Dragon Ball: Energy Shield, explained

Key recommendations

  • Energy shields in Dragon Ball are created by manipulating ki, providing versatile defense against attacks.
  • Energy shields require substantial mastery to be effective in high-stakes situations, adapting to specific threats.
  • Various characters such as Goku, Vegito, and Broly use energy shields for protection, showing off their defensive capabilities.



A good defense is just as important as a good offense. And while Dragon Ball is infamous for some of the greatest attacks in the anime world, a technique that often saves the day is the energy shield. Fans know that the Energy Shield has evolved into one of the core defense mechanisms of the series and has been featured by many of the series' strongest fighters, and serves as a vital defensive tool in fights where raw power isn't enough. to survive.

But what exactly is this energy shield, how does it work, and why is it such a crucial part of Dragon Ball battle system?

What is an energy shield?Dragon-Ball-Energy-Shield.2-1

The energy shield is essentially a barrier created through the advanced manipulation of ki, or life energy, which is a fundamental source of power for most characters in the Dragon Ball universe. By compressing their ki into a sealed form, fighters are able to create an invisible, semi-permeable shield that can block or absorb incoming attacks. Depending on the strength and skill of the user, the shield can be strong enough to defend against planetary destruction.


While most fighters with even a basic understanding of ki can theoretically use energy shields, the technique requires substantial mastery to make it effective in high-stakes situations.

How does the energy shield work?

The mechanics behind the energy shield involve a ki compression process. The user gathers and condenses their ki into a specific form, creating a barrier. This barrier can repel physical objects and energy-based attacks, allowing the user to withstand attacks that would otherwise be catastrophic. A fully formed energy shield can block intense energy beams, waves of ki blasts, and even environmental hazards such as vacuum or extreme heat.


These shields can be tailored to the fighter's needs. For example, some versions, such as the Saiyan Barrier, form skin-tight shields for close combat situations, while others create larger protective domes, protecting more people. The versatility of these shields allows fighters to adapt their defenses in response to specific threats.

Major Uses of Energy Shields in Dragon Ball

Goku's use of the Energy Shield

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Throughout the series, Goku has been seen using the energy shield technique on several occasions, often in times of dire need. A prime example is his fight with Piccolo, where Goku used his shield to deflect a Scatter Finger Beam while preparing a one-handed Kamehameha.


In Tournament of Power, Goku and Vegeta use a version of the Saiyan Barrier to protect themselves during their battle against Universe 9.

Vegito's skin level shield

One of the most iconic uses of the energy shield came when Vegito was absorbed by Super Buu. To protect himself from being chewed, Vegito used an airtight energy shield to maintain his form, preventing Buu from consuming him entirely. This shield, later referred to as the Saiyan Shield in the Raging Blast video game series, became a vital part of Vegito's defense tactics.

Broly's planetary survival


Perhaps one of the most striking examples of the potential of an energy shield is seen with Broly, who as a child used his raw strength to create a barrier strong enough to survive the destruction of Planet Vegeta. The fact that Broly could instinctively create such a powerful shield at such a young age speaks to both his immense potential and the astounding defensive capabilities of energy shields in the right hands.

Comparisons with other Ki-based abilities

Energy Shield vs. Aura

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The energy shield has similarities to the ki aura that many fighters use for both offensive and defensive purposes. For example, Jiren uses his overwhelming ki as a passive shield, deflecting weaker attacks by simply standing still. This is a more passive form of defense compared to the conscious effort required to form a traditional energy shield.


Auras tend to offer less focused protection, but make up for it with the ability to negate smaller attacks without active intervention. However, in direct confrontations with powerful enemies, fighters often rely on energy shields for a more focused and reliable defense.

Android barrier

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Another notable variation of the energy shield is the Android Barrier, a specialized defensive technique used by the androids of the Red Ribbon Army. Characters like Android 17 and Android 18 use these shields to block powerful attacks. Android 17's barrier, for example, was crucial during his fight with Piccolo, where it proved durable enough to withstand a barrage of explosive attacks.


Although similar to the standard energy shield, the Android Barrier has additional offensive capabilities, allowing the user to counterattack after absorbing an assault. This combination of offense and defense makes the Android Barrier particularly formidable in fast-paced battles.

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Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball is a franchise by Akira Toriyama that follows the adventures of Goku, a powerful warrior who protects the earth with his group of friends. A recent title in the series is Dragon Ball: The Breakers, an action-style game where 7 players must survive being hunted by Raiders.

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