While Dragon Ball FighterZ isn’t technically a retro title, its visual style and gameplay clearly draw inspiration from classic arcade fighters of the ’90s. Developed by Arc System Works, the team behind iconic arcade series like Guilty Gear and BlazBlue, the game captures the fast-paced energy and animation flair of that golden era, even if it was originally designed for home consoles rather than arcades.
Now, Bandai Namco has announced a major new update that brings the game back into the spotlight. The upcoming version 1.40 patch, launching on October 12, introduces broad balance adjustments that affect nearly every fighter in the roster. System mechanics like Z Reflect, Vanish, and Dragon Rush have been reworked, aiming to refresh the overall flow and defensive options. Longtime players describe it as the game’s biggest rebalance in years, one that might shake up the competitive scene completely.
Even more exciting for fans, a new DLC character has been revealed, Goku (Super Saiyan 4, Daima), set to arrive in Spring 2026. This marks the first new fighter since 2021, tying FighterZ to the recently aired Dragon Ball Daima anime and ensuring the game stays relevant well into its seventh year. It’s rare to see a modern fighter embrace longevity like this.