Umamusume: Pretty Derby went from a Japan-only oddity to one of the most talked-about games of 2025. On paper, it sounds absurd: anime horse girls training, racing, and performing like idols. But the execution is shockingly polished and dangerously addictive. With its global release on Steam and mobile, the world finally gets to see why Japan couldn’t shut up about it. I’ve tested it, and here’s the breakdown.
Gameplay
At its core, Umamusume is a training simulation mixed with gacha progression. You manage your chosen horse girl, train her stats (speed, stamina, power, guts, wisdom), and guide her through races. The loop feels like a sports sim but wrapped in anime charm. Every run has high replay value because training outcomes vary, and RNG can mess with your path which keeps you hooked.
Training
The training system is where most of the game takes place. You’re constantly making choices about what stats to raise and how to manage your horse girl’s stamina. It’s straightforward but keeps you engaged since small decisions build up over time. And yes, raising gut stats is pointless, just ignore it if you can.
Races
Races are where your training pays off. You don’t control the action directly, but the results depend on how well you’ve prepared. It’s satisfying to see your character perform well when you’ve planned their growth properly.
Idol Performances
Yes, after races, the horse girls perform live idol concerts. It’s weirdly wholesome, flashy, and makes victories feel rewarding. It also ties into character bonds and adds personality beyond racing.
Events
Events break up the training routine with small story moments. They add variety and help give each character more personality. They’re not groundbreaking, but they do a good job of making the game feel less repetitive.
PvP
PvP adds a competitive side to the game. You build your best team through training and then face off against other players’ lineups. It’s more about preparation than direct control, but it gives you a reason to optimize your strategy and keep improving your roster. It also helps the game feel fresh since you’re not just racing against the AI all the time.
Gacha
Like most gacha games, progression leans on summoning new characters and support cards. The rates aren’t the best but unlike some gacha nightmares, you can make real progress without spending money if you’re patient. Still, whales will sprint far ahead. Hopefully it gets addressed in the future and rates get a little bit tuned.
Graphics and audio
Visually, Umamusume: Pretty Derby does a good job of balancing anime charm with clean presentation. The character designs are consistent. Every horse girl has her own quirks in both look and personality, which helps avoid that “same-face” syndrome some gacha games struggle with.
Races are surprisingly detailed, with smooth animations and little touches like weather effects or different track environments that keep things from feeling repetitive. On PC, the game runs without issues, and on mobile it’s optimized enough that you don’t need the latest device to enjoy it.
The audio side also pulls its weight. Voice acting is strong across the board, giving each character a bit more personality during training and races. The background music shifts nicely between relaxed menus, high-energy race themes, and upbeat idol concert tracks.
Conclusion
After spending time with Umamusume: Pretty Derby, I get why it caught on. At first, the concept feels a bit out there (horse racing mixed with idol performances) but once you dive in, it clicks. The training system kept me coming back since there’s always that “just one more run” feeling to see if I can improve my team.
Of course, the gacha side can be frustrating. Sometimes you’ll hit a lucky pull, other times you’ll be stuck grinding way longer than you’d like. But even with that, I found myself enjoying it more than I thought I would. If you’re looking for something a little different in the mobile gaming space, this one is worth giving a shot.
FAQs
Is Umamusume: Pretty Derby free to play?
Yes, the game is free to play on mobile (iOS/Android) and Steam, but it includes gacha mechanics for summoning new characters and support cards.
Is Umamusume: Pretty Derby available in English?
Yes! As of June 26, 2025, the global version is fully localized in English for PC and mobile.
Can you play Umamusume without spending money?
Absolutely. It’s F2P-friendly, but progression is slower. Whales will have stronger rosters, but patient players can still succeed.
What kind of game is Umamusume: Pretty Derby?
It’s a hybrid of training simulation, horse racing management, idol performances, and gacha collection.
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