In addition to all of the main sagas fromDragon Ball ZandSuper, the Episode Battle mode ofDragon Ball: Sparking! ZEROfeatures a special selection ofwhat if?-style storylinesknown as Sparking Episodes. These can be unlocked by performing specific actions during encounters with the green crossroads symbol, with players able to check the exact unlock requirements by pausing the game and opening the Battle Details menu.
Pretty much all of the Sparking Episodes inDragon Ball: Sparking! ZEROrequire players to defeat enemies as quickly as possible; usually, in around three minutes or under. The best way to do this is by repeatedly using the Sparking mechanic, which can be triggered by charging one’s ki until the bar in the top left-hand corner of the screen begins to glow pink. It’s worth noting, though, that secondary clear conditions can only be met on the default battle difficulty setting, so there’s still a certain amount of skill required.
Updated July 20, 2025, by Tom Bowen:In addition to all of the Sparking Episodes, the following guide has been updated to include some of the Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO what if scenarios; specifically, those with a Trophy or Achievement attached to them. For those unaware, every Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO what if allows players to check the unlock requirements by pausing the game and checking the battle details menu, so if players come across an episode with a green crossroads symbol that isn’t listed below, they need only pause the game while playing on the game’s default difficulty setting to find out how to unlock the branching path.
There are numerous opportunities to diverge from the main timeline inDragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO. However, only the fourteen listed below haveSparking ZeroTrophies / Achievementsassociated with them and/or are specifically flagged as Sparking Episodes.
Side by Side
Goku
Choose “Go it alone” in The Earth’s Mightiest Duo?! and then defeat Raditz as quickly as possible in Raditz vs. The Turtle School.
Pushing the Limit
Choose “Work with Piccolo” in The Earth’s Mightiest Duo?! and then defeat Raditz as quickly as possible in Rematch and Result.
The Changing Future
Choose “Go and help” in Hyperbolic Time Chamber and then defeat Cell without getting hit by Solar Flare.
Parental Bond
Vegeta
Defeat Android 18 as quickly as possible in Wind-Up Doll and then defeat Super Trunks in Vegeta and Trunks.
Number One Spot
Beat Trunks quickly without taking too much damage in Preparing for the World Tournament and then choose “Shake off brainwashing” in Vegeta’s Wicked Heart.
The Strongest Warrior
Gohan
Defeat the Frieza soldier and put up a good fight against Frieza in Defend Earth from the Frieza Force!
Shining Hope
Future Trunks
Defeat Zamasu and Goku Black as quickly as possible in Twisted World.
Inherited Pride
Choose “Stay here and train” in Trunks’s Choice and then defeat Vegeta, Piccolo, and Gohan as quickly as possible in To Become Strongest in the Universe. Next, choose “Follow Vegeta” in Father or Teamwork?
Embarking toward Tomorrow
Choose “Stay here and train” in Trunks’s Choice and then defeat Vegeta, Piccolo, and Gohan as quickly as possible in To Become Strongest in the Universe. Next, choose “Stay with Gohan” in Father or Teamwork?
Fall of the Saiyans
Frieza Force Joins the Fray
Frieza
Defeat Goku and Vegeta as quickly as possible in Frieza Revived and then complete all four branches of Frieza’s Philosophy.
Proof of Justice
Goku Black
Defeat Goku and Vegeta as quickly as possible in Act Three Begins and then defeat Trunks or Vegito without using fusion in Their Choice.
True Strength
Jiren
Choose “Wait and See” in Saiyan Rampage and then beat Frieza, Android 17, and Goku in Ultimate Climactic Battle after defeating Master Roshi.
Players will need to play through Goku’s episode in order tounlock the Future Trunks and Jiren sagas.
