The battlefield is evolving. Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra, the free-to-play team brawler that launched on September 10, 2025, is already gearing up for its next big clash. Bandai Namco has officially pulled back the curtain on the title’s first competitive phase, Season 1, setting the stage for new heroes, fresh cosmetics, and the start of ranked play.
For players who’ve been mastering the four-on-four chaos since launch, this update is the moment the game truly starts to shine. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the Season 1 update, from its release date to what it means for the future of this vibrant new MOBA.
A Lightning-Fast Refresher
Before we jump into the new content, it’s worth recapping what makes Gekishin Squadra stand out. Launched across Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, this isn’t your traditional Dragon Ball fighting game. It’s a “Super Team Battle” where players control iconic characters who level up during each match, leading to intense, fast-paced skirmishes.
A key feature from day one has been full cross-platform play and progression. This means your account and unlocks carry over whether you’re playing on a phone, a console, or a PC, allowing you to team up with friends regardless of their platform. This foundation is crucial for building a healthy competitive scene.
Season 1: Release and Launch Times
Mark your calendars! According to Bandai Namco, Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra’s Season 1 will release on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
The update is scheduled to go live at 11:00 PM PT. For players around the world, here’s when you can expect the action to begin:
- West Coast US (PST): 11:00 PM (Sept. 23)
- East Coast US (EST): 2:00 AM (Sept. 24)
- Brazil (BRT): 3:00 AM (Sept. 24)
- United Kingdom (BST): 6:00 AM (Sept. 24)
- Central Europe (CEST): 7:00 AM (Sept. 24)
- Japan (JST)/Korea (KST): 2:00 PM (Sept. 24)
As with any online launch, it’s wise to expect potential server maintenance or slight delays as the update rolls out globally.
Pre-Download Tip
To get into the action faster, take advantage of the pre-download option. Bandai Namco has made this available on most platforms before major updates, allowing you to install the bulk of the data ahead of time so you can jump in the moment the servers are live.
Meet the New Heroes Joining the Fray
The headline attraction of any seasonal update is, of course, the new characters. Season 1 is set to introduce three powerful new heroes to the game’s already robust roster of 22 characters.
| New Character | Key Traits & Notes |
|---|---|
| Toppo | A honorable ‘God of Destruction’ who utilizes powerful Godly Ki abilities. |
| Super Saiyan 3 Goku | A formidable damage dealer, taking Goku’s power to a new level. |
| Gotenks | The fierce fusion of Goten and Trunks, bringing a unique skill set to battles. |
A Closer Look at the Newcomers
- Toppo: Known to fans from the Dragon Ball Super series, Toppo is a fascinating addition. As a candidate for the God of Destruction role, he wields immense “Destruction” energy. Despite his fearsome title and ultimate form, he often fights with a strong sense of justice, making him a complex and powerful Tank or Damage-focused character.
- Super Saiyan 3 Goku: This form marks a significant power spike in the Dragon Ball lore, and it’s sure to do the same in-game. Goku is already a top-tier damage dealer in his base form within the current roster. The SS3 transformation will likely make him a late-game powerhouse, capable of turning the tides of a match.
- Gotenks: The fusion of Goten and Trunks is known for his cocky attitude and flashy techniques. As a character, he will likely bring a Technical role to the game, with moves like the “Super Ghost Kamikaze Attack” offering unique area control and combo potential.
More Than Just Fighters
Season 1 isn’t just about new faces. Players can look forward to a fresh wave of customization options to personalize their favorite fighters. The update will include:
- New Skins: Several existing heroes will receive new cosmetic outfits.
- Fresh Emotes: New emotes are coming for characters like Majin Buu, Gamma 1 and 2, Hit, and Goku, allowing for more expressive pre and post-battle celebrations.
Most importantly, Season 1 kicks off the game’s first official competitive ranked mode. This is the feature many core players have been waiting for. It provides a structured environment to test your skills, climb the leaderboards, and see how you stack up against the best players across all platforms.
The Road Ahead
Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra is entering a highly saturated MOBA market, going up against titans like League of Legends and DOTA 2. However, it has several unique advantages.
Its free-to-play model and built-in cross-play remove significant barriers to entry. More importantly, the power of the Dragon Ball franchise itself cannot be overstated. The game taps into decades of nostalgia and a massive, global fanbase, giving it a leg up that new IPs simply don’t have.
The launch of a structured competitive season is the first real test of its esports potential. If Season 1 can successfully balance the roster, engage a growing player base, and foster a competitive community, Gekishin Squadra could follow the path of other franchise-based successes like Marvel Rivals and carve out its own niche in the competitive gaming landscape.
Your Season 1 Battle Plan
The arrival of Season 1 is the most significant moment for Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra since its launch. With new characters to master, a ranked ladder to climb, and fresh cosmetics to earn, there’s never been a better time to dive in.
What are you most excited for in Season 1? Are you rushing to try out Super Saiyan 3 Goku, or are you focused on hitting the top tier in ranked? Let us know in the comments, and see you on the battlefield!
For all the latest on Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra, stay tuned to our blog and check out the official website
Lex Northbyte