List of gacha games explained

Gacha games are video games that implement the gashapon mechanic. Gashapon is a type of a Japanese vending machine in which people insert a coin to acquire a random toy capsule. In gacha games, players pay virtual currency (bought with real money or acquired in-game) to acquire random game characters or pieces of equipment of varying rarity and usefulness. This is a variant of the loot box mechanic where players spend currency to acquire an entire set of random game items.

Gacha games are typically mobile games made in China, Japan, South Korea, or other Asian countries, where they are very popular. They are typically free-to-play games which can be played using only the currency or characters received for free through gameplay and grinding. They are financed through the sale of virtual currency to the players who want to spend real money to progress faster or be better at competing with others. So-called "whale" players may spend significant amounts on gacha games, leading to concerns about gambling addiction.

This list is limited to notable gacha games with an article of their own and which have been released in an English-language version.

Name!scope="col"
GenreEnglish language availabilityNotes or short description
Action TaimaninAction role-playing2019Hack and slash game based on the Taimanin Asagi visual novel series.[1]
Alchemy StarsTactical role-playing2021[2]
Social simulation2017Animal Crossing mobile game[3]
Another EdenTactical role-playing2019[4]
ArknightsTower defense2020Noted for its soundtrack featuring high-profile musicians.[5]
Turn-based strategy2021[6]
Azur LaneShoot 'em up2019Anthropomorphizes historic warships as young girls.[7]
BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!Rhythm game2018Part of the BanG Dream! music franchise.[8]
Beat 'em up2016Part of the Bleach media franchise based on Tite Kubo's manga.[9]
Blue ArchiveEastern role-playing2021[10]
Brave FrontierEastern role-playing2013–2022[11]
Cookie Run KingdomCity-Building / RPG2021Part of the Devsisters Cookie Run franchise.
D4DJ Groovy MixRhythm game2021Part of the D4DJ music media franchise.[12]
DanMachi: Memoria FreeseEastern role-playing2017–2024Part of the Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Light novel franchise.
Disney Twisted-WonderlandAdventure, Rhythm2022Part of a collaboration between Aniplex and Walt Disney Japan.[13]
Dragalia LostAction role-playing2018–2022First Nintendo IP released only on mobile platforms.[14]
Board / puzzle game2015Part of the Dragon Ball media franchise.[15]
Dragon CollectionCard battle2012The first popular Japanese gacha game, released 2010 on GREE.[16]
Eggy PartyBattle royale, Platform, Party2023
Ensemble Stars!Life Simulation2015Spin-off to the Ensemble Girls! (2012)[17]
Epic SevenEastern role-playing2018
Fate/Grand OrderTactical role-playing2017Part of the Fate/stay night visual novel franchise.[18]
Final Fantasy All the BravestEastern role-playing2013–2023Part of the Final Fantasy franchise. Widely criticized for its lack of gameplay, after which a producer said that it was in fact not a game.[19]
Final Fantasy Brave ExviusTactical role-playing2016Part of the Final Fantasy franchise. Not to be confused with its spin-off .[20]
Fire Emblem HeroesTactical role-playing2017Spin-off of the Fire Emblem series.[21]
Genshin ImpactOpen-world action role-playing2020
Girls' FrontlineTurn-based strategy2018Anthropomorphizes firearms as young girls.[22]
Girls' Frontline: Neural CloudReal-time strategy2022Spin-off and prequel game to Girls' Frontline (2018).
Third-person shooter / RPG2022[23] [24]
Granblue FantasyEastern role-playing2016Browser game with music by Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy). Generated various spin-offs.[25]
Rhythm game2020Part of the franchise.
Honkai Impact 3rdHack and slash2018[26]
Eastern role-playing2023Spin-off to Honkai Impact 3rd (2018)
Identity VMultiplayer survival horror2018[27]
Kingdom Hearts χTactical role-playing2016Part of the Kingdom Hearts series. Released on mobile devices as Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ. The "χ" character is a lower-case Greek chi.[28]
KonoSuba

Fantastic Days

Eastern role-playing2021Part of the KonoSuba Light novel franchise.[29]
Langrisser MobileTactical role-playing2019Part of the Langrisser franchise.
Limbus CompanyDungeon role-playing2023Sequel to Library of Ruina (2021).[30]
Love Live! School Idol FestivalRhythm game2014–2023Part of the Love Live! franchise. Has a 2020 spin-off: Love Live! School Idol Festival All Stars.[31]
Magia RecordTactical role-playing2019Spin-off of the anime series Puella Magi Madoka Magica.[32]
Mario Kart TourKart racing201914th game in the Mario Kart series. Unusually for a gacha game, a subscription is needed for many features. Gacha elements were removed in a 2022 update.[33] [34]
Mobius Final FantasyMMORPG2016–2020Part of the Final Fantasy franchise.
Monster StrikePhysics game2014Became the basis of its own media franchise in Japan, including an anime series and several films.[35]
Action role-playing2016–2021Spin-off of the fighting game series.[36]
Neverness to EvernessAction role-playingTBD[37]
Nier ReincarnationEastern role-playing2021–2024Part of the Nier franchise.
Ni no Kuni: Cross WorldsEastern role-playing2021Part of the Ni no Kuni franchise.
OnmyōjiEastern role-playing2016Part of the Onmyōji novel franchise.
Role-playing game2021Part of the Octopath Traveler franchise.
One Piece Bounty RushBeat 'em up2018Based on the One Piece franchise. Re-released in 2019.[38]
One Piece Treasure CruiseTactical role-playing2015Based on the One Piece franchise.[39]
Pokémon Masters EXPokémon2019Originally named Pokémon Masters. Based on the Pokémon franchise.[40]
Eastern role-playing2021Sequel game to Princess Connect! (2015–2016). Received an anime adaptation.[41]
Hack and slash2021[42]
Puzzle & DragonsTile-matching2012Received spin-offs including Puzzle & Dragons X and Puzzle & Dragons Z + Super Mario Bros. Edition.[43]
Auto-battler2019Famous for its good graphics and now free-to-play player base.[44]
Tactical role-playing2023
Schoolgirl Strikers 2/Twinkle MelodiesVisual novel-RPG2014–2017–2018Part of the Schoolgirl Strikers media franchise.
Seven KnightsEastern role-playing2014–2023
Seven Knights 2MMORPG2020Sequel game to Seven Knights (2014).
Eastern role-playing2018Part of the Megami Tensei franchise.[45]
Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight -Re LIVE-Rhythm game2018Part of the Revue Starlight media franchise.[46]
SINoALICEEastern role-playing2020–2024Directed by Yoko Taro (Drakengard).[47]
Action role-playing, Hack and slash2024Game adaptation to the Manhwa Solo Leveling.[48]
MMORPG2017Based on Sword Art Online Light Novel franchise.
Tears of ThemisAdventure, Visual Novel2020[49]
The King of Fighters All StarBeat 'em up2019[50]
The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand CrossEastern role-playing2019Part of The Seven Deadly Sins franchise.
Tokyo Afterschool SummonersCard battle2018One of the first commercial Japanese LGBT video games, with art by prominent bara artists. Partially translated into English.[51]
Touhou LostWordTurn-based strategy2021Based on the Touhou Project series.[52]
Tower of FantasyOpen-world Action role-playing2021
VindictusAction MMORPG, Hack and slash2010
Tactical role-playing2020Spin-off of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius.[53]
Warhammer Quest: Silver TowerTactical role-playing2020Part of the Warhammer Fantasy franchise.[54]
White Cat ProjectAction role-playing2015–2016Released internationally under the name Colopl Rune Story.[55]
Wuthering WavesAction role-playing2024
Zenless Zone ZeroAction role-playing, Hack and slash2024

References

  1. Web site: 2020-09-09 . Action Taimanin Will Launch Worldwide on Steam and Mobile Devices . 2024-03-28. Siliconera. en . Stenbuck . Kite.
  2. Web site: Bashir. Dale. 2021-06-21. Mobile Strategy RPG 'Alchemy Stars' Features a Storyline by Original 'Persona' Writer. 2021-06-25. IGN Southeast Asia. en.
  3. Web site: After six months, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp adds randomised loot boxes . . Phillips . Tom . 2018-04-17 . 2023-03-28.
  4. Web site: Smart Phone RPG "Another Eden" Features Talent from "Chrono Trigger". live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170529200319/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/09/21/smart-phone-rpg-another-eden-features-talent-from-chrono-trigger. 29 May 2017. 14 May 2017.
  5. Web site: Lee. Julia. 2020-10-30. Arknights is the only gacha game I recommend to people. 2020-10-30. Polygon. en.
  6. Web site: Artery Gear: Fusion review – "F2P-friendly gacha with QoL features galore" . Dellosa . Catherine . June 21, 2022 . Pocket Gamer . March 28, 2023.
  7. Web site: Stenbuck. Kite. How Azur Lane is able to rival Kantai Collection's popularity in Japan. June 18, 2018. RPG Site.
  8. Web site: 2021-03-01. BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! heads to Switch in 2021. 2021-06-25. Nintendo Enthusiast. en-US.
  9. Web site: 2016-03-22. Bankai and Chill – Bleach: Brave Souls Review. 2020-01-17. Droid Gamers.
  10. Web site: 2021-10-01. Blue Archive Global Pre-Registration Begins in October. 2022-01-24. Siliconera. en-US.
  11. Web site: January 15, 2014. Brave Frontier Channels A Little Bit Of Valkyrie Profile. Siliconera.
  12. Web site: Rhythm-Adventure 'D4DJ Groovy Mix' Launches In The West. 2021-06-25. Noisy Pixel. en-US.
  13. Book: スクウェア・エニックス [Square Enix] . ディズニーツイステッドワンダーランド 公式ガイド＋設定資料集 Magical Archives . September 2020 . スクウェア・エニックス [Square Enix] . Japan . 9784757567818 . Japanese.
  14. Web site: Famularo. Jessica. February 26, 2019. Dragalia Lost review – "A risky move for Nintendo that could pay off". July 24, 2019. Pocket Gamer. Steel Media.
  15. Web site: July 17, 2015. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment: DRAGON BALL Z DOKKAN BATTLE, a Popular Smartphone Game with More Than 15 Million Downloads in Japan, Launches Western Countries. January 10, 2017. Business Wire.
  16. Web site: 2020-07-11. Gacha-Games: Der große Report rund um das Phänomen. 2021-06-25. PC GAMES. de.
  17. Web site: What to Know About Ensemble Stars!! Before Its English Release. Madlangbayan. Lucas. June 14, 2022. May 20, 2024.
  18. Web site: Fogel. Stefanie. 2019-04-03. 'Fate/Grand Order' Most Talked About Game on Twitter in 2019. 2021-06-26. Variety. en-US.
  19. Web site: January 17, 2013. PSA: Do not purchase Final Fantasy All The Bravest. https://web.archive.org/web/20130127025835/http://pockettactics.com/2013/01/17/psa-do-not-purchase-final-fantasy-all-the-bravest/. January 27, 2013. March 31, 2013. PocketTactics.
  20. Web site: Luster. Joseph. Free-to-Play "Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius" Coming to Smartphones. 2021-06-26. Crunchyroll. en-us.
  21. Web site: Goldfarb. Andrew. January 31, 2017. Nintendo's Fire Emblem Heroes is a complex strategy game with a free-to-play twist. January 31, 2017. The Verge.
  22. Web site: July 25, 2018. Girls Frontline, un "SLG" peu innovant mais très correct. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190514154252/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/874320/test-girls-frontline.htm. May 14, 2019. Jeuxvideo.com. fr.
  23. News: Cao. Ann. December 20, 2022. Tencent expands global footprint by taking stake in Korean studio Shift Up, creator of hit game Goddess of Victory: Nikke. South China Morning Post. Shanghai. December 28, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221219170224/https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3203874/tencent-expands-global-footprint-taking-stake-korean-studio-shift-creator-hit-game-goddess-victory. December 19, 2022. live.
  24. Web site: Goddess of Victory: NIKKE tier list and a reroll guide. Mesesan. Cristina. December 28, 2022. Pocket Gamer. January 2, 2023.
  25. Web site: Nobuo Uematsu and FFVI art director reunite for Granblue Fantasy, a Mobage mobile game. 8 November 2013 . 2013-11-27. Pocket Gamer.
  26. Web site: Harris. Iain. Hack and slash: The making of MIHOYO's Honkai Impact 3rd. 2021-06-26. pocketgamer.biz. 2 May 2018 .
  27. Web site: Aubrey. Dave. Identity V review – Coraline inspired creeps. 2021-06-26. www.pocketgamer.com. 12 July 2018 . en.
  28. Web site: McWhertor. Michael. 2016-04-04. Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ comes to Android and iOS this week. 2021-06-26. Polygon. en.
  29. Web site: KonoSuba: Fantastic Days Official Release Date and Showcase Announced & A Brief Guide – NoxPlayer. 2022-01-24. www.bignox.com.
  30. Web site: Limbus Company Delayed to February 2023 – QooApp. 18 November 2022 . 2023-01-09. en.
  31. Web site: Love Live! Rhythm Game Gets iOS Release. 2021-06-26. Anime News Network. en.
  32. Web site: Madoka Magica Franchise Gets Magia Record Smartphone Game. 2021-06-26. Anime News Network. en.
  33. Web site: 2019-09-26. As expected, the Mario Kart Tour gacha gambling drop rates are comically bad. 2021-06-26. Destructoid. en-CA.
  34. Web site: Mario Kart Tour's Official Twitter Tweet . September 2, 2022 . September 2, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220902071601/https://twitter.com/mariokarttouren/status/1565585887303532544 . live .
  35. Web site: 2014-11-03. 'Monster Strike' Review – Billiards And Dragons. 2021-06-26. TouchArcade. en-US.
  36. Web site: Naruto Shippuden Narutimate Blazing Smartphone Game Gets English Release. 2021-06-26. Anime News Network. en.
  37. Web site: 2024-07-16 . Supernatural urban open-world RPG Neverness to Everness announced for PS5, PC, iOS, and Android . 2024-07-17 . Gematsu . en-US.
  38. Web site: 2019-01-31. One Piece Bounty Rush arrives on mobile. 2021-06-26. Flickering Myth. en-US.
  39. Web site: One Piece Treasure Cruise Smartphone Game Gets English Release. 2021-06-26. Anime News Network. en.
  40. Web site: 2019-09-01. Review: Pokémon Masters – One Of The Best Pokémon Mobile Games, But Still Not Quite There. 2021-06-27. Nintendo Life. en-GB.
  41. Web site: 2021-02-18. Princess Connect! Re: Dive Review – Noisy Pixel. 2021-06-27. en-US.
  42. Web site: Ng Dellosa. Catherine. Punishing: Gray Raven is cyberpunk anime goodness with an actual story – plus waifus. 2021-06-27. www.pocketgamer.com. 31 May 2021 . en.
  43. Web site: 2013-04-04. How GungHo Online Entertainment created Puzzle & Dragons, the surprise billion-dollar mobile game. 2021-06-27. VentureBeat. en-US.
  44. Web site: Roque. Jack. 27 December 2019. Plarium's Aggressive Marketing of RAID: Shadow Legends Pays Off. 14 March 2020. Gamer Empire.
  45. Web site: The Shin Megami Tensei Mobile Game Embraces The Hell World Of Social Media. 2021-06-27. Kotaku. 24 July 2018 . en-us.
  46. Web site: Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight -Re LIVE- Mobile Game Official Website. 2021-06-27. revue starlight. ja.
  47. Web site: 2020-07-14. SINoAlice Review – Fairy Tale Gacha Waifus – Noisy Pixel. 2021-06-27. en-US.
  48. Web site: Solo Leveling Arise Review: A faithful adaptation of The Shadow Monarch's legacy. May 8, 2024 .
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  50. Web site: Test du jeu The King of Fighters AllStar sur iOS. 2021-06-26. Jeuxvideo.com. 4 November 2019 . fr.
  51. Web site: May 24, 2018. Gender and sexuality in the world of games. November 10, 2018. IGN.
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  53. Web site: 'War of the Visions' is a mobile spin on 'Final Fantasy Tactics'. 2021-06-27. Engadget . 25 March 2020 .
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  55. Web site: Rich. Rob. Colopl Rune Story Review: Why Would You Do That?. 26 October 2015 . 2021-06-27 .

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