What if Buu Was in the Tournament of Power?

Meta description: A detailed look at how Majin Buu would have changed the Tournament of Power—strategy, power scaling, team dynamics, and alternate outcomes.

Quick Scoop

Majin Buu’s absence in Dragon Ball Super ’s Tournament of Power (ToP) was a major “what if.” If he had participated instead of Frieza or alongside the original lineup, Universe 7’s strategy, pacing, and even the final outcome could have shifted dramatically. His unique biology and abilities make him one of the most unpredictable fighters in the entire franchise.

Why Buu Matters More Than People Think

Buu isn’t just another powerhouse—he’s a mechanics-breaking character :

  • Regeneration: Near-limitless recovery from damage.
  • Absorption: Can permanently remove opponents by absorbing them.
  • Transmutation: Turns enemies into candy or harmless objects.
  • Stamina: Effectively infinite compared to most fighters.
  • Elastic body: Resistant to conventional attacks and ring-outs.

In a battle royale like the ToP, these traits are arguably more valuable than raw power.

Scenario 1: Buu Replaces Frieza

This is the most common fan scenario. Immediate changes:

  1. Team synergy improves
    • Buu is loyal and cooperative, unlike Frieza.
    • No risk of betrayal or manipulation.
  2. Less strategic cunning
    • Frieza’s tactical mind (e.g., stalling, mind games) would be missing.
    • Buu is more instinct-driven than strategic.
  3. Battlefield control increases
    • Buu could disable multiple fighters quickly with candy beams or absorption.

“Frieza played chess in the ToP. Buu would’ve played chaos.”

Likely outcome:

  • Universe 7 might dominate early and mid-game harder.
  • However, the final fight vs Jiren could be tougher without Frieza’s clever stalling and last-minute teamwork with Goku.

Scenario 2: Buu + Frieza Both Participate

If Buu had not fallen asleep and Frieza still joined:

  • Universe 7 becomes overpowered in utility.
  • Multiple elimination strategies emerge:
    • Buu absorbs weaker fighters.
    • Frieza handles elite threats.
    • Goku and Vegeta focus on top-tier opponents.

Potential impact:

  • Tournament could end faster.
  • Fewer Universe 7 casualties (e.g., Tien, Krillin might last longer with Buu shielding them).

Key Matchups: How Buu Would Perform

  • Against weaker universes: Overwhelming dominance via absorption.
  • Against Universe 6 (Hit, Caulifla, Kale):
    • Hit’s time-skip might bypass Buu’s defense briefly.
    • Kale’s raw power could push Buu, but not permanently damage him.
  • Against Toppo (God of Destruction mode):
    • Hakai energy could be a serious threat—possibly Buu’s biggest weakness.
  • Against Jiren:
    • Buu likely loses in a straight fight.
    • But he could stall Jiren longer than most fighters due to regeneration.

Strategic Advantages Buu Brings

  • Attrition warfare: Buu excels in long battles where others tire.
  • Crowd control: Candy beam could remove multiple fighters quickly.
  • Support role:
    • Could shield allies with his body.
    • Could heal or restore stamina in some interpretations.

Downsides and Risks

  • Naivety: Buu can be tricked or distracted.
  • Rule limitations: Absorption might be controversial—would it count as elimination?
  • Unpredictability: He could accidentally interfere with allies.

Multi-Viewpoint Take

Pro-Buu fans argue:

  • He would have made Universe 7 unbeatable early on.
  • His abilities are perfectly suited for a survival-style tournament.

Skeptics argue:

  • Frieza’s intelligence and clutch plays were essential.
  • Buu lacks the tactical awareness needed for high-level fights like Jiren.

Neutral take:

  • Buu improves overall team durability and control,
  • but may weaken endgame precision strategy.

Storytelling Angle: How It Might Have Played Out

Picture this:

  • Early tournament chaos: Buu turns a group of fighters into candy and casually eats them.
  • Mid-game: He absorbs a mid-tier warrior, gaining new abilities.
  • Late-game: Jiren smashes Buu repeatedly—only for Buu to keep reforming, frustrating him.
  • Final moments: Instead of Frieza and Goku’s iconic teamwork, Buu becomes a living shield , buying time for Ultra Instinct Goku.

Final Verdict

Buu’s inclusion would have made the Tournament of Power:

  • More chaotic
  • More one-sided early on
  • Potentially less tactical in the final stretch

He wouldn’t guarantee victory, but he would completely reshape how the tournament unfolded.

TL;DR

  • Buu’s abilities (regeneration, absorption, candy beam) are perfect for a battle royale.
  • He would dominate early and mid-game phases.
  • Frieza’s absence would hurt late-game strategy against Jiren.
  • Best-case scenario: Buu + Frieza together = overwhelming advantage.
  • Overall: Buu changes the tournament from a strategic war into controlled chaos.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.