Bandai Namco has set an approximate date for the incorporation of Goku Super Saiyan 4 (Daima) to the Dragon Ball FighterZ roster, a move that reopens the game's content cycle with a release scheduled for the 2026 springThe announcement, made in conjunction with Arc System Works, is accompanied by a package of new features for the competitive side.
In addition to the new character, a new one has been confirmed balance update dated for the 12th October 2025, focused on reviewing the defensive mechanics of the Z-Reflect and applying general adjustments to all fighters. With this, the team aims to refresh the metagame and make it easier for veterans and curious players alike to return.
When is Goku SSJ4 coming and what has been announced?
The debut of Goku SSJ4 (inspired by Daima) was announced during EVO France 2025 with a specific trailer and, although there is no set day, a date is being handled window between March 21 and June 21 from 2026. It's a resounding return for a title that, despite the years, is still very much alive on the scene.
The promotional material showed a preview of the character, but without specifying a price or associated additional content, and no mention of a Switch 2 versionFor now, the roadmap focuses on the character's arrival and the balance of the combat system.
Balance Update: Changes and Date
La version 1.40 Dragon Ball FighterZ is set to unfold on October 12, 2025, and introduces a rethinking of several defensive tools, with a focus on Z-Reflect. It also reviews frameworks, priorities, and pressure situations to improve competitive clarity.
As advanced by the team, the intention is to revitalize the pace of each fight without altering the identity of the title, reinforcing the defensive mechanics and tweaking damage, recovery, and key ability properties where needed.
- Review of Z-Reflect to expand counter and repositioning options.
- Individual settings for all the fighters with specific balance changes.
- Consistency improvements in combos, anti-airs, and wake-up situations.
- focus on strategic depth without raising the barrier to entry.
Full patch notes are released on the day of deployment and include details on frame, damage, and character changes, with the goal of all the characters have viable tools in more matchups.
Competitive Scene: Masters Showdown and Battle Hour
The esports calendar also receives news: the return of Dragon Ball FighterZ Masters Showdown, scheduled during the Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2026 in Los Angeles, the days April 18 and 19 in Los AngelesThis will be a benchmark event to measure the patch's impact at the high level.
Among the names that the community expects to see are GO1, SonicFox and Wawa, historical references of the game. The new balance aims to open up the field of strategies and accommodate more styles within the highest competitive level.
Game availability and status
Dragon Ball FighterZ continues to be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, with network improvements thanks to the Netcode Rollback The next-generation technical update is now available. Support is maintained and strengthened with this wave of announcements.
Arc System Works continues to focus on the visuals and combat legibility, a hallmark that has made FighterZ a benchmark in the genre. With this plan, Arc System Works and Bandai Namco are betting on extending the life of the title without fragmenting the community.
What else could come?
The possibility of a future pass that incorporates more characters from the saga has been discussed, with names like Beast Gohan or Orange Piccolo on the table, but these are speculations. unconfirmedFor now, the priority is the release of Goku SSJ4 and consolidating the new balance.
With the October patch already underway and Goku SSJ4 will arrive in spring 2026, Dragon Ball FighterZ faces a stage that combines gameplay improvements, high-level events, and the return of one of the community's most beloved transformations.