Let’s be real for a second. If you grew up playing Budokai Tenkaichi 3, you probably spent the last decade complaining that modern Dragon Ball games just didn't have that "it" factor. Then Sparking Zero dropped with a base roster of 182 characters, and suddenly, everyone's childhood dreams became a reality. But even with that massive lineup, the conversation immediately shifted. We’re greedy. We want more. Specifically, we want the Dragon Ball Sparking Zero DLC characters that Bandai Namco promised to fill the remaining gaps in the multiverse.
The game is a massive achievement. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it feels like playing an episode of the anime. Yet, looking at the character select screen, you can see the empty slots calling out to you.
What’s Actually in the Season Pass?
Bandai Namco wasn't exactly subtle about their plans. The first Season Pass is essentially a three-part love letter to the newest corners of the franchise. We’re looking at over 20 new fighters. That’s a lot of Ki.
The focus is split between two specific properties: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and the new Dragon Ball DAIMA series. If you were hoping for a deep dive into the 1990s movie villains right out of the gate, you might have to wait a bit longer, though some of those icons like Cooler and Janemba are already in the base game. The DLC is about the now.
The first wave centers on the Super Hero film. Gamma 1 and Gamma 2 are the obvious headliners here. They bring a stylized, "superhero" flair that feels distinct from the traditional martial arts styles of Goku or Vegeta. Honestly, playing as Gamma 2 and using his core-shaking ultimate move is going to be a highlight for anyone who loved the cinematography of that movie. Then there's Beas Gohan. People have been screaming for Beast Gohan since the movie premiered in 2022. He's the big ticket item. Orange Piccolo isn't far behind, finally giving the Namekian the power scaling he deserves in a modern fighting game.
The DAIMA Factor and Small Goku
Then we have Dragon Ball DAIMA. This is where things get interesting and, frankly, a little controversial in the community. Not everyone is thrilled about the "Mini" versions of characters. However, seeing Goku (Mini) in action changes perspectives pretty quickly. He isn't just a shrunken-down asset flip. His moveset incorporates his power pole in ways we haven't seen since the original Dragon Ball or maybe GT. It’s nostalgic but fresh.
The Dragon Ball Sparking Zero DLC characters from DAIMA are likely to include Glorio and the Masked Majin. Because DAIMA is a new series, Bandai is drip-feeding these reveals to avoid spoilers. It’s a smart marketing move, but it tests the patience of fans who just want to see the full potential of the roster.
The Season Pass is structured into three packs:
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- DLC 1: Focused on Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
- DLC 2: The first half of the Dragon Ball DAIMA roster.
- DLC 3: The second half of the DAIMA roster.
If you bought the Deluxe or Ultimate editions, you’ve already paid for these. If not, you’re looking at buying them individually or as a bundle. But is it worth it? For the competitive players, yes. New characters mean new frame data to learn and new team synergies to exploit. For the casual fan, it depends on how much you care about the newer movies versus the old-school Z-era content.
Why Some Fans Feel Left Out
There is a segment of the fan base that feels a bit slighted. Where is Super 17? Why are some of the more obscure Dragon Ball characters from the original series missing?
The reality of game development in 2026 is that you can't have everyone at launch. Even with 182 characters, someone’s favorite was going to get cut. The Dragon Ball Sparking Zero DLC characters represent the developers' attempt to keep the game "live." By tethering the DLC to new releases like DAIMA, they ensure the game stays relevant in the broader cultural zeitgeist. It's business, sure, but it also means the game won't be abandoned six months after release.
I’ve spent hours testing the base roster’s balance. It's chaotic. It’s supposed to be. But the DLC characters need to be careful. In a game where transformations are a core mechanic, Beast Gohan has the potential to break the meta if his stats aren't tuned properly. Fans are already debating whether he'll be a "top-tier" threat or just a flashy addition for the casual players.
Looking Beyond the First Season Pass
Let's speculate for a moment, based on how Spike Chunsoft has handled previous titles. Once the Super Hero and DAIMA content is out, what's next?
The "missing" GT characters are a prime candidate for a second Season Pass. We have the heavy hitters like SS4 Goku and Gogeta, but the shadow dragons are noticeably absent. Then there's the manga-only content. This is the "holy grail" for many. Moro? Granolah? Ultra Ego Vegeta?
Legally, this is a nightmare. The rights for manga-only characters are notoriously difficult to navigate between Shueisha and Bandai Namco. To date, we haven't seen manga-exclusive forms in any major console game. But Sparking Zero feels like the platform where that could finally change. If the game continues to sell as well as it has, the pressure on the rightsholders to allow Ultra Ego Vegeta into the game will be immense.
The Technical Side of DLC Integration
Adding a character to this game isn't as simple as swapping a skin. Each character needs a unique set of animations for the "Destruction" system. When a character hits the ground, the environment reacts. When they fire a beam, the lighting engine shifts.
The Dragon Ball Sparking Zero DLC characters have to be integrated into the existing "Episode Battle" modes too. Imagine playing Gohan’s story and having it extended with the Super Hero arc. That’s the kind of depth that separates a good DLC from a mediocre one. It's not just a character on a menu; it's a new way to experience the story.
Real Talk: The Cost of Power
Let’s talk money. Season passes aren't cheap. Usually, you’re looking at $25 to $35 for a full pass. Some people hate this "fragmented" model. I get it. You paid $70 for the game, and now you’re being asked for more.
But look at it this way: the base game is already the largest Dragon Ball roster ever. The DLC is truly "extra." It’s the dessert after a ten-course meal. You don't need it to enjoy the game, but if you're still playing six months from now, you're going to want those new toys.
How to Prepare for the New Roster
If you're planning on jumping into the DLC, you need to master the base game's mechanics first. The Gamma twins, for instance, are expected to have very high mobility. If you haven't mastered "Vanish" or "Sonic Sway," you’re going to get cooked by players who have.
- Finish the Sparking Episodes. These "What If" scenarios often give you a better feel for the high-tier power scaling.
- Save your Z-Burst points. We don’t know exactly how the DLC characters will interact with the in-game shop, but it never hurts to have a surplus of currency.
- Practice with the "Base" versions. If you want to be a Beast Gohan main, start practicing with Ultimate Gohan now. The combo strings often share a similar DNA.
The arrival of the Dragon Ball Sparking Zero DLC characters marks a turning point for the game. It moves from a nostalgia trip to a living, breathing project. Whether you’re hyped for the tiny version of Goku or you just want to destroy planets as Beast Gohan, the next year of Dragon Ball gaming is looking incredibly dense.
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The most important thing to remember is that this game thrives on its community. The feedback on these DLC packs will dictate what we see in Season 2 and beyond. If the fans demand the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament characters, and the DAIMA DLC sells well, Bandai will listen. They like money, and we like Dragon Ball. It’s a simple, albeit expensive, relationship.
As you dive back into the Arena, keep an eye on the official social channels. The reveal trailers for these characters usually drop just a few weeks before the actual release. The wait for Beast Gohan is almost over, and honestly, the meta is never going to be the same once he arrives.
Actionable Next Steps for Sparking Zero Players
- Check your version: Ensure you actually own the Season Pass if you bought a physical edition; sometimes the codes are on the receipt rather than in the box.
- Update your game: DLC characters often require a "compatibility patch" that drops a day before the characters go live. If your internet is slow, start that download early.
- Dive into Training Mode: Don't just take the new characters online immediately. Learn the range of their Ki blasts and the timing of their unique counters to avoid an embarrassing loss streak.