Basic Attacks & Combos

Basic Attacks & Combos

Mastering the fundamental attacks and understanding how to chain them into devastating combos is crucial for success in Dragon Ball FighterZ. This section will break down the core attack types and provide actionable steps to start building your combo repertoire.

Understanding Attack Buttons

Each character in Dragon Ball FighterZ shares a universal control scheme for basic attacks, making it easier to pick up new fighters. Familiarize yourself with these inputs:

• Light Attack (L): Typically mapped to Square (PS4/PS5) or X (Xbox One/Series). These are fast, low-damage attacks, excellent for starting combos and pressuring opponents.
• Medium Attack (M): Typically mapped to Triangle (PS4/PS5) or Y (Xbox One/Series). These attacks have better range and damage than Light attacks, often used as combo extenders.
• Heavy Attack (H): Typically mapped to Circle (PS4/PS5) or B (Xbox One/Series). These are slow, high-damage attacks that can launch opponents or break through defenses.
• Special Attack (S): Typically mapped to X (PS4/PS5) or A (Xbox One/Series). These are character-specific projectiles or unique moves, often used to end combos or control space.

The Auto-Combo System

Dragon Ball FighterZ features an accessible auto-combo system that allows new players to execute basic combos with ease. While powerful for beginners, relying solely on auto-combos will limit your damage potential and strategic options in competitive play.

• Light Auto-Combo: Repeatedly pressing L will execute a short, character-specific combo. This is a great way to get a feel for a character's basic flow.
• Medium Auto-Combo: Repeatedly pressing M will also execute a combo, often with different properties or a different ender than the Light auto-combo.

Strategy: Use auto-combos in the early stages of learning a character. As you progress, aim to integrate manual inputs for more optimized damage and versatility.

Universal Basic Combos (L-M-H-S Structure)

Many characters can perform variations of a universal combo structure. This is your bread and butter for converting hits into damage.

1. Start with Light Attack (L): Press L once or twice to initiate the combo. This is fast and hard to react to.
2. Transition to Medium Attack (M): Follow up with M. This extends the combo and often moves your character forward.
3. Follow with Heavy Attack (H): Press H. This typically launches the opponent into the air, setting them up for aerial follow-ups.
4. Conclude with Special Attack (S): While the opponent is airborne, press S. This will often be a projectile or a quick air-to-air attack that knocks them down or away.

Example (Goku SSJ): L, L, M, H, S (Kamehameha)

Actionable Step: Head to the Training Mode (accessible from the Hub World) and practice this sequence with your favorite characters. Pay attention to the timing; you want to press the next button as soon as the previous attack connects.

Aerial Combos & Super Dashes

Once you've launched an opponent with a Heavy Attack, the fight often moves to the air. This is where Super Dash (R2/RT) becomes invaluable.

1. Launch Opponent: Perform an L, M, H combo.
2. Super Dash (R2/RT): Immediately after the Heavy Attack launches the opponent, press R2 (PS4/PS5) or RT (Xbox One/Series) to chase them into the air.
3. Aerial Light Attacks: Once you connect with the Super Dash, press L, L for quick aerial hits.
4. Aerial Medium Attack: Follow with an M attack in the air.
5. Aerial Heavy Attack (Downwards Slam): Press H in the air. This often slams the opponent back down to the ground, allowing for further ground-based follow-ups or character assists.

Example (Vegeta SSJ): L, M, H (launch), R2 (Super Dash), L, L, M, H (slam).

Strategy: The aerial Heavy Attack that slams opponents down is a prime opportunity to call in an Assist Character (L1/LB or L2/LT) to extend the combo even further. Experiment with different assist timings in Training Mode.

Block Strings & Pressure

Combos aren't just for dealing damage; they're also essential for applying pressure and opening up your opponent's guard. A "block string" is a sequence of attacks that, even if blocked, keeps your opponent in a defensive state.

• Low Attack Opener: Many characters have a crouching Light Attack (Down + L) that hits low. Mix this into your pressure to force opponents to block low.
• Overhead Attack: Some characters have an overhead attack (usually Forward + H or a specific special move) that hits high. Use this after a few low attacks to catch opponents blocking incorrectly.
• Stagger Pressure: Delaying your attacks slightly within a block string can "stagger" your opponent, making them think there's an opening to retaliate, only to be hit by your next attack.

Actionable Step: In Training Mode, set the dummy to "Guard All" or "Guard First Attack" and practice sequences that mix low and overhead attacks. Observe how your opponent's guard changes.

Advanced Combo Concepts

• Vanishing Attack (M+H): This move teleports you behind your opponent and delivers a hit. It's a fantastic combo extender, especially after a grounded Heavy Attack or a special move. It costs 1 bar of Ki.
• Dragon Rush (L+M): A command grab that breaks through an opponent's guard. While not a combo starter, it's a powerful tool to open up defensive players. You can often get a few hits or a Super after a successful Dragon Rush.
• Sparking Blast (L+M+H+S): A temporary power-up that increases damage, regenerates blue health, and allows for unique combo extensions. Activating it mid-combo can lead to massive damage. This is a once-per-match ability.

Continue to the next section, "Character Move Lists," to discover specific combos and strategies for your chosen fighters.