One Piece Non-Straw Hat Transformations Guide (2026)

Eiichiro Oda has delivered plenty of jaw-dropping shifts in One Piece over the years—mostly centered on the Straw Hat Pirates, which is only natural since they’re the series’ main heroes. Still, the world of One Piece is packed with other transformations that don’t always get the same spotlight, even when they’re just as impressive, and sometimes even among the strongest things the story has ever shown.

Below is a look at some of the standout “non-Straw-Hat” transformations (and a few major off-screen power reveals) that fans have seen across the manga, with an emphasis on how each one debuted and what makes it so effective.

10 Lucci’s Awakened Zoan Transformation

Debut Arc: Egghead Arc
Transformation Type: Zoan Awakened Form

During the Egghead Island arc, One Piece offered a steady stream of big power moments, and Rob Lucci’s Awakened Zoan evolution was one of the most memorable. Lucci is a user of the Neko Neko no Mi, Model: Leopard.

By leaning on his intellect, Lucci pushed his Devil Fruit past its usual limits and awakened it. That awakening was showcased heavily on Egghead, where he unleashed an extremely dangerous form while fighting Luffy. He later brought the same transformation into his clash with Zoro, where it was dominant enough to keep the Straw Hat swordsman close to a dead-even outcome.

9 Sulong

Debut Arc: Zou Arc
Transformation Type: Genetic

Sulong is a rare transformation unique to the Mink Tribe. When a full moon is overhead, Minks only need to lock eyes with it to trigger the form—an elegant, glowing state that looks both bright and otherworldly, with electro-like energy and an all-white aesthetic.

In addition to the striking visuals, Sulong also changes the body’s physical scale. Their size grows, and so do their hair, clothing, and other animal traits. Electro usage becomes significantly stronger, and their overall physical output receives a massive upgrade. In short: if a Mink can properly control Sulong, a full-moon power boost follows.

8 Big Mom’s Giant Form

Debut Arc: Wano Arc
Transformation Type: Paramecia Form

Big Mom is one of the Sea’s Emperors and a frequent source of nightmare-level threats in One Piece. In the Wano Country arc, she stepped into what became her biggest confrontation yet, fighting both Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid.

Her transformation came with a grim cost. While battling them, Big Mom triggered a unique form by consuming her own lifespan. By giving up a year of her life, she swelled dramatically in size and gained a significant surge in raw power. Even though the idea is simple, the results were brutally effective.

7 Raid Suit Transformation

Debut Arc: Whole Cake Island Arc
Transformation Type: Scientific Augmentation

The Raid Suit transformation stands apart from most One Piece power-ups because it doesn’t work like a Devil Fruit change. Instead of transforming due to a fruit-based ability, the Raid Suits are worn—special gear that grants combat enhancements.

Only members of the Vinsmoke Family can access these suits, and that access is tied to genetic coding designed for each individual. Once activated, the suit envelops the entire body, boosting physical performance with a variety of advantages, including protective shields and resistance to fire. On top of that, users can fly and move at extremely high speeds—fast enough that many opponents can’t even keep up visually.

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6 Yamato’s Okuchi No Makami Form

Debut Arc: Wano Arc
Transformation Type: Mythical Zoan Form

Yamato entered the story during the Wano Country arc and quickly won over fans. As Kaido’s child, Yamato was expected to be formidable, and that expectation was confirmed during the Onigashima War. Yamato was shown accessing a distinctive transformation tied to the Okuchi no Makami, a Mythical Zoan Dog Dog Fruit model that they consumed as a kid.

With that Devil Fruit, Yamato can shift into a guardian deity wolf and also switch into a hybrid form at will. The ability doesn’t stop there—Yamato can also manipulate ice through this fruit, making the transformation especially dangerous in close-quarters and extended fights.

5 Marco’s Phoenix Form

Debut Arc: Marineford Arc
Transformation Type: Mythical Zoan Form

Marco, the former First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, has one of the most majestic Devil Fruit transformations in One Piece. He’s a Phoenix fruit user, and the form is presented as stunning from every angle fans can look at.

As the name suggests, Marco can become a Phoenix, or shift into a Phoenix-human hybrid, whenever he wants. He can also cover his body in the blue “resurrection” flames—an ability portrayed as overwhelming because it restores him by healing damage he suffers. In combat terms, Marco gains increased physical capabilities and the ability to recover from injuries as long as his stamina holds out.

4 Kaido’s Hybrid Form

Kaido, one of the Yonko, is described as both incredibly powerful and one of the most impressive forces in One Piece. With a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, Kaido can transform into an Azure Dragon, and he can also access a hybrid version of that form—delivering a terrifying design alongside massive strength.

3 Five Elders Transformations

Debut Arc: Egghead Arc
Transformation Type: Unknown

Among the most intimidating transformations fans have seen comes from the Five Elders. In the Egghead arc, Saturn was the first to be shown with the power of Gyuki, revealing a frightening form that’s framed as one of the best transformations in the series.

Not long after that initial reveal, additional Elder forms were shown as well, and each one is presented as overpowered while also being visually impressive.

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2 Loki’s Nidhoggr Form

Debut Arc: Elbaf Arc
Transformation Type: Mythical Zoan Form

Loki’s Nidhoggr form was revealed in One Piece Chapter 1175, and it’s described as extremely powerful. Loki ate the Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Nidhoggr fourteen years before that reveal, and the fruit is treated like a legendary one—connected to the God of War of Elbaf.

The Nidhoggr is said to be the largest dragon in One Piece’s world: pitch-black in color, with the ability to spit lightning. The scale of its power is portrayed as potentially world-ending. In the Elbaf arc, Loki fought Nerona Imu using Nidhoggr’s abilities, and the display is described as terrifying. Loki also used powerful techniques such as Thorheim, among other moves, some of which even managed to land damage on the King of the World.

1 Nerona Imu’s Akuma Transformation

Debut Arc: Elbaf Arc
Transformation Type: Unknown

The top spot for the best transformation belonging to a character outside the Straw Hats goes to Nerona Imu’s Akuma no Mi form. It debuted officially in One Piece Chapter 1179, and the powers were shown immediately after.

With this transformation, Imu is able to manipulate Black Flames of Omen and inflict lethal damage on enemies. The form is also presented as highly adaptable: Imu can shapeshift within it and use multiple weapon-based attack styles. Overall, it’s framed as the most versatile transformation yet seen in One Piece—and even if you include the Straw Hats, it still ranks among the best.

One Piece is available to read via Manga Plus and Viz Media.