After years of anticipation, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, the spiritual successor to the iconic Budokai Tenkaichi series, has returned. The game brings back its classic airborne combat system with enhanced visuals and mechanics that fans have eagerly awaited.
However, whether you’re new to the franchise or a returning veteran, Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero offers a unique blend of fast-paced action and strategic gameplay that can be challenging, especially if you’re more familiar with games like Dragon Ball FighterZ.
This guide will provide you with key tips and strategies to dominate your battles in no time.
1. Start with Battle Training Mode
Before diving into story modes like Episode Battle, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the game’s mechanics. The Super Training mode is your best friend here.
- Access Training: From the main menu, go to Battle & Training and select Super Training. Here, you’ll face Piccolo as Gohan (Adult), allowing you to practice movement, attacks, and defense.
- Master Blocking and Countering: Keep your fingers ready on the RB/R1 button to block and counter. Learning the timing for counters can be the difference between victory and defeat.
2. Charge Your Ki Effectively
Unlike traditional fighting games that focus on long combo chains, Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero prioritizes managing your Ki to unleash devastating attacks.
- Charge Your Ki: Hold down RT/R2 to charge your Ki. Once you’ve filled at least one Sparking level, you can enter Sparking Mode, which lets you charge a secondary bar to power up your most potent moves.
- Stay Aware: While charging, keep an eye on your opponent. They can interrupt your charge with a Ki Blast, so be prepared to block or deflect while powering up.
3. Deflect and Counter Ki Blasts
In long-range exchanges, your opponent might try to overwhelm you with Ki Blasts. Knowing how to handle these is essential.
- Blocking Blasts: You can block incoming Ki Blasts by holding down RB/R1, or deflect them by pressing the button just as the first blast hits.
- Ki Clashes: If both players fire Super Attacks at the same time, you’ll trigger a Ki Clash. Timed button presses during this mini-game will determine who overpowers the other.
4. Use Violent Rush and Ultimate Blasts Wisely
It’s tempting to unleash your Ultimate Blast as soon as you’re charged, but random usage can lead to wasted opportunities. Instead, combine Violent Rush and your ultimate attacks strategically for maximum impact.
- Violent Rush Combos: When in Sparking Mode, your melee combos become longer and more damaging. Use this to close the distance and weaken your opponent before going for a finisher.
- Follow Up with Ultimate Blasts: After a successful Violent Rush, use your Ultimate Blast while the opponent is vulnerable. A guaranteed hit is better than risking a miss by using it randomly.
5. Take Advantage of the Terrain
Sometimes the best strategy is to disengage and use the environment to your advantage.
- Dragon Rush for Escape: Hold RT/R2 and press A/X to quickly escape your opponent and create space. Use natural barriers in the terrain to block your opponent’s view and give yourself time to recharge your Ki.
- Hide and Recharge: Most AI opponents will try to blast through debris, giving you valuable time to regain energy and prepare your next assault.
Conclusion
By mastering the basics of Ki management, countering, and strategic use of attacks, you can gain the upper hand in Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero. Don’t rush in blindly—play smart, use terrain to your advantage, and capitalize on openings with well-timed Ultimate Blasts.
Follow these tips, and you’ll find yourself winning matches in no time.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO Surpasses Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8 on Steam