In Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, unlocking the full roster of over 180 characters requires a combination of playing through various game modes, leveling up, earning in-game currency (Zeni), and even summoning dragons like Shenron. While a significant portion of the roster is available right from the start, several fan-favorite characters and more powerful versions need to be unlocked. Here’s a breakdown of all the ways you can unlock characters in the game.
1. Story Mode and Episode Battles
The most common way to unlock characters is by playing through the game’s Episode Battle mode, which follows key events from the Dragon Ball universe. As you progress, characters are unlocked automatically by completing specific story arcs. Some characters, however, require you to finish battles with special conditions or take alternate “what-if” routes, which can unlock new scenarios and more fighters.
2. Leveling Up
As you continue playing through Episode Battles, online modes, or custom battles, you’ll earn experience points that contribute to your overall Player Level. Reaching higher levels will unlock more characters in the in-game store, where you can buy them using Zeni. For instance, reaching Player Level 10 gives you access to characters like Super Baby 2 and Great Ape Baby, while Player Level 20 unlocks more powerful options like Ultra Instinct Goku and Fused Zamasu (Half-Corrupted).
3. Zeni Purchases
In addition to unlocking characters through gameplay, you can also buy them from the in-game shop using Zeni, the game’s currency. Earning Zeni comes from completing battles, challenges, and participating in tournaments. Characters have varying costs, with powerful ones like Anilaza and Goku Black (Super Saiyan Rosé) costing around 120,000 Zeni. Cheaper characters like Saibamen or Yajirobe might cost as little as 30,000 Zeni, making them more accessible early in the game.
4. Dragon Ball Wishes
In true Dragon Ball fashion, collecting Dragon Balls allows you to summon dragons like Shenron or Super Shenron. Once summoned, you can make wishes to unlock specific characters or gain more Zeni. While this can be time-consuming, owning the Ultimate Edition of the game provides players with immediate access to summon Super Shenron, speeding up the process significantly. With the right wishes, you can quickly unlock powerful fighters that would otherwise take a longer time to obtain through grinding.
5. Tournaments
Competing in tournaments is another great way to unlock characters while also earning a significant amount of Zeni. Winning tournaments unlocks certain characters directly, saving you Zeni for other purchases. The game doesn’t require you to play on the hardest difficulty for these tournaments, so lowering the difficulty can help you unlock characters faster if you’re struggling with tough battles.
6. DLC and Pre-Order Bonuses
Some characters are exclusively available through downloadable content (DLC) or pre-orders. For instance, Mini Goku (from Dragon Ball Daima) was included as a pre-order bonus and isn’t available for regular unlocking through gameplay. Future DLC packs are expected to add characters from newer Dragon Ball installments, like Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
Fast-Track Tip: Ultimate Edition Perks
If you want to speed up the unlocking process significantly, investing in the Ultimate Edition is a shortcut. This version of the game allows players to summon Super Shenron early on, granting extra wishes, such as additional Zeni or even immediate character unlocks. This is a great way for players who prefer not to grind through levels or Zeni challenges to get their favorite characters quickly.
Unlocking all characters in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero involves a mix of strategies—whether it’s grinding through story mode, competing in tournaments, collecting Dragon Balls, or simply buying characters with Zeni. Balancing your progress through these methods ensures that you’ll unlock your desired characters while also building up your Zeni reserves for future purchases.
