- Dragon ball xenoverse 3 characters feature a mix of AGE 1000 originals and classic heroes.
- Soul Switch is a core mechanic allowing players to harness the power of souls like Vegeta and Piccolo.
- Original Debuts include four confirmed characters: Brett, Lilica, ROM, and Tap.
- The Great Saiya Squad serves as the primary faction for the player-created protagonist.
- Race Choice significantly impacts combat, with Saiyans and Earthlings confirmed as playable options.
The New Era of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 Characters
The upcoming release of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 in 2027 marks a significant departure from previous entries by shifting the timeline to AGE 1000. This future setting, set in the vibrant and technologically advanced West City, introduces a brand-new narrative framework where the player-created protagonist takes center stage. Unlike the Time Patrol focus of the past, this entry emphasizes exploration within the West City University and the ranks of the Great Saiya Squad.
The dragon ball xenoverse 3 characters roster is divided into three primary categories: the customizable hero, the original cast members debuting in this era, and the legendary Dragon Ball warriors who assist through the innovative Soul Switch and Soul Assist systems. According to official Bandai Namco updates from June 2026, these systems allow for a dynamic combat experience where the "soul" of a classic character can temporarily augment the player's abilities.
Video Highlights:
- First look at the AGE 1000 West City environment and exploration.
- Introduction of the Great Saiya Squad and their role in the story.
- Demonstration of the Soul Switch mechanic featuring Krillin and Tien.
- Reveal of original characters like Tap and ROM.
When creating your character, remember that your choice of race (Saiyan vs. Earthling) will fundamentally change how you interact with the Soul Switch system and which Ki attacks are most effective.
| Character Category | Primary Function | Key Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Protagonist | Main Playable Hero | Player-created Avatar |
| AGE 1000 Originals | Story & NPC Roles | Brett, Lilica, ROM, Tap |
| Returning Icons | Story Guides | Bulma, Gamma 1 |
| Soul Switch Souls | Combat Augmentation | Vegeta, Piccolo, Future Trunks |
Confirmed Original Characters in AGE 1000
The "Welcome to West City" trailer released on June 23, 2026, provided the first concrete details regarding the original cast members. These dragon ball xenoverse 3 characters are central to the new world brought to life by the legacy of Akira Toriyama. While their specific combat capabilities remain under wraps, their roles within the West City social and military structure are beginning to emerge.
Brett & Lilica
These two characters appear to be fellow students or residents of West City. They represent the "new blood" of the Dragon Ball universe, providing a fresh perspective on life in AGE 1000.
ROM & Tap
Identified as key members of the local cast, ROM and Tap are expected to interact frequently with the player as they navigate the ranks of the Great Saiya Squad.
These characters are not just background NPCs; they are part of a "story-driven RPG experience" that Bandai Namco promises will be more immersive than previous Xenoverse titles. The interaction between these new faces and the player's custom hero forms the backbone of the AGE 1000 narrative.
Dimps Corporation has stated that the extensive character customization options will allow players to feel like a natural part of this new cast, rather than an outsider looking in.
| Original Character | Faction | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Brett | West City | Primary story contact and peer |
| Lilica | West City | Narrative-driven supporting cast |
| ROM | AGE 1000 | Potential combat ally or rival |
| Tap | AGE 1000 | Key figure in West City University |
Returning Legends and Faction Contacts
While the focus is on the future, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 does not abandon the series' roots. Several iconic characters have been confirmed to appear, though their roles have evolved to fit the AGE 1000 setting. The Great Saiya Squad, a peacekeeping force in West City, is led or supported by familiar faces who guide the player through the early stages of the game.
Bulma and Gamma 1 are the most prominent returning figures shown in recent gameplay footage. Bulma serves as a bridge to the past, likely utilizing Capsule Corp technology to facilitate the player's growth. Gamma 1, meanwhile, acts as a primary contact for the Great Saiya Squad, welcoming the player into the organization and overseeing training missions.
Unlike Xenoverse 2, where classic characters were often mentors you could visit, the "Returning Legends" in Xenoverse 3 are more integrated into the active story and combat mechanics via the Soul systems.
| Returning Character | Role in AGE 1000 | Connection Point |
|---|---|---|
| Bulma | Tech & Story Guide | Capsule Corporation |
| Gamma 1 | Squad Commander | Great Saiya Squad |
| Krillin | Soul Switch Example | Martial Arts Legacy |
| Piccolo | Soul Switch Example | Tactical Combat Soul |
Mastering the Soul Switch Mechanic
The most significant update to the dragon ball xenoverse 3 characters system is the Soul Switch mechanic. This allows players to temporarily harness the "soul power" of legendary warriors to gain new abilities, stat boosts, and signature moves during high-speed action sequences. This system effectively integrates the massive roster of the Dragon Ball franchise into the player's custom build without requiring them to switch characters entirely.
Equip a Soul
Before entering battle, players select a "Soul" from their collected roster of Dragon Ball allies, such as Vegeta or Future Trunks.
Build Energy
Engage in close-quarters combat and Ki attacks to fill the Soul Gauge during the heat of battle.
Activate Soul Switch
Trigger the mechanic to temporarily transform your moveset. For example, switching to Piccolo's soul might grant access to the Special Beam Cannon.
Utilize Soul Assist
While a soul is active, you can trigger a Soul Assist, where the ally briefly appears to perform a powerful dual attack with your protagonist.
Official news from June 2026 confirmed that Krillin, Piccolo, Vegeta, Future Trunks, and Tien are among the first batch of characters available for the Soul Switch mechanic. Each offers a distinct tactical advantage, making "Soul Collecting" a primary objective for players looking to optimize their combat builds.
Soul Switch is not just a cosmetic change; it alters your character's frame data and Ki consumption, allowing for deep customization of your fighting style.
| Soul Name | Combat Focus | Signature Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Vegeta | Offensive Pressure | Increased Ki Attack damage |
| Piccolo | Tactical Defense | Enhanced health regeneration |
| Future Trunks | Speed & Swordplay | Faster movement and dash speed |
| Tien | Precision Strikes | Unblockable Ki blast variants |
| Krillin | Resource Management | Faster stamina recovery |
Race-Based Combat and Customization
The foundation of your character in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 remains the race you choose at the start of the journey. While the full list of races has not been finalized, Bandai Namco has explicitly highlighted the differences between Saiyans and Earthlings in their recent gameplay deep dives. Your race dictates your base stats and how you interact with the environment of West City.
Saiyans continue to focus on raw power and transformations. The ability to "soar and boost" through combat spaces is amplified for Saiyans, who can access various Super Saiyan stages to further enhance their Soul Switch capabilities. Earthlings, on the other hand, are described as having "different playstyles" that likely focus on utility, technique, and efficient Ki usage.
Character Creation Checklist:
- Select a race that aligns with your preferred combat style (Power vs. Utility).
- Customize your protagonist's appearance at West City University.
- Choose an initial Soul to complement your race's natural strengths.
- Join the Great Saiya Squad to unlock early-game Ki attacks.
- Explore West City to find hidden character interaction points.
Early reports suggest that Earthling builds excel when paired with "Technical" souls like Tien or Krillin, while Saiyans maximize their potential with "Power" souls like Vegeta.
| Race | Confirmed Traits | Recommended Soul Type |
|---|---|---|
| Saiyan | High damage, Transformations | Power / Offensive |
| Earthling | Balanced stats, High Ki recovery | Technical / Support |
| Other Races | To be confirmed in 2027 | TBD |
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 FAQ
Q: Who are the new original dragon ball xenoverse 3 characters?
The four confirmed original characters for AGE 1000 are Brett, Lilica, ROM, and Tap. They were revealed in the 'Welcome to West City' trailer in June 2026.
Q: How does the Soul Switch mechanic work?
Soul Switch allows your custom protagonist to temporarily harness the powers and abilities of classic Dragon Ball characters like Vegeta or Piccolo during combat.
Q: Can I play as classic Dragon Ball characters directly?
While the focus is on your custom hero, you can interact with and 'harness' classic characters through the Soul Switch and Soul Assist systems. Direct playability of the full roster in all modes is yet to be fully detailed.
Q: What is the role of the Great Saiya Squad?
The Great Saiya Squad is the main faction in West City. Players join their ranks to progress the story, unlock new abilities, and interact with characters like Gamma 1.
The character system in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is a bold step forward. By blending deep customization with the new Soul Switch mechanic, Dimps is creating a roster that feels both fresh and nostalgic. Stay tuned for more reveals as we head toward the 2027 launch.