Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero – How to Do Afterimage Strike and Counter It

To become the best Z fighter across universes, you must know how to do Afterimage Strikes in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. This move has been a classic in almost every Dragon Ball piece of media, from the anime to even the manga. 

The ability to move so fast that it appears you disappear before landing a hit is not only satisfying but also very strategic. Adding this move to your arsenal can greatly help you in both Episodic and Ranked matches online. If you’ve been having difficulty activating this move or escaping it, we have you covered!

What is Afterimage Strike in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?

Afterimage Strike allows you to dodge most incoming attacks as if you have an illusion in front of you. This move has become quite annoying for many players online, as despite being able to predict the movement, it’s not easy to avoid it entirely. Dragon Ball Sparking Zero’s combat is easy enough to pick up, but mastering it is an altogether different matter, as the system can get quite complicated. 

Many would place Afterimage Strike in the same league as Sonic Sway, i.e., an evasive maneuver that can throw off your opponent’s momentum. However, this is not a very accurate comparison. Sonic Sway can be initiated by pressing the right buttons at the right time. Afterimage Strike is a bit different, as you need timing and also the right kind of fighter. 

Once you do master this skill, we can be sure you will be using it every chance you get. Some of the more overpowered characters who can use this skill can help you clear out entire teams and win consecutive Ranked and DP matches with ease. It’s as close to a cheese method as there has been in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, so let’s see how to pull it off. 

How to Do Afterimage Strike in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?

Afterimage Strike can be activated by pressing the following buttons, depending on your platform of choice. 

• RT+ D-Pad Up/Down (Xbox)
• R2+ D-pad Up/Down (PS5)
• Left Shift + 1 (PC)

Doing so will consume three Skill Points, and you will be able to dodge even powerful incoming attacks for 15 seconds. However, you are susceptible to Ki Blasts, which you can instead deflect. This move is one of the three main passive Skills in the game that confer their bonuses even without active input beyond activation. The other two in the same category are Wild Sense and Afterimage. 

Afterimage Strike is easily the most powerful of those three. However, the cost of the three Skill Points is quite high. Skill Points are essential aspects of the game, as they dictate when you can perform Skills, Transformations, Fusions, and even enter Sparking! mode. But you can earn them once again by consistently dealing damage and also equipping an Ability Item to increase their regeneration rate. 

The issue with Afterimage Strike is that it is not a universal skill like Sonic Sway or Beam Deflection. Only specific characters can use it, and it cannot be learned either. So, if you want to perform this move during battles, you will have to choose one of the following fighters:

• Goku (GT)
• Goku (Teen)
• Gohan (Kid)
• Krillin
• Super Vegito
• Videl
• Master Roshi
• Pan (GT)
• Dabura
• Zamasu

Super Vegito is the strongest pick on the list, and you’ll be clearing out battles with ease with him on your team or as your main fighter. Keep in mind that if you Transform while this Skill is active, you will lose the Skill and have consumed three Skill Points for nothing.

How to Counter Afterimage Strike in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?

The best way to counter your opponent using Afterimage Strike is by using Ki Blasts and Grabs. These are two attacks that the Skill cannot evade and can help buy you time until the 15 seconds are up. Copious use of Dragon Dash is also a good way to create distance and wait for the Skill to deactivate. 

Given it takes three Skill Points, your opponent may not be ready to enter Sparking! Mode to use their Ultimate Attack or Rush Attacks after using this skill. This leaves them open to a lot of incoming damage once Afterimage Strike has run its course. If they do end up getting close enough, you can spam Ki Blasts or attempt a Grab attack. The Grab attack should be able to fling them away and create distance as well. 

Those are the only two ways currently in the game to counter this move. Have you found any other strategies to deal with opponents using Afterimage Strike? Let us know in the comments below and check out our other Dragon Ball Sparking Zero guides for more tips and tricks.