What is Uma Musume Pretty Derby?
Uma Musume Pretty Derby is a nurturing simulation game where players take on the role of a trainer, guiding Uma Musume—girls with horse ears and tails who embody the spirit of legendary racehorses. Released in Japan in February 2021, the game has expanded to regions like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea, with a global version announced for release. The game’s unique blend of sports, idol management, and deep storytelling has earned it a dedicated fanbase, with over 114 playable characters as of May 2025.
The game is part of a larger multimedia franchise, including anime series, manga, and web animations, making it a rich experience for fans of Japanese pop culture. Whether you’re training your Uma Musume for the next big race or enjoying their idol performances, this game offers something for everyone.
Key Features of Uma Musume Pretty Derby
Here’s what makes Uma Musume Pretty Derby stand out:
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Character Collection and Training: Collect over 100 Uma Musume, each with unique abilities and backstories. Train them to improve stats like speed, stamina, power, intelligence, and guts through a deep training system. The gacha system lets you scout rare characters, adding excitement to team-building.
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Thrilling Races and Events: Enter your Uma Musume in races inspired by real-world horse racing tournaments, such as the Twinkle Series. Special events tied to seasons or anniversaries offer exclusive rewards and limited-time stories.
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Rich Story Mode: Explore emotional and inspiring narratives for each Uma Musume, delving into their dreams and challenges. The story mode is a highlight, offering character-specific events and side stories.
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Winning Live Performances: After a race victory, your Uma Musume can perform in idol-style concerts, showcasing their singing and dancing talents. These performances add a fun, relaxing element to the game.
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Multiplayer and Social Features: Compete on leaderboards, form support teams, and interact with other players’ dormitories. The community aspect enhances the game’s replayability.
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High-Quality Graphics: The game features stunning 3D animations that bring races and performances to life, making every moment visually spectacular.
Benefits of Playing Uma Musume Pretty Derby
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Engaging Gameplay: The mix of simulation, racing, and idol elements keeps players hooked.
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Free to Play: While in-app purchases are available, you can enjoy the game without spending money.
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Regular Updates: Cygames frequently adds new characters, stories, and events, ensuring fresh content.
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Community Engagement: Connect with other players through forums, social media, and in-game features.
How to Download Uma Musume Pretty Derby for Android
The safest and most reliable way to download Uma Musume Pretty Derby is through the Google Play Store. Follow these steps:
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Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
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Search for “Uma Musume Pretty Derby.”
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Verify that the app is developed by Cygames.
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Tap “Install” to download and install the game.
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Once installed, open the app and follow the tutorials to start training your Uma Musume.
Note: The game is currently available in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea. If it’s not available in your region, you may need to wait for the global release. Check the official Uma Musume website for updates on pre-registration and global availability.
System Requirements
Requirement |
Details |
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Operating System |
Android 6.0 or higher |
Storage |
Approximately 142 MB for initial download, plus additional data for updates |
Internet |
Stable internet connection required for gameplay and updates |
APK Downloads: A Word of Caution
Some websites offer Uma Musume Pretty Derby APK files for download, promising access to the full game. However, downloading APKs from third-party sources like Uptodown or APKPure carries significant risks:
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Security Risks: Unofficial APKs may contain malware that can harm your device or steal personal information.
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Account Bans: Using unofficial downloads may violate the game’s terms of service, potentially leading to account suspension.
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Outdated Versions: Third-party APKs may not include the latest updates, missing out on new characters or events.
If you choose to download an APK, ensure the source is reputable and enable “Unknown Sources” in your device settings. However, we strongly recommend using the official Google Play Store to avoid these risks and support the developers.
Recent Updates in Uma Musume Pretty Derby
Cygames keeps Uma Musume Pretty Derby fresh with regular updates. As of June 2025, recent additions include:
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New Characters: Characters like Mejiro Ardan and Sakura Chiyono O have been introduced, expanding the roster.
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Story Expansions: Part 2 of the main story was released in March 2024, adding new chapters and character interactions.
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Events and Collaborations: Seasonal events and special gacha banners offer exclusive rewards.
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Gameplay Improvements: Updates to the training system and user interface enhance the player experience.
To ensure you’re playing the latest version, check for updates in the Google Play Store or follow the official Uma Musume X account for announcements.
Comparing Uma Musume to Alternatives
Feature |
Uma Musume Pretty Derby |
Other Gacha Games (e.g., Genshin Impact) |
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Gameplay |
Racing, simulation, idol management |
Action RPG, exploration |
Graphics |
High-quality 3D animations |
High-quality 3D open-world |
Story |
Character-driven narratives |
Epic fantasy storyline |
Monetization |
Gacha system, in-app purchases |
Gacha system, in-app purchases |
Unique Aspect |
Horse racing and idol performances |
Open-world exploration |
While games like Genshin Impact focus on action and exploration, Uma Musume stands out with its unique horse racing and idol management mechanics, appealing to fans of simulation and anime-style games.
Pros and Cons of Uma Musume Pretty Derby
Pros
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Engaging Storyline: Emotional narratives make you care about each Uma Musume.
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Stunning Graphics: High-quality 3D visuals enhance races and performances.
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Regular Updates: New content keeps the game exciting.
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Free to Play: Enjoyable without spending money, though in-app purchases are available.
Cons
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Gacha System: Summoning rare characters can be challenging and may tempt spending.
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Time-Intensive: Training and progressing require significant time investment.
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Region Restrictions: Some content is limited to specific regions, though a global version is coming.
User Tips for Success
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Balance Your Team: Train a mix of sprinters, milers, and long runners to excel in different races.
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Prioritize Story Progression: Completing story chapters unlocks new training facilities and support cards.
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Save Diamonds: Use premium currency wisely for special gacha banners with high-rarity characters.
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Complete Daily Missions: These provide valuable resources to boost your progress.
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Join a Community: Engage with other players on platforms like Reddit for tips and support card exchanges.
Conclusion
Uma Musume Pretty Derby is a must-play for fans of simulation, racing, and anime-style games. Its unique blend of horse racing, idol performances, and deep storytelling sets it apart in the mobile gaming world. For the safest and most reliable experience, download the game from the Google Play Store and stay updated via the official Uma Musume website. While APK downloads are an option, they come with risks that could compromise your device or account. With a global release on the horizon, now is the perfect time to join the Uma Musume community and start training your team for victory!