After years of anticipation, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is finally going global. Launching on June 26, 2025, for iOS, Android, and Steam, the game brings its signature mix of horse racing, character training, and idol performances to an international audience.
Developed by Cygames, Uma Musume lets players train “horse girls” inspired by real-world racehorses at Tracen Academy, guiding them through races and post-race concerts. The game initially launched in Japan in 2021 and quickly became a hit, spawning anime adaptations, manga, and even a dedicated YouTube channel, Pakatube!.
Global Launch Details
- Release Date: June 26, 2025
- Platforms: iOS, Android, and Steam (no Xbox or PlayStation)
- Pre-Registration: Live now on all platforms—players will receive debut gifts when the game launches
- Region Availability: Expected to be available worldwide, but regions like the Netherlands may face restrictions due to gacha regulations
- Cross-Platform Play: Likely supported between mobile and Steam
Announcement Timeline
- First global hints appeared via Google Play Games in March 2023
- Cygames confirmed it on June 24, 2024, during a PakaLive TV stream and on the Uma Musume ENG X account.
- The global release date was announced on April 27, 2025
- Playable demos were showcased at Anime Expo 2024 and the 2025 Kentucky Derby
Gameplay Overview
At its core, Uma Musume is about raising horse girls by managing their stats, skills, and race schedules. Up to 18 runners compete per race, complete with live commentary and concert-style victory celebrations.
- Training Modes:
- URA Finals (base mode)
- Aoharu Hai
- Make Your Own Track!!
- Story Content: Each character has a personal 7-chapter story where you act as their trainer
- Gacha System:
- Pulls are for both Uma Musume characters and support cards
- Generous rates with free SSR tickets, pick-your-unit banners, and auto-training updates expected
- Characters at Launch:
20+, including fan-favorites like Special Week, Silence Suzuka, and Oguri Cap- 114 characters exist in the JP version as of May 2025
- Voice Talent: Features renowned VAs like Azumi Waki (Special Week) and Tomoha Takayanagi (Oguri Cap)
Features and Updates
- Quality-of-Life Improvements:
- Features like a jukebox (seen in the Steam build) may be included
- Fans hope for auto-training and other key JP updates at launch
- Account Transfers: No ability to transfer JP accounts to global due to content differences
Content Gap & Concerns
- Delay: The global version is nearly four years behind the Japanese server. New content, like events and banners, will follow the JP timeline gradually.
- Regional History:
- Korea (2022): Faced backlash for localization issues
- Taiwan/HK/Macau: Released in June 2022
- China (2023): Pulled shortly after launch; currently frozen
- End-of-Service Worries: Delayed releases often face early shutdowns, but optimism is high. With Cygames’ self-publishing and running U.S. marketing campaigns, many believe the global server will have a stronger foundation than previous regional versions.
With a massive cast, rich storytelling, strategic gameplay, and years of content ready to roll out, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most exciting gacha releases. If you’re a fan of anime, sports sims, or idol games, this one might just be worth the wait.
