After years of speculation and a long gap since the last mainline entry, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 has officially been confirmed. Bandai Namco and Dimps announced the sequel during Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2026 in Los Angeles, marking the return of the Xenoverse series after nearly a decade.
The game is currently scheduled to launch in 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
A Long-Awaited Sequel
The announcement of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is significant given how much time has passed since the previous installment. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 released in October 2016, less than two years after the original game. Since then, the series has been kept alive through extensive post-launch support, with numerous DLC updates extending the lifespan of Xenoverse 2.
Despite this continued support, there had been little indication that a full sequel was in development. Bandai Namco’s focus appeared to shift toward other Dragon Ball titles, including Dragon Ball FighterZ and Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. The confirmation of Xenoverse 3 therefore comes as both a surprise and a natural evolution for the franchise.
The “Age 1000” Setting Explained
Earlier in 2026, Bandai Namco teased a project referred to as the “Age 1000” initiative. It has now been confirmed that this codename referred to Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3.
The Age 1000 setting places the game far into the future of the Dragon Ball timeline. This shift allows the developers to explore new narrative directions while reimagining familiar elements from the series. The reveal trailer showcased an older version of Bulma, along with a new original character named Brett, suggesting a significant departure from previous storylines.
Akira Toriyama’s Final Contributions
One of the most notable aspects of Xenoverse 3 is the involvement of Akira Toriyama. During a panel following the announcement, developers confirmed that Toriyama contributed to the design of the game’s world, characters, and player avatars.
Following his passing in March 2024, Xenoverse 3 is likely to be one of the final video games to feature his direct creative input. This adds an additional layer of importance to the project for long-time fans of the franchise.
Final DLC for Xenoverse 2
Before the transition to Xenoverse 3, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is set to receive its final DLC, titled Future Saga Chapter 4. This update is expected to release in summer 2026 and will conclude the game’s extended lifecycle.
Once this final expansion is released, development focus will shift fully toward Xenoverse 3.
What to Expect from Xenoverse 3
While detailed gameplay information has not yet been revealed, several expectations can be drawn based on the announcement and the direction of the series:
- A new storyline set in a future timeline
- Redesigned and original characters
- Expanded character customization
- Updated visuals for current-generation platforms
Given the long gap between releases, there is also an expectation of meaningful improvements over Xenoverse 2 in both gameplay systems and presentation.
Release Platforms and Timeline
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is currently planned for release in 2027 on the following platforms:
- PC
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
No exact release date has been announced yet.
Final Thoughts
The confirmation of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 marks a major moment for the franchise. After years of reliance on updates and DLC for Xenoverse 2, the series is finally moving forward with a new installment.
With a fresh timeline, new characters, and contributions from Akira Toriyama, Xenoverse 3 has the potential to redefine the series. At the same time, the long development gap raises expectations for a more refined and substantial experience.
Further details are expected as development progresses toward its 2027 release window.
