan" form is a viable alternative if you find the SS3 penalties too restrictive for your playstyle.

Damage Multipliers and Stats

When allocating your Attribute Points, remember that Super Saiyan 3 boosts Strike Supers more than Ki Blasts, while Super Vegeta does the opposite. If you have 125 points in Ki Blast Supers, Super Vegeta 2 will make you a glass cannon capable of ending fights with a single Ultimate. If you prefer a balanced approach, Super Saiyan God (Red) is excellent because it doesn't drain Ki and makes your basic combo strings hit significantly harder.

Troubleshooting common issues

Vegeta won't give me the mission! Check your level. If you are under Level 40, he won't offer the Awakening mission. If you are at the correct level, ensure you haven't left a previous training session incomplete. Also, make sure you are checking the Vegeta at the Capsule Corp Time Rift, not the one standing in the city as a mentor.

I did the wish but didn't get the form! After making the wish to Shenron for Super Saiyan God, you still have to manually max out the friendships with the five Saiyan mentors. The wish only unlocks the "path" to the form; it doesn't grant it instantly. Check your Play Data to see if Gohan & Videl, Pan, Goku, Vegeta, and Gotenks have their bars completely filled.

Can I use these forms on my custom Earthling? No. While the story might show Earthlings like Krillin or Yamcha pushing their limits, the Super Saiyan transformations are strictly for the Saiyan race. For an Earthling, your best equivalents are Potential Unleashed (unlocked by Z-ranking all Advancement Tests) or the Power Pole Pro form.

By following these steps, you can unlock every stage of the Saiyan evolution. Whether you prefer the classic look of Super Saiyan 3 or the overwhelming aura of Super Saiyan Blue Evolved, Xenoverse 2 provides the tools to build your ultimate warrior. Remember to experiment with different Super Souls and skill sets to find the synergy that fits your specific combat style.