(Spoilers ahead for Dragon Ball Super manga & anime. Catch the anime on Crunchyroll!)
Remember when Goku first unlocked Ultra Instinct during the Tournament of Power? Even the Gods of Destruction were shook! But here’s the burning question: Has Goku Ultra Instinct mastery already outclassed Beerus? Let’s break it down—no fancy jargon, just straight-up fan talk.
Ultra Instinct 101: What’s the Big Deal?

Ultra Instinct (UI) lets fighters move without thinking—dodging, blocking, or attacking on pure instinct. Sounds OP, right? But there’s a catch: you need total mental calm, which even gods struggle with. Goku nailed it under pressure, but Beerus? Well…
Does Beerus Even Use Ultra Instinct? Manga vs. Anime Drama
In the Manga: Yes! During the Zeno Expo (a wild battle royale between Gods of Destruction), Beerus dodges attacks like he’s got eyes on the back of his head. Whis confirms it’s UI, but here’s the kicker—it’s flawed. Beerus still gets tagged by Universe 3’s Destroyer, Mule. Oops.

In the Anime: Maybe? The anime never shows Beerus using UI, but let’s be real—he’s the strongest God of Destruction in both versions. It’s safe to assume he can tap into it, but he’s keeping his cards close to his chest. For now, manga Beerus = UI user. Anime Beerus? Still a mystery.
Who’s the UI King: Goku or Beerus?
Goku Wins:
- Mastered Perfected Ultra Instinct (auto-dodge and attack).
- Upgraded to True Ultra Instinct (stronger, more control).
Beerus’s Struggle:
- Manga Beerus only shows Imperfect UI (still gets hit).
- Whis admits Beerus hasn’t mastered it (Resurrection ‘F’ arc).
So, yeah—Goku’s UI game is sharper for now. But hold up…
Why Can’t Goku Beat Beerus Then?
UI isn’t a cheat code! Think of it like this: A karate-trained baby vs. a giant adult. Goku’s got the technique, but Beerus’s raw power, experience, and Ultra Ego (UI’s edgy opposite) keep him on top. Plus, UI drains stamina fast—Goku’s still got limits.
- Why Can’t Goku Beat Beerus Then?
- Why Can’t Goku Beat Beerus Then?
- Why Can’t Goku Beat Beerus Then?
- Why Can’t Goku Beat Beerus Then?
Imagine a black belt toddler fighting The Rock. Technique matters, but size, experience, and raw strength dominate. Here’s why Beerus still wins:
- Base Power Gap: Beerus’s natural strength dwarfs Goku’s, even without transformations.
- Ultra Ego: Beerus’s signature technique (manga-exclusive) thrives on taking damage, turning pain into power—the opposite of UI’s calm focus.
- Stamina Issues: UI drains Goku quickly. Beerus, as a god, likely has near-unlimited energy.
Ultra Ego: Beerus Secret Sauce?
While Goku obsesses over UI, Beerus rocks Ultra Ego—a rage-fueled state that thrives on taking damage. It’s UI’s polar opposite, and it might explain why Beerus isn’t sweating Goku’s progress. Different strengths, different swagger. While Goku chases UI perfection, Beerus dominates with Ultra Ego—a brutal, offense-focused state that grows stronger with every injury. It’s fueled by battle lust, not calmness, making it UI’s polar opposite. This could explain why Beerus isn’t obsessed with mastering UI: he’s already got a godly technique that suits his personality.
The Final Takeaway
- Manga Beerus: UI user, but not perfect.
- Anime Beerus: Probably knows UI, but flexes Ultra Ego instead.
- Goku: UI master, but still needs to level up his base power.
TL;DR: Goku’s UI skills > Beerus’s… but raw strength? Beerus still rules.
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