Dragon Ball Sparking Zero: How to Sonic Sway, Deflect Beams & more

There are a lot of unique maneuvers in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero from Sonic Sway to Vanishing Attacks, and Dodging. Some moves are trickier to pull off than others, however, so here’s how to master them.

Knowing when and how to go on the defensive as well as counter an opponent’s assault is key in Sparking Zero especially if you’re up against tough opoonent’s like Frieza or Goku Black.

If you’ve found yourself a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of inputs in-game and want to brush up on your defense, here’s a breakdown of the most important tools at your disposal.

How to Sonic Sway

• Input: Hold Circle/Hold B (Standard)

Of the maneuvers detailed in this guide, Sonic Sway is the toughest to do, requiring precise timing and a certain degree of anticipation of when the opponent is likely to give you the opportunity to perform it.

By using Super Perception (see input) at the last moment against an opponent using a Rush Attack, you’ll trigger Sonic Sway. You’ll know if everything was performed correctly, as unique visual and audio cues will play.

The payoff? After triggering Sonic Sway, you’ll have an open window to dodge the Rush and counter your opponent, reducing their Ki in the process. Sonic Sway can also be triggered against certain Ki Blasts for the cost of two Ki gauges.

How to Deflect Beams in Sparking Zero

• Input: Triangle+Circle/Y+B

It’s important to note right off the bat that beam deflecting isn’t free. Doing so consumes two bars of your character’s personal Ki gauge so before even attempting to deflect, say, Vegeta’s Galick Gun, ensure you have enough reserve Ki.

On top of the resource requirement, there’s a certain degree of timing required, too. Pressing the required button combo (see input) just before an opponent’s attack is released is what we found to be the most consistent.

It’ll take some practice to get the timing down, so until you’re reliably able to deflect beams, blocking is a solid, less risky alternative.

How to Dodge & Step-In Sway

bandai namco

• Input: R1/RB (Standard)

As with most defensive inputs, dodging is time-sensitive, requiring the player to press R1/RB just before an opponent’s attack is about to connect with your character.

Successfully dodging will trigger an evasion, opening a window for a potential counterattack.

How to Step-In Sway

A more advanced version of standard dodging, Step-In Sway, can be performed by pressing X/A, followed by R1/RB. Similarly to Beam Deflects, successful evades are risky. If timed incorrectly, you’ll take full damage from the opponent’s attack.

If you’re not comfortable with timings, Blocking will be more reliable early on, but be aware that overreliance will likely incentivize your opponent to use a Guard Break, so try to mix up your tactics.

How to Vanish

Vanishing is a fantastic way to get the drop on your opponent, especially if you want to get into a more advantageous position. However, mastering both the Vanishing Assault and Vanishing Attack is far from simple.

Vanishing Assault

Dexerto / Bandai Namco

• Input: X/A or Square/X

Pressing X/A or Square/X simultaneously will have your fighter perform a Vanishing Assault. A vanishing Assault will allow you to disappear and attack your opponent from behind, at either close or medium distances.

However, if you complete the attack at close range, you’ll be able to follow it up with another move, like a Vanishing Attack.

Vanishing Attack

Dexerto / Bandai Namco

• Input: Triangle or Y

Pressing Triangle or Y after completing a Vanishing Assault at close range will enable Vanishing Attack. Essentially, this will send your opponent flying, and you’ll pursue them via Dragon Homing. To send them in a specific direction, use your directional controls upon hitting them.

How to Chase Change

• Input: Rush Attack (Square/X light combo), hold the left D-pad, and select the desired character with the respective face button (Standard) / Rush Attack (Square/X light combo), hold L2+R2, then select the desired character with the right thumbstick (Classic)

Chase Change can be one of Sparking Zero’s more finicky maneuvers to perform, requiring multiple button inputs regardless of whether you’re using the Standard or Classic control scheme.

The key to performing a successful Chase Change is that it needs to be preceded by a standard combo beforehand. After performing a string of attacks with Square/X, use the inputs above for whichever control scheme you’ve got to swiftly swap characters and keep attacking the opponent.

Don’t rush the sequence, either. Doing so can cause the game not to read your inputs properly, resulting in a failed attempt to Chase Change.

That’s how to Sonic Sway, Deflect Beams, and more in Sparking Zero. For more on the game, check out our guides for how to transform, fuse & switch characters, the best characters, how to unlock Goku Black, how to customize characters, and all Frieza branching paths.