Curious about the best gacha games to play right now? Inspired by the nostalgic coin-operated gachapon machines, these games transform the thrill of collecting capsule toys into a dynamic live-service video game experience. Players “wish” on virtual banners, hoping to acquire their favorite characters and rare items. Whether you’re a seasoned gacha enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this genre is a significant part of the gaming landscape, and we’ve curated the absolute best picks for you.
The best gacha games for 2025 include:
- Genshin Impact
- Zenless Zone Zero
- Honkai Star Rail
- Persona 5: The Phantom X
- Etheria: Restart
- Umamusume: Pretty Derby
- Black Beacon
- Strinova
- Infinity Nikki
- Another Eden
- Guardian Tales
- Honkai Impact 3rd
- Wuthering Waves
- Limbus Company
- Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis
- Arknights
- Reverse 1999
- Punishing: Gray Raven
- Goddess of Victory: Nikke
Genshin Impact
No list of top gacha games would be complete without Genshin Impact. While not the very first of its kind, HoYoverse’s flagship title is undeniably the one that propelled this game style into the global spotlight, establishing it as a prominent genre for international audiences. What truly distinguishes Genshin Impact from its rivals is HoYoverse’s commitment to delivering a compelling narrative within an expansive open world. This world beautifully captures the essence of exploration games, with its breathtaking, cel-shaded landscapes.
Genshin Impact’s primary appeal lies in its diverse and charming characters. HoYoverse skillfully avoids the common ‘waifu collector’ stereotype often found in gacha games. While the aesthetic appeal is certainly there, the characters boast a more broadly appealing design, and their vibrant personalities are the true magnet for players wishing on banners. HoYoverse is quite generous with in-game rewards, offering plenty of primogems to help players acquire top-tier characters without needing to spend real money. The game also hosts numerous events, providing exciting diversions from the main story and opportunities to craft powerful character builds.
Experience Genshin Impact for free.
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 takes a fresh approach, stepping away from galactic sci-fi and high fantasy to embrace city life with a unique twist. ZZZ is perfectly poised to captivate fans of Persona, but its preview also highlights fascinating, unexpected connections to triple-A fighting games and even charming old-school titles like Digimon World.
Its review praises its “slick, responsive combat” alongside its “style, substance, and genre diversification.” All the fundamental characteristics of gacha games are present: players can expect the usual array of characters eager to be pulled from banners, and the game’s ever-growing roster constantly influences its tier list. Players can redeem the latest codes and participate in exciting events to build a powerful team of eclectic characters, then venture into dangerous Hollows to complete various commissions. A vibrant new city awaits!
Embark on your journey in Zenless Zone Zero for free.
Honkai Star Rail
HoYoverse is widely recognized as the reigning champion among gacha game developers, so it’s no surprise that Honkai Star Rail also earns a spot on this prestigious list. This 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 entirely new interstellar adventure provides a more accessible entry point for players new to the series. Its turn-based combat system offers a distinctly different experience from Genshin Impact, yet it stays true to the beloved core HoYoverse formula.
If you’re ready to begin your trailblazing journey, there are plenty of codes available to help you get a headstart on acquiring the best units from banners. Be sure to check out our tier list if you need guidance on which characters are most powerful. We also provide a complete overview of the next update, so you can stay informed about the latest characters, events, and exciting story developments.
Start your Honkai Star Rail adventure for free.
Persona 5: The Phantom X
Persona 5: The Phantom X is the highly anticipated spinoff that gacha game enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting. It transports players back to the iconic Tokyo setting to meet a fresh group of Phantom Thieves. By day, you navigate the challenges of a typical high-school student, striving to ace your classes; by night, you transform into a Persona-wielding dungeoneer, delving into Palaces to steal corrupt hearts.
Our tier list can help you identify which Phantom Thieves are the top performers in turn-based battles, and which might be considered the underachievers. Don’t forget to grab those crucial codes, especially now that developers have introduced much-needed pity changes to improve your chances on banners.
Etheria: Restart
Prepare for the ‘Big Freeze’ with Etheria Restart, a turn-based RPG that stands out with its more cinematic approach compared to many other gacha titles. Humanity has narrowly escaped an apocalyptic fate by transferring their consciousness to the virtual world of Etheria, a sprawling cyberpunk megapolis now under threat from a devastating virus. As a Hyperlinker, it’s your crucial mission to assemble a powerful and harmonious squad to repel the corrupt Animus and secure humanity’s digital future.
While Etheria Restart features turn-based combat, its foundation in Unreal Engine ensures that every battle is dynamic and visually spectacular. Its compelling story mode will undoubtedly appeal to fans of Honkai Star Rail, while the inclusion of co-op and PvP modes adds a multiplayer dimension that truly sets Etheria Restart apart. The combat system, reminiscent of a rock-paper-scissors dynamic, exemplifies Bushnell’s Law, offering ample strategic depth within its expanding character roster for those who seek it. Consult our tier list for guidance on the best characters, and be sure to redeem the latest codes to aid your pulls.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Umamusume has broken out from its Japanese origins to become a worldwide gacha sensation. It’s the “anime horse girl game” captivating audiences across streaming platforms, and its premise is quite straightforward from that description: you collect, train, and race anime girls. Their unique personalities and stats often mirror famous racehorses from history, so if you’re a budding equestrian, you might already have a good idea of who ranks highest on our tier list. However, getting these characters into your stable is often easier said than done. Prepare yourself and redeem the latest codes before you hit the racecourse.
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 reimagining of the Tower of Babel. You assume the role of the Seer, the Head Librarian of the Library of Babel, tasked with preventing the annihilation of humanity. Fortunately, you won’t face this monumental challenge alone. With the most powerful characters from our tier list by your side, you’ll effortlessly defeat endless waves of anomalies in thrilling, real-time combat. If you’re ready for a mythical journey that spans time and space, redeem our codes to begin your adventure.
Strinova
Strinova might initially appear to be just another third-person gacha designed to introduce you to your next anime waifu, but don’t be mistaken. This tactical shooter integrates FPS game mechanics, allowing for pinpoint accuracy in head-to-head battles against other players across various maps. However, its most groundbreaking feature is the world itself. Strinova is a multidimensional realm that grants Superstring agents the ability to seamlessly switch between 2D and 3D forms.
This spatial manipulation empowers you to slip through the tightest spaces, flank enemy lines, and dodge sniper fire with a single button press. As if that weren’t enough, each character is equipped with a unique set of skills, roles, and weapons to master if you aim for victory. We have some codes available to help you start saving up in-game currency; once you’ve accumulated enough, our tier list can guide you on how best to spend it.
Infinity Nikki
Developer Infold Games has already made a significant mark on the mobile market with its popular dress-up game series, but Nikki’s debut on PC has been a resounding success. This open-world game draws inspiration from titles like Genshin Impact and Breath of the Wild, immersing the pink-haired fashionista in the fantastical realm of Miraland. Alongside her loyal companion Momo, Nikki must ascend to become a top-tier stylist and gather Miracle Outfits to save the world.
If that sounds like too much pressure, don’t worry – Miraland is brimming with whimsical activities that would feel perfectly at home in life-sim games. When you need a break from the main story, you can enjoy fishing, catching bugs, and even grooming animals. Participate in various events, challenge other stylists in fashion-based showdowns, and expand your wardrobe with exquisite outfits acquired from banners. Remember to redeem available codes for a helpful headstart once you embark on your Miraland journey.
Another Eden
JRPG and gacha mechanics converge beautifully in Another Eden, a captivating story-driven, single-player game that serves as a spiritual successor to the beloved Chrono Trigger. Writer Masato Kato and composer Mitsuda reprise their iconic roles for this deeply nostalgic adventure across time and space, imbuing it with an authentic feel that many modern Chrono-inspired titles struggle to replicate.
Another Eden chronicles the journey of Aldo, a cat-turned-human hero, who must traverse the past, present, and future to rescue his lost sister from the malevolent grasp of a mysterious Beast King. This game is a comforting embrace for fans of classic RPGs, and while its gacha odds can be quite challenging, even players with chronic bad luck can comfortably clear all content by relying on free-to-play characters.
Guardian Tales
Guardian Tales draws inspiration from Genshin Impact but cleverly re-imagines it as a top-down classic JRPG, akin to A Link to the Past. Players arrive in the Kanterbury Kingdom as a newly recruited Guardian Knight, tasked with defending this vibrant land from alien invaders. This initial premise sets the stage for a rich and complex story, populated with an array of cute and quirky characters. While strategic combat forms the core of its gameplay, the game offers a wealth of engaging side activities, from intricate puzzles and hidden secrets to a charming city-builder minigame.
Guardian Tales admittedly features a more intense gacha grind compared to other titles on this list, largely due to difficulty spikes in its later worlds. However, this also means it offers a significantly greater challenge for those seeking it. Furthermore, it boasts 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 just a quick daily play session, Guardian Tales might be exactly what you need.
Honkai Impact 3rd
Before the global phenomenon of Genshin Impact, there was Honkai Impact 3rd. HoYoverse’s foundational precursor to Honkai Star Rail has been actively developed for nearly a decade. While it might show its age by today’s standards, the release of Honkai Impact 3rd Part 2 in 2024 introduced valuable quality-of-life features and even a limited open world, helping it remain competitive. Honkai Impact 3rd also predates the standardized gacha model we’re familiar with today. While its fast-paced battle system makes it slightly more aggressive and competitive, there’s ample opportunity to build a powerful team of top-tier Valkyries equipped with matching weapons.
Honkai Impact 3rd will most obviously appeal to fans of Star Rail, but its arena-style matches and emphasis on rapid clear times bear a resemblance to Zenless Zone Zero’s dynamic combat. However, HI3’s narrative truly distinguishes it from its HoYoverse siblings. It follows Kiana Kaslana, a Valkyrie-in-training stationed on an alternate Earth plagued by a malevolent and corrupting force known simply as the Honkai. The ensuing events unfold in a world far removed from the optimistic comfort of Genshin Impact. HI3’s story is often dark and steeped in tragedy, featuring brainwashed child assassins and traumatized war survivors. It’s a lot to take in, but if you’re a Honkai Star Rail fan looking for something to do between updates, this is your chance to discover all the subtle 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 strives to rebuild amidst endless hordes of rampaging monsters. The anime game’s protagonist, Rover, is an amnesiac “Resonator” with the ability to combat these creatures, though they will need a loyal team of allies to assist them on their quest to recover lost memories.
An interview with Kuro Games reveals how the studio leverages its extensive experience in crafting dynamic and responsive combat systems to offer “a more refreshing take on the genre.” Kuro Games also brings its generous approach to gacha mechanics in Wuthering Waves banners, ensuring that players won’t be stuck on an endless grind to unlock all the characters in the roster. Our tier list can help you decide which characters to aim for, but you’ll need codes to help you beat the odds.
Play Wuthering Waves for free.
Limbus Company
Limbus Company stands out as one of the few recent gacha games that deviates from the traditional HoYoverse formula, instead offering a turn-based brawler filled with eldritch horrors. A spin-off title from Lobotomy Corporation, Limbus Company immediately plunges you into ProjectMoon’s quirky monster management simulation as an executive manager overseeing a team of so-called Sinners.
Your mission is to descend into the sprawling metropolitan ruins beneath the facility to retrieve the mysterious Golden Boughs and harness their power. Master the unique abilities of each Sinner to survive perilous skirmishes with Abnormalities and advance the story in this distinctive fusion of cyberpunk and Lovecraftian themes. 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 VII Ever Crisis
Ever Crisis presents the perfect opportunity for fans of Final Fantasy VII Remake to dive into the gacha game experience. This condensed version of Final Fantasy VII and Crisis Core covers the major events from both games, while also exploring the intricate origin story of a young and troubled Sephiroth.
Unlike many gacha games, you won’t be relying on banners to unlock iconic characters like Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith; instead, these characters are acquired for free as you progress through the narrative. However, their signature weapons and gear are available to be wished for on banners. Combat retains the core elements of Final Fantasy VII’s battle system, and players can also enjoy quality-of-life features such as an auto mode and adjustable battle speed to keep each encounter swift and engaging. You can even team up with friends in online co-op to challenge formidable bosses like Ifrit and Ramuh.
Arknights
If you’re seeking a gacha game with a unique twist, Arknights offers a top-down tactical tower defense experience. The gameplay 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 depth where even a single misstep can determine the outcome of a match.
Despite its challenge, free-to-play users can comfortably complete all content without needing to spend money on premium options. Its roster of over 300 characters features a diverse mix of anthropomorphic and kemonomimi designs, ranging from intelligent bunny-eared scientists to cunning rat kings, ensuring there’s a favorite for every player. These characters also contribute to the base-building mechanic between combat operations, helping maintain and strengthen the facilities you construct.
Reverse 1999
Reverse 1999 is a captivating, time-bending tactical gacha game set in the 20th Century, though the exact era remains a mystery thanks to a devastating temporal storm that reverses time, erasing everything in its path. As the Timekeeper, you are the sole individual capable of navigating and surviving this anomaly, making it your responsibility to uncover the root cause of this supernatural phenomenon.
However, you won’t face this challenge alone. You can recruit a team of fellow Arcanists to join you on your mission, with the most powerful characters appearing on limited-time banners, as is typical. 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 effectiveness dynamic, similar to elemental reactions in other popular RPGs. While it might not be the most free-to-play-friendly gacha game on this list, its exceptional character design and world presentation will be a massive draw for history enthusiasts – and we have plenty of codes available to help offset any potential costs.
Punishing: Gray Raven
Punishing: Gray Raven is a spectacular fighter that seamlessly blends visual novel storytelling with intense hack-and-slash combat. As the Commandant of an elite squad, your mission is to repel the hostile mechanoids relentlessly determined to eradicate humanity through a series of challenging combat stages.
Punishing: Gray Raven also has a strong reputation for generous banner odds, making it potentially the best gacha game for those committed to a free-to-play model. Alternatively, if you’re a long-time fan seeking new experiences, consider looking up this list at Wuthering Waves to discover the latest gacha offering from Kuro Games.
Goddess of Victory: Nikke
Goddess of Victory: Nikke’s reputation often precedes it, known for its outstanding character designs (ahem) that solidify its status as a quintessential ‘waifu collector’ gacha game. Expect an abundance of knee-high socks and miniskirts – especially those with dynamic jiggle physics. Beyond its alluring characters, Goddess of Victory: Nikke is a genuinely excellent gacha game that offers a distinctly different experience from many other titles on this list. In essence, it’s a 2D static shooter that combines casual real-time strategy, tasking your elite squad of beautiful ladies with fending off waves of hostile robots on the battlefield.
The roster in Goddess of Victory: Nikke is already impressive, and you can even recruit beloved characters from other popular media through collaborations, such as Makima from Chainsaw Man or 2B from Nier Automata. If you appreciate developer Shift Up’s signature style, it’s worth noting Stellar Blade; while not a gacha game, it’s highly likely to appeal to fans of Goddess of Victory: Nikke.
Now that you’ve got your next favorite gacha game picked out, be sure to check out our list of upcoming PC games to keep an eye on, including Blue Protocol’s unexpected return as Star Resonance. We also have excellent recommendations for JRPG games if you prefer to skip the gacha mechanics altogether.