Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero is a 2024 fighting game developed by Spike Chunsoft and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It serves as the fourth main installment in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, following Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (2007). Unlike its predecessors, Sparking! Zero is the first game in the series to be released under the original Sparking! title outside of Japan. The game was initially launched on October 11, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC. Versions for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 are scheduled for release on November 14, 2025.
Gameplay and Features
Sparking! Zero is a 3D team-based fighting game that builds upon the mechanics of earlier Budokai Tenkaichi titles. Players can form teams of up to five characters or choose to battle solo, engaging in dynamic combat that mirrors the high-energy battles of the Dragon Ball anime series. The game introduces several new combat systems, including the Skill Count, Revenge Counter, and Vanishing Assaults, while retaining familiar elements such as the counter and dash systems from previous games.
One of the standout features of Sparking! Zero is its expansive roster. At launch, the game offers 182 playable characters, encompassing a wide array of fighters from Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, and select Dragon Ball movies. Players begin with access to 100 characters and can unlock additional fighters using Zeni, the in-game currency earned through gameplay. The game’s stages are also noteworthy, featuring destructible elements that enhance the immersive experience.
Custom Mode and DLC Content
The game introduces a new mode called Custom, allowing players to create their own Dragon Ball fight scenarios and share them online with other players. This mode adds a layer of creativity and community engagement to the game. Additionally, Sparking! Zero has received several downloadable content (DLC) packs that expand the game’s content
- Dragon Ball DAIMA Character Pack 1– Released on April 24, 2025, this DLC added eight new playable characters from the Dragon Ball DAIMA series.
- Dragon Ball DAIMA Character Pack 2– Released on September 25, 2025, this pack introduced additional characters from the DAIMA series.
- Shallot DLC– Released on June 26, 2025, this DLC featured Shallot, a character from the mobile game Dragon Ball Legends.
As of October 2, 2025, Bandai Namco confirmed that a new DLC pack is set to be revealed in January 2026, promising to further expand the game’s roster and content.
Development and Reception
Sparking! Zero was developed by Spike Chunsoft, marking the first game in the Budokai Tenkaichi series since Dragon Ball Z Tenkaichi Tag Team (2010) for the PlayStation Portable. The development team faced challenges in creating a large roster of characters without reusing assets from older games. To maintain balance, the game introduced a cost system, where each player has a predetermined cost in each round, and stronger characters cost more than weaker ones.
The game was developed using Unreal Engine 5, allowing for enhanced graphics and smoother gameplay. Upon release, Sparking! Zero received generally favorable reviews from critics. In Japan, four critics from Famitsu awarded the game a total score of 34 out of 40. Internationally, the game was praised for its polished and rich experience, with Eurogamer describing it as everything Dragon Ball fans will have wanted. PC Gamer lauded it as one of the best Dragon Ball games ever released, highlighting its mechanical complexity and faithful recreation of the original Tenkaichi games.
Sales and Commercial Success
Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero achieved significant commercial success, selling over 3 million copies within 24 hours of its release. By September 2025, the game had surpassed a total of 5 million units sold worldwide. This success underscores the enduring popularity of the Dragon Ball franchise and the game’s appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Upcoming Release on Nintendo Switch
For Nintendo Switch enthusiasts, Sparking! Zero is set to launch on November 14, 2025. The Switch version will feature local and online multiplayer modes and support for motion controls, allowing players to unleash their favorite hero’s attacks using the Joy-Con controllers. The game will be available in Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions, with pre-orders now available. Players can look forward to experiencing the explosive battles and vast character roster on the go, bringing the Dragon Ball universe to life in a new way.
Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero represents a significant evolution in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, offering enhanced gameplay mechanics, an extensive roster of characters, and a wealth of content through its Custom mode and DLC packs. The game’s commercial success and positive reception from critics highlight its appeal to a broad audience. With the upcoming release on Nintendo Switch, Sparking! Zero is poised to continue its legacy as a premier fighting game in the Dragon Ball franchise.