Fusion

The Dragon Ball universe features several distinct approaches to fusion, each originating from a different source and carrying its own set of rules. The earliest form shown in the series is Namekian Fusion, a biological assimilation technique unique to the Namekian race. One Namekian absorbs the other's energy, strength, memories, and consciousness. Both must consent willingly, and typically the stronger of the two serves as the host body. After fusing, only the host's physical form remains, with the absorbed partner existing as a consciousness within. Piccolo used this twice in the main series, first absorbing Nail on Planet Namek and later reuniting with Kami on Earth. Unlike other methods, Namekian Fusion is normally permanent and irreversible.

The Fusion Dance, developed by the Metamoran race, requires two fighters of similar power to perform a perfectly synchronized series of poses. The result is a temporary warrior lasting 30 minutes who wears distinctive Metamoran clothing. This method produced iconic fusions like Gotenks (Goten and Trunks) and Gogeta (Goku and Vegeta). Imperfect execution yields a drastically weakened "failed fusion" instead.

Potara fusion uses sacred earrings worn by Supreme Kais. Two individuals each wear one earring on opposite ears and are automatically drawn together and merged. For mortals, this fusion lasts approximately one hour; if a Supreme Kai is involved, it becomes permanent. This method created Vegito (Goku and Vegeta), Fused Zamasu, and Kefla (Caulifla and Kale).

Beyond the three primary methods, the Dragon Ball franchise has introduced numerous additional fusion techniques across various media. These range from scientific innovations to divine techniques to game-exclusive mechanics, each expanding the concept of what fusion can accomplish.

EX-Fusion, introduced in the Dragon Ball Fusions video game, uses Metamo-Rings developed by Capsule Corporation in conjunction with the Fusion Dance. This method trades raw power for flexibility: while the result is weaker than a standard Fusion Dance, the fusion has no time limit and can defuse at will simply by removing the ring. It also imposes fewer restrictions on who can fuse, allowing combinations across different races, sizes, and alignments.

Five-Way Fusion takes the Metamoran concept further by allowing five individuals to merge simultaneously. Invented by the Ginyu Force in Dragon Ball Fusions, this technique creates an Ultra Fusion of tremendous power, though it can only be sustained for several seconds. The resulting warrior's race and gender match those of the person who initiates the dance.

God Fusion appeared in the Dragon Ball Z: The Real 4-D attraction, where Goku used a wish to Shenron to fuse with an entire audience of spectators, channeling their combined energy through a Fusion Dance finishing pose. Fusion of Ki, from Super Dragon Ball Heroes, is a space-time enchantment by Chronoa that links two fighters' energy without physically merging them, allowing coordinated attacks at maximum power.

Absorption-based fusion, as practiced by Majin Buu, works by engulfing a target and incorporating their power and abilities into the absorber's body. This is not a mutual fusion but a one-sided consumption. Machine Mutant Fusion, seen in Dragon Ball GT, and various forms of possession also achieve similar power-combining effects through different mechanisms.

Fused characters in Dragon Ball typically receive portmanteau names that combine syllables from both participants. Fusion Dance products blend the names of both fusees: Goten plus Trunks yields Gotenks, while Goku plus Vegeta produces Gogeta. Potara fusions follow a similar pattern but with different syllable selections from the same source names: Goku and Vegeta become Vegito (emphasizing Vegeta's name first), Caulifla and Kale become Kefla, and Zamasu fusing with himself creates Fused Zamasu.

EX-Fusions in Dragon Ball Fusions often carry the "EX" prefix (EX Gogeta, EX Gotenks) to distinguish them from their standard counterparts. Freeform Fusions use the "KF" prefix. Failed fusions sometimes receive unique names, as with Veku, the failed Gogeta named by South Kai in Fusion Reborn.

Namekian Fusion is an exception to the naming convention. Because one participant's body serves as the host and the other is absorbed, the fused being simply retains the host's name. Piccolo remained Piccolo after absorbing both Nail and Kami, despite gaining significant power and subtle personality changes from each fusion.