Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot stands out as an action RPG that lets players step into the shoes of Goku and other Z Fighters, retelling the classic Dragon Ball Z saga with a mix of intense battles and everyday activities. Released in 2020 and continually updated through 2026, this single-player title on PC combines third-person combat with role-playing elements, allowing control over iconic characters like Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, and Piccolo across large, explorable hubs.
Gameplay
In Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, the core loop revolves around progressing through story-driven sagas while engaging in free-form exploration and combat. Players navigate hub areas such as East Ravine or Planet Namek, using flight or vehicles to traverse the landscape. Combat involves real-time action with ki blasts, super attacks unlocked via training grounds, and a skill tree system powered by collecting Z-Orbs in colors like red, blue, green, and rare rainbow types. A surge effect boosts stats when the tension gauge and ki are full, enabling combo cancels and auto-chasing foes.
Beyond fighting, the game includes lifestyle mechanics like fishing with quick-time events or hunting animals by dashing or using ki blasts. Cooking plays a key role, where players prepare meals at campfires for permanent stat boosts or temporary buffs, with full-course options available from characters like Chi-Chi after the Saiyan Saga. Destroying enemy bases, such as those of the Red Ribbon Army or Frieza Force, yields items, while soul emblems placed on community boards-covering categories like Z Warrior, Cooking, and Training-grant bonuses and link effects.
Dragon Ball hunting uses a radar to collect seven balls and summon Shenron for wishes, including reviving bosses or gaining Z-Orbs, with a 20-minute cooldown. Mini-games add variety, from baseball to horde battles where Z Combinations wipe out groups of enemies based on combo counts.
Game Modes
The main story mode follows the Dragon Ball Z arcs from the Raditz Saga to the Kid Buu Saga, interspersed with intermissions for free exploration, training, and sub stories. These intermissions allow switching between playable characters and support party members, focusing on preparation before major events.
Sub stories offer side quests like "Master Roshi's Prized Possession" or "Gentle Giant," expanding on character interactions and world-building. Training grounds provide mental simulation battles to improve super attacks, requiring D-Medals. An offline card game mode, Dragon Ball Card Warriors, includes casual battles, ranking battles, and tournaments against CPU opponents, following the 2023 server shutdown.
DLC expands modes with additional storylines, such as the Bardock - Alone Against Fate arc or Goku's Next Journey, covering events like the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament. Recent additions like the DAIMA - Adventure Through the Demon Realm packs adapt episodes from Dragon Ball Daima into playable content.
Is It Worth Playing?
With over 10 million copies sold worldwide as of January 2026 and ongoing support through DLC like the DAIMA packs, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot remains active. Player reception on platforms shows very positive feedback, with 92% positive reviews from 17,659 English-language entries and a recent 95% positive rate from 200 reviews. Critic scores average 73 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 78 reviews, praising the faithful story recreation and character moments while noting repetitive side quests.
This game suits fans of the Dragon Ball Z series who want an action RPG focused on reliving key events with added exploration and daily life elements. If you enjoy controlling Saiyan warriors in battles against factions like the Frieza Force, alongside activities like fishing and cooking, it delivers a comprehensive experience. For those new to the franchise or seeking pure multiplayer action, it might feel more like a solo narrative journey, but the free HD upgrade for owners enhances visuals for modern play.
