Why Goku Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball Daima Never Appeared in Dragon Ball Super (The Real Reason)

Goku Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball Daima was one of the biggest surprises in the franchise’s history. But if Goku unlocked SSJ4 in Daima, why didn’t he use it in Dragon Ball Super?

How Goku Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball Daima Became Canon

Yes. Dragon Ball Daima shocked fans by making Super Saiyan 4 canon in a new timeline. Goku achieved SSJ4 in the Demon Realm, but strangely, he never used it in Dragon Ball Super. This raised a massive question:

👉 If Goku already had SSJ4, why didn’t he use it against Beerus, Jiren, or Moro?

The answer lies in three key factors:

  • Daima vs. Super Timeline Conflicts
  • Memory Wipes & Demon Realm Restrictions
  • Toei Animation’s Creative Decisions

Let’s break it all down.

1. Dragon Ball Daima Exists in a Separate Timeline

Many fans assumed Dragon Ball Daima was a direct prequel to Dragon Ball Super, but that’s not the case. Super Saiyan 4 only exists in Daima’s version of events, which conflicts with Super’s continuity.

Canon vs. Non-Canon: Where Does Daima Fit?

Dragon Ball Series Canon to Main Timeline? Super Saiyan 4 Appears?
Dragon Ball Z ✅ Yes ❌ No
Dragon Ball GT ❌ No (Alternate timeline) ✅ Yes
Dragon Ball Super ✅ Yes ❌ No
Dragon Ball Daima ⚠️ Unconfirmed ✅ Yes
  • Since Dragon Ball Daima does not directly connect to Super, SSJ4 is likely an isolated transformation, exclusive to Daima’s version of Goku.
  • If Toei Animation later decides to merge Daima with Super, we might see an explanation in a future season.

2. Goku’s Memory Was Wiped After Daima

One of the most plausible explanations for why Goku doesn’t remember SSJ4 is a memory wipe.

The Evidence:

  • The Demon Realm’s ruler, Neva, had control over Goku’s transformation.
  • He could have sealed SSJ4’s power or erased Goku’s memory to protect the Demon Realm.
  • Goku only used SSJ4 in the Demon Realm, which suggests it may be locked to that environment.

 If Dragon Ball Daima gets a second season, we could see Goku regaining his SSJ4 memories and unlocking it again.

3. Toei Animation’s Creative Decision to Focus on Super Saiyan God & Blue

Another major reason why SSJ4 didn’t appear in Dragon Ball Super is marketing and storytelling choices.

  • When Super was created, Toei Animation wanted new transformations like Super Saiyan God, Blue, and Ultra Instinct.
  • SSJ4 is physically different from Super’s transformations—it looks more primal and animalistic.
  • Toriyama and Toei Animation likely avoided using SSJ4 to keep Super separate from GT and Daima.

If fans demand it, Toei could reintroduce SSJ4 in a future Dragon Ball movie or series.

Will We Ever See Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball Super?

Possibly! If Toei Animation decides to expand Daima’s timeline, they could explain SSJ4’s absence in Super using one of these methods:

  1. Goku Regains His Memory – He suddenly remembers training in the Demon Realm and reactivates SSJ4.
  2. A New Villain Unlocks SSJ4 – Someone forces Goku back into SSJ4 during a new battle.
  3. SSJ4 Gets Retconned into Super – Toei decides to merge Daima into the main timeline.

Until then, SSJ4 remains a mystery, locked away in the world of Dragon Ball Daima.


FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Q: Is Dragon Ball Daima canon to Dragon Ball Super?

🔹 Not officially. Daima is not confirmed to be part of Super’s timeline.

Q: Did Goku really unlock SSJ4 in Daima?

🔹 Yes. Goku transformed into Super Saiyan 4 in the Demon Realm, but the anime never explained why he didn’t use it in Super.

Q: Could a memory wipe be the reason Goku forgot SSJ4?

🔹 Very likely! The Demon Realm’s ruler, Neva, could have erased Goku’s memories or sealed SSJ4’s power.

Q: Will Super Saiyan 4 ever return?

🔹 If Toei Animation decides to merge Daima with Super, then SSJ4 could make a comeback.

Q: Where does Goku Super Saiyan 4 Dragon Ball Daima fit in the timeline?

  • Goku Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball Daima exists in an alternate timeline, separate from Dragon Ball Super. While SSJ4 is canon in Daima, it was never acknowledged in Super, leaving fans questioning its place in the main continuity.

🔴 Super Saiyan 4 is one of the most controversial transformations in Dragon Ball history. Toei Animation made it canon in Daima, but completely ignored it in Super.

🟡 Whether it’s due to a memory wipe, timeline separation, or creative choices, the truth remains: Goku’s SSJ4 is locked away in Daima’s world—for now.

👀 What do you think? Should SSJ4 be reintroduced in Dragon Ball Super? Comment below!

Susan Kowal
Susan Kowal is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor/advisor, and health enthusiast.