Cygames plans to shake up the support card system in the Japanese version of Umamusume Pretty Derby starting October 7, 2025. This major update scraps card levels entirely and shifts focus to limit breaks for automatic improvements, aiming to simplify strengthening and make gameplay more straightforward for trainers worldwide.
Key Changes Coming to Support Cards
Players have long relied on support cards to boost their horse girls stats and skills during training runs. The old system required grinding levels with support points to unlock full potential, often leading to frustration and time sinks.
Under the new rules, levels vanish completely. Instead, pulling duplicates or using limit breaks will instantly apply upgrades like specialty rate boosts without extra steps. This streamlines the process and lets trainers focus more on racing strategies.
Cygames shared an example using the SSR Speed Kitasan Black card. In the current setup, reaching level 45 unlocks a 40 point specialty rate up, but only after hitting three limit breaks and investing points. Post update, that bonus activates right away upon the required limit breaks.
How the Update Affects Daily Gameplay
The shift eliminates support points as a resource. All existing points convert to in game money, giving players a fresh start without losing value.
Refunds arrive for any money or points spent on leveling cards in the old system. This compensation ensures no one feels shortchanged by the overhaul.
Daily races like the Jupiter Cup, which rewarded support points, now offer strengthening items instead. This keeps the mode relevant while aligning with the simplified mechanics.
Team trial bonuses adjust too. They base rewards on card rarity and limit break count rather than levels, encouraging diverse deck building.
- Automatic upgrades upon limit breaks reduce grind time.
- No more menus for manual leveling in the enhance screen.
- Focus shifts to collecting duplicates for stronger cards.
Comparison of Old and New Systems
To help players understand the shift, here is a quick look at how things change.
| Aspect | Old System | New System |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrading Method | Level up with support points after limit breaks | Automatic boosts via limit breaks only |
| Resource Used | Support points and money | Duplicates for limit breaks |
| Bonus Activation | Requires reaching specific levels | Instant upon sufficient limit breaks |
| Daily Rewards | Support points from races | Strengthening items instead |
| Team Bonuses | Based on card levels | Tied to rarity and limit break total |
This table shows the core differences, highlighting a move toward efficiency.
Why Cygames Made This Move
Feedback from the community pointed to overly complex systems that deterred new players. By removing levels, the game becomes more accessible while retaining depth for veterans.
This update ties into broader trends in mobile gaming, where developers like those behind Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail simplify progression to boost retention. Umamusume Pretty Derby, with its mix of racing and idol elements, aims to stay competitive in the gacha space.
The change also prepares for potential global rollout, as the English version launched in June 2025 and continues to expand with new banners featuring characters like T.M. Opera O and support cards such as SSR Oguri Cap.
Potential Impact on Players and Future Updates
Veterans might welcome the refunds, using converted money to chase upcoming banners. Recent events added powerful cards like SSR Kawakami Princess and SSR Hishi Akebono, which could shine brighter under the new rules.
Newcomers benefit most, as the barrier to building strong teams drops. Training runs, the heart of gameplay, should feel smoother without point management.
However, some worry about over reliance on luck for duplicates. Cygames has not detailed adjustments to pull rates yet, but past updates suggest they monitor balance closely.
What Players Should Do Next
Prepare by reviewing your current support cards and noting any leveled ones for refunds. The update hits only the Japanese server first, but global versions often follow suit after testing.
As October 7 approaches, watch for official streams or announcements for more details. This could reshape meta strategies in championships and team trials.
Share your thoughts on these changes in the comments below, and spread the word to fellow trainers. How do you think this will affect your playstyle?
