As a cornerstone of combat, learning how to use Dash Attacks in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is essential to winning matches and becoming the best Z fighter out there! Sometimes you need to create distance, and others you need to get in close for some quick hits.
Dashing is not just an evasive maneuver; it’s an intrinsic part of combat in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. With the right timing, Dashes can help you avoid damage and also inflict it on your opponent. There are different kinds of Dashes in the game, and we’re going to break them down, so you know which one to use in any given situation!
What Are Dash Attacks in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero?
Dash Attacks are performed as you are moving closer to your opponent in a regular Dash or Dragon Dash. The first kind of Dash can be performed at any time during the match, and the second requires Ki to execute. Dragon Dash Ki consumption is dependent on how far you are traveling, but it will get you where you need to go much faster, giving you a strategic advantage in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero.
The 180+ character roster in the game offers a lot of variety when it comes to fighting styles and super moves. But, even with so many options, some fundamental aspects of combat, such as Revenger Counter, Blocking, and Dashing, remain constant across fighter selection. Dashing is one of these mechanics, and it’s important to have the fundamentals down properly before attempting online battles.
Tip
You can use the Battle Assist menu to turn on certain Dashing Assists to reduce the inputs you have to perform.
Practicing the best ways to use Dash Attacks in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero can make you a more adept fighter overall. The tutorial section will go over the basics of Dashing, but you get a feel for how to use out in combat only with practice.
Before you pick up the controller and enter the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, let’s first understand the different types of Dash attacks and how to use them.
How to Use Dash Attacks in Sparking Zero?
Dash Attacks can be used at any time during combat when approaching your opponent. Your ability to attack will depend on the kind of dash you are executing. Each Dash in Sparking Zero has its usage, and all of them can be great evasive maneuvers. However, be careful if your opponent is using a homing attack or a rush attack, as these will track you, even if you are performing a strafe.
Below are the four kinds of Dashes you can perform in Sparking Zero.
- Short Dash: This is your primary form of movement in the game and can be performed by pressing X/A on your controller while tilting the analog stick in the desired direction. This form of dash requires no Ki. If you are very close to your opponent, you may perform a Step instead of a Short Dash, and this is a great way to avoid Ki Blasts.
- Dragon Dash: The Ki-charged variant of the Short Dash, a Dragon Dash, will help you move faster at the cost of your built-up energy. You can perform this Dash by hitting the R2/RT and X/A buttons while tilting your analog stick in a given direction. This Dash can be ended with a Smash or Rush combo.
- Z-Burst Dash: Similar to the Dragon Dash, this movement mechanic takes up Ki to use. Z-Burst Dashes can be performed by pressing R2/RT and X+X/A+A. It’s essentially adding an extra face-button press on the Dragon Dash. Doing so will take up more Ki but does not require you to tilt the analog stick as it will instantly transport your character behind your opponent where you can start your attack combo.
- Charged Dash Strafe: This Dash move can be performed when in Sparking! mode by pressing R2/RT and X+R1/A+RB. Move your analog stick in any direction to have your character quickly move from point A to point B. However, only characters above 7 DP can perform this move.
- Dragon Dash Cancel: This move is a bit more complicated than regular Dash moves but can help you confuse your opponents. To execute a Dragon Dash cancel, you need to first land a successful Perfect Smash and let go of the button just as your character’s body glows. Immediately press up on the analog stick and press and hold the Dash button to move forward. Hold this button until your character is at max height and double-press Dash as you begin to descend to perform a Dragon Dash Cancel.
But another thing you should know is how exactly to beat these moves.
How to Counter Dash Attacks?
Dash Attacks can be rendered less impactful by blocking as your opponent closes in on you. It’s similar to blocking other attacks; however, it won’t work on Z-Burst Dashes. As this positions your opponent behind you, you will need to manually move your character to avoid getting hit by these attacks.
A good trick to keep in mind is to look to the left of your character. All Z-Burst Dash Attacks will come from the left, and you can quickly turn around and hit the block button to avoid damage.
You can also use High-Speed Movements and Instant Transmission to avoid these attacks. Charge ascending or descending will also throw off your opponent’s Dash trajectory and keep you in the clear, but it may disorient you as well.
Dash attacks can be a great addition to every Z fighter’s combat capability, and we highly recommend spending some time practicing their different kinds.
You never know how they can fit into your favorite character’s combo list! Speaking of which, who is your favorite fighter in the game? Let us know in the comments below and check out our other Sparking Zero guides for more tips and tricks.
