Character Select/Creation Mode

Welcome, aspiring Time Patroller! Your journey in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 begins here, in the Character Select/Creation Mode. This crucial first step dictates your character's race, appearance, and initial stat leanings, all of which will profoundly impact your gameplay experience. Take your time, as these choices lay the foundation for your entire adventure.

Starting a New Game

Upon launching Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 for the first time, or selecting "New Game" from the main menu, you'll be immediately prompted to create your custom Time Patroller. If you have existing save data, you'll see your previously created characters. To create a new one, navigate to an empty slot and select "Create New Character."

Character Creation Steps

The character creation process is divided into several key stages. Each choice offers unique advantages and disadvantages, so consider your preferred playstyle carefully.

1. Race Selection

This is arguably the most impactful decision. There are five distinct races available, each with unique racial bonuses and transformations. Understanding these is key to building an effective character.

Saiyan:
- Racial Bonus: Attack power increases when health is low. Ki regeneration is slightly faster than other races.
- Transformations: Super Saiyan 1, 2, 3 (boosts basic attack, strike supers, ki blast supers, and Ki regeneration), Super Vegeta 1, 2 (boosts Ki blast supers significantly), Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan (SSGSS/Super Saiyan Blue - significant all-around boost, drains Ki), Super Saiyan Blue Evolved (even greater boost, faster Ki drain), Future Super Saiyan (faster Ki recovery).
- Strategy: Excellent for aggressive players who enjoy high damage output. Their transformations are iconic and powerful.
Earthling:
- Racial Bonus: Ki automatically recovers. Attack power increases when Ki is maxed.
- Transformations: Kaioken (boosts all stats, drains stamina), Power Pole Pro (summons the Power Pole, changes basic attacks, boosts basic attack and movement speed).
- Strategy: A balanced race, good for beginners. Their auto-Ki recovery makes managing resources easier, and they can be built for both melee and Ki blast styles.
Namekian:
- Racial Bonus: Health automatically recovers. Items are more effective. Stamina recovers faster when guarding.
- Transformations: Become Giant (massive health and defense boost, changes basic attacks, drains stamina), Namekian Boost (increases defense, reduces damage taken).
- Strategy: Tanky and resilient. Ideal for support roles or players who prefer to outlast their opponents. Their health regeneration is a significant advantage.
Frieza Race:
- Racial Bonus: Speed increases when health is low. Basic attacks can paralyze opponents.
- Transformations: Golden Form (significant speed and Ki blast super boost, changes basic attacks).
- Strategy: Agile and tricky. Their paralysis can open up combos, and Golden Form makes them formidable Ki blasters.
Majin:
- Racial Bonus: Defense increases when stamina is maxed (Male Majin). Speed increases when stamina is low (Female Majin).
- Transformations: Purification (transforms into Kid Buu, changes basic attacks, boosts all stats, drains stamina).
- Strategy: Male Majins are defensive powerhouses, while Female Majins are quick and evasive. Purification offers a unique, high-risk, high-reward playstyle.

2. Body Customization

After selecting your race, you'll move on to visual customization. This includes:

Gender: Affects certain racial bonuses (e.g., Majin) and available clothing options.
Height: Taller characters generally have higher health but lower speed. Shorter characters are faster but have less health.
Weight/Build: Heavier characters tend to have higher basic attack power but lower Ki blast power. Lighter characters have higher Ki blast power but lower basic attack.
Head/Hair: A wide variety of hairstyles, faces, and ear types are available.
Eyes: Choose from various eye shapes and colors.
Nose: Select your preferred nose style.
Mouth: Different mouth shapes and lip colors.
Ears: Specific to certain races like Namekians.
Skin Color: A broad palette to choose from.
Voice: Select from a range of voice actors. This is purely aesthetic.

Pro Tip: While appearance is important for immersion, remember that height and weight have tangible statistical impacts. Consider your chosen race and playstyle when making these adjustments.

3. Name & Master Selection

Name: Enter your character's name. This can be changed later at the Name Changer NPC in Conton City, located near the main plaza.
Master: You'll be prompted to choose an initial master. This choice grants you a specific set of starting Super and Ultimate Attacks, along with a Z-Soul. While you can change masters later, this initial selection can give you a head start with techniques that align with your build.

4. Initial Stat Allocation

Before finalizing your character, you'll have a small pool of attribute points to distribute. These points can be allocated into:

Max Health: Increases your character's HP.
Max Ki: Increases the length of your Ki gauge, allowing for more Ki-based attacks.
Max Stamina: Increases the length of your Stamina gauge, crucial for evasive maneuvers and guarding.
Basic Attack: Boosts the damage of your standard melee combos.
Strike Supers: Increases the damage of your Strike-based Super and Ultimate Attacks.
Ki Blast Supers: Increases the damage of your Ki Blast-based Super and Ultimate Attacks.

Strategy: Focus these initial points on attributes that complement your chosen race and intended playstyle. For example, a Saiyan focused on Ki blasts might put points into Max Ki and Ki Blast Supers. Don't worry too much about perfect allocation here; you'll gain many more points as you level up, and you can reallocate them later using the Dragon Balls or by visiting Guru's House after completing certain quests.

Finalizing Your Character

Once you're satisfied with all your choices, confirm your character. You'll then be treated to an introductory cinematic and begin your adventure as a Time Patroller in Conton City!