Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

Alright, ready to jump into the first real fight of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot? We're taking on Raditz, that dude who just crash-landed. When you're ready, head to the red marker on your map. This is where you'll meet him for the first time.

Burst Mechanic: If Raditz locks you into a combo, hold down L2/LT and press the [Square/X Button]. This will send him flying back, interrupting his attack and giving you breathing room. It's super useful for escaping nasty combos.

Vanish Attack: While guarding, press the [X/A Button]. This makes you appear behind your opponent for a quick strike. It's a great way to set up your own combos, though tougher enemies might break out of them.

Raditz isn't too tough at this stage. He's got a melee combo you can block or interrupt with Burst. His main special move is called Cyclone Monday, a quick, horizontal leg sweep. It has a pretty large range and he throws it out fast, making it really hard to dodge. Your best bet? Just block it if you see it coming. He uses it a lot, so stay alert!

Important Note: You don't need to fully defeat Raditz in this first encounter. The fight will end when you get his health down to about half. He'll fly off, setting up the next part where you'll control Goku.

2. Where: Same battle area as before.
3. What: You'll fight Raditz again, this time controlling Goku.
4. What to do: The fight is very similar to the first. Raditz can now use Ki blasts in addition to his melee attacks and Cyclone Monday.
5. Why this way: Continue the story and learn more about Raditz's abilities.

Again, this fight also ends prematurely when you lower Raditz's health to a certain point. Don't worry, it's supposed to happen!

After this, Piccolo shows up and offers to team up. Before you head off, Bulma will give you a Vitadrink. This is a healing item you can use in battle. To use it, hold down the D-pad and press the corresponding button. But first, you gotta equip it! Go to 'Items' on the main menu, highlight the Vitadrink, and press [Square/X]. You can only equip four items at a time, so choose wisely!

Support Characters:

Piccolo will team up with Goku against Raditz. Support characters can perform Super Attacks by holding [R1/RB] and pressing a face button. Super Attacks fill the Support Gauge; a full gauge allows the support character to assist. Higher Friendship levels increase Support Gauge capacity. There are three types of support characters:

• Offensive: Prioritize attacking.
• Defense: Protect you, blocking Ki attacks.
• Special: Restore health and Ki, with a chance to perform Offensive or Defensive actions.

Nam the Peddler Substory:

Start in the same area as Roshi's house. Use the world map to go to the region with Lucca Village. You can now dismount the Flying Nimbus using Down on the D-Pad. Head northwest to Lucca Village to find Nam. He needs help selling fruit. Trade rocks for an Ammonite Fossil, then trade the fossil to a man northwest of the village (on top of a waterfall) for a Food/Water Capsule. Return to Nam to complete the substory and receive Nam’s Soul Emblem.

Gentle Giant Substory:

Located east of Lucca Village, on a plateau. Eighter (Android 8) needs help with abandoned Red Ribbon Army robots south of his location, near the river. You will fight three robots and their Assist Bits (attack, assist, recovery). Prioritize destroying the recovery bit first. Destroy all robots and bits to complete the substory and return to Eighter. You will receive three Carrots and three Onions, plus Eighter’s Soul Emblem.

BOSS - Goku/Piccolo vs. Raditz:

Raditz is the first true boss. Piccolo assists you. Raditz uses "Cyclone Monday," which is best mitigated by blocking. He also has a melee attack that can stun you after charging energy.