Bandai Namco has unveiled an thrilling expansion for Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, introducing three new character packs to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 this week. The update, which went live on 26th May 2026, adds the Daima Character Pack 1, Daima Character Pack 2, and the character Shallot to the combat game’s continuously expanding roster. Alongside the new content, the publisher has implemented a substantial balance patch tackling gameplay mechanics, combat adjustments, and user experience enhancements. The update also brings a new stage, the First Demon World, and enhances existing game modes such as Episode Battle and Custom Battle, guaranteeing both newcomers and experienced players will find plenty to explore.
Latest Characters Arrive on Nintendo Platforms
The three character packs offer a substantial enhancement to Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO’s roster, delivering players new fighters to perfect across both standard Switch and the newer Switch 2 hardware. Daima Character Pack 1 and Pack 2 bring fan-favourite fighters from the Dragon Ball franchise, whilst Shallot, a character with deep roots in the Dragon Ball gaming universe, rounds out this week’s additions. These releases demonstrate Bandai Namco’s resolve in supporting the fighting game with regular content drops that maintain the competitive scene active and exciting for the global player base.
The simultaneous launch across Nintendo platforms maintains that the player community remains unified, no matter which console generation fans choose. Version 2A013.012.003.009.011 for Switch 2 and Version 2013.012.003.009.011 for the original Switch both include these new characters combined with the comprehensive balance adjustments. This coordinated rollout reflects the publisher’s focus on ensuring consistency between platforms whilst offering fresh gameplay experiences that support the existing battle system improvements introduced in the same update.
- Daima Character Pack 1 and Pack 2 expand the playable roster considerably
- Shallot joins as an extra fighter with unique fighting mechanics
- Fresh material launches at the same time on Switch and Switch 2 platforms
Complete Balance Changes and Gameplay Refinements
Fighting Mechanics Redesign
The latest update introduces significant alterations to Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO’s fundamental systems, fundamentally altering how fighters tackle battle situations. Skill Stock conversions no longer provide instantaneous healing; rather, characters gain a permanent damage boost whilst transformed, encouraging more strategic use of this powerful mechanic. Additionally, the Z-Burst Dash system has been rebalanced, with lowered starting Ki costs and distance-based consumption, allowing players increased adaptability in tactical placement and combat approaches during demanding encounters.
Movement and mobility options have received significant attention, with ascending and descending speeds increased at close range, whilst quick variants now consume additional Ki to maintain balance. The Short Dash mechanic now allows immediate consecutive dashes, providing players with improved dodge capabilities. High-Speed Dragon Dash has been refined with improved input windows for smoother transitions into rush attacks, and Smash attack build-up periods have been reduced during use, creating more fluid and responsive combat encounters across all game modes and difficulty levels.
Character-Based Adjustments
Certain characters with unique abilities have received targeted adjustments to ensure fair competition. Goku (Super) Ultra Instinct and Whis now enable Rush Chain performance even within auto-dodge windows, substantially altering how these characters interact with offensive pressure. Meanwhile, Goku (Super) Ultra Instinct -Sign- gains the ability to deflect specific Smash Ki Blasts, adding defensive versatility to its toolkit and guaranteeing these beloved characters stay competitive across competitive and casual play environments.
- Transformation mechanics now deliver permanent attack buffs instead of health recovery
- Rush Chain execution allowed during automatic evasion mechanics for specific fighters
- Goku (Super) Ultra Instinct -Sign- gains Smash Ki Blast deflection capability
- Melee attack Ki recovery increased on successful strike landings
- Guard interruption of rush attacks has been fixed and prevented
System Improvements and Capability Upgrades
The latest update introduces significant quality-of-life improvements and technical refinements designed to enhance the overall gameplay experience across both Nintendo Switch platforms. Audio settings now extends to combat sound effects, allowing players to adjust quality settings based on their preferences and system capabilities. The character select screen has gained a display toggle feature, simplifying menu navigation and minimising visual clutter in intense competitive sessions. These thoughtful additions demonstrate Bandai Namco’s commitment to accessibility and user experience, guaranteeing players of all skill levels can customise the game to their specific needs and preferences.
Battle configuration options have been substantially broadened to provide more versatility in competitive and casual play. The DP pool total in DP Battles can be customised across several options—10, 15, or 20—allowing players to explore varying balance mechanics and battle lengths. Battlefield perimeter settings now include a on-screen toggle that engages when players draw close to the battlefield boundaries, enhancing spatial awareness without overwhelming the screen during normal gameplay. Importantly, all settings are maintained once matches end, eradicating the frustration of repeatedly adjusting settings and simplifying the shift between back-to-back battles.
| Feature Category | Key Improvements |
|---|---|
| Audio Settings | Added customisable audio quality for combat sound effects |
| Battle Configuration | DP pool now adjustable to 10, 15, or 20 with persistent settings |
| User Interface | Character select screen display toggle feature added |
| Battlefield Display | Boundary indicators activate when players approach stage edges |
| Stage Content | First Demon World stage added to available battle locations |
What Participants Should Expect
The newest update introduces a complete redesign of Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO’s combat systems, significantly changing how players engage in battles. Transformation mechanics have been completely reimagined, with characters no longer regaining health upon transformation. Instead, fighters now gain a permanent attack increase buff when transforming using Skill Stock, establishing a more tactical gameplay experience. These changes reach DP Battle balancing, where character power differences are now more pronounced across all modes, fundamentally altering competitive dynamics and forcing players to reassess their team compositions and tactical approaches.
Movement and engagement systems have received significant refinements to improve fluidity and responsiveness during intense battles. Short Dash mechanics now allow players to perform a second dash immediately after starting a dash, boosting offensive and defensive flexibility. Dragon Dash cooldown periods have been shortened, whilst High-Speed Dragon Dash now features improved input windows for seamless transitions into rush attacks. Additionally, Z-Burst Dash costs have been restructured to expend Ki based on distance travelled rather than fixed amounts, benefiting experienced players who optimise their movement efficiency and creating more nuanced strategic possibilities throughout extended engagements.
- Transformation doesn’t provide healing; instead grants lasting attack boost during Skill Stock activation
- DP character strength gaps now more pronounced in all battle modes and competitive formats
- Short Dash enables multiple dashes in succession right after movement initiation for enhanced mobility
- Z-Burst Dash currently drains Ki based on travel distance rather than set upfront expense