As one of the best anime of all time, the Dragon Ball franchise has branched off from TV across various platforms including films and video games. In the last few years, the anime has also introduced a new continuity of the series titled Dragon Ball Super.

Dragon Ball Super once again breathes new life into the series with the introduction of new characters such as the God of Destruction Beerus and his divine attendant/teacher, Whis. As a result, Goku forces himself to evolve beyond his limits, achieving new forms such as Super Saiyan God and Ultra Instinct, to keep up with new threats such as rogue Gods or fighters from other universes.

Over the years, the popularity of characters like Goku and Vegeta skyrocketed after they've reached new levels of strength. Unfortunately, their growth as well as the appearance of stronger characters has eclipsed some of the shows weaker characters.

However, despite how weak they are in the anime, these characters still prove to be incredibly powerful in several of the franchises video games. In these games, their power levels are so high that even a Super Saiyan is nothing to them.

Here is list featuring 15 Dragon Ball Characters Who Are Weak in The Anime But Overpowered In The Video Games.

15. Nappa

During the Saiyan Invasion saga, Nappa was powerful enough to wipe out the Z-Fighters before finally being defeated by Goku. Unfortunately, after his defeat, Nappa was reduced to being one of the weaker villains in the series.

Thankfully, in recent years, Nappa makes several comebacks in various video games.

In Dragon Ball Xenoverse, in addition to the Saiyan Invasion saga, Nappa also appears during the Super 17 saga. In this saga, Nappa becomes powerful enough to take on both the Future Warrior, and Super Saiyan GT Trunks.

As of Xenoverse 2, the player can customize Nappa with the ability to transform into a Super Saiyan. In Dragon Ball Heroes, Nappa also learns how to transform into a unique version of Super Saiyan 3.

In Dragon Ball FighterZ, Nappa uses a unique fighting style featuring an explosive move set. Regardless of how powerful his foe is, Nappa can send even Frieza flying.

14. Goku (Youth)

Compared to his current level of power, young Goku is far weaker than his adult self. However, this rule does not apply in video games.

In Dokkan Battle, there is character card of Goku that can be Dokkan Awoken into what is known as Outcome of Hardship Goku (Youth) (Giant Ape). In addition to his leader skill which boosts all stats of every type by 50%, Goku’s passive ability also gives him a 15% chance of transforming into a Great Ape for two turns.

Unlike other characters with this ability who can only transform once, Goku can transform up to two times in a battle.

In addition to dishing out some intense damage, Goku is also invincible while in this form. Even if he takes a super attack from a character as strong as Beerus, he won’t be defeated.

13. Raditz

Dragon Ball Xenoverse Super Saiyan Raditz

In the anime, despite being Goku’s older brother, he is one of the weakest Saiyans in the franchise. Unlike most Saiyans that get stronger through battle thanks to their Zenkai ability, Raditz tends to rely more on underhanded tactics to win.

His video game counterpart on the other hand, defies his regular weakness. One of the stronger versions of Raditz appears in Dragon Ball: Heroes.

In this game, not only does he learn to transform into a Super Saiyan, he skips straight to Super Saiyan 3.

Additionally, in Dokkan Battle, much like Goku (Youth), Raditz also has a character card with the passive ability to transform into an invincible Great Ape. He can also be Dokkan Awoken to further increase the ability, allowing him the possibility of transforming up to two times in a battle.

 12. Bulma (Youth)

In Dragon Ball Dokkan Battle, despite not being much of a fighter, Bulma can easily turn the tide of any battle she is in. One of the best versions of Bulma is titled Getting Butterflies Bulma (Youth). Unlike most characters, GB Bulma has a quest where the player can farm items needed to unlock her full potential.

Normally, a character requires a full Ki Meter (12 bars) to use their super attack. However, when her super attack level is maxed out, GB Bulma only requires 9 bars to use it. Unlocking her full potential also increases the chances of her attacking more than once, inflicting critical hits and even evading most attacks.

Her passive ability is also one of the best in the game. For every rainbow Ki Sphere she acquires, she restores 7777 HP and also has a 70% chance of halving all damage taken, even from super attacks.

11. Mai (Future)

Despite not having a playable role in regular video games, Mai is a playable character in the mobile game Dragon Ball: Dokkan Battle. In this game, the player can collect cards featuring different versions of the same character which vary in terms of types (INT, STR, AGL, PHY & TEQ), rarity (From Normal to Legendary Rare), power and abilities.

One of her forms is an SSR and later UR ranked character titled Fighting Eradication Mai (Future). In this version, her leader skill provides a 60% increase to the HP and Defense stats of INT characters. Her super attack and passive skill also have a 20% and 40% chance, respectively, of stunning her opponents.

So long as they are not immune to stun, she can even incapacitate Goku Black and Zamasu. When used correctly and with the right team, this version of Mai can turn any situation to the player’s advantage.

10. Captain Ginyu

It is hard to believe that at one point in time, Vegeta feared the power of the Ginyu Force. Although, in his defense, his reasons at the time where well justified. During the events of the Frieza saga, Ginyu and the members of his Ginyu Force were the strongest soldiers under Frieza’s command. However, in the anime Ginyu and his team have become nothing more than relics of the past.

On the other hand, in games like Dragon Ball FighterZ, Ginyu is considered one of the strongest fighters. This is mainly due to his impressive assist ability which allows him to call in the entire Ginyu force to overwhelm the enemy with both power and numbers.

In Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, he was even able to steal the body of Goku Black, allowing him access to the full power of Super Saiyan Rosé.

9. Chiaotzu

Chiaotzu in Dragon Ball and DBZ

In the anime, Chiaotzu’s role is diminished to the point where he serves as nothing more than comic relief.

Thankfully, he is given a chance to stand out among the series' more powerful characters in the video games.

For example, in Dragon Ball Fusions, despite being the weakest Z-Fighter, Chiaotzu can use his powers to transfer his energy to greatly restore and empower his allies. He can also learn how to perform the Super Dodon Wave.

In Dragon Ball FighterZ, Chiaotzu makes a cameo appearance as Tien’s partner. Despite not being a playable character, the little guy still proves useful in dispatching opponents by attaching himself to opponents and blowing himself up to inflict damage.

In the anime, this move did not so much as scratch Nappa. In the game, this move not only causes considerable damage, but can also protect Tien from other super moves.

8. Krillin

Krillin has trained alongside Goku and his friends from the very beginning. Unfortunately, he has a habit of either getting dispatched or tremendously defeated. As a result, his reputation as a fighter has taken a serious blow.

However, in several video games Krillin reminds us why he his considered the strongest earthling by friends and foes alike. In the anime, besides unlocking his hidden potential, Krillin does not have any other transformations or power ups besides the No Ego Zone in Dragon Ball Super.

However, in Xenoverse, Krillin masters the use of the Kaio-ken, a move that only Goku could learn in the anime. Furthermore, in Dragon Ball: Supersonic Warriors 2, in addition to the Kaio-ken, Krillin also learns Tien’s Tri-Beam, Yamcha’s Spirit Ball and even Goku’s Spirit Bomb.

Overall, not bad for a guy whose life has ended more times than anyone else.

7. Mr. Satan

In Dragon Ball Z 2: Super Battle, not only does he replace Frieza as a playable character, he is also strong enough to defeat Perfect Cell.

Though Mr. Satan is the weakest character in the anime, it is a different story when it comes to video games.

In the game, Dokkan Battle, it is possible to obtain a LR rarity version of him known as Extraordinary Friendship Mr. Satan. His leader skill provides a 100% HP and Defense boost to all types and his passive skill has a 70% of providing a major attack and Ki meter boost.

Furthermore, as a Legendary Rare character, Mr. Satan's Ki Meter can go up to 24. If its between 12 and 17, in addition to damage, he also has a rare chance of stunning an enemy. If its 18 or higher, his super will inflict colossal damage and boost his defense by 50% for 3 turns.

6. Tien Shinhan

Since his first appearance in the original Dragon Ball anime, Tien’s overall power level has greatly diminished. However, this has not stopped him from challenging foes much stronger than him. Even if his only purpose is to buy time, Tien is an amazing character with enormous potential.

In games like Dragon Ball FighterZ, Tien’s power level rises to new heights and he finally realizes his true potential as a fighter. He is one of the most well-balanced fighters and can easily overpower characters that are normally stronger than him.

He also possesses one of the strongest Super moves in the game called the Neo Tri-Beam. Using all his power, Tien’s move targets the entire screen, inflicting huge damage to his opponents. This may cost him a bit of health, but when timed correctly Tien can even beat the fearsome Goku Black.

5. Piccolo

Majin Piccolo

In Dragon Ball Super, after developing Delayed Onset Ki Disorder, Goku jokes that due to his condition even Piccolo could defeat him. This helps us understand just where Piccolo stands in terms of power amongst his allies.

However, in several video games, Piccolo’s strength far exceeds his power levels in the anime.

For example, in Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai after acquiring the skill “Fuse with Kami,” Piccolo’s power level surpasses even that of Perfect Cell’s. In Dragon Ball: Supersonic Warriors, Piccolo merges with King Piccolo to become stronger than Majin Buu. He even transforms into a Majin in the game's sequel, becoming an even worse threat than Vegeta.

In addition to reawakening his evil nature, he also develops new powers such as the ability to control Frieza, Cell, Dabura, and Super Buu. As the final boss, Piccolo absorbs Super Buu, becoming even more powerful than before.

4. Yamcha

Yamcha Dragon Ball video game

In the anime, Yamcha’s reputation is even worse than Krillin’s. Nowadays, the only thing he is good for is comic relief. It is hard not too feel bad for the guy, especially once you consider his past accomplishments in the anime.

He was the first fighter to ever beat Goku, his skills developed at an astonishing rate, and his spirit control is higher than any other character as demonstrated by his mastery of the Spirit Ball technique.

Thankfully, in Dragon Ball FighterZ we finally get to see just how powerful Yamcha can be. With moves like his signature Wolf Fang Fist, Yamcha is both a powerful fighter, as well as a valuable partner.

The only downside to Yamcha is that many consider him to be a fairly difficult character to master. However, when used properly, Yamcha can be a troublesome foe even to Beerus.

3. Monster Carrot

Despite appearing in only one episode of the anime, Monster Carrot still makes quite the impression. Low power level aside, Monster Carrot has the unique ability to transform people into carrots. Not unlike Majin who can turn people or objects into candy.

Monster Carrot appears as a boss in several games such as Dragon Ball Z: Attack of The Saiyans, and Dragon Ball: Origins. In Dragon Ball: Dokkan Battle, he also appears as the boss of the dokkan event “The Bizarre Rabbit Mob.”

Monster Carrot is one of the most difficult bosses to defeat.

His stage imposes several restrictions, such as requiring the player to have a certain type of Goku (Youth) to fight him, and leaving Bulma (Bunny) as the only support character. He also does not take much damage and makes it difficult for the player to charge their super attacks by turning Ki Spheres into carrots.

2. Android 18

Android 18 And 19

In the anime, when compared to the other unlimited energy model androids, Android 18 can be considered the weakest. Unlike Android 16, she does not stand a chance against Cell in his imperfect form. Also, unlike her brother, she does not demonstrate the ability to use a barrier in the anime.

However, in video games she has proven to be just as, if not more powerful than her fellow androids. In Dragon Ball FighterZ, she is so powerful that many of her skills and abilities make her overpowered. As a partner, Android 18 can use a barrier to nullify her opponents’ attacks. Additionally, the barrier also gives her an extra power meter, and can even damage her opponent when timed correctly.

Furthermore, Android 18 is the only fighter that can perform combos to enter Dragon Rush without using her Ki meter.

1. Bardock

As a low class Saiyan warrior, Bardock is often looked down upon by his fellow Saiyans.

However, in the video games Bardock is without a doubt one of the strongest characters in the Dragon Ball franchise.

In Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, it is revealed that the demon Towa rescued Bardock right before Frieza’s attack hits him. After she saves him, she brainwashes him into serving her as the Masked Saiyan. As the Masked Saiyan, Bardock’s power continues to grow over time, to the point where even Future Trunks has trouble fighting him.

In Xenoverse 2, he also acquires the ability to transform into Super Saiyan 3, where he can manipulate his Ki to create energy swords. Furthermore, in both Xenoverse 2 and Dragon Ball: Heroes, Bardock can achieve the Super Saiyan 4 transformation. In this state, his power even exceeds Super Saiyan 4 Goku’s.

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Which one is your favorite Dragon Ball character to fight with? Let us know in the comments!