Dragon Ball: Why Goku Can Keep Getting Stronger But Vegeta Struggles?

Daksh Chaudhary
Feb 20
3 min read

Updated: Apr 17

In Dragon Ball, Goku and Vegeta are two of the strongest Saiyans, constantly pushing their limits. However, while Goku keeps unlocking new transformations and surpassing his limits, Vegeta often struggles to catch up. Despite his intense training and dedication, he always seems to be a step behind Goku.

This difference is not just about power levels; but it comes with the difference in mindset, training methods, and opportunities. Understanding why Goku keeps getting stronger while Vegeta faces more challenges gives us a deeper look into their characters and the Dragon Ball universe.

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Goku’s Growth Mindset Vs Vegeta’s Pride In Dragon Ball

Goku and Vegeta standing and looking aggressive

One of the biggest reasons Goku keeps getting stronger is his mindset. He loves fighting and treats every battle as a chance to improve. He doesn’t care about pride or proving himself to others. All he cares about is simply getting better. This open-minded approach helps him learn new techniques and master different fighting styles.

For example, during the Tournament of Power, Goku was willing to experiment with Ultra Instinct, a technique that even gods struggle to master. He didn’t hesitate to push himself beyond his limits, even when he didn’t fully understand the form.

Vegeta, on the other hand, has a different approach. His Saiyan pride makes him determined to surpass Goku, but this also holds him back. He often refuses to learn techniques he considers unworthy or not his style. When Goku learned Instant Transmission on Yardrat, Vegeta rejected it, only later realizing its usefulness. His pride sometimes stops him from adapting and growing as quickly as Goku does.

Training Methods And Masters

Goku and Vegeta punching each other in Dragon Ball

Goku has trained under some of the best masters in the Dragon Ball universe. From Master Roshi and King Kai to Whis and Merus, each mentor has given him new techniques and insights. His training is diverse, combining martial arts, ki control, and mental discipline.

A great example is when he trained with Whis. Instead of just increasing his power, Whis taught him how to move without thinking, leading him to Ultra Instinct. This training method was key to Goku reaching god levels.

Vegeta, however, prefers training alone or pushing himself through his willpower. He rarely seeks out masters, believing that his own hard work is enough. While this has made him incredibly strong, it has also limited his growth. Only recently, when he trained with Beerus to learn Hakai (destruction energy), did he truly embrace a new form of training. But even then, it took him longer to accept that power comes from more than just strength.

Opportunities And Experience

Best anime friends and strongest rivalry

Goku has had more life-changing opportunities than Vegeta. He was sent to Earth as a baby and trained by masters who emphasized skill over brute strength. His fights against enemies like Frieza, Cell, and Buu forced him to evolve constantly.

His battle with Frieza on Namek was his biggest breakthrough. This is when he achieved Super Saiyan for the first time; a moment of emotional and physical transformation. He tapped into something deeper, while Vegeta, who also had the same potential, struggled with rage and desperation to achieve the form.

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Talking about Vegeta, he had a much harder past. Growing up under Frieza’s rule, he focused only on survival and revenge. He lacked the peaceful training Goku had, and this shaped his aggressive and stubborn approach. Even after joining the Z Fighters, he had to unlearn years of bad habits and learn to fight smarter, not just harder.

Key Differences In Power Growth

Mindset: Goku embraces learning and growth, while Vegeta struggles with his pride.
Training Style: Goku learns from multiple masters, while Vegeta prefers solo training.
Adaptability: Goku experiments with new techniques, but Vegeta is hesitant to change.
Emotional State: Goku’s calm and open mind helps him reach Ultra Instinct, while Vegeta’s rage-driven power limits him.
Opportunities: Goku has had more unique experiences that forced him to grow stronger.

Final Verdict: Will Vegeta Ever Catch Up With Goku In Dragon Ball?

While Vegeta has struggled to keep up with Goku, he has made huge progress. His Ultra Ego form, learned from Beerus, shows that he is finally embracing a different path. Unlike before, he is no longer just chasing Goku, he is finding his own way to power.

In the end, Goku and Vegeta will always push each other to new heights. Their rivalry is what makes Dragon Ball so exciting. Goku may always be one step ahead, but Vegeta’s growth proves that even the proudest warrior can evolve.