Last Updated on 31 January, 2024

Since debuting in the 1980s, Dragon Ball Z (DBZ) has been a cornerstone of anime culture—and it’s not hard to see why. Alongside its various manga, series and movie incarnations, DBZ has also breached into the video game market many times over the decades. These games range from intense brawlers to strategic RPGs, each providing a different interactive window into the world of the DBZ universe. Here, we’ll take a look at five of the best Dragon Ball Z games over the years, letting you know why they are worth your time.

1.    Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (2007)

Many fans call this the best Dragon Ball Z game ever released, and it’s not hard to see why. Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is a favourite for its incredibly dynamic gameplay and extensive roster of characters from the universe. Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is a fighter released for the PS2 and Wii in 2007. In the game you can take control of over 150, yes on hundred and fifty, characters each with relevant move sets and characteristics.

It’s fighting takes place in 3D arenas allowing for a full range of movement and combat encounters which reflect the action found in the manga and anime. Not only that, but the game’s story mode covers a broad range of the DBZ story, from the Saiyan to the Kid Buu arcs.

Despite being released in 2007, this game is still one of the most fun DBZ experiences to be had today.

2.    Dragon Ball FighterZ (2018)

Taking the form of a more traditional fighter, this 2D fighting game adds a new level of polish to the DBZ gaming experience with incredible graphics and animations which really capture the visual flair of the series.

While FighterZ is a solid fighting game in its own right, it’s also worth noting that FighterZ is a good choice for newcomers to the genre. As the game’s various modes and characters strike the perfect balance between depth and accessibility.

The game also features a 3v3 tagging battle system, pitting multiple swappable fighters against each other. This adds a nice amount of tactical decision making to the game.

3.    Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle (2015)

Taking a very different approach to the series, Dokkan Battle is a mobile game that combines various puzzle, board games and collectable card game elements into one package. Available on both iOS and Android, players can collect a vast amount of characters from the series’ universe to form teams and battle against various enemies. But this isn’t a fighter like many of the others on this list. Instead, the gameplay features more mobile-friendly activities and mini-games which power the battles.

Despite being released in 2015, the game still receives constant updates and new characters which have kept the game fresh over the years. If you’re jumping in for the first time you can buy dokkan battle accounts to give yourself a head start.

4.    Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 (2016)

Heading back into the third dimension, Xenoverse 2 is a multiplayer fighter with a nice twist: it allows you to create your own custom character to take part in, and influence, this history of Dragon Ball. Mixing RPG and fighting elements, Xenoverse 2 takes place in an expansive online world where you can interact, explore, train and fight with other players.

It features, by far, the best customisation options on this list, while also having an engaging story and a strong community.

5.    Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot (2020)

Ever wanted a fully open world DBZ game? Well, Kakarot is for you. Touted as an open world where you “fight, fish, eat and train with Goku, Gohan, Vegeta and others”, Kakarot brings the Dragon Ball universe into one game. Of course, it features epic fights and 1v1s, but it’s most notable for its detailed retelling of the whole Dragon Ball Z storyline, allowing players to explore locations and engage with characters core to the series’ identity. Not only that, but if lets players complete against each other online. And as it’s the newest game on this list it also features the best graphics of any Dragon Ball Z game to date. It’s a must play for fans of the series.

Dragon Ball Z is a huge series with countless fans across the world. Each of these games capture the essence that made the series so popular, providing fans and newcomers with a new way of engaging with the epic source material—either single player or with friends.