What exactly makes a gacha game ‘the best’? Inspired by the nostalgic thrill of gachapon machines, gacha games skillfully translate the joy of collecting capsule toys into a dynamic, live-service video game experience. Players ‘wish’ on virtual banners, hoping to pull their most desired characters, gear, or items. Love them or not, these games are a massive and enduring genre, and we’re here to guide you through the absolute top picks for 2025.
The finest gacha titles strike a delicate balance: they offer a low barrier to entry, often as free-to-play PC games, while providing fair chances at acquiring premium characters. This ensures you can enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend. Our selection prioritizes engaging narratives and compelling gameplay that stand strong alongside their inherent collectible mechanics. Whether you’re seeking sprawling open-world adventures or intricate card battles, you’ll find a gacha experience tailored just for you on this list.
Genshin Impact
No list of the best gacha games could ever be complete without Genshin Impact. While HoYoverse’s flagship title wasn’t the very first of its kind, it was the game that propelled the gacha formula into the global mainstream, establishing it as a dominant genre. What truly distinguishes Genshin Impact is HoYoverse’s unwavering commitment to delivering a captivating narrative set within a stunning open world. Its sweeping, cel-shaded landscapes beautifully capture the spirit of games like Nintendo’s Breath of the Wild.
Genshin Impact’s strongest appeal lies in its characters. HoYoverse skillfully sidesteps the often-criticized ‘waifu collector’ aspect prevalent in many gacha games, which can deter some players. While the visual allure is certainly present, Genshin Impact’s diverse cast of characters boasts more family-friendly designs, and their vibrant personalities are the true magnet when acquiring them from banners. HoYoverse is quite generous with in-game rewards that provide ample primogems, allowing players to pull top-tier characters without spending real money. Additionally, numerous in-game events offer a refreshing diversion from the main story and character building.
Zenless Zone Zero
Zenless Zone Zero is the latest exciting offering from gacha giant HoYoverse, following in the successful footsteps of Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail. However, this urban RPG introduces an entirely fresh perspective, stepping away from galactic sci-fi and high fantasy to embrace city life with a unique twist. ZZZ is poised to captivate the hearts of Persona fans, but it also features unexpected connections to major fighting games like Street Fighter 6 and classic titles akin to Digimon World.
Reviewers praise Zenless Zone Zero’s “slick, responsive combat” alongside its “style, substance, and genre diversification.” All the core hallmarks of gacha games are present: a wide array of characters eagerly waiting to be pulled from banners, and an ever-expanding roster that constantly shapes its tier lists. Collect the latest in-game codes and participate in exciting events to build a powerful team of diverse characters, then dive into dangerous Hollows to complete critical commissions. New Eridu awaits!
Honkai Star Rail
HoYoverse is widely recognized as the reigning champion of gacha game development, so it’s no surprise that Honkai Star Rail also earns a coveted spot on this list. The newest installment in the Honkai series isn’t a direct sequel, though veteran fans of Honkai Impact 3rd might encounter some familiar faces among the diverse cast of characters. Instead, this fresh interstellar adventure provides a more accessible entry point for players new to the franchise. Its turn-based combat system offers a distinctly different experience from Genshin Impact, yet it remains true to the beloved core HoYoverse formula.
If you’re eager to embark on your trailblazing journey, plenty of in-game codes are available to help you get a headstart on acquiring the best units from banners. Consult the tier list if you need guidance on which characters are most powerful. Plus, stay updated with information about the next major update to keep pace with the latest characters, events, and captivating story developments.
Persona 5: The Phantom X
P5X is the Persona spinoff that gacha game enthusiasts have eagerly awaited. It transports us back to Tokyo to join a fresh group of Phantom Thieves. By day, you’re a typical high-school student navigating the challenges of classes; by night, you’re a Persona-wielding dungeon explorer, delving into Palaces to steal corrupted hearts.
The P5X tier list can help you identify which Phantom Thieves are star performers and which might be less effective in turn-based battles. Don’t forget to grab those crucial in-game codes, especially now that Sega has implemented much-needed pity changes to improve your chances on banners.
Etheria: Restart
Prepare for the Big Freeze in Etheria Restart, a turn-based RPG that adopts a more cinematic approach than many of its gacha counterparts. Humanity has narrowly escaped an apocalyptic fate by relocating to the virtual world of Etheria, a cyberpunk metropolis now under threat from a deadly virus. As a Hyperlinker, your mission is to assemble a powerful and synergistic squad to repel the corrupt Animus and secure humanity’s digital survival.
Etheria Restart may be turn-based, but its Unreal Engine foundation ensures combat is consistently dynamic and visually impressive. Its engaging story mode will appeal to fans of Honkai Star Rail, while additional co-op and PvP modes inject a multiplayer magic that distinguishes Etheria Restart from the typical gacha crowd. The rock-paper-scissors-style combat is intuitively designed, with ample depth in the ever-expanding character roster for those who seek it. Explore the Etheria Restart tier list for the best characters, and don’t forget to redeem the latest in-game codes to aid your pulls.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Umamusume has transcended its Japanese origins to become a global gacha phenomenon. It’s the “anime horse girl game” captivating audiences across Twitch and TikTok, and its premise is quite straightforward: you collect, train, and race charming anime girls. Their personalities and stats often mirror those of famous historical racehorses – so if you have an interest in equestrian history, you might already have an idea of who ranks highest on the Umamusume tier list. However, acquiring them for your stable is easier said than done. Saddle up and redeem the latest in-game codes before you head to the racecourse.
Crystal of Atlan
Magic and machinery intertwine in Crystal of Atlan, an exciting gacha MMO that seamlessly connects PC and mobile platforms. Nuverse’s distinctive “magicpunk” setting features zeppelins and cannon fire soaring between the floating islands that form the fantastical realm of Atlan. As a Seeker, you possess the ability to harness the crystal energy powering this shattered world in fast-paced combat, with a notable emphasis on thrilling aerial maneuvers.
However, Crystal of Atlan’s true allure lies in player interaction. From its intense 3v3 team battles to its cooperative dungeons, successful teamwide combos demand careful coordination. Each base class offers a selection of advanced specializations to develop over time, allowing you to fine-tune your synergies. Whether you prefer slinging spells in PvE or engaging in hack-and-slash PvP combat, the Crystal of Atlan tier list can help you identify the ideal class for your preferred playstyle.
Black Beacon
From the talented former developers of Punishing Gray Raven comes Black Beacon, an ARPG gacha game that transports players to a futuristic, sci-fi rendition of the Tower of Babel. You assume the role of the Seer, the Head Librarian of the Library of Babel, tasked with preventing the extinction of humanity. Fortunately, you won’t face this challenge alone. With the top characters from the Black Beacon tier list by your side, you’ll effortlessly defeat endless waves of anomalies in dynamic real-time combat. If you’re ready for a mythical journey that transcends the boundaries of time and space, redeem Black Beacon codes to kickstart your adventure.
Strinova
Strinova might initially appear to be just another third-person gacha game designed to introduce you to your next anime waifu, but don’t be mistaken. This tactical shooter integrates FPS game mechanics for precise aiming during intense head-to-head battles against other players across diverse maps. However, its most groundbreaking feature is the world itself. Strinova unfolds on a multidimensional plane, enabling Superstring agents to seamlessly switch between 2D and 3D forms.
This mastery of spatial manipulation allows you to navigate the tightest passages, slip behind enemy lines, and even dodge sniper fire with a single keystroke. As if that weren’t enough, each character is equipped with a unique array of skills, roles, and weapons that demand mastery if you hope to emerge victorious. There are Strinova codes available to help you accumulate Bablo Crystals and Dream Tokens; once you have enough, consult the Strinova tier list to decide how best to spend them.
Infinity Nikki
Developer Infold Games has already dominated the mobile market with its beloved dress-up game series, but Nikki’s initial venture onto PC has been a resounding success. An open-world adventure drawing inspiration from Genshin Impact and Breath of the Wild, Infinity Nikki sees the pink-haired fashionista transported into the fantastical Miraland. Accompanied by her loyal companion Momo, Nikki must ascend to become a top-tier stylist and collect Miracle Outfits to ultimately save the world.
If that sounds like a daunting task, fear not – Miraland is brimming with whimsical activities that would feel perfectly at home in games akin to Animal Crossing. When you’re not advancing the main story, you can indulge in fishing, bug catching, and even grooming animals. Participate in Infinity Nikki events, challenge other stylists in fashion-centric battles, and expand your wardrobe with exquisite outfits acquired from Infinity Nikki banners. Be sure to redeem Infinity Nikki codes for a headstart once you finally begin your journey in Miraland.
Another Eden
JRPG and gacha mechanics beautifully intertwine in Another Eden, a captivating story-driven single-player game that serves as a spiritual successor to Chrono Trigger. Writer Masato Kato and composer Mitsuda reprise their iconic roles for this nostalgic adventure through time and space, imbuing it with an authentic charm that modern Chrono-likes often struggle to replicate.
Another Eden follows Aldo, a cat-turned-human hero who must journey between the past, present, and future to rescue his lost sister from the malevolent clutches of a mysterious Beast King. Another Eden offers a comforting embrace for fans of old-school RPGs, and while its gacha odds can be quite challenging, even chronically unlucky players can comfortably clear all content by relying on free-to-play characters.
Guardian Tales
Guardian Tales draws inspiration from Genshin Impact but reimagines the experience as a top-down classic JRPG, reminiscent of titles like A Link to the Past. You arrive in Kanterbury Kingdom as a newly recruited Guardian Knight, tasked with defending this vibrant land from alien invaders. This initial conflict sets the stage for a complex narrative filled with endearing and quirky characters. While strategic combat forms the core of its gameplay, Guardian Tales also offers a wealth of side activities, ranging from intricate puzzles and hidden secrets to a charming city-builder minigame.
Guardian Tales does present a more significant gacha grind compared to other titles on this list, largely due to difficulty spikes in later worlds. However, this also means it offers a greater challenge for those seeking it. It also features a smaller character roster than typically seen in gacha games, providing a refreshing alternative for players looking to avoid the power creep inherent in rapid banner cycles. If you’re searching for a gacha game that demands more than a quick play session during your daily commute, Guardian Tales might be the perfect fit.
Honkai Impact 3rd
Before Genshin Impact captured global attention, there was Honkai Impact 3rd. HoYoverse’s classic precursor to Honkai Star Rail has been thriving for nearly a decade. While it might feel a little dated by today’s standards, the release of Honkai Impact 3rd Part 2 in 2024 introduced quality-of-life features and even a limited open world, helping it to remain competitive. HI3 also predates the standardized gacha model we know today. Although its fast-paced battle system makes it slightly more aggressive and competitive, there’s ample opportunity to build a formidable team of top-tier Valkyries with matching weapons.
Honkai Impact 3rd will most obviously appeal to Star Rail fans, but its arena-style matches and emphasis on rapid clear times bear a resemblance to Zenless Zone Zero. However, HI3’s narrative sets it apart from its HoYoverse siblings. It follows Kiana Kaslana, a Valkyrie-in-training stationed on an alternate version of Earth besieged by a malevolent and corruptive force known as the Honkai. The ensuing events depict a world far removed from the optimistic comfort of Genshin Impact. HI3’s story is oppressively dark and steeped in tragedy, featuring brainwashed child assassins and traumatized war survivors. While it’s a lot to take in, if you’re a Honkai Star Rail fan looking for something to do between updates, now’s your chance to uncover all the throwbacks and references you might have missed aboard the Astral Express.
Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves is the latest gacha game from Kuro Games, the acclaimed developer behind Punishing: Gray Raven. Following a global catastrophe known as The Lament, which inexplicably brought the world to ruin, humanity struggles to rebuild amidst endless hordes of rampaging monsters. The anime-inspired game’s protagonist, Rover, is an amnesiac “Resonator” capable of combating these creatures, though they’ll need a team of loyal allies to aid them on their quest to restore their lost memories.
An interview with Kuro Games reveals how the studio leverages its extensive experience in crafting dynamic and responsive combat systems to deliver “a more refreshing take on the genre.” Kuro Games also extends their generous approach to gacha in Wuthering Waves banners, ensuring that players aren’t trapped in an endless grind to unlock every character in the roster. Our Wuthering Waves tier list can help you decide who to pull for, but you’ll need in-game codes to help you beat the odds.
Limbus Company
Limbus Company stands out as one of the few recent gacha games that deviates from the familiar HoYoverse formula, offering instead a turn-based brawler packed with eldritch horrors. A spin-off title from Lobotomy Corporation, Limbus Company thrusts you into the heart of ProjectMoon’s unconventional monster management simulation as an executive manager overseeing a team of so-called Sinners.
Your mission is to descend into the metropolitan ruins beneath the facility to retrieve the mysterious Golden Boughs and harness their power. Master the unique skills of each Sinner to survive deadly skirmishes with Abnormalities and advance the story in this unique fusion of cyberpunk and Lovecraftian horror. Limbus Company is also notably generous to its free-to-play audience, making it an excellent entry-level gacha game for newcomers to the genre.
Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis
Ever Crisis presents the perfect opportunity for fans of Final Fantasy VII Remake to explore the gacha game experience. This abridged version of FF7 and Crisis Core meticulously retells the major events from both games, while also delving into the murky origin story of a young and troubled Sephiroth.
Unlike most gacha games, you won’t be wishing on banners to unlock iconic characters like Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith. Instead, these characters are acquired for free as you progress through the narrative, while their signature weapons and gear are available on the banners. Combat incorporates the staple elements of FF7’s battle system, and players can also benefit from quality-of-life features such as auto mode and adjustable battle speed to keep each encounter swift and engaging. You can even unite with friends in online co-op to face off against formidable bosses like Ifrit and Ramuh.
Arknights
If you’re searching for a gacha game with a distinct flavor, Arknights offers a top-down tactical tower defense experience. It involves deploying operators into sequential battle stages to eliminate enemies before they can breach your base. Developer Hypergryph defies the trend of casual gacha games, providing deep strategic gameplay where a single misstep can determine the outcome of a match.
Despite its challenging nature, free-to-play users can conquer all content without resorting to premium purchases. Its roster of over 300 characters features a diverse blend of anthropomorphic and kemonomimi designs, from bunny-eared scientists to cunning rat kings, ensuring there’s a favorite for every type of player. These operators also contribute to the base-building feature between combat operations, maintaining and enhancing the facilities you construct.
Reverse 1999
Reverse 1999 is a time-bending tactical gacha game set in the 20th Century, though the exact era is constantly in flux due to a temporal storm that reverses time, obliterating everything in its path. As the Timekeeper, you are the sole individual capable of braving this storm and surviving, making it your responsibility to uncover the cause behind this supernatural phenomenon.
However, you won’t face this challenge alone. You can recruit a team of fellow Arcanists to join your mission, with the most powerful and enigmatic appearing on limited-time banners, naturally. Reverse 1999’s card-based combat system will strongly appeal to fans of trading card games, featuring various incantation types and a rock-paper-scissors-style effectiveness akin to Genshin Impact’s elemental reactions or games like Pokemon. While it may not be the most free-to-play-friendly gacha game in the lineup, its exceptional character design and world presentation will be a significant draw for history buffs – and there are plenty of Reverse 1999 codes available to help offset any costs.
Punishing: Gray Raven
Punishing: Gray Raven is a spectacular action-RPG that combines visual novel storytelling with intense hack-and-slash combat. As the Commandant of an elite squad, your mission is to repel hostile mechanoids determined to eradicate humanity, fighting through a series of challenging combat stages.
Punishing: Gray Raven also has a reputation for offering generous banner odds, so if you’re committed to a free-to-play model, this could very well be the ideal gacha game for you. Alternatively, if you’re a long-time fan seeking new experiences, consider exploring Wuthering Waves, the latest gacha title from Kuro Games, further up this list.
Goddess of Victory: Nikke
Goddess of Victory: Nikke’s reputation precedes it, often recognized as the definitive ‘waifu collector’ gacha game, featuring an abundance of knee-high socks and miniskirts—especially when enhanced by impressive jiggle physics. Beyond the titillating character designs, Goddess of Victory: Nikke is a genuinely excellent gacha game that offers a distinctly different experience from other titles on this list. At its core, it’s a 2D static shooter that delivers casual real-time strategy, as your elite squad of beautiful ladies takes to the battlefield to fend off waves of hostile robots.
The roster of Goddess of Victory: Nikke is already impressive, and you can even deploy beloved characters from other popular media, such as Makima from the Chainsaw Man collaboration or 2B from the Nier Automata crossover. If you appreciate Shift Up’s distinctive style, it would be remiss not to mention Stellar Blade; while not a gacha game, if you enjoy Goddess of Victory: Nikke, it’s highly probable you’ll find it well worth your time.
Now that you’ve found your next favorite gacha game, explore our list of upcoming PC games to keep an eye on, including Blue Protocol’s unexpected revival as Star Resonance. We also have fantastic recommendations for JRPG games if you prefer to step away from the gacha model entirely.