Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero presents a variety of intriguing "What If" scenarios, including questions like, “What if Vegeta managed to defeat Buu?” and “What if Frieza had eliminated Goku during their battle on Namek?” However, there’s one particular scenario that has sparked the curiosity of many fans: “What if Tien was betrayed and imprisoned in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber for a millennium, becoming immortal?”
This thought-provoking question remains unresolved, but we’ll delve into Tien’s skills in this guide. Here, we’ll break down his complete set of abilities, special moves, and combos, along with strategies to elevate your gameplay and master Tien.
Tien
Combos
| Move Name | Input | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Knock Back Blast | Melee Button + Ki Button | A delayed strike that pushes the opponent back. |
| Bicycle Kick | 2x Melee Button + Ki Button | A rapid series of kicks that inflict decent damage. |
| Gut Punch | 3x Melee Button + Ki Button | A swift blow that stuns the opponent briefly. |
| Gut Punch | 4x Melee Button + Ki Button | A quick attack that stuns the opponent briefly. |
Skills and Special Moves
| Move Name | Input | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Flare | R2/RT + Up on the D-Pad | 2 Skill Points | Emits a bright flash that stuns and blinds the opponent briefly. |
| Wild Sense | R2/RT + Left on the D-Pad | 2 Skill Points | Automatically dodges and counters the next melee attack. |
| Dodon Ray | R2/RT + Melee Button | 2 Ki Gauges | Fires a rapid beam that tracks the opponent and causes moderate damage. |
| Tri-Beam | R2/RT + Ki Button | 3 Ki Gauges | Shoots a quick projectile that deals moderate damage. |
| Neo Tri-Beam | R2/RT + Perception Button | Sparking Mode/Health | Launches an enhanced Tri-Beam that can repeatedly fire at the cost of health. |
Tien in Versus and Online Matches
Overall, Tien’s stats may not be exceptional; however, his low DP cost of four is a positive aspect. Although his stats are basic, Tien compensates with low skill costs and versatile special moves.
For example, Solar Flare is an incredible asset against aggressive players. It can stun and blind enemies momentarily, making them vulnerable to attacks. Just be cautious when using it, as it can be dodged, leaving you open to counterattacks.
Tip: When activating Solar Flare, it has super armor, meaning only powerful attacks can interrupt it. You can still take some damage during it.
Wild Sense can automatically evade an opponent’s next melee attack and allows Tien to counterattack. This move works well defensively and can also be activated in advance for offensive strategies.
Dodon Ray delivers a quickly traveling beam attack that inflicts moderate damage. It serves well as a combo finisher or as pressure against opponents trying to charge their Ki. Its fast speed and low cost make it a critical tool in Tien’s arsenal.
Tri-Beam launches a quick projectile that does slightly more damage than Dodon Ray, though at a higher Ki cost. In the long run, you might find Dodon Ray to be more efficient.
Finally, Neo Tri-Beam is Tien’s ultimate technique. While a single blast delivers less damage, it can be fired up to ten times, with each successive shot escalating its damage—albeit at the expense of Tien’s health after every shot. This move is particularly effective to end a combo, especially when the opponent’s health is low.
Note: Using Neo Tri-Beam doesn’t result in immediate death, even if you deplete all your health during the execution.
Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to maximize Tien’s potential in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero!
