The free December update for Dragon Ball: Sparking ZERO introduces a range of improvements to enhance both gameplay and accessibility across all supported platforms. Among the highlights is the addition of the High-Speed Dragon Dash action, allowing players to quickly close the distance with opponents, as well as new options like adjusting the battle camera distance and enabling alphabetical text sorting in Custom Battle Mode. Significant balancing adjustments have been made to Rush Ki Blasts, Z-Counters, and character abilities to refine combat dynamics, ensuring a more strategic and competitive experience.
In addition, multiple game modes receive quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to skip battle intros in Ranked and Player matches, and hidden team setups in Player Matches. Characters have also been carefully tuned, with changes to abilities like Android 19’s absorption mechanics, Goku’s Quick Rush, and Cooler’s transformation health restoration. Alongside these updates, the patch optimizes performance and usability, making the gameplay experience smoother and more engaging for players.
Dragon Ball: Sparking ZERO December Update Complete Patch Notes:
Game Mode Adjustments:
Battle
- All stages are now selectable in offline P1 vs. P2 battles.
Battle Setup
- Added a function to change character display methods.
- Introduced the “My Sets” function for Team Members.
Ranked Match / Player Match
- Players can now skip battle intro animations (requires input from both players).
Player Match
- Option to hide or reveal teams when editing.
Custom Battle Mode
- Text can now be sorted alphabetically.
Options
- Added an option to set the battle camera distance to a closer view.
Battle System Adjustments:
High-Speed Dragon Dash
- New quick movement action added (R2 + Hold X for PS5 / RT + Hold A for Xbox Series X|S).
Smash Attack
- Stun effects reduced when hit by a Rush Ki Blast during charge.
- Increased charge time reduction for Smash Attacks during Rush Attacks.
Rush Ki Blast
- Longer cooldown between maximum consecutive shots.
- Players can now move while deflecting Rush Ki Blasts.
Steps
- Reduced vulnerability to certain attacks after performing a Step.
Z-Burst Dash
- Increased Ki consumption.
- Tackle by Giant characters is now guardable.
Burst Smash
- Ki is consumed based on distance traveled instead of activation.
Blast Adjustments
- Increased damage with boost.
Z-Counter
- Shortened input window and increased Ki consumption.
- Skill Count increase speed reduced for consecutive use.
Skill Adjustments:
- Skills causing instant Sparking! Mode now consume more Skill Count.
- Skills increasing stats consume less Skill Count.
- Adjustments made to Afterimage Strike, False Courage, and Standard Barrier.
Character Adjustments:
Android 19 / Dr. Gero
- Adjusted Health/Ki absorption mechanics on throws.
- Ki consumption added for Dragon Dash, Quick Ascend, and Quick Descend.
Cooler
- Health restoration upon transforming increased.
Great Ape Vegeta / Dr. Wheelo
- Maximum health reduced.
Super Vegito
- Increased Ki consumption and damage for Final Kamehameha.
Goku (Mini)
- Quick Rush now allows trajectory adjustments.
Mr. Satan
- Increased ending lag for Present Bomb.
General Improvements:
- Enhanced performance and ease of use.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO builds upon the legacy of the Tenkaichi series, delivering a robust arena fighting experience set in the expansive Dragon Ball universe. Featuring an extensive roster of characters, dynamic battles, and visually stunning environments, the game offers both nostalgia and innovation for series veterans and newcomers alike.
