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If you’ve been into gaming and Dragon Ball for any amount of time, you already know that the Dragon Ball franchise has been putting out games for decades. We’re talking classic fighting games, RPGs, and everything in between. But let’s be real, not every Dragon Ball game has been a hit. Some are legendary, others… not so much. So, if you’re looking to dive into the world of Dragon Ball games, or just want to reminisce on the best the series has to offer, here’s my take on the top 13 Dragon Ball games, ranked from great to absolutely iconic.
13. Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit
Release Date: June 2008 | Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360
Burst Limit was the first Dragon Ball Z game to hit the PS3 and Xbox 360, and while it didn’t break any new ground, it still looked great for its time. The cell-shaded graphics were on point, and the fast-paced combat gave us a solid fighting experience. But compared to what would come later in the series, Burst Limit lacked depth and variety. Still, it’s a solid entry for fans of the franchise.
12. Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2
Release Date: November 2010 | Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360
If you’re into large rosters, Raging Blast 2 has you covered with over 90 characters, each with multiple transformations. The game’s visuals and animations were top-notch for the time, and the over-the-top combat was a blast. While it didn’t push the series forward in any major way, the massive battles and chaotic energy definitely captured the spirit of Dragon Ball.
11. Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku II
Release Date: June 2003 | Platform: Game Boy Advance
Let’s take it back to the GBA era with The Legacy of Goku II, one of the most underrated games in the franchise. While the first Legacy of Goku game was rough around the edges, Legacy of Goku II improved everything. It’s an action-RPG that covers the Dragon Ball Z story from the Trunks Saga to the Cell Games, and it lets you play as Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, and Trunks. The exploration, leveling system, and classic Dragon Ball story make this game a standout on the GBA.
10. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai
Release Date: November 2002 | Platforms: PS2, GameCube
Ah, the nostalgia of the original Budokai game. This is where the Dragon Ball Z fighting game renaissance really kicked off. The cel-shaded graphics brought the anime to life in a way we hadn’t seen before, and the story mode was a faithful retelling of the Dragon Ball Z series, covering the Saiyan Saga all the way to the Cell Games. While the combat was pretty basic compared to later games, this one holds a special place in the heart of Dragon Ball fans.
9. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2
Release Date: November 2006 | Platforms: PS2, Wii
The Budokai Tenkaichi series took the Dragon Ball Z fighting game formula and cranked it up to 11. With its massive, 3D arenas and fast-paced combat, Budokai Tenkaichi 2 gave players more freedom than ever before. The roster was huge, the battles were intense, and it introduced a bunch of characters and transformations that hardcore fans went wild for. Plus, flying around the battlefield mid-fight just felt right for a Dragon Ball game.
8. Dragon Ball Xenoverse
Release Date: February 2015 | Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC*
Dragon Ball Xenoverse brought a fresh spin to the franchise with its focus on time travel and creating your own custom character. Instead of just rehashing the same storylines, Xenoverse mixed it up by having you interact with key moments in Dragon Ball history, altering the timeline to protect it from being tampered with. The MMO-like mechanics, RPG elements, and the ability to create a Saiyan, Namekian, or Earthling added a ton of replayability. This one was a huge step forward for the series.
7. Dragon Ball Z: Super Butoden 2
Release Date: December 1993 | Platforms: Super Famicom, Switch
Now we’re going way back with Super Butoden 2, one of the best Dragon Ball games from the 16-bit era. If you were lucky enough to play this one, you know how good it was. The graphics were clean for a 1993 release, and the combat was surprisingly deep for its time. It was also one of the first games to feature characters from the Dragon Ball Z movies, which blew fans’ minds back in the day. The split-screen mechanic during aerial combat was a game-changer, too.
6. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Release Date: January 2020 | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC*
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is basically the ultimate fanservice RPG. You get to relive the entire Dragon Ball Z saga through Goku’s eyes, but this time, it’s an open-world experience. You can fly around, fight iconic enemies, fish, train, and explore the world in a way that makes you feel like you’re actually part of the Dragon Ball universe. It’s not just a retelling—it dives deeper into character interactions and side stories that expand the lore. If you’ve ever wanted to fully immerse yourself in the Dragon Ball world, this game is the way to go.
5. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Release Date: January 2018 | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC*
When Dragon Ball FighterZ dropped, it changed the game—literally. This 2.5D fighter brought Dragon Ball to the fighting game esports scene, and it did it in style. The gorgeous, anime-like visuals and fast-paced, combo-heavy gameplay made it feel like you were playing a Dragon Ball episode. It’s easily one of the most polished Dragon Ball games ever made, and it has the fighting mechanics to back it up. Even if you’re not a hardcore fighting game fan, this one’s too good to pass up.
4. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
Release Date: November 2007 | Platforms: PS2, Wii
Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is the game everyone points to when they talk about their favorite Dragon Ball Z fighting game. It had a massive roster—over 160 characters—and the most dynamic, free-roaming combat in the series. Whether you were blasting someone across the screen with a Kamehameha or clashing in the air mid-fight, this game made you feel like you were part of the anime. The sheer amount of content and the fluid combat make this one of the most beloved entries in the series.
3. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
Release Date: October 2016 | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC*
Xenoverse 2 took everything that made the first game great and dialed it up. The time-travel story concept was expanded, the world was bigger, and the customization options were deeper. You could create the ultimate fighter and go on missions that spanned across all of Dragon Ball history. Plus, the game got consistent updates, so the content just kept growing. Xenoverse 2 became one of the most content-rich Dragon Ball games ever, and the fact that you could play as your own custom character made it all the better.
2. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3
Release Date: November 2004 | Platforms: PS2, HD Collection (PS3, Xbox 360)
This is where the Budokai series hit its peak. Budokai 3 perfected the 2D fighting system with more fluid animations, faster combat, and deeper mechanics. It wasn’t just about button-mashing—there was real strategy here. The roster was packed with fan favorites, and the story mode gave us a chance to dive deep into the Dragon Ball Z universe. It’s one of those games that still holds up today and remains a fan-favorite for all the right reasons.
1. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
Release Date: November 2007 | Platforms: PS2, Wii
No question—Budokai Tenkaichi 3 takes the top spot. With the largest roster in any Dragon Ball game, dynamic combat, destructible environments, and the feeling that you were living out your Dragon Ball fantasies, this game was as close to perfect as a Dragon Ball fighting game could get. Whether you were a casual fan or a hardcore player, this game had everything. It remains one of the most beloved and replayed Dragon Ball games to this day.
There you have it—the best of the best when it comes to Dragon Ball games. Whether you’re reliving the epic moments from the anime or creating your own, these games have defined the franchise for gamers around the world.
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