At first glance, Umamusume: Pretty Derby may seem like just another quirky anime game centered around “horse girls,” but underneath its charming character designs lies one of the most compelling and layered mobile games to come out of Japan in recent years.
Umamusume is developed by Cygames, this sports life simulation game combines competitive horse racing, idol culture, and rich anime storytelling into a surprisingly deep experience.
What sets Umamusume apart is its ability to blend multiple genres, simulation, racing, idol management, and visual novel, into a cohesive, emotionally-driven narrative. Players don’t just manage stats; they nurture personalities, build bonds, and cheer as their trainees grow into champions.
Since its release, Umamusume has galloped from a niche curiosity to a global sensation. Thanks to a strong localization, vibrant fan communities, and a devoted player base, it continues to thrive both in Japan and internationally.
What Is Umamusume: Pretty Derby?
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a mobile simulation game developed and published by Cygames, Inc. Available on iOS, Android, and PC (via DMM), the game positions the player as a trainer responsible for developing a team of Umamusume, anthropomorphized horse girls who are inspired by legendary Japanese racehorses like Tokai Teio, Special Week, and Silence Suzuka.
The core gameplay centers around training these girls in speed, stamina, power, guts, and wisdom, guiding them through both rigorous training sessions and highly strategic races. The twist? These characters don’t just race, they perform post race idol concerts in full 3D, making the game a unique hybrid of sport simulation and J-pop idol management.
Each Umamusume has a background inspired by real world horse racing history, adding layers of authenticity and appeal for both anime fans and Japanese horseracing enthusiasts.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby Features :
Deep Training Mechanics
Training in Umamusume isn’t a simple stat grind. Players select specific activities each day that influence different attributes like speed, stamina, and wisdom. Choosing the right regimen at the right time is key to developing a balanced and competitive Umamusume. The system allows for nuanced decisions, branching scenarios, and long term planning, offering satisfying progression with every career run.
Immersive Character Storylines
With over 20+ main Umamusume, each with distinct voice acting, character arcs, and animated story sequences, players are rewarded with heartfelt narratives and memorable personalities. Whether you’re guiding the enthusiastic Special Week or the elegant Silence Suzuka, you’re not just training an athlete, you’re helping someone chase their dreams.
Strategic Racing System
Races are where your planning is put to the test. Up to 18 Umamusume compete in real time, with positioning, stamina management, and race strategy playing crucial roles. Dynamic camera angles and live commentary enhance the tension, making each race feel like a broadcast event. Victory is never guaranteed, it must be earned.
Idol Style Performances
Win a race, and your Umamusume takes center stage for a high energy idol performance. These fully rendered concerts are not just for show, they’re a reward, a celebration, and a symbol of your training efforts paying off. It’s a striking blend of sports and entertainment that’s rarely seen in games.
Visuals & Animation
Umamusume boasts high quality 3D graphics, with smooth animations during races, expressive character models, and clean, intuitive UI. The anime inspired art direction brings each scene to life, whether it’s a practice run at the track or a sparkling victory concert.
Umamusume Gameplay :
The gameplay in Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a mix of simulation, RPG style stat building, and gacha collection.
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Training Regimen: You’ll plan out each day’s training activity, selecting from various drills that improve different stats. The condition and motivation of your Umamusume can influence training outcomes.
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Support Cards & Gacha: Players use a gacha system to obtain support cards and new Umamusume. These cards enhance training sessions and unlock special events, forming the backbone of team-building and long-term growth.
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Race-Day Strategy: During races, Umamusume follow pre-set strategies based on their personality and training. You choose their tactics , like “Runner” or “Chaser” , and adjust positioning based on track and distance.
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Career Progression: Each character goes through a unique campaign, working toward national championship goals. Success unlocks new stories, outfits, and higher-tier competitions.
What Players Are Saying
The Good
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“Faithful localization. The dialogue really brings out each character’s quirks.”
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“Training and racing are surprisingly deep. There’s a lot of strategy here.”
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“The 3D graphics and voice acting are top notch, it’s like watching an anime.”
Need work
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“Not very F2P friendly. Support cards are critical for progress.”
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“It’s got a steep learning curve, took me days to get the hang of racing tactics.”
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“Connectivity can be spotty sometimes, and there are occasional bugs.”
Despite these criticisms, the majority of players find Umamusume to be a rewarding and unique experience, one that’s not afraid to challenge, delight, and entertain in equal measure.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Umamusume (Beginner & Veteran Advice)
Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, here are key strategies to improve your results:
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Balance Your Stats Thoughtfully:
Speed and stamina often carry the race, but neglecting power, guts, or wisdom can lead to inconsistent results. Tailor your training focus based on race distance and the strengths of your Umamusume. -
Spend Currency with Purpose:
Jewels are precious. Avoid using them impulsively. Save for banner scouts featuring top tier Umamusume or must-have support cards. Aim for quality pulls, not quantity. -
Maximize Limited-Time Events:
Seasonal events offer rare items, exclusive characters, and generous rewards. Even casual participation can give your training a noticeable boost. -
Support Card Selection Matters:
Use cards that synergize with your training goals and your Umamusume’s race strategy. Level them up gradually to unlock their full potential, and don’t overlook event-limited support options. -
Rewatch Races and Learn:
Race replays provide insight into what went right (or wrong). Study stamina usage, positioning, and finish timing to make informed tweaks to your approach.
Games Like Umamusume (And What Sets It Apart)
| Game Title | Similarities | Why Umamusume Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Connect! Re:Dive | Anime visuals, character driven storytelling | More complex simulation and tactical racing elements |
| Idolmaster: Cinderella Girls | Idol progression, performance system | Adds rigorous stat growth and real competition dynamics |
| Azur Lane | Character collection, waifu aesthetics | Grounded in real-world racing lore, with more strategic gameplay |
| Granblue Fantasy | Story-rich gacha mechanics | Immersive 3D races and performance visuals not seen in most gachas |
While each of these games excels in its own genre, Umamusume combines them in a unique way, wrapping strategy, storytelling, and spectacle into a single experience.
Is It Free to Play Friendly?
The F2P experience in Umamusume is fair, but not without its caveats:
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Gacha Can Be Tough:
Pull rates aren’t overly generous, and support cards greatly affect your success. Without high-quality supports, training can feel slower and more punishing. -
Support Cards Are Essential:
Strong characters help, but your support lineup defines how far you can push them. Free players will need patience and strategic resource management to build an effective deck. -
Progress Is Possible Without Spending:
Diligently participating in events, saving premium currency, and using starter resources wisely can still carry you far. While whales may outpace, F2P players can still compete, especially with good planning.
Conclusion :
Umamusume: Pretty Derby it’s a polished, genre fusing experience that rewards time, attention, and heart. If you enjoy stat based progression, story rich worlds, or anime style presentation, this game offers a lot to explore.
What Works Well:
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Engaging training and racing mechanics
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Beautiful visuals and animation
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Deep character narratives and voice work
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A mix of strategy, story, and performance that’s hard to find elsewhere
Potential Frustrations:
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Gacha dependence for support progression
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Learning curve for optimal training
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Not ideal for players seeking quick, casual sessions
Who Will Enjoy It Most:
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Fans of idol culture and sports anime
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Players who love planning and simulation mechanics
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Anyone seeking a unique, long-term mobile experience with character depth
Even in 2025, Umamusume continues to evolve. With its strong foundation and growing global audience, there’s never been a better time to join the race.
FAQ
Where can I download Umamusume: Pretty Derby?
You can download the Umamusume game on Android via Google Play .
Is Umamusume available globally?
Yes, the global version is officially released with full localization, including English UI and subtitles for story scenes.
Is Umamusume free to play?
Yes, the game is free to play with optional in-app purchases, especially for gacha pulls and support cards.
Are the characters based on real racehorses?
Yes! Every Umamusume is inspired by an actual Japanese racehorse, often reflecting their real-world racing history in story arcs.
What platforms support Umamusume?
Umamusume is available on Android, iOS, and PC (via DMM in Japan). The mobile version offers the most optimized experience for global users.