Uma Musume Beginner Guide (Global): Career Mode, Training, and Tips

Last Updated on 1 July, 2025

If you’re new to Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, or just starting on the Global version, this beginner guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From training and support cards to racing and PvP, here’s how to get started the right way.

Whether you watched the anime or just discovered the game, this guide covers the full basics of gameplay, no Japanese required.

What Is Uma Musume: Pretty Derby?

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is a free-to-play Japanese mobile and PC game where you train anthropomorphic horse girls to become elite racers. It blends gacha, rogue-lite, and training sim elements into a deep, rewarding experience.

Rather than racing immediately, every character must go through a Career Mode to build their stats and skills. You’ll guide your horsegirl through training, rest, events, and races, hoping to complete her scenario successfully.

Is There an English (Global) Version?

Yes. The Global version launched on June 26, 2025, and features full English localization. While some early guides were written for the Japanese version, this one is tailored specifically for the Global server.

How the Stamina System Works

Unlike most gacha games, stamina in Uma Musume is generous. A full bar lets you complete 3 full training runs, and each run can last 20–40 minutes depending on how much text you read.

You can:

• Recharge stamina with 10 gems (very cheap compared to gacha pulls).

• Use stamina items received from events or login rewards.

• Play as much as you want, perfect for both casual and hardcore players.

Understanding the Gacha System

There are two main banners (called Scouts):

• Trainee Gacha: For unlocking new characters.

• Support Card Gacha: For pulling cards that boost your stats during training.

Pro Tip: Don’t just pull for characters you like. Strong support cards are key to progressing further in the game.

There’s also a spark system, after 200 pulls on a banner, you can exchange them for the featured card or character.

Main Gameplay – Career Mode

Career Mode is the core of Uma Musume. You’ll train a character over 70 turns to prepare her for racing. Every action you take, training, resting, racing, or going out, affects her growth.

Starting a Career

To begin, choose:

• A horsegirl to train (e.g., Sakura Bakushin O is recommended for beginners).

• Two Legacies (aka “parents”) from your previously trained characters or borrowed from friends.

• 6 Support Cards (5 of yours + 1 guest) to assist in training.

Each support card affects a specific stat (speed, stamina, etc.) and has unique event bonuses. Be sure to level them up and use compatible types.

How Turns Work

Each training run is split into around 70 turns. You can:

• Train in one of five facilities (boosting main stats).

• Rest to recover energy.

• Go out to boost mood.

• Visit the infirmary to heal status effects.

• Enter races to gain skill points.

Mood and energy play a big role in performance, so balance your actions wisely.

Stat Training & Support Cards

Your five main stats are:

• Speed – Max speed in races

• Stamina – Determines how long she can run at full speed

• Power – Affects acceleration and uphill running

• Guts – Reduces stamina usage (can be skipped early on)

• Wit (Intelligence) – Improves skill activation rates and gives energy when trained

Train in facilities where your support cards are active, they give bonus stats, friendship bonuses, and unlock skill hints.

Using Skills Effectively

Skills are special abilities that activate during races. You unlock them through:

• Support card events

• Legacy inheritance

• Career events

• Race performance

Skills cost Skill Points, which you earn by racing and training. Prioritize ones that suit your character’s running style (e.g., Sprint skills for short-distance characters).

Going Out & Managing Mood

Mood affects both training success and racing performance. To increase it:

• Use the “Go Out” option for shrine visits, karaoke, or walks.

• Level up Pal-type supports like Tazuna, they offer better outings and extra energy.

Always try to maintain a Happy or Excited mood for max results.

Racing & Strategy Types

You’ll enter both mandatory and optional races. These are auto battles, but tactics matter. Before each race, set your strategy:

• Front Runner – Take the lead early (good with Speed)

• Pace Chaser – Maintain mid-pack position

• Late Surger – Stay in back, push forward late

• End Closer – Make a final dash from the rear

Train according to your strategy, or you’ll get left behind.

Meeting Career Goals

Each character has predetermined goals, like:

• Win a specific race

• Reach a fan count

• Place top 3 by a certain date

Fail one, and the run ends. Always keep an eye on the goal tracker at the top of your screen.

Events During Career

Training in Uma Musume often triggers visual novel-style events, which:

• Give bonus stats or skills

• Affect mood or energy

• Offer multiple outcomes based on your choices

Use a dialogue choice guide if you want to optimize rewards (GameTora has one).

Other Game Modes in Uma Musume

Once your horsegirl completes her Career, she becomes a Veteran. You can use her in other modes like Daily Races, Legend Races, and Team Trials (PvP).

Daily Races

You get 3 entries per day. These races give:

• Coins (for character upgrades)

• Support Card materials

Always do the highest difficulty you can win. It’s fast, free, and counts toward daily missions.

Legend Races

Time-limited events where you race against a Legendary character.

• 3 entries per day when active

• Earn star pieces to upgrade that legend’s rarity

• Extra rewards for your first victory

These races rotate monthly, don’t skip them when they’re live.

Team Trials (PvP)

A relaxed Uma Musume PvP mode where you:

• Build 5 race teams (sprint, mile, medium, long, dirt)

• Battle other players in 5 back-to-back races

• Earn points based on race results

There’s no penalty for losing. Rankings reset weekly, and higher classes give better rewards. Even one strong team can rank well if you play smart.

Final Tips for New Trainers

• Train Sakura Bakushin O first, she’s beginner-friendly

• Don’t skip the support card gacha, strong cards are your foundation

• Keep your mood and energy high, you’ll train and race better

• Use your strongest Veterans as Legacies in future runs

• Save your jewels, 200 pulls = spark for top characters or cards

Ready to Race?

Uma Musume is more than just a gacha, it’s a deep sim with rewarding progression. The Global release is fresh, so now’s the best time to learn, experiment, and get ahead of the curve.

Find more game guides and codes here