DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO | Advanced Combat Mechanics

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero offers more than just flashy punches and energy blasts; it hides some deeper mechanics that can change the outcome of your fights if you keep certain mechanics in mind.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Dodging

Dodging is a key skill in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero allows you to avoid taking damage from attacks while maintaining your positioning in the fight. You can dodge by quickly tapping the movement stick just before an opponent’s attack connects. If timed correctly, you’ll slip out of harm’s way. The key here is to learn your opponent’s attack patterns. Most basic attacks can be dodged, but stronger moves may require more precise timing. Remember, dodging isn’t just about survival—it also creates openings for counterattacks. Practice dodging when under pressure, and you’ll find yourself capitalizing on your opponent’s missed strikes.

Blocking

Blocking is your standard defensive option, and while it won’t nullify all incoming damage, it does greatly reduce it. By holding the block button, you can defend against most normal attacks. However, not everything can be blocked, so be careful. Some special moves and ultimate attacks will break through your block or even bypass it entirely. Also, keep in mind that blocking too much can deplete your stamina, leaving you vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Balance your defensive play with offensive pressure, and don’t rely on blocking alone. Mastering when to block versus when to dodge or counter is key to surviving tougher battles.

Sparking

Sparking Mode is one of the most important mechanics in the game. Activating it gives you a temporary but powerful boost in damage, speed, and health regeneration. To activate Sparking Mode, you need to fill out your Sparking Meter by dealing with and receiving damage. Once it’s full, you can trigger Sparking Mode by pressing both triggers simultaneously. The timing of when to activate it is crucial—don’t just use it as soon as it becomes available. Sparking Mode is best used either to turn the tide of a losing battle or to secure your advantage when you’re already ahead.

Revenge Counters

Revenge Counters are perfect for turning your opponent’s attacks against them. To trigger a Revenge Counter, you need to block an opponent's strike at the exact moment it hits. This requires precise timing, but when executed correctly, it opens up a small window for a counterattack. Not only will you nullify their attack, but you’ll also land a powerful hit of your own. It’s a high-risk, high-reward mechanic, and once you’ve got the timing down, it can completely disrupt an opponent’s flow, making them hesitate before attacking you again.

Perfect Guards

Perfect Guards take standard blocking to the next level. To perform a Perfect Guard, you need to block at the very last second before an attack lands. It’s similar to a Revenge Counter, but instead of launching a counterattack, the Perfect Guard leaves you in an ideal position to follow up with a combo. The reward for landing a Perfect Guard is that it reduces the damage you take to zero, completely nullifying the opponent's attack and allowing you to press the advantage. Learning to use Perfect Guards effectively can drastically reduce the amount of chip damage you take during fights, especially against aggressive opponents.

Ki Management

Managing your Ki is just as important as learning combos and attacks. Ki is the resource you use to unleash energy blasts, special moves, and superattacks. It regenerates slowly on its own, but you can charge it manually by holding down the charge button when you have some breathing room. However, charging leaves you wide open to attacks, so use it carefully. Efficient Ki management involves balancing your usage between offensive and defensive options. Don’t drain your Ki on low-damage attacks, and always make sure you have enough left to finish a combo or defend yourself in a pinch.

Combos

Combos are the backbone of your offensive play in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. To deal maximum damage, you need to chain together light, medium, and heavy attacks, along with special moves. Experiment with different characters and find the optimal combos that deal high damage without leaving you vulnerable to a counter. Combining ground and aerial attacks is another great way to keep your opponent guessing. After you land a hit, follow up with a string of attacks before they have a chance to recover. Practice your timing, and don’t just rely on auto-combos—manual input gives you greater control and can result in more devastating attacks.

Stamina Break

Stamina Break is a mechanic that can drastically change the momentum of a battle. When an opponent is low on stamina, you can initiate a Stamina Break by landing a heavy attack at the right time. This will completely drain their stamina bar, leaving them open to a follow-up combo or a powerful superattack. Stamina Breaks can be tricky to land, but if you notice your opponent blocking too much or spamming dodges, their stamina will quickly deplete, giving you the perfect opportunity to strike. Timing is everything, so keep an eye on their stamina gauge and capitalize when the moment arises.

Super Moves

Super Moves are high-damage attacks that require Ki to unleash. Every character has their own set of Super Moves, and they can be a game-changer when used at the right time. The trick is to use these moves strategically rather than spamming them every chance you get. Super Moves are great for finishing combos or punishing an opponent who leaves themselves open. However, using them recklessly can deplete your Ki and leave you vulnerable, so make sure you’ve got a plan before going all-out with these powerful attacks.

Ultimate Attacks

Ultimate Attacks are the flashiest and most powerful moves in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. These moves take a significant chunk of Ki to pull off but deal massive damage. To perform an Ultimate Attack, you need to meet certain conditions in battle, such as having enough Ki and being in the right position relative to your opponent. Ultimate Attacks should be saved for moments when you’re sure they’ll land. Miss an Ultimate Attack, and you’ll be left wide open for a counterattack, but if you time it right, it could end the fight in an instant.

Also, check out my review of DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO, and stay tuned for more guides.