Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO: How to Block Beams and Other Skills

Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO brings back the high-octane combat of the Budokai Tenkaichi series, adding fresh mechanics that deepen gameplay. One of the standout additions is the ability to deflect Super Beam attacks, a move that wasn’t as accessible in past games.

While deflecting regular ki blasts is straightforward, deflecting Super attacks requires a more advanced technique. Here’s how to master Beam Deflect and block other powerful abilities in Sparking! ZERO.

How to Beam Deflect in Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO

The Beam Deflect mechanic in Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO lets players counter massive Super Beam attacks, such as a Kamehameha, as if they were regular ki blasts. This hidden feature isn’t covered in the in-game tutorial, making it a skill that many players overlook. However, once mastered, it becomes one of the most rewarding defensive tactics in the game.

If you’ve ever been caught off guard by the AI or a skilled player effortlessly swatting away your powerful Super Beam attack, then this guide is for you.

Steps to Deflect Beams:

1. Enter Perception Mode:
   • First, activate Perception mode by holding down the required button (specific to your control scheme). This mode drains your ki bar slowly, so ensure you have enough ki before attempting a deflect.
2. Check Skill Counts:
   • You need at least two Skill Counts to perform a successful Beam Deflect, so always keep an eye on your Skill Count meter.
3. Input Controls:
   • Depending on your control layout, the inputs will differ:
     • Standard Layout:
       • PlayStation: Hold Circle to enter Perception mode, release to deflect.
       • Xbox: Hold B, release to deflect.
     • Classic Layout:
       • PlayStation: Hold Circle + Triangle, release to deflect.
       • Xbox: Hold B + Y, release to deflect.
4. Timing:
   • Timing is everything. Once in Perception mode, release the button just before the Beam Super makes contact to successfully deflect it. Precision is crucial, and while this may take practice, it’s incredibly satisfying once mastered.

Important Notes:

• Ki Management: Keeping a full ki bar is essential as Perception mode drains your energy.
• Skill Counts: You must have at least two Skill Counts available to perform the Beam Deflect.
• Control Layouts: Familiarize yourself with your chosen control scheme, as this impacts how you’ll initiate the deflect.

How to Practice Deflecting Beams in Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO

Now that you know how to perform a Beam Deflect, you’ll want to practice this skill in a controlled setting. The ideal environment is Training mode, where you can experiment without the pressure of a fast-paced battle.

Steps to Practice Beam Deflecting:

1. Enter Training Mode:
   • Select Training mode from the main menu and choose a sparring opponent that relies on Beam Super attacks.
2. Opponent Settings:
   • Adjust your opponent’s strategy in the Opponent Settings menu to “Defense Strategy: Blasts.” This will encourage the AI to use Beam Supers frequently.
3. Maximize Your Ki and Skill Counts:
   • Charge your ki to full and make sure you have two Skill Counts available before attempting a deflect.
4. Perfect Your Timing:
   • When the enemy fires a Super Beam attack, hold the Perception button and wait until the beam is about to hit. Release the button just before impact to deflect it. Practice this sequence multiple times to master the timing.

Conclusion

Mastering the Beam Deflect mechanic in Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO adds an extra layer of depth to the game’s combat, allowing you to neutralize even the most devastating Super Beam attacks.

With proper timing, ki management, and practice in Training mode, you’ll be deflecting beams with ease. Stay ahead of your opponents and make Beam Deflect an essential part of your defensive strategy in the next battle.

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