Ichigo Kurosaki is a beloved protagonist of the popular anime series Bleach. Over the course of the show, Ichigo has transformed into various forms, each stronger than the last. In this article, we’ll be ranking Ichigo strongest forms, exploring their unique abilities and why they’re so powerful.
The anime series Bleach has been influential in inspiring many creators and paving the way for numerous anime shows. The highly anticipated anime version of the “Bleach Final Arc: Thousand Year Blood War” is set to release in October 2022. It’s a good time to reflect on the series, which has given us many unforgettable moments, and compare the protagonist’s various forms.
Currently, Ichigo’s True Bankai with Horn of Salvation form is his strongest form. However, in the author’s opinion, Pure Ichigo is his most potent form. This post will rank and explain all of Ichigo’s forms based on their power levels and impact in battle. With the manga already having concluded in 2016, all of Ichigo’s strongest forms have been revealed. So, keep reading until the end to find out which form of Ichigo ranks the highest.
Despite Ichigo’s immense popularity in the anime community, not everyone is aware of all ten of his transformations and their unique abilities.
Ichigo’s Strongest Forms in Bleach Ranked | 2023
10: Ichigo Human Form
Ichigo’s human form is ranked 10th on the list of his strongest forms in Bleach. As the name suggests, his human form is his weakest form. While in human form, he is just as vulnerable and weak as any other human, which makes him an easy target for hollows. The most he can accomplish in this form is overpowering ordinary humans by breaking a shrine. Therefore, there is not much potential for him in this form.
09: Shinigami Ichigo (Basic)
Ichigo Strongest Forms in Bleach include Shinigami Ichigo (Basic), which is ranked 9th on the list. This transformation is Ichigo’s most fundamental form and occurs when Rukia transfers half of her Reaitsu to him, granting him the power to defeat two attacking hollows. Despite its simplicity, in this form, Ichigo managed to defeat the 11th Captain, Zaraki Kenpachi (without his eyepatch limiter), Ikakku, and Renji, demonstrating his incredible strength.
Additionally, there is a Shinigami (Rebuild) form that Ichigo acquires, which is an improvement of his Shinigami form. This form grants him two Zengitsus, one short and solid and the other long and narrow, enhancing his combat mobility and providing him with a faster means of controlling his Reaitsu.
08: Bankai Ichigo (Basic)
Ichigo’s Bankai form (Basic) holds the 8th position in the list of his strongest forms in Bleach. This form was attained through rigorous training devised by Youruichi and was fully displayed during the fight against Kuchiki Byakyu on Soukyoku Hill. In this form, Ichigo’s Shinigami robes undergo a transformation into a black-and-red Shihakusho, considerably amplifying the power of his Bankai. This basic form paves the way for an even more potent and devastating form called Bankai Ichigo (Rebuild), where Ichigo can merge the strength of his Bankai to increase their power. This advanced form grants him greater mobility, creating two parallel black lines and causing his eyes to glow yellow, hinting at his true nature.
07: Hollowified Ichigo
Ranked 7th in the roster of Ichigo’s formidable transformations in Bleach is the Hollowified Ichigo. This particular form holds a special place as it showcases Ichigo’s capabilities when he unleashes his untamed side. By resisting the urge to suppress his inner demon, Ichigo’s hollow form takes over, manifesting as a mask on his face. This transformation proved to be lethal as it enabled him to triumph over Byakuya by slicing his chest. It is a significant breakthrough as it unveiled Ichigo’s previously untapped potential.
06: Fullbring Ichigo
Ranked at number 6 on the list of Ichigo’s strongest forms in Bleach is Fullbring Ichigo. After losing his powers in a fight against Aizen, Ichigo discovers a new technique called Fullbring, which he achieves through human training. While not his most powerful form, Fullbring grants Ichigo an armor-like covering of bone structure and a short sword. However, this form’s duration is brief since Ginjou steals his Fullbring, enabling Rukia to restore his Shinigami powers.
05: FGT Ichigo
Ichigo’s Final Getsuga Tenshou form, which involves a perfect fusion with his Zanpakuto spirit Zangetsu, is considered one of his most powerful forms. It is ranked at number 5 in the list of Ichigo’s strongest forms in the anime Bleach. During this form, Ichigo’s power level is raised significantly, allowing him to unleash his full potential against Aizen. He is depicted with bandages covering the lower half of his face and upper torso, and with his hair growing long. Ultimately, Ichigo’s mugetsu technique obliterates Aizen, bringing an end to their long-standing conflict.
04: Vasto Lorde Ichigo
At the fourth position in the list of Ichigo’s strongest forms in Bleach is Vasto Lorde Ichigo, considered one of his most powerful forms. This form was only seen once in the series during Ichigo’s battle against Ulquiorra. Through Vasto Lorde Ichigo, Ichigo underwent a significant transformation in both his fighting abilities and physical appearance, marking the second stage of his development. This form is the only one in which Ichigo is unrecognizable, and the creators may have chosen not to bring it back for that reason.
03: Shinigami Ichigo (Rebuild)
Ichigo’s third strongest form in Bleach is Shinigami Ichigo (Rebuild). Following his defeat by Yhwach and the slicing of his Bankai by Haschwalth, Ichigo decides to travel to the royal realm to learn how to better communicate with his Zangetsu from swordmaster Oetsu Nimaiya. Through this, Ichigo discovers that his lineage grants him both Quincy and shinigami powers. Nimaya then forges two Zangetsu swords for Ichigo – one long and one short – which Ichigo wields with devastating effect. He performs the Getsuga Juujishou, a flurry of quick attacks, and reaches the ultimate version of his shinigami form, which increases his battle prowess and improves his swordsmanship, now wielding two Zangetsus.
02: Bankai Ichigo (Rebuild)
Bankai Ichigo (Rebuild) holds the second position on the list of Ichigo’s strongest forms in the manga Bleach. It is a form that is both intriguing and terrifying. This form is achieved by merging his two Zanpakutos, resulting in an entirely new Bankai. The smaller Zanpakuto fills the hollowed-out space in the larger one, connected by a chain. Ichigo’s physical appearance changes in this form, with a horn sprouting from his right forehead and two lines running down. His eyes partially glow yellow, which foreshadows his final transformation and true nature. It is no surprise that this is one of Ichigo’s strongest forms.
01: Pure Ichigo
The top-ranked form in the list of Ichigo’s most powerful forms in Bleach is Pure Ichigo, which is unmatched in strength except for Vasto Lorde Ichigo. Despite this, Vasto Lorde Ichigo is only ranked fourth due to its appearance, which is not a reliable indicator of a transformation’s true power. Pure Ichigo’s transformation is similar in that it is only seen in his final battle against Yhwach, and it is not seen again afterwards. During this battle, Uryuu uses a Still Silver arrowhead to briefly halt Yhwach’s powers, allowing Ichigo to charge at him with his broken Bankai. Yhwach attempts to block the attack with his hands, causing the white rim to break off.
In conclusion, Ichigo Kurosaki’s various forms in Bleach have been ranked based on their strength and abilities. While there may be some disagreements among fans, it’s clear that Ichigo’s power level and development throughout the series are truly remarkable.
