Dragon Ball Sparking Zero: Release date, platforms, trailers, roster & more

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is the next installment in the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series, and here’s what we know about the game so far including release date, trailers, platforms, and gameplay mechanics.

Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi 3 was the last entry in the popular arena fighting series that launched back in 2007, and, almost 2 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

The release date for Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is October 11, 2024, which was officially confirmed during Summer Games Fest.

Those who purchase the Ultimate Edition of the game or any higher tier will get access to the game 3 days early, so that’s your best bet if you want to get in a bit earlier than everyone else.

What platforms will Dragon Ball Sparking Zero be on?

Sparking Zero will be released for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero trailers

The latest 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 get their fusions on the roster as well.

Everything from Vegito and Gogeta to Kefla and Gotenks was shown off here, covering the biggest fusion forms in the series all in one go.

On April 30, 2024, another trailer was released by Bandai Namco that revealed 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, all the way up 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 called 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

• 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 

Gameplay

Like the past titles in this beloved franchise, Sparking Zero will feature arena fighter battles where players will 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 a lot of transformations to choose from so players can 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, four new additions were also highlighted by the game’s producer, Jun Furutani. These include increased speed for normal movement, Revenger Counter, Super Perception, and a new Ki-based action called Vanishing Assault.

You can check out the full showcase below:

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 counter rush 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 go into Sparking mode and unleash a powerful unique ability for every character. When you’ve completed every tutorial you’ll be able to show off everything you’ve learned. 

Roster

164 fighters are planned for Dragon Ball Sparking Zero’s roster.

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. 

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