Source: Dragonballsparklingzero.com
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is making waves before its official release, smashing records and becoming the most-played fighting game on Steam during early access. Released on October 7 for players who purchased the Deluxe and Ultimate editions, the game drew an impressive 90,186 concurrent players—an achievement that has quickly put it ahead of major titles like Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 1. And that’s just before its full launch on October 10.
Considering the sheer size of the Dragon Ball fanbase, it’s not surprising that Sparking Zero is off to such a roaring start. This isn’t just a new Dragon Ball game—it’s the spiritual successor to Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3, one of the most beloved titles in the series. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this sequel, and it looks like their excitement is already paying off.
Source: Steam
So why is this game already breaking records? Aside from the power of the Dragon Ball franchise itself, there’s a huge nostalgia factor at play. For many, Sparking Zero recaptures the magic of a series that dominated their childhood. Plus, the game offers a roster of 181 playable characters—something even the biggest fighting games can’t always compete with.
On top of that, early reviews from players are praising the game’s balance of accessibility and depth. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Sparking Zero seems to offer something for everyone. Fans are also loving the game’s stunning graphics, fast-paced action, and signature over-the-top battles that Dragon Ball is known for.
Source: Steam
Breaking Steam Records
What’s especially impressive is how Sparking Zero is outpacing some of the biggest names in the fighting genre. Games like Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 1 have seen peaks of 38,000 to 70,000 concurrent players on Steam. In contrast, Sparking Zero has surpassed 90,000 during early access alone, signaling that the game’s full release will likely see even bigger numbers.
Over on Reddit, players have been discussing why Sparking Zero is such a hit, with many pointing to the game’s polish, accessibility, and the sheer appeal of the Dragon Ball universe. It’s not just about nostalgia—the game itself delivers on both the fun and competitive fronts.
Source: Steam
As the game gears up for its official launch, there’s already a lot to look forward to. DLC content is on the horizon, including a Season Pass, Anime Packs, and even some rumored expansions like the “Martial Arts Pack,” which has yet to be confirmed. With this level of post-launch support, it’s clear that Sparking Zero will be a major contender in the fighting game scene for a long time.
With the game’s full launch set for October 10, we can expect even more players to jump in, and possibly even more records to be broken. If the early access numbers are any indication, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is poised to be one of 2024’s biggest gaming successes.
