OK, I'm a binger. There's nothing I love more than to binge-watch an entire series, binge-play my way through a favorite franchise, or, dare I say it, binge-eat an entire tub of salted caramel ice cream! There’s something so indulgent about diving headfirst into something you love, and seeing it through to the very end - no matter how long it takes.

That’s the beauty of a gaming marathon. You fully immerse yourself in an alternative universe, revisiting iconic moments and experiencing the series' evolution firsthand. The only stipulation is that the series must be worth your time. And when it comes to binge-worthy sagas, few can match the scale and intensity of Dragon Ball.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the franchise, Dragon Ball is the perfect candidate for an immensely satisfying gaming marathon. Relive legendary fights, create your own warrior, or face off in intense duels — the Dragon Ball series delivers a diverse lineup of games that let you experience the anime’s action, adventure, and battles firsthand.

The only question is: Where to start? And that's where we come in. Here's the ultimate Dragon Ball gaming marathon, with the best order to play the games in, to get the most out of your experience!

Order to Play Your Dragon Ball Gaming Marathon:

1. Start with DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT

If you want the full Dragon Ball Z experience, there's no better place to start than Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. This action RPG takes you through the entire DBZ saga, from Goku’s first battle with Raditz to the final clash against Majin Buu.

Experience iconic moments, explore open-world areas, and go off on tangents in lore-inspired side quests. This story-driven experience with open-world elements builds a solid foundation for your journey. It's the perfect game to connect with the Dragon Ball characters and start your marathon!

2. Rewrite Dragon Ball History with Xenoverse

After reliving Goku’s journey, it’s time to create your own warrior in Dragon Ball Xenoverse. Xenoverse offers an original Dragon Ball story that goes beyond the anime, as you take on the role of a Time Patroller fighting to fix distortions in the Dragon Ball timeline.

The RPG series lets you craft your ideal warrior, customizing your abilities as you progress through training and online battles alongside—and against—classic DBZ characters. While Xenoverse 2 is the definitive version with expanded content and improvements, playing the first installment helps you better understand the story setup.

3. Test Your Skills in the Ultimate Fighting Experience with Dragon Ball FighterZ

Now that you’ve mastered story-driven and RPG-style DB games, it’s time to put your combat skills to the test in Dragon Ball FighterZ. This fast-paced, 2.5D fighting game is one of the best in the genre, offering gorgeous anime visuals, tight mechanics, and an intense competitive scene.

After playing Xenoverse, you'll already be familiar with many of the characters and their moves, making your transition into FighterZ's tight combat mechanics seamless. Unlike Xenoverse, however, FighterZ is all about pure skill.

Truly, the high-speed action, epic moves, and a roster full of fan-favorite characters will have you glued to the screen with this one. And if you really want to test your skills, why not try online ranked matches after completing the story mode?

4. Relive Classic Battles with Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

After mastering time travel in Xenoverse and perfecting your skills in FighterZ, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero brings you the most recent entry in the series, offering an exciting blend of modern combat with a heavy dose of nostalgia.

We're talking intense, large-scale battles with a roster that spans the iconic Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT arcs. Expect high-energy fights, flashy special moves, and witnessing beloved characters clash in dynamic 3D arenas.

Whether you’re revisiting classic showdowns or experiencing new ones, Sparking! Zero is a perfect way to inject some modern-day nostalgia into your marathon. With an accessible control scheme and exhilarating combat, it’s a great bridge between the strategic RPG elements of Xenoverse and the fast-paced, technical action of FighterZ.

5. Survive The Chaos with The Breakers

You’ve fought as Goku, created your own Time Patroller, and even battled competitively in FighterZ, but what if you were just an ordinary person in the Dragon Ball universe? That’s where Dragon Ball: The Breakers comes in. This asymmetrical multiplayer game pits a team of Survivors against an overpowered Raider like Cell, Frieza, or Majin Buu and tests your survival skills.

Bringing something completely different to the table, playing as a Survivor adds tension and strategy to your DB gameplay, as you work with teammates to escape or outsmart the Raider. Alternatively, you can switch things up by playing as iconic DB villains, taking on the dark side as you hunt down survivors. With regular updates, including new Raiders, there’s always something fresh to experience in this exhilarating cat-and-mouse game.

Your Ultimate Dragon Ball Gaming Marathon Awaits!

Immersing yourself in the world of DBZ is always a good thing. From reliving iconic moments in Kakarot and creating your own unique fighter in Xenoverse, to testing your skills in the fast-paced battles of FighterZ, showing off your special moves in Sparking! Zero and surviving the chaos in The Breakers, this Dragon Ball marathon has something for every type of fan.

So, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned DBZ veteran, now’s the time to let the Dragon Ball saga unfold as you get ready for hours of legendary action, unforgettable battles, and new challenges. What are you waiting for? Your marathon awaits!