If you want to know every fighter in the Dragon Ball FighterZ roster base game characters DLC additions and secret unlockables this guide gives you the complete picture in one place.
With over 40 playable fighters spread across the base game and three DLC passes the roster can feel overwhelming for beginners trying to figure out who is available how to get them and which characters suit their playstyle best.
This guide covers the full base roster all DLC fighters from every pass how to unlock Android 21 and which characters work best for different skill levels.
Introduction to Dragon Ball FighterZ and Its Iconic Roster
Dragon Ball FighterZ launched in 2018 developed by Arc System Works and quickly established itself as one of the most visually faithful and mechanically deep anime games ever made.
The roster was celebrated from launch for capturing the visual energy of the Dragon Ball Super and Z eras with each character feeling distinctly different in movement speed and attack style despite sharing the same core system.
Three seasons of DLC expanded the roster significantly bringing in fan requested characters from across the Dragon Ball timeline making the complete character list one of the most comprehensive in any licensed anime fighter.
Complete Dragon Ball FighterZ Base Game Roster List
The base game launched with 24 characters covering the most iconic figures from Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super across multiple categories.
The Saiyan contingent dominates the base roster, reflecting the franchise core around Goku and Vegeta. Key Z Fighters feature Super Saiyan Goku, Vegeta, Teen Gohan, Adult Gohan, Gotenks, and Trunks. Essential defenders include Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, alongside powerful Blue variants.
The villain and Android roster covers the most iconic antagonists from the Dragon Ball Z and Super eras. This group includes Frieza Cell Beerus Hit Kid Buu Majin Buu Captain Ginyu Nappa Android 16 Android 17 and Android 18 with Android 21 available as a separate story mode unlock.
All DLC Characters and FighterZ Passes Overview
Three separate FighterZ Passes expanded the Dragon Ball FighterZ roster across multiple years of post launch support bringing total fighter count to 48 playable characters.
Each pass added characters covering fan requested figures from Dragon Ball Z Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball GT that were absent from the base game at launch.
According to data published by Bandai Namco Dragon Ball FighterZ sold over 8 million copies worldwide by 2020 with DLC character releases consistently driving spikes in active player counts confirming that roster additions remained the primary engagement driver throughout the game’s post launch life.
FighterZ Pass 1 Complete Fighter Lineup
The first FighterZ Pass added characters that fans had immediately identified as missing from the base game addressing the most obvious roster gaps from the Dragon Ball Z timeline.
- Bardock
- Broly (Dragon Ball Z)
- Android 17 (Super)
- Cooler
- Vegito (Base)
- Fused Zamasu
- Goku (GT)
- Broly (Super)
- FighterZ Pass 2 Expansion Characters
Pass 2 expanded into Dragon Ball Super content more aggressively bringing in Tournament of Power fighters and other characters from the most recent anime arc.
Jiren the Pride Trooper powerhouse features high damage low combo gameplay rewarding patient defensive play and punish opportunities rather than aggressive rushdown approaches used by earlier DLC additions.
Gogeta Super Saiyan Blue brought an impressive moveset alongside Janemba, whose teleportation mixups became instantly popular in competitive play. Kefla, Videl, Full Power Broly and Master Roshi completed the expansion pass, offering massive playstyle variety across the entire character lineup.
FighterZ Pass 3 and Final DLC Additions
Pass 3 completed the Dragon Ball FighterZ DLC roster with the most heavily requested characters remaining after the first two passes finished their release cycles.
Ultra Instinct Goku was the most anticipated addition to the entire Dragon Ball FighterZ roster featuring a unique dodge mechanic system that rewards precise timing with enhanced counter attack opportunities unavailable to any other character in the game.
Gogeta SS4 brought dragon themed specials and a visually distinctive moveset to the final pass lineup. GT Vegeta, Lab Coat Android 21 and remaining fighters completed three years of post launch support, maintaining active player engagement far beyond the typical fighting game lifecycle.
How to Unlock Android 21 in DBFZ?
Unlocking Android 21 Through Story Mode
Android 21 is the most significant unlockable character in Dragon Ball FighterZ requiring story mode completion rather than simple purchase or selection from the character screen.
Complete Arc 1 the Super Warrior Arc then Arc 2 the Enemy Warrior Arc and finally Arc 3 the Android 21 Arc in sequence. After finishing all three story arcs Android 21 becomes permanently playable across all game modes without any additional purchase requirement.
The story mode completion requirement makes Android 21 one of the few characters inaccessible immediately by new players even with all DLC purchased narrative investment is the only unlock method available.
Dragon Ball FighterZ Roster Breakdown by Playstyle
Understanding the roster by playstyle helps beginners choose characters that match their natural tendencies rather than picking purely on franchise recognition.
Aggressive players who prefer constant offensive pressure will find Bardock Kefla Android 18 and Teen Gohan the most rewarding choices. These characters reward forward momentum and relentless attack sequences over patient defensive positioning.
Technical and defensive players who prefer reading opponents and punishing mistakes will enjoy Jiren Cell Android 17 Super and Hit. Each rewards patience and precise execution over raw aggression making them stronger choices for players who naturally prefer a more measured approach to fighting game competition.
Top Tier Characters for Beginners and Pros
Base game Goku and Vegeta are universally recommended starting points because their movesets mirror the core Dragon Ball FighterZ system mechanics without character specific complexity that overwhelms new players trying to learn the game’s fundamental systems.
Teen Gohan and Trunks are also strong beginner choices with generous damage output and straightforward inputs that build effective muscle memory for the game’s core combo structure before progressing to more technical character options.
Ultra Instinct Goku and Gogeta SS4 offer the deepest mastery ceiling for advanced competitors. According to major tournament data from 2019 to 2022, Teen Gohan, Adult Gohan and Blue Gogeta appeared in winning team compositions most consistently across different regional metas.
Conclusion
The Dragon Ball FighterZ roster spans 48 playable characters across the base game and three DLC passes covering the most iconic fighters from Dragon Ball Z Super and GT with enough variety to suit every playstyle preference and skill level.
New players should start with base game Goku Vegeta or Trunks while completing the story mode to unlock Android 21 and working through the DLC passes to access fan favorites like Ultra Instinct Goku Gogeta SS4 and Jiren.
The complete roster represents one of the most thorough celebrations of the Dragon Ball franchise in gaming history making every character worth exploring regardless of competitive ambitions or casual enjoyment goals.
FAQs
How many characters are in the Dragon Ball FighterZ roster?
Dragon Ball FighterZ features 48 playable characters, combining 24 base fighters with 24 DLC additions across three FighterZ Passes. The roster includes iconic heroes, villains and fan requested warriors like Bardock, Cooler, Janemba, Gogeta SS4 and Ultra Instinct Goku.
How do I unlock Android 21 in Dragon Ball FighterZ?
Android 21 is unlocked by completing all three story mode arcs the Super Warrior Arc the Enemy Warrior Arc and the Android 21 Arc. She cannot be purchased or selected without completing this story mode requirement.
Which Dragon Ball FighterZ DLC pass has the best characters?
FighterZ Pass 2 offers exceptional value, featuring five competitive staples: Jiren, Blue Gogeta, Janemba, Kefla and Full Power Broly. While Pass 3 includes the highly requested Ultra Instinct Goku Pass 2 provides more consistently useful additions across its complete roster.
What are the best beginner characters in Dragon Ball FighterZ?
Base game Goku and Vegeta are the top recommendations for beginners because their movesets mirror core game mechanics without character specific complexity. Teen Gohan and Trunks are also strong beginner choices with generous damage output and straightforward inputs.
Is Dragon Ball FighterZ still getting new characters in 2026?
Dragon Ball FighterZ completed its three FighterZ Pass DLC cycle with no officially announced additional character additions beyond Pass 3. The game remains actively played in competitive communities but Bandai Namco has not announced new roster expansions.
Is it true that all Dragon Ball FighterZ characters are available from the start?
Android 21 requires full story mode completion and is not immediately available, even with all DLC owned. Additionally all DLC characters require separate purchases through individual packs or pass bundles as they are never included in the base game price.
