Like the previous Tenkaichi entries, Sparking Zero presents some of the most challenging battles. Even the game's early stages can be tough, especially when you're going against Great Ape Vegeta. But fear not; you can adjust the game's difficulty settings to help make these excruciating battles more accessible.
You can change the CPU Level's difficulty via the Rule Settings when creating an Offline Battle or World Tournament. If you're setting up an Online Battle, turn the page to explore the Rule Settings section. Go to CPU Level to change the difficulty to Weak, Normal, Strong, or Super.
The same settings are available in the World Tournament, where you can change the rules on its first page. While newcomers can try out Weak and Normal, veteran Tenkaichi players can test their skills with Strong or Super. Additionally, the World Tournament features an option to activate the Out-of-Bounds Rule, triggering an automatic loss for those outside the main stage.
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero's Episode Battle difficulties work differently than Offline Battles and World Tournaments. This time, only two options are available: default and lower difficulty. You can change it by opening the Story Map and hitting the designated button. The interaction will be shown in the screen's bottom-right corner, alongside Recap, Episode Map, and more.
As you may expect, the default setting is the most challenging due to its robust enemies and shorter time limits. This route is the only way to access Secondary Clear Conditions, an Alternative Objective that may unlock an exclusive Sparking Episode. For example, the Rematch and Result quest showcases the main task of surviving the battle against Raditz, while the Alternative Object requires you to eliminate him quickly. Those who complete the Secondary Clear Condition trigger a unique new storyline for the Dragon Ball universe, changing up the series' classic lore.
But if the default settings become too challenging, you can opt for a lower difficulty. Although battles will be much more manageable, you won't have access to the Secondary Clear Condition through this path. You'll solely stick to the canon pathway, following the already-established narrative in the franchise.
The difficulty within Episode Battles can be altered anytime, so if you change your mind, modify it again in the Story Map.
If you can't find a way past the default settings' Alternative Objectives, you can use the Dragon Orb to lower its difficulty. You can claim these items from Shenron, allowing you to consume them for specific Episode Battles. In particular, you'll notice that they are only available for stories with multiple pathways, as these missions provide Secondary Clear Conditions. I've used the Dragon Orb several times, and each consumption made for a much more accessible experience.
The only downside is that you can't use the Dragon Orbs too often since it mandates you to find all seven Dragon Balls. I recommend saving it for the most formidable fights, primarily the ones with a time crunch. Fortunately, the rewards should be the same, regardless of whether you've changed your difficulty or not, so don't worry about missing out on items.