Overview
- Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero now features 200 playable characters following its latest DLC release.
- Bandai Namco has published detailed patch notes for its significant April 2025 update.
- The newly released Dragon Ball Daima DLC introduces the character Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta into the game.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is set to evolve further with the latest patch released in April 2025. This update not only expands the game’s character roster to an impressive total of 200 but also includes a series of balance tweaks aimed at enhancing gameplay.
Since its initial launch in October 2024, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has achieved remarkable success, selling over five million copies globally. Part of this achievement can be attributed to the extensive character lineup available, which began with more than 180 characters. Bandai Namco has actively engaged with the community by introducing DLC and various gameplay adjustments to maintain the game’s competitiveness and enjoyment.
In a recent communication from Bandai Namco, players received insight into the new update’s features. Notable adjustments include nerfs to the Rush and Smash Attacks from giant characters, who will now suffer increased damage from melee attacks and experience longer recovery times after missed attacks. Furthermore, the Ki recovery speeds for characters like Mr. Satan, Master Roshi, and Yajirobe have been decreased, pleasing many fans. Other characters, such as Recoome and Nappa, have also seen reductions in their health stats.
April 2025 Patch Notes for Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Enhancements to the overall battle system include a faster Ki recovery rate for the initial gauge and improved camera functionality during combat between characters of varying sizes. While many updates have garnered positive feedback, a segment of the community hoped for even larger announcements. Among the whispers is speculation that Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero may soon be available on the Nintendo Switch 2, sparking excitement among fans.
Recently leaked information indicated that the DLC pack for Dragon Ball Daima would feature characters such as Glorio, Majin Kuu, Panzy, and the newly introduced Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta. This has been confirmed as players with early access report visibility of these characters in gameplay. For others, the DLC will be accessible as of April 24. While many fans of Vegeta celebrate this addition, some players have voiced disappointment over the absence of the new Super Saiyan 4 Daima Goku. However, the door remains open for future expansions to introduce this highly anticipated transformation.
Detailed Patch Notes for Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (April 2025)
Game Mode Changes and Adjustments:
Episode Battle
- Balance adjustments for various stages have been implemented to align with the updated battle system.
Bonus Battles
- Some Bonus Battle balances adjusted to reflect the new battle mechanics.
- Inclusion of new 2D cutscenes and text enhancements.
Adjustments to Features:
Battle Rules
- In Offline Battle, Player Matches, World Tournament, and Training DP Battles, players can now set total DP amounts of 10, 15, or 20.
- Resolved an issue where the last settings were not saved post-game.
Character Select Screen
- A new display switching function has been added.
Options
- The ability to switch sound quality for specific battle sound effects has been included.
Modifications to the Battle System:
Short Dash
- Backward Short Dash speed has been reduced.
- Recovery time after initiating a Dragon Dash during a Short Dash has been decreased.
High-Speed Dragon Dash
- Input timing has been optimized for easier connection of Rush Attacks.
- The time needed to fully charge Smash Attacks during High-Speed Dragon Dash has been shortened.
- Trajectory adjustments during High-Speed Dragon Dash will ensure players reach the opponent successfully.
Z-Burst Dash
- Activation Ki cost has been lowered, and the system now consumes Ki proportional to the distance traveled after activation.
General Melee Attacks
- Ki recovery upon landing hits has been increased.
- Attack deviation has been minimized when hitting following an opponent’s Step.
Rush-in
- Some cases of unintended guarding between Rush-in and Rush Attacks have been resolved.
Rush Chains
- Players can now initiate Rush Chains even if under automatic evasion from certain characters.
Smash Attack
- System adjustments allow for smoother connections between Smash Attacks and Rush Attacks.
Rush Ki Blast
- Damage has been reduced, and damage reduction protocols during multiple hits have been reinforced.
Smash Ki Blast
- Damage from spreading-type Smash Ki Blasts has been scaled back.
- Players can now deflect Smash Ki Blasts from specific characters.
- Ki cost and recovery time after firing unblockable Smash Ki Blasts have been increased.
Perception
- Usage of Perception is now disabled during guard stun.
- Windows for follow-up attacks post-Perception have been extended.
- Ki costs for activation and skill count requirements for using Perception have been adjusted upward.
Super Perception
- The effects from deflecting a Blast have seen buffs.
- Successful deflections will slightly restore Ki.
Blast
- Damage from Blasts or Ultimate Blasts during combos has been reduced.
- Consecutive Hits from Blasts will inflict less damage.
Auto-reflect
- Only characters with DP of 7 or higher may initiate Auto-reflect in Sparking! Mode.
Other Adjustments
- The automatic Ki recovery rate for the initial gauge has been increased for better multiplayer dynamics.
- Camera behavior during giant character battles has been refined.
- System adjustments have been made to prevent accidental actions during Air Combos with Classic controls.
- Timing for character switching has been modified.
Revisions to Skills
Skills that Automatically Evade Attacks (e.g., Wild Sense, Afterimage)
- The effect will now deactivate if Perception is used during activation.
Kale: Cry of Rage
- Activation time has been increased to improve balance.
Revisions to Blasts
Unblockable Explosive Wave-Type Blasts (General)
- The range expansion speed of effects has been increased.
Rapid Ki Blast-Type Blasts (General)
- Damage output has been enhanced.
Future Trunks (Super): Final Flash
- Increased damage output and Ki cost for usage.
Super Trunks: Finish Buster
- Damage has been increased.
Whis: Symphonic Destruction
- No longer executable through High-Speed Evasion.
Character Improvements
General Adjustments for Giant Characters
- Rush and Smash Attacks’ damage output has been reduced.
- Increased recovery time is now a factor after missed Rush and Smash Attacks.
- These characters will now take more damage from Melee Attacks.
Master Roshi, Mr. Satan, and Yajirobe
- Ki recovery speeds have been decreased.
General Android Adjustments
- Automatic Ki recovery has been paused during Z-Counter executions.
General Character Adjustments
- Character silhouettes remain hidden to opponents when Z-Search is off.
Goku (Super), Ultra Instinct -Sign- and Ultra Instinct
- Cooldown time has been increased post-Smash Ki Blast usage.
Dr. Wheelo
- Reduced the maximum Skill Count available for this character.
Nappa, Recoome, and Spopovich
- Overall health has been reduced for improved game balance.
Gogeta (Super) – Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan
- Reduced Smash Ki Blast damage and decreased homing capabilities.
Hirudegarn
- Fixed an issue allowing Rush Attacks to connect while opponents were guarding.
Additional Adjustments
Flying Kicks
- Adjustments made to align hit positions more accurately.
Throw Evasion
- System updates aim to reduce momentary camera shifts upon activation.
Overall, these changes aim to enhance usability and operational stability, further enriching the gaming experience for all players.