Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is out now for anyone who pre-ordered the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition and had a few days of early access.

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For everyone else, its release date is at the end of the week!

After a long wait for us fans, the legendary Budokai Tenkaichi series is back (under its Japanese Sparking moniker), and we've got over 180 playable characters to try out.

The series is known for its flashy visuals, destructible environments and humongous roster of characters to play as from across the Dragon Ball franchise. Sparking Zero is no different.

Here's everything you need to know about the Dragon Ball Sparking Zero release date and what to expect of the Budokai Tenkaichi 4 gameplay.

Instant Transmission your way to the end of the page to watch a trailer!

When is the Dragon Ball Sparking Zero release date?

Official screenshot of Goku Ultra Instinct in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero.
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. Bandai Namco

The Dragon Ball Sparking Zero release date is 11th October 2024 - unless you pre-ordered the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition of the game, in which case, it's out right now!

If you're after a pre-order, you have to get in there quick.

Can I pre-order Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?

Yes, you can pre-order Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. You can place a pre-order down at GAME.

If you'd rather play on PC, you can pre-order Sparking Zero from Steam or CDKeys.

You can also play the game right now if you purchase either the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition of the game.

If you're after the game on PS5, meanwhile, you can pick up the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions from the PlayStation Store.

Which consoles and platforms can play Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero can be played on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC (via Steam), Bandai Namco has confirmed.

It looks as though the new Budokai Tenkaichi game won't be available to play on PS4, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch.

There is a chance the game could end up on the heavily rumoured Nintendo Switch 2, however, so keep those fingers crossed for a reveal of both.

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero gameplay and story details

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero gameplay showing a character firing a burst of purple energy
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero.

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero gameplay will feel familiar to those who have played the Budokai Tenkaichi series before.

It's flashy 3D battle arenas filled with explosive attacks, destructible environments and over 180 playable characters.

Of course, Goku and Vegeta, two of the most powerful anime characters, will be able to transform into their most up-to-date Super Saiyan forms.

This means that Dragon Ball Super is being thrown into the Budokai Tenkaichi mix. There are playable characters, stages, and transformations from the series in the new Tenkaichi.

In terms of its roster, there are over 180 characters to play as. You can check them all out on the game's official website.

You can see more of the gameplay in this awesome trailer showcasing Goku and Vegeta fighting along with their various forms:

Dragon Ball Daima is joining in the fun, too!

You can battle online and in the game's expansive story mode, which lets you "relive your favourite moments from the series through cutscenes you can experience from the perspectives of eight characters".

After some initial speculation that it wouldn't be included at all, local multiplayer is indeed available in Sparking Zero. There's a hugely disappointing catch, though: It's available in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber stage only.

That's a massive shame, and one we hope is fixed in future game updates. If the old Budokai Tenkaichi games let us play local multiplayer on any map, why doesn't the new one?

Is there a Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 4 trailer?

Yes, there is a Dragon Ball Sparking Zero trailer! Check out the 'Ignite the Spark' trailer to catch a glimpse of the gameplay, playable characters, and sharp graphics below:

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Authors

Toby Saunders
Toby SaundersFreelance Writer

Toby Saunders is a freelance writer specialising in Video Game journalism. He has a wealth of experience in the field and is published on many different websites including PCGamesN, Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics. He has a degree in Film Studies (he gets to write about Film and TV occasionally, too).

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