Ready to take your skills to the next level in DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO? There is fast-paced action, and you can learn to string together combos and make the difference between winning and losing the game. This isn’t a character guide, but it will take you through all the combo mechanics, counters, and hidden inputs you’ll need to dominate your opponents.
In this guide, we will dissect the basics to early high-level stuff like how to vanish mid-combo and to learn good counters. Whether on Xbox or PlayStation, we’ve covered you with inputs listed for both systems. Step into DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO with some killer strategies, grab your controller!
The core of combos for DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO
The bread and butter of combat in DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO: It’s about rush combos. These are your first attack chains to know, and learning how to optimize these will drastically increase your gameplay.
Smash/Rush Enhancements
During the heat of battle, you’ll be sure to want your rushes to work. While rushing down a combo, if you’re holding down Square (PS) or X (Xbox), your character will undergo a smash. Execute a vanish smash when your character glows blue to release. This is all about timing; getting it wrong could expose you.
Those seeking more power from their jump can keep charging Triangle (PS) or charge it while in Rush on Y (Xbox). It doesn’t do much besides boost the damage.
- Pro tip: During the input, you will have control over the direction of your smash, holding it up or down to move it up or down. By allowing you to keep your opponent on their guard, you can stun them if the timing is executed perfectly.
Basics combo possibilities for DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO
When you become familiar with rushes, it’s time to break out a little. When you’re on offense or defense, changing your combo can throw them off. So, let’s look at key combos and style variations you can use in your play style.
Sweep and knock-up combos
The sweep and knock-up combo is one of the more versatile things you can add to your combo arsenal. It’s a game-changer for maintaining offensive pressure:
- Rush into Sweep: Start with a rush (Square or X), then quickly transition into a sweep by pressing Down+Triangle (PS) or Down+Y (Xbox).
- Sweep Knock-up: Continue the sweep into a knock-up for added damage. Follow up with Triangle (PS) or Y (Xbox) to continue the juggle.
Directional combos
When you can change the direction of your combos, the advantage is on your side because you can adapt to where your opponent moves to or where they defend. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Directional hits: Press Square+X (PS) or X+A (Xbox) to initiate a directional combo. Follow up with X (PS) or A (Xbox), or try knocking your opponent backward with Triangle (PS) or Y (Xbox).
A few of the tools you have available to you. Work through each combo variation to understand how this works with all your other characters in different scenarios.
Advanced techniques for DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO
After you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to advance to the next level. The leading techniques you should master are vanish attacks and counters.
Vanish combos
When you vanish, heed the tide of battle will trade places with your opponent while you appear behind them, ready for a follow-up attack. Start with a Square or X (depending on what you’re using), and then be ready to press X (PS) or A (Xbox) to run behind your opponent and keep the combo alive. To finish the effect for extra flair, you can Triangle (PS) or Y (Xbox) to knock your opponent back.
- Special tip: Some characters, like Videl, have limited vanish abilities and only work at close range. Be sure to keep this in mind when planning your vanish combos.
Counters and dodges
Counters are high-risk, high-reward moves that can rescue you from nasty situations. There are several counters to learn, but the most effective ones include:
- Super Counter: Press Up+Square (PS) or Up+X (Xbox) just before an attack lands to perform a super counter, interrupting the opponent’s combo.
- Perfect Dodge: Time your dodge perfectly using R1 (PS) or RB (Xbox), allowing you to vanish behind your opponent and counter-attack.
When you’re on the defensive, these advanced techniques can help you learn how to take control of the fight.
Z Bursts and dashes for DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO
Another vital addition to Sparking! is the Z Burst Dash. DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO’s arsenal. That lets you quickly dodge or make sudden rush-ins, catching your opponent off guard or setting yourself up for opportunities.
Z Burst Dash combos
Perform a Z Dash Burst (X+R2 on PS or A+RT on Xbox) to cut the distance in half to your opponent as quickly as possible. Triangle (PS) or Y (Xbox) will launch your opponent, while Square (PS) or X (Xbox) will bring your opponent to their knees.
A more advanced tactic is to use a Z Burst Dash and blend it with a varnish combo so that your opponent isn’t always quite sure of where you’ll strike next.
Positioning and sway for DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO
Combat is all about positioning. Strategizing without knowing where you are about your opponent can determine your fate or even your strategy. If you’re in a rush combo with an R1 (PS) or RB (Xbox), tap it, too, and you’ll vanish around your opponent to be positioned for the next attack.
Sway mechanics
Another technique, swaying, keeps you out of danger. When thrown or smashed at the right time, you can dodge, giving you a quick window of opportunity to counter. Press the dash button (X for PS, A for Xbox) then. Remember, it’s all about timing. Sway can be a perfect defensive tool to learn, but it’s even better when coupled with a particularly timed counter.
With the Sparking! There’s always more to learn and master with the DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO combo system. Whatever you do — perfecting your rush combos, learning to vanish mid-attack, or learning how to counter — comes down to practice. Practice these combos and techniques in training mode until you take the time to experiment with them; you’ll have no problem becoming a battlefield domination-like professional. Good luck, and have fun! Get these strategized, tried, and tested in your next match!
Featured image credit: DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO/Steam
