The original Budokai 3 had roughly 40 transformations and characters. The Deluxe Edition pushes that past 55 unique character slots, many with brand-new movesets.
Notable additions include:
Each character has custom aura effects, new voice lines (carefully ripped from Xenoverse and FighterZ), and rebalanced damage scaling.
The base roster (original 42 characters + transformations) is expanded with characters previously exclusive to Shin Budokai and fan-requested additions: Dragon Ball Z Budokai 3 Deluxe Edition -mod-
| New Character | Origin / Notes | |---------------|----------------| | Pikkon | Shin Budokai (PSP) | | King Vegeta | Shin Budokai | | Frieza (1st Form) | Restored from game files | | Android 14 & 15 | New fan-made models/animations | | Super Buu (Gohan absorbed) | Alternate form, re-added | | Gogeta (SSJ4) | Budokai 3 cut content restored | | Kid Goku (DB) | Optional unlockable |
Total playable characters (including transformations): ~65+
For nearly two decades, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 has been hailed as the gold standard of anime arena fighters. Released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, it combined fast-paced 2.5D combat, a sprawling skill capsule system, and an obsessive attention to Dragon Ball lore. Yet, despite re-releases on PS3, Xbox 360, and later as a "Budokai HD Collection," fans have always wanted more: more characters, more costumes, balance fixes, and features that modern fighting games take for granted. The original Budokai 3 had roughly 40 transformations
Enter the Dragon Ball Z Budokai 3 Deluxe Edition – mod. This isn’t just a texture swap or a simple roster patch. It is a full-fledged, community-driven remaster that transforms the original game into what many now call "Budokai 3.5."
Below, we break down everything you need to know: installation, new features, roster expansions, gameplay tweaks, and why this mod has become essential for any DBZ gaming library.
The mod’s stated objectives are:
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 Deluxe Edition is an unofficial fan mod that expands and refines the original PlayStation 2 fighting game Budokai 3. It’s designed to preserve the core feel of the original while adding quality-of-life improvements, restored content, balance tweaks, and optional visual/upscaling changes. Below is a concise guide covering what the mod typically includes, how to install it, gameplay and compatibility notes, and best practices.
Disclaimer: This mod requires a legally obtained copy of the original PS2 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3. The mod itself is distributed as a patch file (.xdelta or .ppf). We do not condone piracy.