The latest update for Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is here, and it’s packed with exciting changes, including new characters, significant gameplay improvements, and the release of DLC Pack 1.
While the game has faced its share of challenges over the past few months, today’s update promises to make things better with a balance overhaul, new modes, and more.
Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive fighter, this update offers something for everyone. Let’s dive into the details of the 1/20 update and all the free enhancements that will elevate your experience.
When Does the Downtime Start?
Before you can enjoy the new additions, downtime for the update will begin today, January 20th, at 5 PM Eastern Time (2 PM PDT, 10 PM UTC, 11 PM CET). This maintenance is expected to last around one hour, so make sure to get your matches in before the servers go down.
Players with access to the Season Pass will be able to unlock DLC Pack 1 early, but all players will benefit from the free gameplay changes once the update is live.
New Characters Added in the 1/20 Update
One of the most highly anticipated parts of this update is the addition of new characters. Dragon Ball: Super Hero fans will be thrilled to see their favorite fighters join the battle. Here’s a quick breakdown of the new characters:
- Gohan (Base) – Super Hero
- Gohan (Super Saiyan) – Super Hero
- Gohan (Ultimate) – Super Hero
- Gohan (Beast) – Super Hero
- Piccolo (Base) – Super Hero
- Piccolo (Awakened) – Super Hero
- Piccolo (Orange) – Super Hero
- Piccolo (Giant) – Super Hero
- Gamma 1 – Super Hero
- Gamma 2 – Super Hero
- Cell Max – Super Hero
The inclusion of both Cell Max and a giant version of Piccolo adds an extra layer of excitement for fans who enjoy larger-than-life battles. Additionally, there are multiple versions of Gohan, allowing for even more variety in combat styles.
If you don’t have early access through the Season Pass, DLC Pack 1 will be available for purchase on January 23rd.
New Game Modes and Features
Alongside the new characters, players can expect the introduction of exciting new game modes and features.
Legendary Warrior Face-Off
The Legendary Warrior Face-Off mode is a limited-time addition that will put you up against some of the most powerful fighters in the Dragon Ball universe. Whether it’s Jiren, Broly, or Janemba, you’ll have to bring your A-game to face off against these formidable opponents. The mode is expected to offer a challenge, and players may unlock unique rewards for participating.
More Custom Battles
DLC Pack 1 introduces three new Custom Battles, which are expected to feature characters from Dragon Ball: Super Hero. While new missions for Episode Battle are not included in this update, fans are hoping for more story content in the upcoming DLC.
Quick Play and Matchmaking Improvements
One major complaint from the community has been the slow matchmaking outside of competitive modes. Bandai Namco has listened and is rolling out an option for faster matchmaking in Quick Play. Players can now jump straight into a match, avoiding the waiting room, and play against human opponents instead of bots.
Battle Balance and Gameplay Tweaks
Balance changes are a staple in fighting game updates, and Sparking Zero is no different. The Perception mechanic is getting a nerf, requiring ki to perform, which will make defensive play more challenging. Additionally, Wild Sense now deals less damage and is harder to activate, which will alter the current meta significantly.
With these changes, expect the game’s combat to feel fresher, and for different playstyles to emerge as players adapt to the new balance.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
Alongside major gameplay adjustments, Bandai Namco is also introducing quality-of-life improvements. These include:
- Pre-character move display: Players can now view a character’s moveset before selecting them, helping you make better choices in battle.
- Ranked mode improvements: Longer wait times will be added for players who repeatedly disconnect during matches, improving the overall experience for everyone.
Though some fans have voiced frustration over the lack of new stages and story content, the upcoming Daima DLC should address this in the future.
Conclusion
The January 20th update for Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero brings exciting changes that players have been waiting for. With new characters like Beast Gohan and Orange Piccolo, new game modes, and key balance adjustments, there’s a lot to look forward to. Whether you’re a competitive player or a casual fan, this update has something to enhance your experience.
As the update rolls out, keep an eye out for further announcements, as DLC Pack 1 will soon be available for purchase, and more content is on the way. Stay tuned for more updates from Bandai Namco as Sparking Zero continues to evolve into an even better game.
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