- Primary Status: Bandai Namco has officially confirmed development for a planned launch window in 2027.
- Target Platforms: The game will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
- New Era Setting: The story is set in AGE 1000, shifting focus to a highly developed West City and the Great Saiyan Squad.
- Combat Evolution: Core systems introduce Soul Assist and Soul Switch mechanics to revolutionize high-speed combat.
- Customization Hub: Players will create their own custom protagonist with extensive race-based options and skill builds.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 Confirmed: Release Window and Platforms
Bandai Namco Entertainment has officially confirmed that Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is currently in development under Dimps Corporation, with a scheduled release window set for 2027. This announcement marks the return of the beloved action-adventure RPG franchise after a decade-long hiatus. Store pages are already live across major digital storefronts, allowing players to add the game to their wishlists ahead of the launch.
Video Highlights:
- Futuristic Setting: Explores the vibrant streets of West City in the year AGE 1000.
- New Allies: Introduces key characters like Bulma and Gamma 1 guiding the player.
- Gameplay Systems: Showcases the high-speed aerial traversal and the newly integrated Soul Switch mechanic.
The official release details confirm that the game will target current-generation hardware to deliver highly responsive, high-speed anime combat. By focusing exclusively on modern consoles and PC, the development team aims to leverage advanced rendering and physics systems to bring Akira Toriyama's iconic world to life.
| Platform | Wishlist Status | Confirmed Release | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Available | 2027 | Store page is officially live for tracking. |
| Xbox Series X|S | Available | 2027 | Published by Bandai Namco US division. |
| PC via Steam | Available | 2027 | Supports 16 languages at launch. |
| Nintendo Switch | Not Confirmed | TBD | No official announcement from Bandai Namco. |
While PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam are fully confirmed, Bandai Namco has not announced a version for the Nintendo Switch or its rumored successor. Avoid unofficial retail listings claiming otherwise.
AGE 1000 Story Setting and Locations
The narrative of this installment takes a massive leap forward into AGE 1000, a futuristic era in the Dragon Ball timeline. Players will step into a highly developed, vibrant rendition of West City, serving as the central hub for exploration, quest progression, and social interactions. The storyline places a heavy emphasis on player agency, allowing you to forge your path as a newly recruited member of the Great Saiyan Squad.
Futuristic Era
Explore the unexplored year of AGE 1000, featuring a brand-new futuristic timeline designed in collaboration with original series concepts.
West City Hub
Navigate a fully realized West City, complete with iconic landmarks like West City University and Capsule Corporation headquarters.
Great Saiyan Squad
Join the ranks of the Great Saiyan Squad to protect the timeline alongside powerful galactic defenders and local heroes.
This new narrative direction balances original lore with fresh faces. Players will interact with classic characters who help establish the state of the world in AGE 1000, while also encountering an entirely new cast of characters designed specifically for this game's campaign.
| Element | Category | Core Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGE 1000 | Setting | Futuristic era setting the stage for new lore | ★★★★★ |
| West City | Location | Major hub for exploration and story progression | ★★★★★ |
| Great Saiyan Squad | Faction | Player-joined group defending the timeline | ★★★★☆ |
| West City University | Sub-location | Academic hub featured in the gameplay trailer | ★★★☆☆ |
According to official Bandai Namco press releases, the game's world design and original characters are deeply connected to the creative vision of Akira Toriyama, ensuring an authentic Dragon Ball experience.
Confirmed Character Roster and New Cast
The roster of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 features a mix of returning legends, support allies, and brand-new original characters making their franchise debut. Players will create their own custom protagonist, who serves as the central hero of the campaign. Along the journey, you will meet original debut characters whose roles in the AGE 1000 story are highly anticipated.
The official gameplay footage has already revealed several key figures. While returning icons like Bulma and Gamma 1 appear in the story campaigns to guide the player, other legendary fighters are integrated directly into the combat mechanics through the soul-based systems.
| Character | Type | Story Faction | Combat Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protagonist | Custom Hero | Great Saiyan Squad | Main playable character |
| Bulma | Returning | West City | Story guide and quest giver |
| Gamma 1 | Returning | Great Saiyan Squad | Faction contact and ally |
| Brett | Original Debut | AGE 1000 | New story cast member |
| Lilica | Original Debut | AGE 1000 | New story cast member |
| ROM | Original Debut | AGE 1000 | New story cast member |
| Tap | Original Debut | AGE 1000 | New story cast member |
The core of the Xenoverse experience remains the custom avatar. Your protagonist will be fully customizable, allowing you to define their visual identity, combat style, and faction alignment within West City.
Combat Systems: Soul Assist and Soul Switch
Combat in this sequel retains the high-speed, arena-style aerial battles the series is famous for, while introducing revolutionary mechanics that add tactical depth. Players can soar through open environments, execute rapid Ki Attacks, and engage in close-quarters martial arts. The two main additions to the combat loop are the Soul Assist and Soul Switch systems, which allow players to tap into the strength of legendary Dragon Ball warriors during battle.
Build Your Ki and Soul Gauges
Engage in close-combat combos and successfully deflect enemy Ki Attacks to charge your offensive gauges.
Trigger Soul Assist for Team Attacks
Command a chosen Dragon Ball ally to unleash a coordinated, high-damage signature attack alongside your custom hero.
Activate Soul Switch for Temporary Power
Temporarily harness the soul of a legendary fighter, altering your moveset, boosting your stats, and gaining access to specialized ultimate abilities.
These systems ensure that even when fighting solo, players can strategically draw upon the powers of the universe's strongest defenders to turn the tide of difficult encounters.
| Combat System | Activation Trigger | Core Effect | Tactical Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ki Attacks | Energy gauge spend | Ranged energy blasts and burst damage | ★★★★☆ |
| Soul Assist | Ally command trigger | High-damage team-up attack with a DB ally | ★★★★★ |
| Soul Switch | Soul power activation | Temporary transformation to gain new abilities | ★★★★★ |
The official gameplay showcase revealed that Krillin, Piccolo, Vegeta, Future Trunks, and Tien are among the first confirmed souls available for the Soul Switch mechanic. Experiment with different souls to counter specific boss behaviors.
Races and Build Customization Strategy
Creating a powerful build relies heavily on your choice of race and how you allocate skills to complement your playstyle. The game features extensive customization options, ensuring that every created protagonist feels distinct. Your chosen race directly impacts your baseline attributes, movement capabilities, and unique transformation paths.
While full skill trees remain under wraps, early details highlight the distinct playstyle differences between the classic Saiyan and Earthling options. Planning your build path around these traits is essential for mastering high-level content.
| Race | Main Strengths | Customization Focus | Early Meta Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saiyan | Multi-form transformations, high raw power | Super Saiyan progression paths | ★★★★★ |
| Earthling | Balanced stats, rapid energy recovery | Utility skills and martial arts focus | ★★★★☆ |
Pre-Launch Preparation Checklist:
- Wishlist the game on Steam, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Store to track launch updates.
- Sign up for the official Bandai Namco newsletter to receive exclusive development news.
- Analyze early gameplay trailers to study the timing of the new Soul Switch mechanic.
- Plan your starting race and character build concept based on early combat details.
Because character builds are deeply tied to the Soul Switch system, players should design their custom heroes to synergize with the specific stats of their preferred soul allies.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 FAQ
Q: Is Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 confirmed for a release date?
Yes, Bandai Namco has officially confirmed that Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is scheduled to release within the 2027 launch window.
Q: What platforms will the game be available on?
The game is officially confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. There is currently no confirmed version for the Nintendo Switch.
Q: What is the main setting of the story mode?
The story is set in the year AGE 1000, focusing on a futuristic West City where players join the Great Saiyan Squad as a custom protagonist.
Q: How do the Soul Assist and Soul Switch mechanics work?
Soul Assist allows you to call in a Dragon Ball ally for a coordinated strike, while Soul Switch lets you temporarily channel the soul of a legendary warrior like Vegeta or Piccolo to gain their unique abilities and power.
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly as Bandai Namco releases more details regarding character reveals, beta tests, and pre-order bonuses leading up to the 2027 launch.