How to use Grabs in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO Guide

Alina4 weeks ago

Key Takeaways:

Grabs or Throws are a critical feature in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, allowing you to break through enemy guards and set up powerful combos.
Knowing how to execute and counter Grabs is essential to mastering combat in the game, as well-timed Throws can turn the tide of a battle.
Unique Grab animations between specific characters offer fans nostalgic references to iconic moments from the Dragon Ball series.

In Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, combat revolves around a blend of strategic moves and fast-paced action, where timing is everything. Among the many tools at your disposal, Grab attacks, or Throws, stand out as a crucial mechanic to help you overpower enemies who love to guard. Understanding how to execute Grabs, when to use them, and how to counter them can give you a significant edge in battle.

This guide will dive deep into the mechanics of Grab attacks in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, explaining how to perform them, counter them, and make the most of this powerful combat feature. We’ll also highlight some unique Grab animations that pay homage to iconic moments in the Dragon Ball universe.

What Are Grabs in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO?

Grabs, or Throws, in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO are physical attacks that allow players to break through an opponent’s guard, launch them into the air, and set up for even more devastating combos. Since Grab attacks can’t be blocked, they’re an excellent way to deal with defensive enemies who rely on guarding.

Grabs also serve as a foundation for chaining powerful Super or Ultimate Attacks, as they create an opening where your opponent is vulnerable and has limited options to counter. Knowing when to use Grabs effectively can be the difference between winning and losing a close fight.

How to Perform a Grab in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO

Executing a Grab in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is relatively simple, but it requires precise timing, especially if you’re using it to break through an opponent’s defense or while they’re recovering from an attack. The control inputs vary slightly depending on the platform or control scheme you’re using.

Grab Controls:

PlayStation (Standard Controls): Hold R1 + Square
Xbox (Standard Controls): Hold RB + X
PC: Hold E + Left Mouse Button

If you’re using Classic controls, double-tap the Dash button (A on Xbox, X on PlayStation) to perform a Grab. This classic input is great for players who enjoy the traditional Budokai Tenkaichi feel.

Key Points to Remember:

Grabs Can’t Be Blocked: This makes them perfect for catching an opponent who’s been guarding heavily.
Use Grabs to Continue Combos: After landing a successful Grab, you can immediately follow up with a Super or Ultimate Attack while your opponent is still airborne.
Watch Out for Counters: Grabs can be countered with the right timing, so make sure your opponent isn’t ready to break free.

When to Use Grabs in Battle

Grabs are a versatile tool in your combat arsenal, but knowing when to use them is critical to maximizing their effectiveness. Here’s when you should consider using Grabs during a fight:

1. Breaking Through a Guard

If your opponent is relying too much on blocking, a well-timed Grab can shatter their defense. Since Grabs cannot be blocked, this move forces your opponent to either counter or take the hit. This is particularly useful when your enemy is low on stamina and unable to vanish.

2. Combo Extension

After successfully landing a Rush Attack or a light combo, you can use a Grab to continue dealing damage. Since your opponent will be thrown into the air, it becomes harder for them to evade follow-up attacks like Super or Ultimate Attacks.

3. After a Vanish

Vanish is a common technique in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, allowing players to teleport behind their opponent. You can chain this technique into a Grab for a sneaky and effective combo starter.

How to Break a Grab in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO

While Grabs are powerful, they aren’t unstoppable. Knowing how to break out of an enemy’s Grab is just as important as knowing how to execute one. If you see a Grab animation start, you have a small window to counter it and escape.

Breaking a Grab:

PlayStation (Standard Controls): Press R1
Xbox (Standard Controls): Press RB
PlayStation (Classic Controls): Press Circle
Xbox (Classic Controls): Press B

Timing is everything when breaking a Grab. You’ll need to hit the Guard button at the precise moment the Grab animation starts. If you’re successful, you’ll knock your opponent away, leaving them vulnerable to a counterattack.

Combos You Can Perform with Grabs

Once you’ve mastered the timing of Grabs, you can incorporate them into your combos for even more devastating results. Here are a few basic combos you can perform using Grabs:

1. Grab + Super Attack Combo

Execute a Grab to throw your opponent into the air.
Immediately follow up with a Super Attack (preferably a Beam or Blast Super for faster execution).
Since your opponent is airborne, they will have a harder time vanishing or countering your attack.

2. Vanish + Grab Combo

Use Vanish to teleport behind your opponent.
Quickly input a Grab to catch them off guard while they’re still recovering from the Vanish.
Continue with an Ultimate Attack for massive damage.

3. Z Burst Dash + Grab

Use Z Burst Dash to close the gap between you and your opponent.
Right as you dash behind them, input the Grab command to land a quick attack.
You can then follow up with a Rush Combo or another special attack to keep the pressure on.

Unique Grabs in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO

One of the most exciting aspects of Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is its attention to detail, especially when it comes to character interactions. Certain characters have special Grab animations when fighting specific opponents, often referencing iconic moments from the Dragon Ball anime or manga. These unique Grabs do a little more damage than regular Throws and add a nostalgic touch to the game.

Notable Unique Grabs:

Goku (Super Saiyan) vs. Frieza (Final Form): Relive the epic battle between Goku and Frieza with a unique Grab animation that mirrors their fight on Namek.
Android 16 vs. Cell (Imperfect): Android 16’s Grab references his intense desire to defeat Cell, pulling straight from their battle during the Android Saga.
Teen Gohan (Super Saiyan 2) vs. Cell (Perfect): Gohan’s iconic rage-filled moments against Cell are immortalized with a special Grab animation.
Vegeta (Super Saiyan Blue) vs. Goku Black (Super Saiyan Rosé): Vegeta’s rivalry with Goku Black takes center stage in this unique Grab interaction.

These unique animations make certain matchups even more special and reward players for recreating battles from the series.

FAQ Section

Q: How do I perform a Grab in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO?

To perform a Grab, hold the block button and press the Rush Attack button. For PlayStation users, this is R1 + Square, and for Xbox users, it’s RB + X.

Q: Can Grabs be blocked?

No, Grabs cannot be blocked, making them perfect for dealing with opponents who guard heavily.

Q: How do I counter a Grab in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO?

To counter a Grab, press the Guard button (R1 on PlayStation, RB on Xbox) the moment you see your opponent’s Grab animation start. Timing is critical to breaking free.

Q: Are there any unique Grab animations in the game?

Yes, certain characters have unique Grab animations when facing specific opponents, referencing iconic battles from the Dragon Ball series. Examples include Goku vs. Frieza and Teen Gohan vs. Cell.

Q: Can I chain a Super or Ultimate Attack after a Grab?