Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 drops transformation timers after fan backlash
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 has officially removed its controversial transformation timers, according to fresh previews from this year’s Gamescom. The change, which was first announced earlier in the year, had drawn loud criticism from fans who felt it broke with the established flow of the series.
In previous Dragon Ball games, transformations could be sustained indefinitely as long as the player had ki to spare. Xenoverse 3 initially made them a more limited resource, forcing players to build towards each transformation rather than switching freely. While that design had some supporters, the overwhelming reaction was negative, with many players petitioning the developer to scrap the mechanic entirely.
That request has now been granted. A recent hands-on demo shown to press at Gamescom confirmed that transformation timers are gone, as reported by YouTuber Globku. Transformations are once again tied to ki, meaning players can keep a form active by charging their meter, just as they could in the earlier Xenoverse titles. It is not yet clear whether the ki drain will make transformations last longer or shorter than before, but the key point is that they are now under player control rather than dictated by a countdown.
The reversal appears to be a direct response to the backlash, and it is likely to be welcomed by the game’s core audience. The original decision was seen as a radical shift from the series’ established combat rhythm, and its removal should restore much of the excitement that had been building ahead of launch.
A new trailer and a new race
The news comes alongside a fresh trailer for the game, which focuses on character transformation and customisation. The footage highlights the ability to tailor a fighter’s form and fighting style, and it confirms that Androids are being added as a new playable race. That brings the total roster of races to six: Earthling, Saiyan, Namekian, Frieza Race, Majin and the newly introduced Android.
According to a press release, players will be able to create their ideal fighter from these six races, customise their appearance, inherit techniques from powerful Super Fighters, and select a fighting style drawn from the movement and abilities of 130 heroes. Every choice is said to shape the player’s journey, defining how they face challenges and develop their character throughout the adventure.
The game is set ten years after the previous instalment and takes place in West City, a new location in AGE 1000. Players are recruited into the Great Saiya Squad and will fight alongside allies as mysterious events begin to unfold. The title is described as an epic, story-driven RPG experience that takes Dragon Ball fans on an action-packed adventure through a new universe and cast of characters.
Release timing and platform questions
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is currently scheduled to launch sometime in 2027, although no precise date has been announced. A PlayStation recap may have hinted at a more specific window, with some reports suggesting the game could arrive in early 2027, but Bandai Namco has not officially confirmed that timing.
One question that remains open is the game’s approach to anti-cheat software. The previous entry in the series is blocked on Linux and SteamOS unless players use a workaround for solo play, and the developer’s press team has not responded to queries about whether Xenoverse 3 will take a different approach. Enthusiasts on those platforms will be hoping the new game does not repeat that issue, but no confirmation has been offered.
The removal of transformation timers is the clearest sign yet that the developer is listening to its community. With the new race, the expanded customisation options and the return to ki-based transformations, Xenoverse 3 appears to be shaping up as the Dragon Ball game many fans have been waiting for. The launch window remains broad, but the core mechanics are now closer to what players know and love from the series’ past.