Bandai Namco and Arc System Works have rolled out Patch 1.40 for Dragon Ball FighterZ, introducing a sweeping range of gameplay refinements, system adjustments, and character-specific changes. This extensive update focuses on deepening the game’s strategic combat mechanics, enhancing move responsiveness, and rebalancing fighters for a more refined competitive experience.
The patch updates nearly every fighter in the roster, improving hit detection, animation timing, and combo potential, while also enhancing universal mechanics like Z Assist, Sparking Blast, and Z Reflect. With adjustments to start-up speeds, blockstun, and recovery frames across multiple attacks, this patch represents one of the most comprehensive gameplay updates Dragon Ball FighterZ has seen since the introduction of rollback netcode earlier this year.
Full Patch Notes
System Mechanics
- Ki Charge: Faster cancel timing; Dragon Rush and Super Dash can now be executed more quickly.
- Dragon Rush: Now deflects Ki Blasts if used after a Ki Charge.
- Z Reflect: Perfectly timed physical blocks trigger a special screen freeze (except for Videl); allows Vanish follow-ups.
- Vanish: Now invincible at start-up when executed from a Z Reflect.
- Sparking Blast: Reduced blockstun; increased aerial control during activation.
- Z Assist (A & B Types): Shorter cooldown before reuse.
- Z Change: Reduced cooldown time.
- Guard Cancel Change: Can act mid-air after guarding high attacks.
- Limit-Breaking Power: Ki Gauge now fills automatically while active.
- Boot Camp Mode: New items added for Caulifla.
Character Adjustments
Goku (Super Saiyan)
- Faster attack start-ups and reduced delay on several moves.
- Adjusted Dragon Flash Fist knockback and increased blockstun.
- Super Kamehameha: Faster start-up, increased damage, and longer stun durations.
- Warp Kamehameha: Can now Super Dash during the move; improved start-up and tracking.
Vegeta (Super Saiyan)
- Improved Super Dash Kick timing and reduced landing delay.
- Big Bang Attack: Increased stun time.
- Z Assist variants updated with faster start-ups and improved knockback effects.
Piccolo
- Demon Shocker and Demon Elbow enhanced with longer hitstop and stun time.
- Demon Slicer: Holding the button now alters appearance location; heavy version gains ground bounce.
Gohan (Teen)
- Faster combo execution and improved Super Dragon Flight properties.
- Adjusted Father-Son Kamehameha knockback.
Frieza
- Multiple attacks sped up; improved hit reactions on long-range moves.
Captain Ginyu
- Enhanced time stop reliability on Special Attack (Guldo).
- Increased hitstop and blockstun on Jeice and Strong Jersey moves.
- Z Assists now properly summon all Ginyu Force members under correct conditions.
Trunks
- Adjusted damage scaling and timing for Shining Slash and Heat Dome Attack.
Cell
- Faster combo transitions; adjusted Psycho Crash knockback and stun timing.
Android 18
- Faster light and medium attacks; improved support move responsiveness.
Gotenks
- Increased projectile count for Standing Unique Attack and improved invincibility frames during Great Special Rolling Kick.
Krillin
- Can now alter Ki Blast trajectory with directional inputs; faster combo chaining in mid-air.
Kid Buu
- Improved invincibility, faster start-ups, and reduced animation delays across all attacks.
Majin Buu
- Lifted jump restrictions on Cartwheel; improved combo flexibility during Sparking Blast.
Nappa
- Improved invincibility and faster heavy attacks.
Android 16
- Projectiles now have higher durability and improved tracking.
Yamcha
- Wolf Fang Fist series rebalanced with higher damage and blockstun.
Tien
- Adjusted Volleyball Fist and Tri-Beam timings; improved hitstop and animation consistency.
Gohan (Adult)
- Improved combo scaling; refined Potential Unleashed animations.
Hit
- Now gains invincibility during multiple moves; added time-freeze effects when opponents are in hitstun.
Goku (SSGSS)
- Improved Divine Void Strike and Dragon Flash Kick recovery; faster Z Assist timings.
Vegeta (SSGSS)
- Enhanced Niagara Pummel and Final Flash responsiveness.
Beerus
- Adjusted attack delays and added mid-air usability for Spheres of Destruction.
Goku Black
- Enhanced God Slicer with directional control; rebalanced Fierce God Kick knockback.
Android 21
- Increased combo potential with faster start-ups and directional control improvements.
Bardock
- Rebalanced Raging Meteor and Tyrant Lancer; increased Ki gain and projectile resistance.
Broly (DBZ & DBS)
- Improved range and duration on Standing Medium and Headbutt; faster invincibility windows.
Vegito (SSGSS)
- Refined combo scaling and timing on Spiral Heel Shot and Atomic Buster.
Zamasu (Fused)
- Added multi-hit capability in Standing Unique Attack; faster combo execution.
Goku (Base)
- Enhanced Heavy Elbow invincibility and Kamehameha chain potential.
Vegeta (Base)
- Faster attacks and increased damage scaling.
Cooler
- Improved mobility and blockstun; faster Death Chaser sequences.
Android 17
- Quicker combo attacks and improved recovery after landing.
Jiren
- Increased damage and improved hit reactions on Infinity Rush and Counter Impact.
Videl
- Ki Gauge now fills when evading attacks via Z Reflect; enhanced Great Saiyaman synergy and air control.
Goku (GT)
- Faster combo strings, improved Kamehameha turn-around behavior, and increased damage on Super Ultra Spirit Bomb.
Janemba
- Improved startup and guard impact on Savage Skewer and Z Assists.
Gogeta (SSGSS)
- Adjusted Rising Vortex and Stardust Fall distances for better chaining.
Kefla
- Improved Gigantic Burst and Super Combo stun properties.
Goku (Ultra Instinct)
- Faster combo flow, improved invincibility on Godly Display, and enhanced control during Unrestrained Will.
Master Roshi
- Now deflects Ki Blasts on several attacks; refined animations and input timing.
Super Baby 2
- Improved responsiveness and adjusted knockback on multiple moves.
Gogeta (SS4)
- Boosted mid-air damage on Ultimate Impact and improved Lightning Hammer stun time.
Android 21 (Lab Coat)
- Adjusted Ki Gauge mechanics and fixed inconsistencies in attack reach and trajectory.
Dragon Ball FighterZ is a 2.5D fighting game co-developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Arc System Works, and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Originally launched in 2018, it is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Windows, with next-gen versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S released in 2024, featuring rollback netcode. Celebrated for its visuals, deep combat mechanics, and faithful adaptation of the Dragon Ball universe, the game has sold over 10 million copies worldwide as of 2023.
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