Dragon Ball FighterZ offers players the opportunity to unlock three exclusive characters beyond the base roster. While the game features an extensive cast of fighters, three special characters remain locked until players meet specific requirements. Understanding these unlocking mechanisms allows players to expand their roster and experience the complete roster that the developers intended. This guide provides detailed instructions for obtaining each hidden fighter through various gameplay methods.
Understanding the Three Hidden Characters
The game contains exactly three unlockable characters that distinguish themselves from the downloadable content offerings. These secret fighters include Android 21, Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Goku (commonly referred to as SSGSS Goku), and Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Vegeta (SSGSS Vegeta). It is important to note that these characters differ from the game’s 19+ DLC characters, which require monetary purchases through a FighterZ Pass or individual character purchases. The three unlockable characters can be obtained through gameplay without additional expenses.
Acquiring Android 21 Through Story Progression
The most straightforward method to obtain Android 21 involves completing the game’s narrative campaign. Story mode in Dragon Ball FighterZ consists of three distinct story arcs that players must progress through sequentially. Each arc presents a unique narrative experience with different challenges and opponents.
To unlock Android 21, players must complete every story arc from beginning to end without exception. The process requires dedication and perseverance as players work through all three narrative segments. Upon finishing the final arc and defeating the concluding boss battle, Android 21 automatically becomes available for use in all game modes. The developers intentionally designed this unlock as a reward for players who engage with the campaign content, encouraging players to experience the complete story.
Dual Methods for Obtaining SSGSS Goku and Vegeta
Unlike Android 21, SSGSS Goku and SSGSS Vegeta offer players multiple pathways to acquisition. The game designers implemented this dual-path system to accommodate different playstyles and preferences among the player community.
The Master Course Challenge Route
The first and more demanding method involves completing specialized arcade challenges known as master courses. These courses represent the most difficult content the game offers outside of competitive online play. Players must navigate through multiple consecutive battles with increased difficulty settings and limited resources.
The master course structure requires players to achieve victory across several consecutive fights. Completing these challenging tournaments results in obtaining one of the blue-haired Saiyans. Specifically, progressing through the appropriate master course unlocks either SSGSS Goku or SSGSS Vegeta depending on which course the player selects. Players who pre-ordered the game at launch received these characters automatically, bypassing the need to complete these difficult challenges.
The Currency Accumulation Path
The second and more accessible method revolves around gathering in-game currency known as Zeni. This approach allows players to unlock both characters through passive progression during regular gameplay activities. The currency-based system operates on two distinct milestones that players must achieve.
When players accumulate 300,000 Zeni throughout their playtime, the game automatically grants SSGSS Vegeta upon returning to the main lobby. This threshold represents a reasonable goal for players engaging with various game modes. Continuing to accumulate currency toward 500,000 Zeni results in obtaining SSGSS Goku. Players can track their current Zeni total through the player information menu in offline mode.
Optimal Zeni Farming Strategies
Players seeking to maximize their Zeni acquisition rate should employ specific farming techniques that accelerate currency generation. Different game modes provide varying amounts of currency rewards, allowing strategic players to optimize their progression timeline.
Story Mode Currency Generation
Completing the story campaign itself generates approximately 300,000 Zeni, which fulfills the first character unlock threshold. The narrative experience naturally provides sufficient currency for obtaining the first secret fighter. However, players require additional grinding beyond story completion to reach the 500,000 Zeni milestone necessary for the second character.
The final area within the third story arc contains repeated battles that yield substantial Zeni rewards. Players can farm these final story battles repeatedly, earning approximately 30,000 to 50,000 Zeni per completion. This method provides steady income and allows players to control their farming schedule.
Combo Challenge Efficiency
The combo challenge mode presents another viable farming avenue. Completing each combo challenge rewards players with 5,000 Zeni. Since the game features 24 characters with individual combo challenges, players can accumulate approximately 120,000 Zeni through this method alone. This approach provides variety and breaks up the monotony of repeated story battles.
Equipment-Based Currency Boosting
Strategic players can equip special items during story mode that increase Zeni rewards from completed fights. These equipment pieces function as passive multipliers that enhance currency generation during regular gameplay. Equipping such items and playing through story segments, particularly the final stages before the concluding boss battle, maximizes currency collection efficiency.
Timeline for Character Acquisition
| Character | Primary Method | Time Requirement | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 21 | Complete Story Mode | 6-10 hours | Variable |
| SSGSS Vegeta (Currency) | Accumulate 300,000 Zeni | 8-12 hours | Low |
| SSGSS Goku (Currency) | Accumulate 500,000 Zeni | 15-20 hours | Low |
| SSGSS Vegeta (Master) | Complete Master Course | 3-5 hours | High |
| SSGSS Goku (Master) | Complete Master Course | 3-5 hours | High |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unlock all three characters simultaneously?
Yes, players can pursue multiple unlock methods in parallel. While completing story mode for Android 21, players simultaneously accumulate Zeni toward the SSGSS character unlocks. This concurrent progression streamlines the overall unlock timeline.
What happens if I pre-ordered the game?
Players who pre-ordered Dragon Ball FighterZ at launch received SSGSS Goku and SSGSS Vegeta automatically without requiring completion of master courses or currency thresholds. These characters were available immediately upon game launch for qualifying purchases.
Can I use these characters before officially unlocking them?
Once a character meets the unlock requirements, it becomes available across all game modes including arcade, versus, training, and online ranked matches. The character cannot be used before meeting the specified unlock condition.
Do I need to unlock characters on each difficulty setting?
No, unlocking a character on any difficulty setting makes that character permanently available. Players need only complete the requirement once per character.
Is there an alternative to currency grinding?
Players who prefer avoiding extensive grinding can pursue the master course route for immediate SSGSS character acquisition. This method requires superior fighting skills but provides faster results for experienced players.
Strategic Recommendations for Efficient Unlocking
New players should prioritize completing the story mode first, which simultaneously unlocks Android 21 and generates substantial Zeni toward the first SSGSS character. After story completion, players can focus on the specific farming method that matches their playstyle and time availability.
Experienced players comfortable with challenging content may find the master course route more satisfying. This approach tests fighting proficiency against formidable opponents and provides faster access to the blue Saiyans without extended farming sessions.
Players preferring a relaxed progression approach should leverage the combo challenge mode alongside story replay sessions. This balanced strategy provides variety while steadily accumulating the necessary currency.
Maximizing the Complete Experience
Unlocking all three secret characters represents a significant milestone in the Dragon Ball FighterZ experience. These characters expand team composition options and provide fresh gameplay dynamics. The deliberate unlock requirements ensure players engage with diverse game modes while pursuing these exclusive fighters.
By understanding the available unlock methods and implementing efficient farming strategies, players can systematically acquire all three characters within a reasonable timeframe. Whether choosing the immediate challenge of master courses or the steady accumulation of currency rewards, a clear path exists for every player type to complete their fighter roster.
References
- HOW TO UNLOCK ANDROID 21, SSGSS GOKU & SSGSS VEGETA — YouTube. Accessed May 2026.
- HOW TO UNLOCK ALL CHARACTERS – Dragon Ball FighterZ — YouTube. Accessed May 2026.
- Dragon Ball FighterZ Characters Unlock Guide — DashFight. Accessed May 2026. https://dashfight.com/news/how-to-unlock-characters-in-dragon-ball-fighter-z-952

