How to Unlock Characters in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 features one of the most expansive character rosters in the entire Dragon Ball gaming franchise. From legendary Super Saiyans and classic villains to movie characters and alternate versions, the game offers dozens of playable fighters. However, many of these characters are not available at the start.

Instead, players must unlock them through story progression, Parallel Quests, Dragon Ball wishes, instructor training, and special in-game conditions. For newcomers and returning players alike, understanding how these systems work is essential to unlocking characters efficiently and experiencing everything the game has to offer.

This guide breaks down every major method for unlocking characters in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, explains how each system works, and offers practical tips to help players complete their roster faster.


Story Mode: The Core of Character Unlocking

The main story mode is the foundation of progression in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. As a Time Patroller tasked with correcting distortions in Dragon Ball history, players move through major story arcs inspired by the anime and manga.

Many characters unlock automatically as you advance through the campaign. These unlocks typically include:

  • Major heroes and villains
  • Characters tied directly to specific sagas
  • Fighters required for training and missions

Key Story Arcs That Unlock Characters

Characters are unlocked as you complete major arcs such as:

  • Saiyan Saga
  • Frieza Saga
  • Cell Saga
  • Majin Buu Saga
  • Future Trunks storyline

Each chapter introduces new allies and enemies, many of whom become playable once their role in the story is completed.

Tips for Unlocking Story Characters Efficiently

To avoid slowing down your progress:

  • Complete every main mission as it becomes available
  • Revisit altered timelines when prompted
  • Finish instructor battles tied to story progression
  • Avoid skipping story content early on

Completing story arcs fully ensures that all related characters unlock properly.


Parallel Quests: The Primary Method for Unlocking Fighters

Parallel Quests are the most important and most rewarding way to unlock characters in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. These missions place players in alternate timelines with unique objectives and conditions.

Many of the game’s most popular characters—including fusion fighters, movie villains, and special variants—are unlocked through Parallel Quests.

How Parallel Quests Unlock Characters

Some characters unlock simply by completing a quest, while others require:

  • Achieving an Ultimate Finish
  • Protecting specific allies
  • Defeating hidden enemies
  • Completing objectives within a time limit

If the conditions are not met, the character may not unlock even if the quest is cleared.

Parallel Quest Tips for Faster Unlocks

To improve your success rate:

  • Aim for Ultimate Finishes whenever possible
  • Keep allied NPCs alive
  • Replay quests if the unlock doesn’t trigger
  • Improve your character build before attempting high-level quests

Higher-difficulty Parallel Quests often unlock stronger and rarer characters, so preparation is essential.


Collecting Dragon Balls and Making Wishes

Dragon Balls provide another major path to unlocking characters. In Xenoverse 2, Dragon Balls are obtained by defeating Time Patrollers that appear randomly in certain Parallel Quests.

Once all seven Dragon Balls are collected, players can summon Shenron and make a wish.

Character-Related Wishes

Shenron offers several wishes tied directly to character unlocks, including:

  • Unlocking new playable characters
  • Gaining access to rare character variants
  • Opening special missions related to fighters

Some characters are only obtainable through Dragon Ball wishes, making this system essential for players aiming to unlock the full roster.

Tips for Farming Dragon Balls

  • Replay Parallel Quests known for Time Patroller spawns
  • Focus on fast clears rather than high ranks
  • Use strong AoE attacks to defeat Patrollers quickly

Dragon Ball farming can be time-consuming, but it’s one of the most reliable ways to unlock exclusive characters.


Instructor Training and Friendship Progression

Instructors are more than just skill teachers—they are also unlockable characters. By training under specific fighters and completing their advancement tests, players can add them to their playable roster.

How Instructor Unlocks Work

To unlock an instructor as a playable character, players must:

  • Complete all training lessons
  • Pass advancement tests
  • Increase friendship levels through repeated training

Some instructors also unlock alternate versions of themselves once their training path is fully completed.

Why Instructor Training Is Important

Beyond character unlocks, instructor training also provides:

  • Powerful skills and transformations
  • Stat improvements
  • Access to advanced combat techniques

This makes instructor progression valuable even for players not focused solely on unlocking characters.


Expert Missions and Late-Game Unlocks

Expert Missions introduce large-scale, raid-style battles against powerful bosses. While these missions primarily reward skills and items, they also play a role in unlocking certain characters and transformations indirectly.

How Expert Missions Contribute to Unlocks

By completing higher-tier Expert Missions, players can:

  • Access advanced content
  • Unlock prerequisites for special characters
  • Prepare for endgame challenges tied to roster expansion

These missions become increasingly important as players move into the later stages of the game.

Tips for Completing Expert Missions

  • Equip defensive skills for survivability
  • Play online when possible for faster clears
  • Farm earlier Expert Missions before tackling higher levels

Expert Missions require preparation but are a key part of endgame progression.


Special Conditions and Secret Character Unlocks

Not all characters are unlocked through obvious methods. Some fighters require specific actions or hidden conditions, encouraging experimentation and replayability.

Common Special Unlock Requirements

These can include:

  • Completing every quest in a specific saga
  • Achieving Z-Ranks on multiple missions
  • Winning battles within strict time limits
  • Triggering hidden cutscenes
  • Using specific characters during certain missions

These unlocks are not always clearly explained, making patience and persistence essential.


Managing RNG and Replays

Some unlock conditions rely on random elements, such as enemy spawns or quest outcomes. As a result, players may need to replay missions multiple times before a character unlocks.

Best Practices for RNG-Based Unlocks

  • Replay quests immediately after failed attempts
  • Focus on speed and efficiency
  • Adjust builds to maximize damage output
  • Avoid unnecessary objectives that slow completion

Persistence is often the key to unlocking the final characters in the roster.


Completing the Roster: What to Expect

Unlocking every character in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a long-term goal that rewards dedication. Players should expect to:

  • Progress through all story arcs
  • Complete dozens of Parallel Quests
  • Farm Dragon Balls repeatedly
  • Train with multiple instructors
  • Engage with endgame content

While time-consuming, the process offers variety and keeps gameplay fresh.


Final Thoughts

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 rewards exploration, replayability, and mastery. With its layered unlocking systems, the game encourages players to engage with every mode rather than rushing to the end.

By understanding how story missions, Parallel Quests, Dragon Balls, instructors, and special conditions work together, players can unlock characters more efficiently and enjoy the full scope of what the game offers.

Whether you’re aiming to play as iconic heroes, powerful villains, or rare alternate versions, unlocking characters in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a journey that reflects the depth and ambition of the game itself.

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