Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero December 2024 Update Patch Notes Revealed

Overview of Upcoming Updates

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is set to launch a major update on December 12, 2024, aimed at enhancing gameplay balance and incorporating player feedback.
The update introduces exciting new features, such as the High-Speed Dragon Dash, the ability to select stages in local multiplayer, and various character alterations.
Players can look forward to refinements in existing abilities, character balance adjustments, and improvements to skills and blasts.

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, which debuted in October 2024, has quickly captured the attention of fans, becoming the most-played game on Steam prior to its launch. The title even achieved the milestone of being the highest-selling installment in the Dragon Ball franchise in the U.S. Despite a subsequent decline in player activity, Bandai Namco remains committed to enhancing player experience through regular updates and forthcoming downloadable content (DLC).

In November, developers from Spike Chunsoft consulted the community to gather input on desired DLC features. Options ranged from new characters and skins to enhancements such as auto-play features and expanded story content for the game’s branching Episode Battle mode. Additionally, players expressed a keen interest in resolving existing balance and gameplay issues, particularly highlighted during a recent controversial tournament that sparked criticism over the game’s uneven character roster and exploitable gameplay tactics.

The forthcoming update on December 12, 2024, promises to be the most comprehensive yet. For instance, in local multiplayer mode, players will finally have the choice to select any stage, moving beyond the restricted default of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. The patch will also introduce various functionality upgrades, including the ability to modify character display methods in the Battle Setup, skip character animations in both ranked and player matches, and conceal team compositions until the actual match begins.

The update also introduces substantial adjustments to moves and attack systems. Notably, players can look forward to the introduction of a rapid movement action called the High-Speed Dragon Dash, designed to allow players to close in on opponents swiftly during combat. Additionally, modifications to existing moves will prevent players from being stunned by a Rush Ki Blast while simultaneously preparing a Smash Attack. Other adjustments involve increased cooldown periods for Rush Ki Blasts after maximum shots and enhancements in tracking during character swaps in gameplay.

Among the most significant changes will be adjustments to character balancing to rectify some of the game’s persistent disparities. For instance, the notorious Great Ape Vegeta will experience a longer charge time for Smash Attacks, coupled with a reduction in damage dealt. Players will also gain the ability to escape from Cell’s Second Form’s throws, and the health absorption mechanics for Android 19 and Dr. Gero will be fine-tuned. This December update promises a wealth of changes to improve the overall gameplay experience.

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero December 2024 Update Patch Notes

Game Mode Adjustments

All stages are now accessible in offline Player 1 vs. Player 2 battles.

Functionality Adjustments

Battle Setup:

A new function allows players to change the character display method.
A “My Sets”feature has been introduced for team members.

Ranked Match / Player Match:

Players can now skip introduction battle animations (both players need to input the skip command).

Player Match:

Players can choose to hide or reveal their team composition to opponents while editing.

Custom Battle Mode:

Text can now be sorted alphabetically.

Options:

Players can now adjust the battle camera distance for a closer view.

Battle System Adjustments

High-Speed Dragon Dash (New Action):

This new rapid movement action allows players to swiftly approach their opponents, activated by holding R2 and X (PS5) or RT and A (XSX/S).

Smash Attack:

No longer will players be stunned by Rush Ki Blasts while charging a Smash Attack.
Increased charge time reduction during a Rush Attack based on the hit count.

Rush Ki Blast:

The recovery time to fire additional Rush Ki Blasts has been extended after reaching the maximum consecutive shots.

Rush Ki Blast Deflection:

Players can now maneuver while deflecting Rush Ki Blasts.

Steps:

Players will be immune to certain attacks immediately after executing a Step.
Rush Ki Blasts and Smash Ki Blasts can also be evaded during this period.

Z-Burst Dash:

Activation now consumes an increased amount of Ki.

Burst Smash:

Ki will no longer be drained upon activation; instead, consumption will depend on the distance traveled.

Blast:

Damage output during boosted attacks has been enhanced.

Z-Search:

Z-Search will retain sight of opponents even during character swaps.
Players will quickly regain sight of opponents if they come back into view while Z-Search is not locked on.

Z-Counter:

The input window for Z-Counter has been shortened for added challenge.
Consecutive Z-Counter executions will be more difficult.
Ki consumption for Z-Counter has increased upon success.
Skill Count increase speed has been reduced after successfully executing a Z-Counter.

Revenge Counter:

Skill Count required for using Perception against Revenge Counter has been reduced from 2 to 1.

Rush Attacks during Sparking! Mode:

Damage reduction for consecutive hits has been increased.

Combos:

The final hits of Aerial Combos and Aerial Slash Combos will not be disrupted by blocking anymore.

Character Switch:

The health recovery rate for Standby characters has been lowered.

Z-Burst Dash (Giant Characters):

Giant characters’ tackles during Z-Burst Dashes are now blockable.

Skill Adjustments

Skills that Trigger Instant Sparking! Mode:

Skill Count consumption has increased.

General Stat Enhancement Skills:

Skill Count consumption has decreased.

Afterimage Strike:

Effect duration has been reduced to 10 seconds and will be voided if the opponent uses Perception while active.

False Courage:

Skill Count needed has increased from 1 to 2.

Technique: All I Need Is Five Seconds!

Skill Count required has decreased from 3 to 2, with an increase in status boost upon activation.

Stardust Barrier:

Can now be activated while taking hits from the front.

Blast Adjustments

Long-Range Blasts and Ultimate Blasts:

Speed has been moderated to improve gameplay dynamics.

Super Vegito: Final Kamehameha:

Ki consumption and damage output have been increased.

Goku (Mini): Quick Rush:

Trajectory alteration is now possible while executing a Rush.

Mr. Satan: Present Bomb:

Ending lag following activation has been increased for balance purposes.

Character Adjustments

Android 19 / Dr. Gero:

Adjusted health/Ki absorption on successful throws.
Ki consumption implemented for Dragon Dash, Quick Ascend, and Quick Descend.

Cell Second Form:

Escape ability from throws has been introduced.

Cooler:

The health restoration during transformation has been increased.

Giant Characters:

Charging time for Smash Attacks has been extended, and their power has been reduced.

Great Ape Vegeta / Dr. Wheelo:

Maximum health has been reduced.

Additional Improvements

Improved overall performance and user experience enhancements.

For a comprehensive look at the update and its details, visit GameRant.