As Dragon Ball FighterZ approaches its ninth anniversary, players have another reason to revisit their favorite teams. A new Dragon Ball FighterZ balance update is officially in development, demonstrating that Bandai Namco and Arc System Works are not finished with the fighting game that debuted in January 2018.
What could the Dragon Ball FighterZ balance update mean for teams?
One of the most interesting aspects of adjusting a team-based fighting game is that individual character changes can have consequences beyond a single fighter. In Dragon Ball FighterZ, players compete in 3v3 battles, swapping characters during combat to extend combos and create offensive opportunities.
Consequently, a balance patch could encourage players to reconsider their team compositions. Even relatively small adjustments could influence how certain fighters complement each other or open up different possibilities during matches.
This approach to combat remains one of the game’s defining characteristics. While other fighting games continue to expand their offerings, as seen with the introduction of Laocorn in Fatal Fury, revisiting existing mechanics offers another way to keep competitive encounters interesting.
Nearly nine years of fighting game history
Originally released in late January 2018, Dragon Ball FighterZ has enjoyed a remarkably long lifespan. According to Noisy Pixel, the title has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, highlighting its commercial success.
Furthermore, 2024 marked another important chapter with the arrival of native PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions featuring rollback netcode. Those releases represented continued investment in a game that was already several years old.
Arc System Works also remains involved in other licensed fighting games, including MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, which recently received a Phoenix Five costume for Magik.
Nevertheless, continued support for Dragon Ball FighterZ is particularly noteworthy given its age. Rather than leaving its combat system untouched as its ninth anniversary approaches, the developers are preparing another opportunity to refine the experience.
Dragon Ball FighterZ balance update: release date and patch notes
Bandai Namco confirmed the upcoming changes on November 15, 2026, through a video published on its official American YouTube channel. Titled Balance Update Coming Soon!, the trailer establishes that another adjustment is on the way.
However, there is currently no confirmed release date. Neither Bandai Namco nor Arc System Works has revealed which characters will receive adjustments or published detailed patch notes. Therefore, it is still too early to determine how significantly the competitive meta might change.
Dragon Ball FighterZ is currently available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC through Steam.
Ultimately, the upcoming Dragon Ball FighterZ balance update is another indication of the game’s longevity within the fighting game community. Almost nine years after its debut, there is still room to rethink familiar strategies. Which fighters would you like to see receive adjustments?
Creator of the website, Pokemon trainer by nature. Trying to report on everything related to the world of video games, series and movies. Yu-Gi-Oh is my weakness, collecting cards since the dawn of time.
