Unleash Ultra Instinct in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2: A Comprehensive Guide
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 allows players to create their own Saiyan warrior and experience the Dragon Ball universe firsthand. One of the most sought-after transformations in the game is Ultra Instinct, a powerful state of being achieved by Goku in Dragon Ball Super. While the game doesn’t let you transform into *actual* Ultra Instinct with your custom character like Goku does, it offers a skill called “Awakened Skill Ultra Instinct” which grants a unique moveset and abilities inspired by Goku’s Ultra Instinct form. This guide will walk you through the detailed steps on how to unlock the Awakened Skill: Ultra Instinct in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, maximizing your character’s potential and dominating your opponents.
## Understanding Ultra Instinct (Awakened Skill) in Xenoverse 2
Before diving into the unlocking process, it’s crucial to understand what the Awakened Skill Ultra Instinct *actually* does in Xenoverse 2. This skill is available to Saiyan characters and transforms them into a state visually similar to the incomplete Ultra Instinct form (Ultra Instinct -Sign-). This form significantly enhances your character’s abilities but also comes with specific changes to your gameplay:
* **Automatic Dodge:** The core feature of Ultra Instinct is automatic dodging. While transformed, your character will automatically evade many incoming Ki Blasts and some melee attacks without needing to input a dodge. This is a huge advantage, particularly against opponents who rely on Ki Blast spam.
* **Increased Evasion Window:** For attacks that *can’t* be automatically dodged, your character’s normal dodge window is significantly increased, making it easier to perform perfectly timed evasions.
* **Modified Moveset:** The transformation changes your character’s moveset. You’ll gain access to unique Ultra Instinct-inspired attacks and combos, some of which prioritize speed and precision.
* **Ki Consumption:** Ultra Instinct drains Ki at a steady rate while active. Managing your Ki becomes critical. Letting your Ki deplete will force you out of the transformation, leaving you vulnerable.
* **Stamina Break Vulnerability:** While in Ultra Instinct, your stamina is more vulnerable. Certain attacks can break your stamina easier than normal, leaving you unable to move and open for massive damage.
It’s important to note that Awakened Skill Ultra Instinct isn’t an invincible state. Skilled opponents can still hit you with unblockable attacks, grab attacks, or by exploiting the stamina break vulnerability. Mastering the form requires practice and understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.
## Prerequisites Before You Begin
Before you can even start the process of unlocking Ultra Instinct, you need to meet certain prerequisites. These include:
* **Game Completion:** You must have completed the main story campaign of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. This ensures that all the necessary quests and characters are unlocked.
* **Level Requirement:** While there is no *specific* level requirement, it is HIGHLY recommended that you are at least level 90 or higher. The quests involved can be challenging, and having a high level will make them significantly easier. Level 95+ is preferred for the best possible stats and ease.
* **Mentorship Under Whis:** You need to have reached maximum friendship with Whis as your mentor. This is a crucial step, as he plays a key role in unlocking the Ultra Instinct quest line.
* **Dragon Balls (Potentially):** While not strictly *required*, having access to the Dragon Balls and the ability to summon Shenron can be extremely helpful. This is because some of the required items for unlocking the transformations can be obtained as wishes from Shenron, potentially saving you time grinding.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking Awakened Skill Ultra Instinct
Now, let’s get to the core of the guide: the detailed, step-by-step instructions to unlock the Awakened Skill Ultra Instinct. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll be one step closer to mastering this powerful transformation.
**Step 1: Maximize Friendship with Whis**
If you haven’t already, your first priority is to reach maximum friendship with Whis. Here’s how:
* **Select Whis as Your Mentor:** Go to the Conton City hub and speak to Whis. Choose him as your mentor. He will be located near the Capsule Corp area, usually with Beerus.
* **Train with Whis:** Repeatedly train with Whis. Completing his training sessions will increase your friendship level with him. Focus on completing all of his training missions.
* **Equip Whis’ Clothes:** Wearing Whis’ clothing (top, bottom, gloves, and boots) during training and other missions will significantly accelerate the friendship gain. You can purchase these clothes from the clothing shop in Conton City. The more pieces of his outfit you wear the quicker you’ll gain friendship.
* **Use Whis as Your Partner in Parallel Quests:** Bringing Whis along as a partner in Parallel Quests will also contribute to friendship. Choose Parallel Quests that you can complete quickly and efficiently.
* **Gift Items:** You can also give Whis gifts to increase your friendship. Some of the items that Whis likes best can be obtained through the mixing shop.
Once you’ve reached maximum friendship with Whis, he will offer you his final training mission. Complete it to solidify your bond.
**Step 2: Unlock the “Awakening the Sleeping Legend” Extra Pack 2 DLC Quest**
Once you’ve maximized friendship with Whis, you’ll need access to the Extra Pack 2 DLC. If you don’t already own it, you’ll need to purchase it from your platform’s online store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, Steam, Nintendo eShop).
After installing Extra Pack 2, a new quest line will become available. The specific quest you need to unlock Ultra Instinct is called **”Awakening the Sleeping Legend.”** This quest line is unlocked by:
* Making sure you have completed the main story.
* Having Whis as your mentor and maximizing your friendship with him.
* Talk to Whis near the time nest after completing the above.
This will unlock the quest. If it does not show up you may need to do other world tournament quests first. Usually it will appear after logging back in to the game if the above requirements have been met.
**Step 3: Completing the “Awakening the Sleeping Legend” Questline**
This quest line involves several battles against powerful opponents, including Goku and Vegeta in various forms. Be prepared for challenging fights and make sure your character is well-equipped with powerful skills and equipment.
The “Awakening the Sleeping Legend” questline typically consists of the following missions:
* **”Awakening the Sleeping Legend (Part 1)”:** This usually involves fighting Goku and Vegeta. Prepare for a tough battle, as they will use Super Saiyan Blue and other powerful transformations. This can involve you having to fight alongside a partner like Piccolo or Gohan.
* **”Awakening the Sleeping Legend (Part 2)”:** This part will involve fighting against more powerful versions of Goku and Vegeta. You will have to utilize your skills and abilities to defeat them. This can also involve fighting alongside a partner like Piccolo or Gohan.
* **”Awakening the Sleeping Legend (Part 3)”:** This can involve fighting against Jiren or other powerful characters. It can also include additional battles against Goku and Vegeta in their more powerful forms. This will likely involve you having to fight alongside a partner like Piccolo or Gohan.
Pay close attention to the dialogue and instructions during the quests, as they may provide clues or hints on how to defeat your opponents. Utilize your evasive skills, Ki management, and powerful Super and Ultimate attacks to emerge victorious.
**Step 4: Obtaining the Ultra Instinct Skill**
After completing all the quests in the “Awakening the Sleeping Legend” questline, you’ll be rewarded with the Awakened Skill: Ultra Instinct. The skill will be added to your character’s skill list, and you can equip it in the customization menu.
**Step 5: Equipping and Using Ultra Instinct**
Once you have the Ultra Instinct skill, you can equip it in the character customization menu. Here’s how:
* **Go to the Character Customization Menu:** Access the character customization menu from the main menu or by speaking to a character customization NPC in Conton City.
* **Select “Skills”:** Choose the “Skills” option.
* **Equip Ultra Instinct:** Find the Awakened Skill: Ultra Instinct in the list of available skills and equip it as your character’s Awakening Skill. You can only have one Awakening Skill equipped at a time.
To activate Ultra Instinct during a battle, you’ll need to have enough Ki. Press the corresponding button combination (usually R3 + L3 on PlayStation or RS + LS on Xbox) to transform. Remember that Ultra Instinct drains Ki continuously, so manage your Ki carefully to avoid being forced out of the transformation at a critical moment.
## Tips and Strategies for Mastering Ultra Instinct
Unlocking Ultra Instinct is just the first step. Mastering the form requires practice and understanding of its unique strengths and weaknesses. Here are some tips and strategies to help you become a formidable Ultra Instinct user:
* **Ki Management is Key:** Since Ultra Instinct drains Ki constantly, managing your Ki is crucial. Use skills and equipment that increase your Ki regeneration rate. Consider using the “Super Soul” that slowly regenerates Ki over time. Avoid using Ki-intensive attacks unless absolutely necessary.
* **Learn the New Moveset:** Ultra Instinct changes your character’s moveset. Take the time to learn the new combos and attacks. Practice using them in training mode to become comfortable with their timing and range.
* **Utilize Automatic Dodge Wisely:** While the automatic dodge is a powerful tool, don’t rely on it exclusively. Skilled opponents can bait you into dodging at the wrong time, leaving you vulnerable. Use it strategically to evade Ki Blasts and create openings for your own attacks.
* **Be Aware of Stamina Break Vulnerability:** Ultra Instinct makes you more vulnerable to stamina breaks. Avoid getting hit by attacks that can break your stamina easily. If your stamina is low, consider deactivating Ultra Instinct temporarily to regenerate it.
* **Experiment with Different Builds:** Try different combinations of Super Souls, equipment, and skills to find a build that complements your playstyle. Some builds may focus on maximizing Ki regeneration, while others may prioritize damage output.
* **Practice Against Different Opponents:** The effectiveness of Ultra Instinct can vary depending on the opponent. Practice against different types of opponents to learn how to adapt your strategy. Some opponents may rely on Ki Blasts, while others may focus on melee attacks.
* **Use Evasive Skills Strategically:** While Ultra Instinct provides automatic dodging, don’t neglect your Evasive Skills. They can be used to quickly reposition yourself or to avoid attacks that cannot be automatically dodged. Use them wisely to maintain your momentum and pressure your opponent.
* **Take Advantage of the Increased Evasion Window:** Use the increased evasion window to your advantage by perfecting your timing on dodges and evasive maneuvers. This will allow you to effectively counter opponent attacks and create openings for your own combos. This requires practice and precise timing but can significantly enhance your defensive capabilities.
* **Combine Ultra Instinct with Other Skills:** Experiment with combining Ultra Instinct with other skills that synergize well with its abilities. For example, skills that increase your attack power or speed can amplify the benefits of Ultra Instinct, while skills that provide additional defensive options can help mitigate its weaknesses. Finding the right combination of skills can make you a formidable force on the battlefield.
## Alternative Methods and Considerations
While the “Awakening the Sleeping Legend” questline is the primary way to unlock Ultra Instinct, there might be alternative methods or considerations to keep in mind:
* **TP Medal Shop:** Occasionally, the Awakened Skill: Ultra Instinct might be available for purchase in the TP Medal Shop. However, this is not a reliable method, as the items in the TP Medal Shop rotate randomly. Check the shop regularly to see if the skill is available.
* **Raids and Events:** From time to time, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 hosts special events or raids that offer unique rewards, including skills. Keep an eye on the game’s news and announcements to see if there are any events that offer Ultra Instinct as a reward.
* **Character-Specific Versions:** Note that the Awakened Skill Ultra Instinct is only available to Saiyan characters. Other races have their own unique Awakening Skills.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, players may encounter issues during the Ultra Instinct unlocking process. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
* **”Awakening the Sleeping Legend” Quest Not Appearing:**
* **Solution:** Make sure you have completed the main story campaign, reached maximum friendship with Whis, and own the Extra Pack 2 DLC. If you’ve met all these requirements, try restarting the game or console.
* **Difficulty Completing the Quests:**
* **Solution:** Level up your character, equip powerful skills and equipment, and practice your combat skills. Consider bringing along a friend or ally to help you with the quests.
* **Ultra Instinct Not Activating:**
* **Solution:** Make sure you have equipped the Awakened Skill: Ultra Instinct in the character customization menu. Also, ensure that you have enough Ki to activate the transformation.
* **Ki Draining Too Quickly:**
* **Solution:** Equip skills and equipment that increase your Ki regeneration rate. Avoid using Ki-intensive attacks unless necessary.
## Conclusion
Unlocking Ultra Instinct in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a rewarding but challenging endeavor. By following the steps outlined in this guide, mastering the required skills, and understanding the form’s strengths and weaknesses, you can harness the power of Ultra Instinct and become a formidable warrior. Remember to practice, experiment with different builds, and adapt your strategy to different opponents. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be able to unleash the true potential of Ultra Instinct and dominate the Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 battlefield.
Good luck, and may the power of Ultra Instinct guide you to victory!