The Saiyan race garnered a notorious reputation as the most formidable warriors, instilling fear wherever they went. Their prowess stemmed from the Saiyan Army's brutal legacy of destruction and power-hungry conquests under Frieza's command.

Let's delve into the intricacies of the Saiyan Army's structure and the distinct warrior classes prevalent in the Dragon Ball series.

Understanding the Saiyan Army

The Saiyan Army categorizes its fighters into three tiers: lower-class, mid-class, and elite-class. While the series primarily showcases lower and elite classes, creator Akira Toriyama confirmed the existence of mid-class warriors. Saiyans below a power level of 1000 are deemed failures and fall outside these classes.

These divisions are based on the innate power levels of Saiyan individuals. The higher the power level, the higher the class ranking. Although power levels can increase with training, inherent power largely determines a Saiyan's class.

Lower-Class Warriors

Lower-class Saiyans form the bulk of the Saiyan Army, boasting power levels between 1500 and 5000. While stronger than humans, they pale in comparison to elite-class warriors. Notable lower-class figures include Bardock and Raditz, with Bardock being a standout despite his classification.

Mid-Class Warriors

Mid-class Saiyans exhibit astounding power levels, with Nappa recognized as the strongest general. His power surged to 8000, surpassing all contemporaries. Despite his defeat by Goku, Nappa's destructive capabilities were evident in his ability to decimate an entire city effortlessly.

Elite-Class Saiyans/Royalty

Vegeta and King Vegeta stand as elite-class Saiyans, embodying exceptional strength and royal lineage. Their unparalleled power, highlighted by Vegeta's planetary destruction, showcases the potency of this select class. Despite their dominance, Goku's equality with Vegeta underscores the limitless potential within Saiyan ranks.

Dragon Ball is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.