Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero – Combat Techniques to Dominate the Game

When it comes to competitive fighting games, understanding the mechanics can make all the difference between victory and defeat. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, with its intense and dynamic combat system, requires more than just button mashing to come out on top. Whether you’re playing through the story mode or battling it out in ranked matches, mastering key techniques will set you apart from your competition. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down six of the most essential moves that every player must learn to truly excel.

Z Burst Dash: Closing the Gap with Precision

One of the most frustrating things for new players is struggling to close the distance between their character and the opponent. With Dragon Ball’s fast-paced, high-flying combat, a single misstep can result in a drawn-out fight where you just can’t seem to land a hit. That’s where the Z Burst Dash comes in. This move allows your character to quickly zip across the battlefield, instantly closing the gap and positioning you behind your enemy.

Why is that important? Because in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, attacks from behind are significantly harder to block. Once you’re behind your opponent, you have the perfect opening for a devastating combo. By mastering the Z Burst Dash, you can turn the tide of any battle, especially when used strategically to catch your opponent off guard.

To perform a Z Burst Dash on PlayStation, you’ll press R2 + X + X, while Xbox players will need to hit RT + A + A. A great place to practice this move is in Super Training mode, where you can hone your timing and precision.

Key Benefits of Z Burst Dash:

• Closes distance quickly
• Positions you behind your opponent for unblockable combos
• Easy to execute, perfect for beginners looking to level up

Z Counter: The Ultimate Defense

We’ve all been there: locked in a relentless combo, unable to break free as our health bar drains rapidly. This is where the Z Counter comes into play. The Z Counter is one of the most effective defensive tools in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, allowing you to teleport behind your opponent and escape even the most brutal of combos.

But there’s a catch: the Z Counter demands precision. If your timing is even slightly off, you’ll miss the window of opportunity and remain trapped in the combo. However, with enough practice, you can escape even the toughest situations, turning defense into offense in the blink of an eye.

For PlayStation users, Z Counter is activated by pressing Circle, while Xbox players will use B. Though it takes time to master, Z Counter is one of those moves that you’ll be grateful to have in your arsenal when facing high-level opponents.

Key Benefits of Z Counter:

• Breaks enemy combos
• Teleports you behind the opponent for a counterattack
• Requires practice but pays off in high-level play

Perception: A Simple Yet Effective Counter

When it comes to countering rush attacks, there’s no tool as simple yet effective as Perception. By holding down the appropriate button, you can enter the Perception Stance, allowing your character to automatically counter any incoming rush attack. What makes this move so versatile is that it not only counters rush attacks but can also lead to Sonic Sway, an advanced form of evasion that leaves your opponent vulnerable.

While the timing for triggering Sonic Sway may take some practice, mastering Perception is essential for surviving against aggressive opponents who rely heavily on rush attacks.

To activate Perception on PlayStation, hold Circle, and on Xbox, hold B.

Key Benefits of Perception:

• Automatically counters rush attacks
• Can trigger advanced evasions like Sonic Sway
• Simple to execute, but powerful in the right hands

Revenge Counter: Your Get Out of Jail Free Move

There are times when even the best players find themselves trapped in seemingly inescapable combos. When your opponent’s attacks are too fast or too well-timed for other counters, the Revenge Counter becomes a lifesaver. By using two stocks of your Skill Counter, the Revenge Counter instantly breaks free from combos, giving you a fighting chance.

Be warned, though: opponents can counter this move with Perception, though pulling that off is incredibly difficult. Still, the Revenge Counter offers a reliable escape from tight situations and should be part of every player’s repertoire.

To perform the Revenge Counter, use the Right Stick on both PlayStation and Xbox.

Key Benefits of Revenge Counter:

• Breaks free from almost any combo
• Uses two Skill Counter stocks
• Effective against high-level opponents, but can be countered with difficulty

Vanishing Assault: A Versatile Offensive and Defensive Tool

If you’re looking for a move that can be used in almost any situation, the Vanishing Assault is your best bet. This teleporting move allows you to either dodge an attack or position yourself behind your opponent for a quick combo. At close range, it teleports you directly behind your opponent, while at mid-range, it brings you closer for a follow up attack.

The Vanishing Assault is incredibly flexible, making it useful in both offensive and defensive scenarios. However, it does consume a full bar of Ki, so you’ll need to use it wisely.

To execute a Vanishing Assault, press Square + Triangle on PlayStation or X + A on Xbox.

Key Benefits of Vanishing Assault:

• Teleports you behind or close to your opponent
• Can be used for dodging or initiating combos
• Requires a full Ki bar, so use it strategically

Super Counter: The Hardest, Yet Most Effective Move to Master

Finally, we come to the Super Counter the most difficult counter to master, but also the most rewarding. Unlike other counters, the Super Counter consumes no Ki or Skill Counter stocks, and it cannot be countered by Perception. It works against nearly every attack type, except for ultimates, making it a go-to move for advanced players.

What makes the Super Counter so challenging is the precise timing required to pull it off. The button combination is simple enough: Left Stick Up + Square for PlayStation players and Left Stick Up + X for Xbox players. But without perfect timing, you won’t be able to land this powerful counter.

Key Benefits of Super Counter:

• Works against almost all attacks
• Consumes no resources (Ki or Skill Counter)
• Difficult to master, but extremely powerful once perfected

FAQ Section

1. How do I improve my timing for counters in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero?
Practice in Super Training mode is essential for improving your timing. Focus on the Z Counter and Super Counter as they demand the most precision. Experiment with different opponent speeds to get a feel for each counter’s timing.

2. Why is the Z Burst Dash important in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero?
The Z Burst Dash allows players to quickly close the gap between themselves and their opponents, positioning them behind for unblockable combos. It’s essential for getting up close and personal in high-paced fights.

3. What is the best move for breaking free from combos?
The Revenge Counter is the most reliable move for breaking free from tough combos. It uses two Skill Counter stocks, but guarantees an escape from even the trickiest situations.

4. Can the Super Counter be countered?
No, the Super Counter cannot be countered by other moves like Perception, which makes it one of the most effective counters in the game. However, it requires near-perfect timing to pull off.

5. What should I focus on as a beginner in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero?
Beginners should start by mastering the Z Burst Dash and Perception, as these moves are relatively simple to execute but offer significant advantages in combat.