As in the title of the series, the titular Dragon Balls still play a major role in almost everything associated with them. This also extends to Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, where the Dragon Balls play a major role. You don't have immediate access to them outside of story segments until a certain point in the game, so this guide will walk you through when you can start searching for them and collecting them to eventually summon the almighty Shenron.
How to find Dragon Balls
Throughout the early arcs of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, specifically Attack of the Saiyans and Evil Emperor Frieza, the Dragon Balls play a major role in the story with the rebirth of Goku, Piccolo, and more. However, you can't just go around and hunt for Dragon Balls to use at your leisure during these times. Instead, you'll have to wait until you complete the Evez Emperor Frieza arc and return home to Earth.
While you're in the intermission section before the start of the Android Terror Arrives arc, Chi Chi will walk you through how to fetch the Dragon Balls. From then on, the Dragon Balls will be available for you to find whenever you navigate the semi-open world of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot.
At this point, whenever you go to an area where a dragon ball is, an icon will appear on the map letting you know. This essentially serves as your Dragon Radar, allowing you to find each of the seven Dragon Balls after they're scattered. Once you summon Shenron and make a wish, you must wait 20 minutes for the Dragon Balls to respawn all over the world. Once this happens, rinse and repeat the same process as before to summon Shenron again.
