Published May 2, 2026, 1:30 AM EDT: if you own an Xbox and an internet connection, you can try Dragon Ball FighterZ at no cost right now. This availability does not require an active Game Pass subscription because the game is part of the platform’s Free Play Days promotion. That means anyone with an Xbox console can download and play for the limited window announced by Xbox. The promotion window is short, so players who want to sample the title without buying it will need to act quickly to avoid missing the expiration.
The publisher’s listing on the official Xbox site makes the timing clear: the free access runs from April 30 until May 3, 2026. Outside of the free-play period, the same page also shows a steep temporary discount, reducing the usual $59.99 price to just $8.99 for a limited time. If you are undecided after trying the game during the free window, that sale is a convenient fallback. Reviews and community scores underline the game’s quality: it holds an 87 on Metacritic and a 7.9 user score, and outlets praised it at launch.
What the free access includes and how long it lasts
The free access granted via Free Play Days covers the full base experience of Dragon Ball FighterZ, including the core 3v3 fighting modes and solo content that has drawn praise since release. Xbox’s announcement states the offer spans April 30 through May 3, 2026, so the playable window is explicit. The phrase Free Play Days refers to a weekend-style promotion that temporarily opens selected titles to all console owners. Because this particular entry is open to everyone, you do not need to be enrolled in any paid tier to join. Remember that the free period ends quickly, so save any progress or consider the discounted purchase before the offer expires.
How to start playing right now
Accessing the free trial is straightforward: browse the Xbox store from your console or the web, locate the Dragon Ball FighterZ free play listing and choose download. The listing will reflect the active Free Play Days dates and note any concurrent discounts. If you prefer to buy instead, the storefront shows the temporary reduced price of $8.99 against the normal $59.99. For players with limited bandwidth, check estimated download size before starting. Also keep in mind that performance and online matchmaking depend on your network and console model, so you may wish to play during off-peak hours for smoother matches.
Other titles included in this weekend’s free play and discounts
For subscribers to Xbox Game Pass, the same weekend brings additional options. The announcement lists Railway Empire 2, NBA Bounce, and Predator: Hunting Grounds among the Game Pass free play selections. The first two of those titles share the same expiration as Dragon Ball FighterZ on May 3, while Predator: Hunting Grounds remains available for free trials through May 4. These games are accessible across the Ultimate, Premium, and Essential tiers, and each title has limited-time discounts for subscribers who decide to keep them after the trial concludes.
Pricing, tiers, and what to expect
The Xbox tiers named in the announcement include Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, each offering different benefits and catalog access. The free play entries mentioned are available to Game Pass members on those tiers, but Dragon Ball FighterZ remains unique in being free for all users during the window. Discounts for titles featured in Free Play Days typically accompany the trial; these sale prices expire along with the free period. If you rely on discounts, double-check the storefront before the promotion ends to lock in any savings.
Why you might want to try it now
If you enjoy competitive fighters or are a fan of the franchise, this is a low-friction opportunity to evaluate what many critics praised. The game’s roster, combat systems, and solo elements have been highlighted in coverage and score aggregations such as Metacritic. Because the promotion runs only until May 3, 2026 (and May 4 for one Game Pass title), the window is brief but meaningful—especially given the accompanying discounts. Whether you want to test netcode, sample the story content, or simply try a high-profile fighter without commitment, this weekend’s Free Play Days make that possible.