The best gacha games cleverly implement mechanics akin to those of a gachapon machine. They consist of gameplay elements that create an exciting gameplay loop — unpredictability, excitement, and incentives to keep you engaged.
These games are filled with lootboxes, unpredictable rewards, finely crafted character designs, and intricate worlds that keep the game’s quality consistently good. While the games aren’t ranked in any order, this list contains the top titles you can get into right now.
How we came up with this list
To compile our game roundups, we evaluate critic ratings, audience research, and sought-after gameplay features, leveraging our expertise as gamers and developers to bring you the most accurate and helpful information.
The Best Gacha Games at a Glance
The best gacha games often blend fluid combat with fascinating world-building and characters. Since there are so many to choose from, here’s a glance at the best ones.
| Game | Best For | Platforms | Google Play Ratings |
| RAID: Shadow Legends | Fans of strategic RPG elements who enjoy resource management and collecting champions | iOS, Android, Windows | 4.6/5 |
| Genshin Impact | Gamers looking for a large open world to explore with fluid combat and diverse characters | iOS, Android, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox | 3.5/5 |
| Honkai: Star Rail | Fans of story-driven games with rich RPG and turn-based combat mechanics | iOS, Android, Windows, PlayStation | 3.5/5 |
| Zenless Zone Zero | Gamers looking for stylish combat in a roguelike game with immersive world building | iOS, Android, Windows, PlayStation | 3.6/5 |
| Wuthering Waves | Gamers who enjoy open-world exploration with deep lore and fast-paced combat | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, PlayStation | 4.4/5 |
| Arknights | Players who enjoy strategic, tower-defense-style gameplay | iOS, Android | 4.3/5 |
| Guardian Tales | Fans of action-driven RPGs who enjoy puzzle-solving and storytelling within a game | iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch | 4.5/5 |
| Reverse: 1999 | Gamers looking for a narrative-driven game with strategic combat | iOS, Android, Windows | 4.3/5 |
| Dragon Ball Legends | Dragon Ball fans looking for a fast-paced action game on mobile | iOS, Android | 4.3/5 |
| Punishing: Gray Raven | Fans of the cyberpunk genre looking for a fast-paced action game | iOS, Android, Windows | 4.4/5 |
| Goddess of Victory: NIKKE | Tactical cover-shooters seeking high-quality visuals and an emotional, post-apocalyptic story | iOS, Android, Windows | 4.7/5 |
1. RAID: Shadow Legends
| Developer | Plarium Games |
| Release date | March 29, 2019 |
| Genre | Turn-based RPG |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows |
| Rating | 4.6/5 on Google Play |
| Best for | Fans of strategic RPG elements who enjoy resource management and collecting champions |
| Gameplay features | Over 700 champions to collect, strategic turn-based battles, player versus environment (PvE) elements |
The world of role-playing games (RPGs) is incomplete without the mention of RAID: Shadow Legends. It stands out for its deep, rewarding gameplay loop, making it one of the best mobile RPG titles. With deep customization, RAID: Shadow Legends is perfect for those who love theory-crafting and optimizing gameplay loops
You’ll experience a thrill unlocking 800+ visually stunning characters as you progress through content that never ends. Whether you’re climbing the Doom Tower, fighting in the Live Arena, or collaborating with your Clan, there’s always something new to do and something that you can unlock to help you do it the best way possible.
2. Genshin Impact
| Developer | HoYoverse |
| Release date | September 28, 2020 |
| Genre | RPG, action |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Rating | 3.5/5 on Google Play |
| Best for | Gamers looking for a large open world to explore with fluid combat and diverse characters |
| Gameplay features | Vast open world, elemental combat system, rich storytelling |
Genshin Impact is arguably the most popular gacha game — its vast open world draws millions of players each month. Character traits take center stage in this high-quality RPG experience, where combat itself is driven by character development.
The game’s combat system stands out thanks to elemental damage and interactions that reward creativity. Frequent updates, new regions, and evolving storylines make it one of the best online games you can dive into.
3. Honkai: Star Rail
| Developer | HoYoverse |
| Release date | April 26, 2023 |
| Genre | Turn-based RPG |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows, PlayStation |
| Rating | 3.5/5 on Google Play |
| Best for | Fans of story-driven games with rich RPG and turn-based combat mechanics |
| Gameplay features | Anime-style visuals, turn-based combat, a large roster of characters, open-world exploration |
Honkai: Star Rail thrives on a turn-based RPG system that requires tactical decision-making, encouraging players to build a team that works for their playstyle. Add breathtaking visuals and cinematic storytelling, and you have an excellent RPG at your disposal.
The game’s immersive sci-fi world is filled with lore-rich environments and compelling characters. As the narrative progresses, new mysteries of this universe are uncovered, backed by excellent writing and gameplay quality.
4. Zenless Zone Zero
| Developer | HoYoverse |
| Release date | July 2, 2024 |
| Genre | RPG, action, roguelike |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows, PlayStation |
| Rating | 3.6/5 on Google Play |
| Best for | Gamers looking for stylish combat in a roguelike game with immersive world-building |
| Gameplay features | Fast-paced combat, roguelike mechanics, diverse roster of characters |
As one of the top gacha games right now, Zenless Zone Zero redefines the action RPG genre by mixing roguelike gameplay with breathtaking anime-esque visuals. Players explore the world of New Eridu, a place with a dystopian backdrop and fascinating characters.
It has some of the best graphics on mobile, with accessible controls that help with the fluid combat system and character switching. The game has been developed with atmospheric music and a detailed character design in mind.
5. Wuthering Waves
| Developer | Kuro Game |
| Release date | May 22, 2024 |
| Genre | RPG, action |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, PlayStation |
| Rating | 4.4/5 on Google Play |
| Best for | Gamers who enjoy open-world exploration with deep lore and fast-paced combat |
| Gameplay features | Open-world exploration, dynamic combat system, story-driven elements in a dystopian setting |
Some gacha games tend to focus on engaging gameplay mechanics, while others are narrative-focused. Fortunately, Wuthering Waves combines the two in the best ways possible by mixing intense action (combat mechanics) with a haunting dystopian theme.
It’s the perfect co-op mobile game to play with friends if you’re into richly detailed worlds with distinct characters. Unique character animations and abilities emphasize personality traits that synergize well when gaming with someone else.
6. Arknights
| Developer | Hypergryph |
| Release date | April 30, 2019 |
| Genre | Tactical RPG/tower defense |
| Platforms | Android, iOS |
| Rating | 4.3/5 on Google Play |
| Best for | Players who enjoy strategic, tower-defense-style gameplay |
| Gameplay features | Grid-based tower defense, 380+ class-based operators, base and resource management, powerful skill abilities |
One of the best mobile gacha games available, Arknights is also a tactical RPG and tower defense title. This is the ideal game for players who want the depth of gameplay in the best mobile strategy games, but still want a fantastic story to keep them engaged.
Players start small, but unlock new arenas, operators, and resources as they progress. Progression can be slow or quick, largely depending on how well a player utilizes their resources and operator upgrades to scale with the challenges they face, making it perfect for those who love deep-diving stats and optimizing their gameplay to the fullest.
7. Guardian Tales
| Developer | Kong Studios |
| Release date | July 28, 2020 |
| Genre | RPG, action |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch |
| Rating | 4.5/5 on Google Play |
| Best for | Fans of action-driven RPGs who enjoy puzzle-solving and storytelling within a game |
| Gameplay features | Pixel art with a touch of retro aesthetics, story-driven campaign, puzzle-solving, over 100 heroes to collect |
When it comes to gacha games, few do a job as fine as Guardian Tales when telling a charming story. Its special blend of action-packed sequences and pixel art style leaves a memorable impression on players’ minds.
Cleverly designed puzzles and epic boss battles also make up a large part of the gameplay loop, giving players a lot to dive into. There’s also PvP and guild co-op that keep things fresh, making it one of the best gacha games in 2026.
8. Reverse: 1999
| Developer | Bluepoch |
| Release date | October 26, 2023 |
| Genre | Turn-based RPG |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows |
| Rating | 4.3/5 on Google Play |
| Best for | Gamers looking for a narrative-driven game with strategic combat |
| Gameplay features | Immersive narrative, hand-drawn visuals, turn-based combat, philosophical storytelling |
The world of anime gacha games is often painted with emotional and philosophical themes, and Reverse: 1999 is no different. Its artistic direction and exceptional storytelling shine through and through, thanks to its beautifully written characters.
The game’s turn-based combat system shines with card mechanics and customization. Each character offers a unique depth to the game, always keeping the game fresh and exciting.
9. Dragon Ball Legends
| Developer | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
| Release date | May 31, 2018 |
| Genre | RPG, action, fighting |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
| Rating | 4.3/5 on Google Play |
| Best for | Dragon Ball fans looking for a fast-paced action game on mobile |
| Gameplay features | Real-time fighting with swipe-based controls, iconic Dragon Ball characters, card-based combat |
Dragon Ball Legends stays in the spotlight by combining the thrill of mobile-friendly combat mechanics and characters from the Dragon Ball universe. The game captures the essence of the franchise through stunning cinematics and animations.
With frequent updates and competitive PvP modes, the game keeps things fresh by balancing nostalgia, action, and strategic combat. Hands down, this is one of the best mobile games for Dragon Ball fans.
10. Punishing: Gray Raven
| Developer | Kuro Game |
| Release date | July 16, 2019 |
| Genre | RPG, action, hack-and-slash |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows |
| Rating | 4.4/5 on Google Play |
| Best for | Fans of the cyberpunk genre looking for a fast-paced action game |
| Gameplay features | Fast-paced combat, post-apocalyptic cyberpunk aesthetic, powerful narrative |
Punishing: Gray Raven’s high-octane combat and polished graphics immediately draw you into its dystopian, cyberpunk themes. The game’s rewarding gameplay encourages a learning curve that gives it depth and replayability.
The game’s strong narrative and character arcs keep things interesting, delving into many philosophical and emotional themes. Add fluid animations, and you have yourself one of the best hack-and-slash PC games to play.
11. Goddess of Victory: NIKKE
| Developer | Shift Up |
| Release date | November 4, 2022 |
| Genre | Third-person shooter, RPG |
| Platforms | Android, iOS, Windows |
| Rating | 4.7/5 on Google Play |
| Best for | Tactical cover-shooters seeking high-quality visuals and an emotional, post-apocalyptic story |
| Gameplay features | Cover-based third-person shooting, co-op squads of up to five, 130+ customizable characters, and unique skills |
Goddess of Victory: NIKKE is one of the top PC gacha games also available on mobile. This third-person shooter lets you control teams of up to five customizable characters, each with their own unique skill, weapon, and lore.
Players can run the gauntlet of the gritty, post-apocalyptic story on their own or team up in multiplayer squads of five, taking down hordes of enemies and challenging bosses with each stage. For those who love shooters and horde-style survival titles, this is the gacha game for you.
What To Look For in a Gacha Game
Gacha games can be highly engaging and offer hours of seamless entertainment. However, since there are so many to choose from, here are some tips to keep in mind before making a choice.
- Fair monetization model: Before jumping into a game, make sure the in-game monetization isn’t too demanding. Season/battle passes or single basic items shouldn’t cost more than $10-$15.
- Reasonable pull rates: Unlike trading card games, gacha games are highly based on the “luck factor” and reward you based on random drops. In a game like Genshin Impact, there’s a 0.6% chance to pull a five-star item and a 94.3% chance to obtain a three-star item.
- Engaging gameplay: With adequate lore and character designs, the game should feel rewarding at every turn. Keep the game’s combat system in mind if these other factors are already in place.
- Regular updates: The best gacha games get regular updates like new regions, characters, story quests, and so on. Make sure the game you’re considering has these frequent changes.
These key points will help you choose the ideal gacha game for you. While some of the coolest games are quite popular already, there’s also a vast collection of games you can explore to learn more about different subgenres in gaming.
Best Gacha Games FAQ
Most online gacha games feature engaging gameplay elements, such as fluid combat and storytelling, alongside unpredictable, exciting rewards. If you still have questions about the best gacha games, take a look at the answers below.
What are some of the best gacha games on mobile only?
Arknights and Dragon Ball Legends are some of the best gacha games only available on mobile.
Are there any gacha games with low grind requirements?
Arknights, Honkai: Star Rail, and Reverse: 1999 have lower grind requirements than most other gacha games.
Where Does the Term “Gacha” Come From?
The term comes from the Japanese word “gachapon” (or “gashapon”), which refers to capsule toy vending machines that are popular in Japan. A similar mechanic, founded on feelings of unpredictability and randomness, is now widely known as “gacha” in video games.
What Is the Most Popular Gacha Game?
With over 200 million downloads and tens of millions of active monthly players, Genshin Impact is the most popular gacha game right now. It offers a large roster of characters and a compelling storyline within a large open world, making it an attractive choice for newcomers to the genre and veterans alike.
Are Gacha Games Gambling?
Randomized rewards and psychological hooks might give the impression of gambling, but gacha games operate on different principles. Gambling usually involves real-world money as an incentive, whereas gacha games focus more on entertainment, fictional characters, and gameplay loops.