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I didn’t expect to get pulled into a horse girl racing sim, but here we are. Umamusume: Pretty Derby surprised me with its depth, charm, and strategy. It’s not just about racing, there’s training, team building, and a whole lot of visual novel energy packed into each run.
I’ve been testing the Steam version on Windows 11, and this post covers how to install it, what to expect, and a few tips I wish I had when I started.
Whether you’re coming from the mobile version or jumping in fresh, the PC release feels smooth and well-optimized. Let’s walk through the setup and gameplay basics.
How to Download and Install Umamusume: Pretty Derby on Windows
The game is free-to-play on Steam, with optional in-app purchases. Here’s how I installed it:
- Go to the official Steam page: Umamusume: Pretty Derby on Steam
- Click Play Game to add it to your library
- Log into your Steam account (or create one)
- Click Install from your Steam Library
- Wait for the download to complete (around 11 GB)
- Launch the game and follow the onboarding prompts
There’s no launcher or extra setup required. The game runs in windowed mode by default, but you can switch to fullscreen in the settings.
What Is Umamusume: Pretty Derby?
It’s a sports life simulation game where you train anime-style horse girls, each inspired by real Japanese racehorses, to compete in races and perform post-race concerts. You play as their trainer, guiding them through career mode, building stats, unlocking skills, and managing their mood and energy.
The gameplay loop mixes gacha mechanics, time management, and visual novel storytelling. You’ll scout trainees, build support decks, and run through multi-year training arcs to create high-performing racers. Races are cinematic and automated, but everything leading up to them is where the strategy lives.
Key Gameplay Features
- Career mode with multi-year training arcs
- Five core stats: Speed, Stamina, Power, Guts, Wit
- Support cards that influence training outcomes
- Gacha system for trainees and support cards
- Live commentary during races and post-race concerts
- Over 20 playable characters with unique stories
Tips for New PC Players
Here are a few things I learned early on:
- Speed and Stamina are the most important stats for most races
- Use Wit training to recover energy without resting
- Don’t ignore friendship levels, training with friends gives bigger stat boosts
- Check race predictions before entering to avoid wasting a turn
- Use guest legacy characters and support cards to boost early runs
I’ll expand on these in the walkthrough section later, but they’re good to keep in mind from the start.
How does the game look like?
Here are some screenshots of the game and some of the characters you can play as and interact with.
System Requirements for Umamusume: Pretty Derby on Windows
Here’s what you’ll need to run the game smoothly on your PC. I’ve tested it on both Windows 10 and 11, and performance was solid with mid-range hardware.
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11
- CPU: Intel Core i3-4360 or AMD A8-7650K
- RAM: 8 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti or AMD Radeon R7 250X
- Storage: 11 GB of free space
- DirectX: Version 11
Recommended Setup:
- OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 series
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1660 or better
- Storage: SSD preferred for faster load times
The game is capped at 30 FPS, but it runs consistently at 1080p. If you’re seeing stutters, try running it as administrator or adjusting compatibility settings in the .exe file properties.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby Walkthrough Video
If you want to see the full gameplay loop before jumping in, this no-commentary walkthrough covers everything from character selection to race strategy:
The video runs at 1080p and shows multiple career runs with different trainees. It’s a good way to preview the pacing and training mechanics.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby FAQ
- Is the game free? Yes, it’s free-to-play with optional in-app purchases for gacha rolls and support cards.
- Can I play offline? No, an internet connection is required to sync progress and access events.
- Does it support controllers? Yes, full controller support is available on Steam.
- Is there cross-save with mobile? Not currently. The Steam version is standalone.
- How many characters are playable? Over 20 trainees are available, each with unique stats and story arcs.
Support and Community Resources
If you run into issues or want to connect with other players, there are several active communities and support channels for Umamusume: Pretty Derby. I’ve found the Steam forums especially helpful for gameplay tips and troubleshooting.
- Steam Community Discussions – Includes guides, bug reports, and strategy threads
- r/EdensZero on Reddit – Fan discussions, memes, and team-building advice
- Official Umamusume Site – News, patch notes, and developer updates
There’s also a growing number of guides and walkthroughs on YouTube and PC gaming blogs. If you’re looking for tier lists, support card breakdowns, or meta builds, the Steam forums and PCGamesN have some solid starting points.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby Merchandise
Here’s a curated selection of figures and collectibles for fans of Umamusume: Pretty Derby. These are available via Amazon and feature characters from both the game and anime. All links open in a new tab and use affiliate tracking.
Item | Image | Description | Link |
---|---|---|---|
Silence Suzuka Model Kit | ![]() |
Bandai Hobby – Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit | View on Amazon |
Special Week Model Kit | ![]() |
Bandai Hobby – Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit | View on Amazon |
Gold Ship (School Uniform) | ![]() |
Good Smile – Pop Up Parade PVC Figure | View on Amazon |
Tokai Teio Pop Up Parade | ![]() |
Good Smile – PVC Figure | View on Amazon |
Vodka Figure | ![]() |
Banpresto – Bandai Spirits Figure | View on Amazon |
Oguri Cap Figure | ![]() |
Banpresto – Bandai Spirits Figure | View on Amazon |
Gold Ship Nendoroid | ![]() |
Good Smile – Nendoroid Action Figure | View on Amazon |
Daiwa Scarlet 1:7 Scale | ![]() |
Good Smile Company – PVC Scale Figure | View on Amazon |
Shadowverse EVOLVE Collab Pack | ![]() |
Trading card box featuring Umamusume characters | View on Amazon |
Explore More Windows Games
If you’re enjoying Umamusume: Pretty Derby, here are a few other Windows titles worth checking out:
- Best Anime games, Best simulation games, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, Edens Zero PC Game, Peak PC Game.
Need a PC That Can Run This Smoothly?
If you’re still looking for the right setup, here’s our list of systems that play Umamusume and similar titles with ease:
That’s about it. If you need help or have questions, don’t be afraid to leave a comment or contact us.
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Is this a free game to try?
Yes, it’s free to play.