The free-to-play anime game Umamusume: Pretty Derby has taken Steam by storm, earning a 10/10 rating and drawing in over 47,000 concurrent players—putting it on par with some of the platform’s biggest hits.
Originally released in Japan in 2021, Umamusume was exclusive to the domestic market until it launched in the U.S. and Europe last month. Since then, it’s gained massive attention for its bizarre yet captivating premise and surprisingly deep gameplay. The game’s story is unlike anything else: when a top racehorse dies, it has the chance to be reborn as a horse girl idol in the modern world. These “Umamusume” (literally “horse girls”) attend Tracen Academy, where they’re trained not only to compete in races but also to perform in lavish idol concerts after crossing the finish line.
Players step into the shoes of a trainer, managing the stats, morale, and health of their horse girls through various game modes like Story Mode and Career Mode. Despite its appearance as a racing game, Umamusume is actually a strategy and time management simulation, similar in structure to Fire Emblem: Three Houses. All training and planning happen off the track, while races are handled by an automated system—placing more weight on preparation than reflexes.
Although the game includes typical gacha elements like limited-time events and randomized character draws, many players have praised its low pay-to-win pressure, saying it offers a fair and enjoyable experience without requiring purchases. With over 8,000 “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews and user engagement rivaling titles like Elden Ring, Umamusume has proven that a unique concept, emotional storytelling, and polished strategy mechanics can win over a global audience. And these impressive numbers only reflect the PC player base—its mobile following is even larger.
Cute but complex, humorous yet heartfelt, Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a one-of-a-kind anime game that’s racing its way into the hearts of players worldwide. Best of all? It’s completely free on Steam.
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