Gacha games
A model where characters and items are won through random draws, named after Japanese capsule toy machines.
What is the gacha genre?
Gacha takes its name from capsule toy machines in Japan: You put in a coin, turn the handle and do not know what will come out. In games, the same logic applies to drawing characters and equipment. You do not buy the character you want directly; you buy a chance to pull it at a set probability.
The model usually comes with free-to-play games and is common on mobile. Pull rates, pity systems and seasonal character rotations make up the economy of these games. When talking about the genre, whether the rates are clearly published and where spending stops are as important as the gameplay.
What defines it?
Characters and equipment are obtained through draws at set probabilities.
Counters guarantee a high-rarity result after a certain number of draws.
Characters become available in limited-time events and then leave the pool.
Much of the gameplay revolves around building a roster and leveling up characters.
Landmark games
Well-known examples often used to explain the genre. For the list on our site, see the games section below.
At a glance
Gacha games (1)
Frequently asked questions
Can gacha games be played for free?
Usually, yes. In-game tasks earn you currency for draws, and a patient player can build a roster without spending money. For those who want to keep trying until a specific character appears, the cost rises quickly.
What does the pity system do?
It is there to limit long runs of unlucky draws. When you reach a set number of draws, it guarantees a high-rarity result, so the upper limit of spending becomes predictable.
Does gacha count as gambling?
The legal definition varies from country to country and is disputed. Because the mechanic is based on paying for a random result, many countries require the rates to be published, and further regulation is being discussed in some regions.