Dragon Ball Sparking Zero release date, characters, gameplay & platforms

The upcoming title from Bandai Namco, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, signals the return of the Budokai Tenkaichi series along with the most popular characters from the iconic franchise.

Here’s everything we know so far about DBSZ, the next chapter in the fighting game series.

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero release date

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero will be released on October 11, 2024. Bandai Namco confirmed this during Summer Game Fest 2024.

Reach new levels of power when the true battle begins October 11, 2024.

Pre-order DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO. #DBSZ pic.twitter.com/6RMQFoCmjy

— Dragon Ball Games (@dragonballgames) June 7, 2024

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero gameplay & game modes

The title will feature fast-paced fighting gameplay reminiscent of the Budokai Tenkaichi era, where players will engage in visually stunning combat in large arenas straight out of the Dragon Ball manga and anime.

You’ll be able to control tons of characters from a third-person over-the-shoulder perspective, allowing you to enjoy 3D arenas like never before. The environments will react to different attacks and character transformations, according to the official DBSZ website, adding another layer to fights.

The game will feature two control types for you to choose from: Standard and Classic. The first one is the way Sparking Zero is meant to be played, while Classic features similar controls to those in the Budokai Tenkaichi series.

A beloved feature from the Budokai Tenkaichi games returns as players must rotate their sticks to win clashes during combat.

On top of returning features, players will also enjoy new ones like Skill Count, the ability to trigger Special Abilities based on the special moves you do, Revenge Counter, an ability to absorb an opponent’s attack to use it against them, and Short Dash, a technique that allows you to move at lightning speed to land all kinds of abilities.

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero will feature these game modes:

• Episode Battles: Choose among eight different characters to relive some of their most iconic moments in the franchise from Dragon Ball Z to Dragon Ball Super.
• What if scenarios: Change the outcome of legendary moments in this returning game mode that lets you experience things a bit differently from the official canon.
• Custom Battles: In this mode, you can create, play, and share your best scenarios with other players around the world.
• Battle Training: You’ll be able to learn every new and returning mechanic in this game mode where Piccolo, Gohan, and Goten get together to train for their next big battle.
• Online multiplayer: Face friends and strangers from all over the world in different tournament modes and battles with special conditions to achieve victory.
• Local multiplayer: It wouldn’t be a Dragon Ball fighting game if you couldn’t play against friends locally in the same system.

All Dragon Ball Sparking Zero characters revealed so far

• Goku – 13 different forms
• Vegeta – 13 different forms
• Gohan – Five different forms
• Trunks – Four different forms
• Future Trunks – Two different forms
• Piccolo
• Krillin
• Yamcha
• Tien
• Beerus
• Whis
• Freezer
• Cell
• Majin-Boo
• Mr. Satan
• Videl
• Android 17
• Android 18
• Jiren – Two different forms
• Bergamo
• Dyspo
• Kakunsa
• Master Roshi – Two different forms
• Nappa
• Burter
• Toppo
• Jeice
• Kale – Three different forms
• Broly – Three different forms
• Hit
• Trunks (Kid) – Two different forms
• Goten – Two different forms
• Caulifla – Two different forms
• Gotenks – Three different forms
• Kefla – Three different forms
• Vegito – Three different forms
• Gogeta (Super) – Three different forms
• Fused Zamasu – Two different forms
• Frieza – Five different forms
• Golden Frieza
• Bardock
• Raditz
• Goku Black – Two different forms
• Zamasu
• Yajirobe
• Dabura
• Spopovich
• Ribrianne
• Roasie
• Anilaza
• Nail
• Chiaotzu
• Saibaman
• Zarbon – Two different forms
• Dodoria
• Cui
• Ginyu
• Recoome
• Guldo

Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero will have 164 fighters. The list above features 59 confirmed characters, but when counting all of the different versions, the number rises to 115.

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero platforms

Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Last-gen console players on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch will be left out from playing the new title in the Budokai Tenkaichi series.

Minimum & recommended PC requirements for DBSZ

Minimum

• OS: Windows 10 64 bit
• Processor: Intel Core i7-4790 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
• Memory: 12 GB RAM
• Graphics: 1080p/30fps: Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 2GB / AMD HD 7850 2GB
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 30 GB available space

Recommended

• OS: Windows 10 64 bit
• Processor: Intel Core i7-7700K/ AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
• Memory: 12 GB RAM
• Graphics: 1080p/30fps: Nvidia GeForce GTX 780 3GB / AMD RX 480 4GB
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 30 GB available space

DBSZ pre-order bonus & editions

Bonus

You’ll be able to unlock 7 characters early by pre-ordering any edition of Dragon Ball Sparking Zero.

• Gogeta
• Gogeta Super Saiyan
• Gogeta God Super Saiyan
• Broly
• Broly Super Saiyan
• Broly Super Saiyan (Full Power)
• Character #7 – TBA

Standard Edition – $69.99/£69.99

The Standard Edition of Dragon Ball Sparking Zero only includes the base game. You can also get other three editions with the following contents:

Deluxe Edition – $99.99/£94.99

• Base game (Digital only)
• 3-day early access (October 8)
• Season Pass
  • 20+ playable characters (Through DLCs 1, 2, and 3)
  • 1x Summon Shenron

Ultimate Edition – $109.99/£104.99

• Base game (Digital only)
• 3-day early access (October 8)
• Season Pass
  • 20+ playable characters (Through DLCs 1, 2, and 3)
  • 1x Summon Shenron
• Ultimate Upgrade Pack
  • Goku (Super) Costume with Power Pole
  • Emote Voice Set
  • 1x Customization item
  • 2x Player card backgrounds
  • 1x Summon Super Shenron

Premium Collector’s Edition – $229.99/€199.99

• Base game (Digital only)
• 3-day early access (October 8)
• Season Pass:
  • 20+ playable characters (Through DLCs 1, 2, and 3)
  • 1x Summon Shenron
• Ultimate Upgrade Pack:
  • Goku (Super) Costume with Power Pole
  • Emote Voice Set
  • 1x Customization item
  • 2x Player card backgrounds
  • 1x Summon Super Shenron
• Game’s SteelBook
• Metallic Bookmark (Double-sided)
• Exclusive Cards:
  • 3 Playable Cards
  • 1 Energy Marker Card
• Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Exclusive Diorama (264x174mm)

Trailers

You can check out all released trailers below.

Announcement trailer

Rivals Trailer

Gameplay Showcase

Power VS Speed trailer

Master and Apprentice trailer

Fused Warriors trailer

Release Date Announcement

Game mode showcase

Sword vs Fist

Saiyan & Namek Sagas

If you’re interested in other upcoming games, check out our guides to Black Myth: Wukong, Star Wars Outlaws, 2XKO (Project L), or Delta Force: Hawk Ops.