Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is slated for a 2027 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, Bandai Namco has announced. The upcoming action-RPG aims to advance the series with new gameplay features and a story set further into the Dragon Ball timeline than ever before. Following teasers for "Age 1,000," the game will delve into an era several hundred years into the future from the original Dragon Ball narrative.
Unlike its predecessors, which saw players joining the Time Patrol to intervene in major Dragon Ball events, Xenoverse 3 places players in the distant future where the Great Saiyan Squad maintains peace. Players will be drafted into their ranks, with the game drawing inspiration from a distinct superhero theme. This project was among the final endeavors of the late Dragon Ball creator and illustrator Akira Toriyama, who contributed to character and lore design for Xenoverse 3. The developers have emphasized a theme of "connection" throughout the game's narrative, exploring the furthest point in the Dragon Ball timeline to date.
The gameplay in Xenoverse 3 continues the series' blend of 3D brawling and RPG mechanics. Players will create their own custom warriors, choosing from various races such as Saiyans and Humans, each offering unique strengths and weaknesses. Humans are depicted as all-rounders capable of rapidly filling their potential meter, while Saiyans are characterized by raw power and access to signature transformations. Beyond standard combat, players can utilize powerful skills like beam attacks and ki explosions. A notable shift from previous titles is the cooldown system for these abilities; instead of charging a Ki Meter, attacks can be used immediately and then enter a cooldown period. The Ki Meter now functions as a stamina gauge. Confirmed transformations include Super Saiyan and Kaioken. Ultimate Attacks remain a potent tool for clearing the battlefield or dealing significant damage to bosses, though they require a substantial charge-up time.
West City will serve as the central social hub in Xenoverse 3, offering various activities for players during their downtime. The game introduces new awakening mechanics: Soul Assist and Soul Change. Soul Assist allows players to temporarily wield the powers of legendary Dragon Ball warriors during patrols, while Soul Change enables transformation into powerful characters like Trunks or Vegeta, granting quicker cooldowns for their unique abilities. Activating these Z Warrior transformations requires a charged meter, which is also tied to the Awakening ability, necessitating strategic choices from the player.
While developer Dimps has confirmed multiplayer functionality for Xenoverse 3, specific modes have not yet been detailed. The initial focus appears to be on the single-player experience, though it is anticipated that the game will feature cooperative missions and traditional player-versus-player battles similar to its predecessors.