10 Most difficult anime transformations/power ups to achieve, ranked

Anime transformations are some of the most iconic and thrilling moments in anime, captivating audiences with their dramatic visuals and immense power. These changes often signify a character's development, a major turning point in the narrative, or the realization of their full potential. They can be stunning or terrifying, as each transformation requirements and difficulties.

Anime transformations often involve emotional and psychological journeys in addition to physical changes. Characters must overcome significant obstacles, face their deepest fears, and sometimes make unimaginable sacrifices to achieve these powerful states. This makes the transformations visually spectacular and profoundly meaningful, adding layers of depth to the characters and storyline.

This listicle will explore the 10 most difficult anime transformations/power-ups to achieve based on the challenges involved in achieving them, the sacrifices required, and the immense power they bestow.

Disclaimer: This listicle reflects the views and opinions of the author.

10 Most difficult anime transformations: Ranked

10) Life Advance (Kengan Ashura)

Tokita Ohma using Life Advance in the tournament finals (Image via Larx Entertainment)

Life Advance is a technique used by Ohma Tokita in Kengan Ashura. This transformation allows the user to push their body beyond its natural limits, drastically enhancing their physical abilities. The technique involves speeding up the body's cellular processes, granting immense strength, speed, and endurance.

However, it comes at a great cost as it ages the body rapidly and, if used excessively, can cause serious physical harm or even death. The difficulty of achieving Life Advance lies in the user's capacity to withstand the immense physical strain and risk of permanent damage.

Despite its power, Life Advance is ranked at 10, although the technique is risky and exhausting. This is because it lacks the same level of mystical elements as other anime transformations.

9) Ken Kaneki's Ghoul Awakening (Tokyo Ghoul)

Ken Kaneki's evolution after Jason's torture (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The transformation of Tokyo Ghoul's Ken Kaneki into a ghoul is a psychological and physical struggle. Kaneki acquires ghoul abilities, such as increased strength, regeneration, and the ability to use kagune, after receiving Rize Kamishiro's kakuhou. However, this transformation also brings immense psychological trauma as Kaneki struggles with his new identity and the need to consume human flesh.

The physical and mental toll of turning into a ghoul makes this transformation difficult. Throughout his journey, Kaneki has struggled to embrace his new ghoul nature while remaining human. His transition involves major emotional trauma in addition to biological changes, making it one of the most difficult anime transformations to achieve.

8) Dragon Force (Fairy Tail)

Natsu eats etherion to tap into Dragon Force (Image via Satelight, A-1 Pictures)

Dragon Force from Fairy Tail is the ultimate state for Dragon Slayers, granting them power similar to that of a dragon. Achieving this form requires consuming substances with a large number of magical properties. Another way to achieve this state is to have magic lacromes (crystals) implanted in the user's body.

Dragon Force is hard to obtain because it demands the Dragon Slayer to push their limits and tap into the deepest reserves of their magic power. This transformation has a severe physical and psychological toll because it often leaves the user exhausted and vulnerable after the effects wear off.

However, unlike many other anime transformations, it is achievable through intense training and physical implants.

7) Eren's Founding Titan Transformation (Attack On Titan)

Eren transforming into the founding titan (Image via MAPPA)

The Founding Titan is one of the Nine Titans with the ability to control other Titans and alter the memories of Eldians. Consuming the previous holder to inherit the Founding Titan is physically and mentally difficult. Additionally, another level of difficulty is that only a person of royal blood can fully utilize the power of the Founding Titan.

Although the transformation bestows great power, it also carries a significant psychological cost and a limited lifespan of thirteen years. While it poses physical and mental stress, it also requires certain circumstances and lineage, making it more challenging than many other anime transformations.

6) Vasto Lorde (Bleach)

Ichigo's Vasto Lorde defeats Ulquiorra (Image via Studio Pierrot)

When Bleach's Ichigo loses control, his Hollow powers take over, and he transforms into a Vasto Lorde. This is one of the most difficult and dangerous anime transformations because, despite its immense power, Ichigo loses his humanity. Ichigo must summon his darkest Hollow abilities to undergo this transformation.

These abilities are frequently sparked by intense emotional strain or near-death incidents. The difficulty of achieving and controlling the Vasto Lorde transformation lies in the constant struggle between Ichigo's human and Hollow sides. It is among the more difficult and dangerous anime transformations since it involves a significant loss of control and humanity.

5) Limitation Transformation (Hunter x Hunter)

Gon after undergoing Limitation Transformation (Image via Madhouse)

Gon Freecss's Limitation Transformation is a significant power boost he obtained at the expense of his future potential. This is one of the most dangerous and challenging power-ups to acquire because it is a last resort with dire consequences.

During his fight with Neferpitou, Gon gives up the chance to use Nen in the future in exchange for a tremendous power boost, transforming into an enhanced adult version of himself. The transformation has a psychological and physical cost because it renders Gon practically lifeless and unable to use Nen.

The Limitation Transformation is one of the most extreme and dangerous anime transformations because it requires a large and irreversible sacrifice.

4) Eight Inner Gates (Naruto)

Might Guy after opening Eight Inner Gates (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The human body contains chakra points known as the Eight Inner Gates, which restrict the chakra flow to keep the body from hurting itself. A ninja who opens these gates will suffer severe physical damage and gain immense power and skills. The last gate, the Gate of Death, offers strength greater than the Five Kage but also results in the user's death.

The difficulty of achieving this transformation lies in 26 years of training and endurance. This is a last-resort transformation based on the unique abilities of the ninja and the complex nature of chakra control. Eight Inner Gates is undoubtedly one of the hardest anime transformations to achieve.

3) Final Getsuga Tenshou (Bleach)

Ichigo's Final Getsuga Tenshou (Image via Studio Pierrot)

One of Bleach's Ichigo's most potent and challenging anime transformations is the Final Getsuga Tensho. This form is the result of Ichigo's intense training with his father, Isshin Kurosaki, in the Dangai. As a last resort, Ichigo can use the Final Getsuga Tensho to turn himself into the Getsuga itself, giving him great power but also causing him to lose his Shinigami abilities.

Achieving this form is challenging because it requires extensive mental and physical training in addition to the willingness to give up one's abilities for a single attack.

2) Ultra Instinct (Dragon Ball)

Goku - Ultra Instinct mastered (Image via Toei Animation)

Ultra Instinct from Dragon Ball is a state that even the gods struggle to achieve. The user must surrender all conscious thought and let their body respond to intuition. Goku's journey to mastering Ultra Instinct involves rigorous training and life-threatening battles.

Most fighters rely on their minds to plan and react, so achieving Ultra Instinct is extremely difficult because it goes against their natural instincts. The transformation is a crucial component of the show's focus on spiritual power and combat, highlighting the determination and resolve of characters like Goku.

Uisng Ultra Instinct is often a turning point in battles, demonstrating the immense power and sacrifice required to achieve victory. Since it requires a complete overhaul of one's fighting instincts and immense training, it is one of the most challenging anime transformations.

1) Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan (Naruto)

Madara's Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan is achieved by transplanting the Mangekyo Sharingan of a close relative. The user must first awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, which demands enduring severe emotional trauma, like losing a loved one, before this transformation can take place.

While the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan grants its user the ability to utilize powerful techniques without the risk of blindness, it requires extreme sacrifice and trauma. Because it requires a great deal of physical and emotional sacrifice and willingness to take a loved one's eyes, achieving this form is difficult.

Therefore, the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan is one of the most difficult and significant anime transformations.