Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is the next installment in the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series. Here’s what we know about the game so far, including the release date, trailers, platforms, and gameplay mechanics.
Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi 3 was the last entry in the popular arena fighting series that launched in 2007, and almost two decades later, we’re finally getting a sequel. Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is the Budokai Tenkaichi 4 we never got.
The game was initially revealed in March 2023 as a surprise from developers Bandai Namco during the Dragon Ball Fighterz World Championship Tournament. Since then, we’ve had a lot of details, including a release date, roster information, platforms, and trailers.
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero release date & platforms
The release date for Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is October 11, 2024, which was officially confirmed during Summer Games Fest.
However, those who buy the Ultimate Edition or higher tiers of the game can start playing three days early on October 8, 2024. The game will be available for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.
What time does Dragon Ball Sparking Zero release?
For anyone who purchased the standard edition, Sparking Zero will release at 3pm PT | 6pm ET on October 10.
This was revealed by Bandai Namco on X (formerly Twitter) on October 9, 2024.
And just like that, the spark ignites… again. 💥 DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X | S, and PC on October 10th at 3pm PT | 6pm ET. pic.twitter.com/d198jAv3Ib
— Bandai Namco US (@BandaiNamcoUS) October 9, 2024
Trailers
On September 12, 2024, it was revealed that iconic characters from GT will be included in Sparking Zero via a trailer.
We get a glimpse of a bunch of them in action in the video including Super Saiyan 4 Goku, Pan, and Great Ape Baby.
A trailer showcasing the iconic Majin Buu was shared on September 6, 2024, that gave fans a new look at more characters, including Great Saiyaman, and Super Buu (Gotenks absorbed).
At Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, a trailer celebrating 50 days until Sparking Zero’s release was shared.
It gave fans another look at the action-packed gameplay and a glimpse at even more confirmed characters.
On August 13, 2024, an Android Saga Character trailer for Sparking Zero was released.
The trailer showcased the beloved Andriod and Cell Games arcs from the series, and once again highlighted a handful of fighters that will be playable in the game.
On July 30, 2024, another trailer showcases fights from the Saiyan and Namek sagas of Dragon Ball Z was released. It also confirmed more characters for the roster including Chiaotzu, Ginyu, and Super Zarbon.
A Sword vs. Fists trailer was released on June 25, 2024, and gave fans a look at even more characters, including Super Vegito, Future Trunks, Dabura, Yajirobe, and Goku Black (Super Saiyan Rose).
The release date trailer was shared on June 7, 2024, during the opening night of Summer Game Fest:
The trailer released on May 30, 2024, highlighted Fusion fighters. Along with the base forms of iconic characters like Kid Trunks and Goten, we’ll also get their fusions on the roster.
Here, everything from Vegito and Gogeta to Kefla and Gotenks was shown off, covering the biggest fusion forms in the series in one go.
Bandai Namco released another trailer on April 30, 2024, revealing several new characters from the Sparking Zero Roster.
A third trailer for the game was released on March 20, 2024, that showed off a handful of new confirmed characters for the Sparking Zero roster.
The second trailer for Sparking Zero features gameplay and cutscene footage of Goku and Vegeta fighting in their various forms over the years, from their first confrontation in the Saiyan Saga of Dragon Ball Z to their Super Saiyan God transformations from Dragon Ball Super.
You can check out the trailer below:
At The Game Awards 2023, the first full-length trailer for the new Budokai game was unveiled, confirming that the title will now be Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. This footage can be viewed below.
The clip shows off amazing visuals, characters, and more. Everything a Dragon Ball fan expects and hopes for from a new game.
Pre-orders & Editions
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is now available to pre-order on PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC. There are 4 editions of the game overall to get your hands on. Here’s a breakdown of every version and what they include:
Standard edition – $69.99 / £69.99
- DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO
- Exclusive new character
- 6 characters early unlock: Gogeta, Super Saiyan Gogeta, Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Gogeta, Broly, Super Saiyan Broly, Super Saiyan Broly (Full Power)
Deluxe edition – $99.99 / £94.99
- Everything included in the Standard edition
- Season Pass
- 3 days early access
Ultimate Edition – $109.99 / £104.99
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- Everything included in the Deluxe version of Sparking Zero
- Ultimate Upgrade Pack
- Ultimate Edition Bonus
Premium Collector’s Edition
- Everything in the Ultimate edition
- Steelbook
- Official TCG Trading Cards
- Metallic Bookmark
- Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Exclusive Diorama
System Requirements
Here are the minimum and recommended system requirements for Sparking Zero on PC:
Minimum
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i5-9600K / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 / AMD Radeon RX 590 / Intel Arc A750
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 29 GB available space
- Additional Notes: Estimated performance: 1080p/60fps with graphics settings at “Low”. Framerate might drop in graphics-intensive scenes. – 64-bit processor and operating system are required.
Recommended
- OS: Windows 10 / Windows 11
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 / AMD Radeon RX Vega 64
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 29 GB available space
- Additional Notes: Estimated performance: 1080p/60fps with graphics settings at “High”. Framerate might drop in graphics-intensive scenes. – 64-bit processor and operating system are required. – Windows 10 (Version 1809 or later) and a 4GB VRAM GPU (graphics board or video card) are required for DirectX 12 API.
Gameplay
Like the past titles in this beloved franchise, Sparking Zero will feature arena fighter battles in which players control their character from a third-person, over-the-shoulder perspective.
Destructible environments will also play a big role in battles, as noted on the game’s website players will “Step into an arena that reacts to your every action. As you transform or unleash your most devastating attacks, watch the environment respond with stunning realism. Leave a trail of destruction in your wake as you battle to your heart’s content.”
Previous entries included huge character rosters and many transformations, so players could expect to play as all of their favorite heroes and villains from the beloved anime franchise. Sparking Zero will have a “historic number of playable characters, each with signature abilities, transformations, and techniques.”
On March 20, 2024, a 13-minute gameplay showcase for Sparking Zero was released on YouTube. This gave fans a look at gameplay footage of a battle between Goku and Vegeta.
As well as showing off returning mechanics, the game’s producer, Jun Furutani, highlighted four new additions. These include increased speed for normal movement, Revenger Counter, Super Perception, and a new Ki-based action called Vanishing Assault.
Furthermore, one of the most talked about gameplay elements to the new Dragon Ball game is the introduction of the Sparking! Gauge.
When charging up your Ki to the maximum, continuing to charge up will eventually allow you to unlock a “special state” known as Sparking Mode.
This new transformation packs a heavy punch, increasing all states as well as unlocking the chance to hit enemies with a deadly finishing move. In order to enter the mode, at least 1 skill gauge must be available.
Once your Ki gauge is maxed out, you can start filling up your Sparking! gauge to enter a special state known as “Sparking! Mode” (requires at least 1 skill gauge to enter the mode).
All Dragon Ball Sparking Zero game modes
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero will include multiple game modes, some familiar and some completely new, for players to dive into and experience.
What If scenarios
When a new Sparking Zero trailer dropped during Summer Games Fest, fans were met with excitement for not only the release date but also the news that the What If scenarios will be returning in the upcoming game. This forgotten feature ignored the franchise’s canon for bizarre what-if situations like Cell absorbing Krillin by accident, and Vegeta transforming into a Super Saiyan on Namek.
These surprising and often outlandish situations were a fan-favorite feature back in the day, so it’s a welcome additional knowing that it’s set to return in Sparking Zero.
Battle Training Mode
Whether you’re a returning fan who hasn’t played the Budokai Tenkaichi games in a while, or a complete newcomer, Sparking Zero will include an in-depth Battle Training Mode which has been detailed in an official PlayStation Blog. The beloved master/student duo of Piccolo and Gohan will take players through their training, and Goten will also help.
You can learn everything in this mode and the basics start you off with learning to fly, Ki blasts, and count attacks. Changing characters and transformations are also covered so you’ll have no problem becoming a Super Saiyan in battle!
The intermediate to advanced tutorials cover techniques like Dragon Dash, Rush Chains, Vanishing Assaults, and Advanced Counters. Plus how to follow up attacks with more advanced moves to create combos.
Battle Training also goes over how to counterrush attacks with Perception and Super Perception, and how to change the flow of battle with Z-Counters.
Finally, knowing how to charge your Ki is essential to going into Sparking mode and unleashing a powerful, unique ability for every character. When you’ve completed every tutorial, you’ll be able to show off everything you’ve learned.
Episode Battle
Episode Battle is the single-player mode where fans can enjoy story battles from the perspective of eight characters:
- Goku
- Vegeta
- Gohan
- Piccolo
- Future Trunks
- Freiza
- Goku Black
- Jiren
Some characters like Goku will have a lot of battles but others like Jiren won’t have as many due to only featuring in Dragon Ball Super. Alternative routes that make up What-If scenarios will also be featured in this mode.
Custom Battle
Custom Battle will let fans create unique fights and share them with the community. Editing the Battle Title and cutscenes are a big part of this. You can create and connect up to 5 cuts before and after the fight. It’s also possible to adjust character poses, expressions, and effects to make the situation as distinct as possible.
Special conditions are also a key element giving you the option to craft specific rules. For example: players will enter Sparking mode automatically if their HP drops below 30%.
The devs have also prepared over 30 unique fights for players to try, each with different victory conditions that aim to really test your skills.
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Roster
182 fighters will be available to use when Sparking Zero launches.
One of the best parts of any Dragon Ball game is getting to test out the different movesets and skills of fan-favorite characters and Sparking Zero’s extensive roster will have fans sinking hours into mastering each and every character.
The roster will have everything from Goku and Vegeta’s forms throughout the series and the most powerful fusions, to side characters like Tien, Yamcha, Master Roshi, and Mr. Satan. Check out our full roster list for more specifics and a list of every character and form we know of so far.
Does it have rollback netcode?
No, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero does not have a rollback netcode.
This was confirmed by Jun Furuya, the producer of the game during a Famitsu interview. In case you’re unaware, rollback netcode is a staple for 2D fighting games like Street Fighter 6 where it predicts the user’s input to reduce lag.
However, Sparking Zero is a 3D arena fighter where your options are limitless. This makes it difficult to predict the player’s inputs considering the gameplay has very few restrictions on what anyone can do.
That’s everything we know about Sparking Zero so far! For more upcoming games, check out our hubs for Silent Hill 2, Metaphor ReFantazio, GTA 6, and Gears of War E-Day.