Start in training, not a difficult story battle
From the main menu, look for Ultimate Training and its free-practice option. Translated editions may name this section differently. The original game also has lessons that explain individual techniques. In free practice, set the opponent to stand still first; then enable a low-level attacking opponent. If a mode is absent in your edition, use an easy single Duel as a fallback.
Choose Goku (Early) in the original English edition for this lesson and a normal-sized opponent. Keep the same character while learning. A giant, an energy-absorbing android, or a fan-mod character can introduce exceptions before you know the basic rules. Choose a standard character without custom items so results are easier to compare.
Click the game to focus it. Use Enter for Start, arrows to select, K to confirm and I to go back. In-game menu labels are part of the picture; clicking them does not activate them.
Read three different resources
The long health bar shows survival. The segmented Ki gauge pays for energy attacks and Dragon Dash. Blast Stock is a separate numbered resource used by support skills and transformations; it also matters when entering MAX POWER. Having a full Ki gauge does not mean every technique is available.
Look at the timer and whether you are locked onto the opponent. If the enemy leaves view after a big hit, search and use U (L1) before trying to attack an empty patch of scenery. Exact HUD graphics and character labels can change in fan editions.
Complete five small drills
- Movement: approach with W, retreat with S and circle with A/D while locked on. Tap O to jump; use O/9 to rise or descend when flying. Learn to stop at melee range rather than running through the opponent.
- A clean hit: near a standing opponent, press J three times. Release the key between taps. Watch the attacks connect before adding more buttons.
- A real defense: let a low-level opponent attack. Hold L before the first frontal hit. Do not assume guard can be started freely halfway through an existing combo.
- A recharge window: create distance and hold the top-row number 7. Watch the Ki gauge increase. Stop if the opponent closes in. Some characters have different energy rules.
- A first special: with enough Ki and a target in front, hold 7 and press I. For Goku (Early), this selects Kamehameha in the original layout. Start from a stable position rather than during hit-stun.
Repeat each drill until you can do it deliberately. The goal is to recognize the result, not to achieve a particular damage total.
Put the drills into a short fight
Try one short attack, then watch the opponent’s response. If your punches are blocked, stop extending the same string; reposition or practice a throw. If an attack sends the enemy away, decide whether to pursue or use that time to recharge. If the opponent is already rushing toward you, defending is usually a better beginner exercise than trying to finish a long charge.
Keep enough Ki for the action you actually intend to use. Constant Dragon Dash and random energy attacks spend the same resource you need for specials. A missed ultimate is not a reason to press more keys: identify whether the cause was distance, timing or the wrong state.
Choose the next lesson
Learn supers and ultimates to understand the resource conditions. Then try three combo drills and the defense lesson. Use the full controls reference if a key does something unexpected. Save a backup after making progress in a normal game mode; practice does not replace an in-game checkpoint.