The Dragon Ball series simply could not exist without tournaments and transformations. The best part is that they actually work in tandem to generate certain storylines and action sequences. Transformations become crucial during tournaments, especially as the intensity of the opponent increases.

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While we might be familiar with most of the Dragon Ball transformations, there are so many of them sprinkled throughout the series that it's hard to keep track of all the specifics. Let's check out 10 facts you might not know about Super Saiyan 2.

10 There Are Multiple Ways To Achieve The Transformation

Goku showcasing his Super Saiyan 2 transformation in Dragon Ball Z

There are various routes that could be taken to achieve a Super Saiyan 2 transformation — four, to be exact. Experiencing a powerful surge of heightened emotions is one method, though the character's mental stability can suffer as a result. Another approach involves intense training.

The third method is actually instinctual and could occur if the Saiyan is in a tight spot and needs a swift save. The fourth way is based on a highly-debated "tingly back feeling." However, one of the overarching prerequisites is that Super Saiyan Full Power must first be accomplished.

9 Gohan Was The First To Use It

Anime Gohan SSJ2 Cell

Gohan was the very first character to reach Super Saiyan 2 in the Dragon Ball Z manga and anime. He notably used it during the Cell Games while fighting the host of the tournament himself. In the midst of the confrontation, Cell Juniors were created to defeat the Z-Fighters and the result of the struggle pushed Gohan to his wits' end.

With his inner power completely awakened, Super Saiyan 2 was achieved and the rest is history. Since the introduction of the form, other characters like Goku, Future Trunks, and Vegeta have also obtained it.

8 Gohan Had Technically Already Used It Once Before His Cell Fight

This might seem contradictory since we previously stated that Gohan first unleashed Super Saiyan 2 during the Cell Games. The truth is that Gohan had fleetingly experienced the form while training with Goku in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. The only reason this doesn't count is because the character had been too exhausted to maintain the form once he achieved it.

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The short-lived transformation that occurred during training explains how Goku knew that Gohan could defeat Cell. Goku had been aware of his son's full potential the entire time.

7 It Has A Distinct Appearance

Gohan powers up while wearing a black and yellow uniform.

The Dragon Ball series introduces numerous transformations throughout the course of time, so unique physical features are necessary to identify them. Super Saiyans are known for their golden hair and intense auras, but SSJ2 has an additional component that sets it apart from others.

When a character reaches SSJ2, their aura displays an electrical discharge. The sparks are usually blue and they encircle the user's body, but this physical trait can get a little tricky. There are moments in the series where the electric charges are present during different transformations or absent during certain episodes.

6 Cell's Super Perfect Form Is Basically Super Saiyan 2

Cell reaches his Super Perfect form after surviving the irreversible Self-Destruction technique where he pumps himself up in a balloon-like manner and explodes. The resulting blast is powerful enough to destroy an entire planet and he planned to use it during the Cell Games to defeat SSJ2 Gohan.

After Goku thwarted Cell's scheme to demolish Earth, the villain regenerated and produced a new level of strength. Super Perfect Cell's stats were greatly increased and his aura even exhibited the aforementioned electric discharges.

5 It's Stronger Than You'd Imagine

An injured teen Gohan powers up.

Naturally, one would expect Super Saiyan 2 to be more powerful than the first Super Saiyan transformation, but the difference is astounding. The output of the user's speed, strength, and energy are all exceptionally increased.

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SSJ2 is twice as potent as the regular Super Saiyan and the base power is multiplied by 100 times the normal amount. It takes incredible vitality to maintain the form, which is why only certain characters have been capable of utilizing it.

4 It Can Be Achieved With Intense Training

This point was previously mentioned as one of the four methods used to achieve Super Saiyan 2. However, it's notable enough to deserve its own explanation.

Like the original Super Saiyan form, SSJ2 can be enhanced by training. If the user submits themselves to more rigorous training, they can level their SSJ2 state to acquire strength equal to that of Super Saiyan 3. This is obviously a remarkable feat, though it's still not worthy enough to tackle Super Saiyan God.

3 It Can Be Amplified By Rage

Anime Vegeta Rage Super Saiyan

Vegeta has demonstrated that the Super Saiyan 2 form can be magnified with rage. This is known as "Rage Mode" and, in this particular case, it was triggered by Beerus when he slapped Bulma, which infuriated Vegeta. With emotion playing such a substantial role in the Dragon Ball series, it makes sense that anger has such a profound effect on physical abilities.

Vegeta retained the ability to use this amplified form to a level above Super Saiyan 3 and he was shown as being more powerful than Super Saiyan Goku Black in Dragon Ball Super.

2 Its First Film Appearance

Shortly after its 1993 introduction in the anime, Super Saiyan 2 made an appearance in a film — Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound. With the Z-Fighters struggling against Bojack and the Galaxy Soldiers, Goku saves Gohan and encourages him to unleash his true power.

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Gohan then reaches Super Saiyan 2 and swiftly defeats the antagonists. Since then, SSJ2 has appeared in other films like Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn and Dragon Ball Z: Broly — The Legendary Super Saiyan.

1 Future Trunks and Goku Had A Manga-Exclusive Fight In Super Saiyan 2 Form

Future Trunks attacks Super Saiyan 3 Goku in Dragon Ball Super Manga
Future Trunks attacks Super Saiyan 3 Goku in Dragon Ball Super Manga

In the Dragon Ball Super manga, SSJ2 Future Trunks spars with SSJ2 Goku. The latter even notes that Future Trunks is far stronger than Gohan had been. A similar scenario occurred in the anime, but it was painfully short-lived.

In the anime, Future Trunks does attain Super Saiyan 2, but his method wasn't explained in detail. Though the pair briefly touched on SSJ2 in the scene, Goku powered up to Super Saiyan 3 almost immediately after.

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