Bardock

1. Overview

Bardock is the biological father of Son Goku (Kakarot) and one of the most influential characters in Dragon Ball despite minimal screen time. A low-class Saiyan warrior who led a squad of planetary conquest specialists, Bardock distinguished himself through sheer grit, battlefield intelligence, and an emotional depth unusual for Saiyans. In the original 1990 TV special Bardock: The Father of Goku, he received psychic visions of Frieza's impending genocide and launched a desperate one-man assault against the tyrant. In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, his character was reinterpreted as a loving father who deduced Frieza's betrayal through logic and sent Kakarot to Earth out of genuine love. This guide covers Bardock's abilities, builds, strategies, and the key differences between his two canonical portrayals.

2. Basic Data

Bardock's power level of approximately 10,000 in the original TV special places him well above the average Saiyan soldier (1,500) but far below the elite class. What makes him exceptional is his combat intuition and his unique resistance to Frieza's psychic attacks, which allowed him to glimpse the future despite being a low-class fighter. In Dragon Ball games, Bardock is typically portrayed as a well-rounded brawler with high combo potential and a rage mechanic tied to his iconic final stand.

3. Ability Analysis

Final Spirit Cannon (Riot Javelin / Saiyan's Revenge)

Bardock's signature move, the Final Spirit Cannon, is a massive concentrated energy blast fired with both hands. In the TV special, he used this against Frieza's Doomsday Sphere, and the resulting explosion was visible across Planet Vegeta's sky. In games like Dragon Ball FighterZ and Xenoverse 2, this is Bardock's Level 3 Super: a cinematic attack dealing massive damage. Best used as a combo ender or raw punish against super-dash approaches. Common mistake: throwing it out raw at neutral — the long startup makes it easily punishable. Combo into it from a knockaway or use it to catch opponents recovering from a missed tech.

Riot Javelin (Tyrant Lancer)

A fast, thrown energy javelin that Bardock hurls at his opponent. This move has excellent range and travels quickly, making it Bardock's best neutral tool. It can be thrown low or high depending on the game, allowing mix-up potential. In Xenoverse 2, the charged version breaks guards. Use Riot Javelin to control space against zoners and to force opponents to approach on your terms.

Saiyan's Pride (Berserker Awakening)

Bardock uniquely transforms through emotional triggers rather than the standard rage-SSJ path. In his TV special, fighting through Frieza's army and experiencing his squad's death pushed him to new power spikes — a primitive form of the Zenkai boost. In games, this manifests as a self-buff that increases damage and speed for a limited duration. Time this activation carefully: using it too early means the buff expires before the critical exchange.

4. Build Recommendations

Beginner Build: Aggressive Brawler

Focus: Melee damage + combo extension. Equip items boosting basic attack damage and combo duration. In Dragon Ball games, stack "Combo King" and "Ki Blast Resist" modules. Playstyle: Stay close and overwhelm with basic strings. Bardock's normals are above average in speed and range. Use Riot Javelin to close distance, then unload with standard combos. When this build fails: Against opponents with strong reversal options or counter-based playstyles.

Advanced Build: Rage Management

Focus: Burst damage + awakening timing. Equip items that boost damage at low health and extend buff duration. Playstyle: Play defensively for the first half of the match, building meter and studying the opponent. When you have 2+ bars, activate Saiyan's Pride and go aggressive. This build rewards players who can read opponents and time their power spike. When this build fails: Against characters who can stall out your buff duration (Frieza, Beerus zoning).

5. Strategy Guide

Early Game: Establish space with Riot Javelin. Bardock's neutral game is strong but not dominant — use his javelin to force the opponent to respect your range. Do not overcommit to rushdown yet.

Mid Game: Look for openings to start your pressure. Bardock's combo strings are simple but damaging. If you land a 2M starter, convert for maximum damage. Save meter for at least one defensive option (vanish).

Late Game: This is Bardock's strongest phase. With Saiyan's Pride active and the opponent in kill range, Bardock becomes one of the most threatening characters in the game. His level 3 (Final Spirit Cannon) has a generous hitbox and kills most characters from 60% health or lower. Do not panic and waste it raw — combo into it.

6. Matchup Analysis

Favorable: Bardock beats other rushdown characters (Goku, Vegeta) because his normals have better range and his Riot Javelin controls space effectively. He also handles grapplers well by kiting with projectiles.

Difficult: He struggles against zoners (Frieza, Beerus, Super Broly) who can keep him at full screen. Counter: Use Riot Javelin to force approach and punish super-dash attempts with 2H. Patience is key — Bardock's damage comes from close range, and rushing in blindly against a zoner is suicide.

Even: Against other "all-rounder" characters (Gohan, Piccolo). These matchups come down to fundamentals and meter management. Bardock's universal toolset means he can adapt to any playstyle, but he does not have a single dominant strategy against any well-rounded opponent.

7. Expert Tips

Hidden Mechanic — Rebellion Trigger: In Xenoverse 2, Bardock has a unique "Rebellion" mechanic where taking damage while below 30% health triggers an automatic ki pulse that knocks back nearby opponents. This creates space for a hard read punish. Time your wake-up option to capitalize on this.

Animation Cancel — Riot Javelin Feint: Bardock's Riot Javelin can be canceled into a dash during the first 4 frames of the throw animation in most games. This creates an empty approach that baits the opponent into whiffing a punish, setting up your 2M starter.

Three Most Common Mistakes: (1) Riot Javelin spam from full screen — experienced players will reflect or super-dash through predictable patterns. Vary your timing. (2) Saiyan's Pride activation in the neutral — use it behind blockstun or at a safe distance. Activation has recovery frames. (3) Not utilizing his command grab — Bardock has a universal command grab in most games that catches blocking opponents.

8. FAQ