Budokai 3: Modes & Basics
Choose a mode, build a capsule loadout and learn the flow of battle.
Dragon Universe
Explore the world map and follow a character’s story. Eleven fighters have routes: Goku, Kid Gohan, Teen Gohan, Gohan, Vegeta, Piccolo, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, Uub and Broly.
Dueling
Use this mode for a quick fight against the computer or another local player.
World Tournament
Enter a bracket of matches. Watch your position near the edge of the ring.
Dragon Arena
An unlockable battle mode focused on fighting opponents and developing characters.
Edit Skills
Each custom loadout has seven capsule slots. Mix attacks, transformations and support skills; some capsules occupy more than one slot.
Ki & defence
Balance attacking, guarding and charging Ki. Spending all your Ki leaves fewer defensive options.
Hyper Mode
Enables Dragon Rush and ultimate attacks, but drains Ki and prevents normal guarding. Commit when you have an opening.
Fusions
Gotenks, Vegito, Gogeta and Kibito Kai are reached through fusion skills. They are shown separately in this guide, rather than counted as ordinary starting slots.
Build a dependable exchange
Start with one basic attack sequence, one guard response and a clear way to create distance. Watch the Ki gauge while practising so you know which options remain after the sequence. If an attack is repeatedly blocked or interrupted, change its opening rather than adding more inputs to the end. A successful short exchange gives you a stable base from which to explore transformations and more elaborate techniques.
References
Covered edition: Original PlayStation 2 Budokai 3. Costume availability varies by regional edition; Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is a separate game.