In this article, we’ll be ranking the best gacha games in 2022. We’ve made sure to include games that are compatible with Android or iOS.
What is a Gacha Game?
To understand what a gacha game is, you need to know where the gacha term comes from: a Japanese capsule-toy vending machine (gachapon). When you use a gachapon machine, it gives you a capsule containing a mystery toy. The most valuable toys are the rarest to get. Gacha games are video games that feature and adapt this process. They typically have a store where you can buy loot boxes (capsules) that give you mystery items. These include characters, weapons or skins. Like the gacha machines, the “best” items are the hardest to get. Considering their roots, it’s not a surprise that most gacha games have JRPG qualities, like a heavy story focus, turn-based gameplay, and a more stylistic art style.
Best Gacha Games in 2022
RAID: Shadow Legends
Even if you’ve never played a gacha game before, you’ve probably heard of RAID: Shadow Legends. This fantasy RPG is so infamous for its aggressive marketing strategies, it’s become an internet meme. Despite this, RAID: Shadow Legends isn’t “all talk” and no substance. This turn-based role playing game throws you right into a dark fantasy realm, brought to life by stunning, lag-free graphics. RAID features a wide variety of game modes for you to explore. These include Campaigns, Dungeons, Faction Wars and the Arena. In Faction Wars, you join a clan with your friends and work together to take on battle bosses. The Arena is a PvP mode, where you can earn some pretty great rewards. There are several classes in the game and an ever-growing number of characters. Currently, there are over 300 characters. Each character is beautifully designed, and has their own unique abilities and playstyle. You can upgrade these characters by collecting equipment and artifacts (buffs). Although the graphics are jaw-dropping – making it apt for those who value eye candy – the story is mediocre at best. It relies on run-of-the-mill fantasy tropes, and the narrative isn’t memorable. Another issue with this gacha game is that it constantly tries to persuade you to splurge your cash. It gives regular pop-ups of “limited time offers” on purchasable packs. Premium items also give a significant power spike to your characters. As such, this game is “freemium” in every sense. Even so, if you’re not overly big on story and don’t mind its freemium approach, RAID is still a great gacha game.
Marvel Strike Force
Marvel Strike Force is a turn-based gacha game. It allows you to finally live out your dream of commanding a roster of Marvel superheroes – or supervillains. Since its release, it has won several awards, such as “the best breakthrough game of 2019 (Google Play)”. The animations are smooth and exciting, and there’s a good variety of game modes. Each mode is easy to learn. You can unlock new Marvel characters through orbs (the gacha component) and by collecting shards. There are several other currencies you can use to upgrade your characters and items. With over 170 characters and an endless amount of rooster combinations, every fight feels unique. This makes it a hard gacha game to get bored of.
Azur Lane
Azur Lane is a unique gacha game; it combines JRPG elements with side-scrolling shoot ‘em up gameplay. You take on the role of a naval fleet commander, and the whole story revolves around naval warfare. The game launched in 2017. It has since become one of the most popular gacha games out there, especially in Japan. In Japan, it garnered over five million players within the span of four months. In 2019, it also received its own anime adaptation and console game version (Azur Lane: Crosswave). While some gacha games can be difficult to figure out at first, Azur Lane is pretty beginner-friendly. It won’t throw you in the deep end (pun intended). The tutorial is fully fleshed out, and explains how the game works clearly. Set in an alternate WW2 era, the game also incorporates various historical references. This makes it great for gacha-loving history buffs. While the story isn’t as hooking as other gacha games, most dialogue lines are voiced and well-acted. As we mentioned above, a core part of the game is its 2D shooter combat. In this mode, the characters are easy to control, and their weapons fire automatically. However, you can tap on buttons to unleash further damage-dealing special attacks. There are hundreds of characters in the game to pick between and collect (via gacha!). Characters have varying ranks and rareness, and you can also unlock gear for them. The characters are the human forms of WW2-inspired warships. As you might have guessed, this approach results in some hilarious character designs. For example, USS Spence (a destroyer ship class) is turned into a nervous and shy loli. Azur Lane can be grindy and feel repetitive at times. But it does get updated regularly with new content.
Dragon Ball Legends
Dragon Ball is one of the most successful anime of all time. Not only did it influence the genre itself – especially the tropes found in shonen – but it also proved that anime could be popular in the West. Considering this, it’s no surprise that a gacha game adaptation of the franchise is a big hit. Dragon Ball Legends features real-time combat in a 3D environment. Combat is fun, fast and engaging. You control your character via swipes and taps, and throw out special moves and combos at your opponent. You can even dodge attacks and counter them. It also features a card system which determines your usable abilities. There are lots of game modes, including PVP and story mode. The story does feel like it drags on at times, but it’s overall decent and will definitely keep you invested. The visuals are vibrant and have the classic Dragon Ball style.
Arknights
Arknights is a mobile tower-defense game equipped with an anime aesthetic. The game is set in a dystopian world. The remaining survivors fight over a valuable resource called Originium. Unlike your run-of-the-mill tower defense, the turrets are replaced with characters (operators). Operators have their own classes, abilities and special attack styles. There are 8 classes in total, ranging from sniper to medic. As you progress through the game, Arknights ups the difficulty, limiting the possible solutions. This means you have to be strategic in where you place your characters (turrets). As such, it’s an excellent gacha game for those looking for some brain-teasing fun. Another great aspect of Arknights is that none of the levels need you to splurge out cash. You can complete every level without needing super rare characters. While the gameplay is rather simplistic, the story is compelling and doesn’t rely on clichés to move it forward. The game looks appealing, sporting detailed textures and a 3D environment. Despite the impressive looks, the game still runs well on low-end devices. The gacha experience Arknights offers is also particularly generous. You have a 2% chance of pulling an operator with 6-star rarity, and an 8% chance of getting one of 5-star rarity. Arknights also has a system to ensure you’ll receive at least one high-rarity operator every ten pulls.
Fire Emblem Heroes
Fire Emblem Heroes is a turn-based strategy combat game. You move your characters on a chess-like board, with the aim of wiping out the opponent. This gacha game is a spin-off of the popular Fire Emblem series. But you can be fresh to the franchise and still enjoy the game. There are various maps to solve and plan your way through. Designed for portrait mode, all the action fits neatly on your screen. The touchscreen controls are smooth and one-hand friendly. Battles are also short, averaging 40 seconds to a couple of minutes. All these factors make the game easy to play while traveling. The game’s single-player campaign mode doesn’t boast the most interesting story. But there are plenty of other game modes available, including Arena Duels (PVP). There is also a Special Maps game mode. This mode has maps on rotation (or event maps) which give you the opportunity to get unique rewards. Each map also has special win conditions, like “all allies must survive.” This makes for some entertaining gameplay. With over 700 unlockable characters in the game, you’ll never run out of new things to collect and explore. Fan of the Fire Emblem series? You’ll be pleased to know that virtually all the franchise’s characters are featured in this game. You can get new characters through the “summoning” gacha mechanic”. Characters are rated from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the best. Drop rates are generous, thanks to the 5-star rate increase system. Every 5 turns you don’t get a 5-star character, the chance of obtaining one increases by 0.25%.
Epic Seven
Epic Seven is a turn-based role-playing gacha game that is incredibly story rich. While the overarching story is straightforward, the characters and subplots add phenomenal depth. You get to form close bonds, and the story becomes more complex and hooking as new truths are unveiled. The full-frame animation sequences also help to immerse you and bring the story to life. These animations are vibrant, and the characters and backgrounds are brimming with detail. It genuinely feels like you’re watching an anime at times. Even when it comes to gameplay, the game is still a visual treat, especially the special effects. They are smooth, clear and gorgeous. Every character’s ultimate move also has a dedicated animated sequence. While the gameplay is turn-based, it is far from simple. In fact, it can often feel a little too complex, especially when you’re starting out. The tutorials also don’t cover everything apart from the basics. Meaning, you will have to figure things out as you go along and rely on online guides from the community. Luckily, Epic Seven has a thriving community. You’ll have no problem finding players willing to help. The game’s gacha system allows you to summon new heroes or boost gear and rating. It gives users one free “roll” each day. Reaching a particular level milestone will also give you access to a special gacha roll.
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact grossed over $ 1 billion within half of a year of its release, and for good reason. It’s a fantasy roleplaying game featuring an open-world environment and engaging combat. While most gacha games don’t have interactive combat, Genshin uses real-time action. This allows you to control every aspect of your character. Each character has their own abilities. Plus, there are tons of different elemental combos to learn. The combat is even interactive with the environment. Battle an opponent nearby water, and they’ll become vulnerable to Electro attacks. Genshin Impact’s world will keep you hooked for hours on end. There’s so much to see and explore, and every area is brimming with content. Roam around in one spot, and you’ll no doubt run into various combat events, quests and puzzles. The soundtracks are beautiful and immersive, and the game looks stunning. It has an animeesque, Legend of Zelda feel, and the 23 playable characters all have charming designs. Moreover, the gacha system “Wish” allows you to unlock powerful characters and weapons. While the odds of getting the best items are low, you can use the gacha system without having to spend a dime. The non-paying method will take some grinding. But thanks to the gorgeous world and characters, it never feels like a chore. While just over a year old, the developers already have plenty more updates and content in the works.
Honkai Impact 3rd
Honkai Impact 3rd is a beautifully presented 3d game in anime style. The game has wonderful combat and a lot of powerful characters unlockable through the game’s gacha system. In the game, you play as the captain that commands a team of Valkyries. You lead the battle against the supervillain team called Honkai that threatens the world of existence. As mentioned above, the game has really wonderful combat that exceeds the expectation even in mobile devices. Honkai Impact 3rd also features co-op modes and lets you invite your friends as one of the cast. Speaking of casts, This game offers different characters that you can unlock via the gacha system within the game. Unlock everyone and enjoy the diverse gameplay his beautiful game provides you with.
Cookie Run: Kingdom
Cookie Run: Kingdom is a cute addicting game that features the player as a powerful cookie. Yes, as bizarre as it sounds, the game is quite interesting and filled with amazing surprises. The game sets off with a backstory about the creation of the game’s world and characters. You end up playing as GingerBrave, the main character of the game. As the game progresses, you collect more allies, unlock surprise rewards and characters and fight the evil that is encompassing the world. Even though the gameplay is simple, the plot and the gacha mechanism of the game make it very addictive and enthralling.
Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle
One of the most successful anime series, Dragon Ball Z, is now available for fans (and everyone) to play on their phones. Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle brings you a new storyline with all of the characters of the series itself. The game, with amazing 2D visuals, features epic battles with superb finishes that leave the players mesmerized. Since there are so many anime-original characters present, you can summon them and new characters as well in the game with the in-game currency. The game has a board-game-style map and falls under the action puzzle genre. So go ahead, strategize, turn on your super-Saiyan mode, and summon all the Z-fighters in Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle.
Summoner’s War
Summoner’s War is a popular mobile game that claims to have over 100 million players worldwide. This is an action-packed RPG game and also MMO. So you will have tons of other players that you can PvP with. Not a PvP person? Then worry not, for Summoner’s war flaunts an amazing storyline with different dungeons, quests, and monsters. You will have your own set of combaters and monsters in your time. You will have to follow the storyline and upgrade the monsters or summon tons of powerful monsters and heroes. Furthermore, the game also lets you craft a lot of items that help you become one of the strongest and coolest Summoners out there. And if you think you’re up for it, then participate in the World events the game regularly holds and show the world the power of your monsters and fighters.
Final Fantasy Brave Exvius
Final Fantasy Brave Exvius rotates around the Final Fantasy universe, although it is a standalone storyline. In this RPG game, the world is filled with Lapis, a powerful crystal that people draw power from. Of course, power attracts evil. And this to save the world from its peril, two knights go on a journey towards dungeons and arenas, fighting whatever tries to stop them. The gameplay is very simple and easy, but the game features original characters from the Final Fantasy series available through rewards. Oh, and the game also has PvP mode so that you can enjoy intense battles with other players.
Brave Nine – Tactical RPG
A game with an immersive storyline, Brave Nine – Tactical RPG features a turn-based arena battle with a ton of heroes that help you along the quest. You follow the story of Adel, a prince that lost everything and yet tries his best to save the world filled with unimaginable dangers. Heavily PvP based battles give the most fascinating and unique experience to you. Furthermore, the heroes are unlockable in gacha style so that you can build your team stronger to complete the storyline. The game also features an auto-deploy feature to make things easier for you. Put on your strategist hat; it’s time to make sure you get to the top of the leaderboard and show the world your ultimate battle formation.
AFK Arena
A turn-based RPG, AFK Arena features an interesting storyline where you fight to save the world of Esperia from the evil Hypogeans. There are hundreds of heroes that help you battle along the way. So it is time to gather your heroes and fight to your heart’s content. An interesting feature that this game flaunts is the ability to log off and still have your battles going on. You let the game be so that next time you get back to the game, you will have tons of in-game rewards waiting for you. The game is perfect for those who don’t have much time to spend on the game itself, as it does everything for you while you are gone. So keep calm and AFK, and gather all the heroes and be the king of the arenas you enter.
Another Eden
Another Eden is a beautiful cartoon-style JRPG game that hooks you with its well-written story. You travel across time and space to find your loved one and save the world from falling down to ruins. The game also features a lot of character quests and different mini-games. The turn-based combat game gives you an amazing battle experience with the different abilities of each character that can be unlocked in the game. The game is not only available on mobile phones but also on windows and Switch. So you can enjoy the game on any of the aforementioned platforms. And what’s more? There is a cat that’s the most important of all.
Guardian Tales
The world is filled with upheaval. The invaders have attacked Kanterbury. And you, the guardian, have to save everyone. Guardian Tales is a classic puzzle-solving adventure game with a beautiful design. The captivating story puts you through a series of challenges and bosses. Only with the help of unlockable heroes and weapons that have their own abilities can you come out victorious against all perils. The rewards of the game are also satisfying. Set up in the gacha style, you will have surprises coming along your way every now and then. Guardian Tales also has a PvP feature where you can take a party of 3 heroes and fight other real-life players across the globe. You can also make a guild and collect your friends to flaunt your collection as well. So many things to do, but most of all, save the world from evil.
My Hero Academia: The Strongest Hero
The fans of My Hero Academia can now take control of the heroes of Class 1-A. This amazing open-world RPG brings the world of the popular anime, My Hero Academia, into your hands. You can choose from one of the anime characters and make your way through the story of this game. The series characters are available for you to unlock and play using the in-game currency. My Hero Academia: The Strongest Hero also gives you full control of the heroes. So you can upgrade them with different abilities and equipment. So download MHA: The Strongest Hero and “Go Beyond! Plus Ultra”.
Mobile Legends: Adventure
Do you know about the popular game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang? Mobile Legends: Adventure is the official sequel of the said game! In the game, you and your team of 5 heroes go on an epic journey, battling tons of villains and monsters to get stronger. The game, as mentioned above, is an idle RPG, so you do not have to put all of your focus on the game. A carefree battle experience adds more to the table. You can always collect different heroes, just like on its predecessor, and equipment to make your party even stronger. Furthermore, the game offers PvP as well so that you can test your abilities on other players as well. The game is really addictive to play. Maybe that’s why it has a 4.6-star rating on the Google play store.
Dragalia Lost
Dragalia Lost is a beautiful 3D RPG game that uses a simple swipe-controlled mechanism. The game features a captivating story about the bond between humans and dragons. There are more than 60 characters for players to experience. You can fight simple yet immersive battles while following the storyline. And the fun part is that you can turn into a dragon and unleash your wrath upon the enemies. All the unlockable characters are upgradable. So as the story progresses, your team gets bigger and stronger. Just like the other RPG games on the list, Dragalia Lost also gives the players an option to PvP. You can fight with complete strangers or co-op with your friends by forming the guild.
Alchemy Stars
Alchemy Stars may be one of the best-looking games on this list. With over 150 artists working extensively on the game, it has stunning graphics and mesmerizing character design. The game itself is a strategy RPG that follows a story that has different races like the Aurorians and Caelestites living peacefully with each other. But suddenly, an evil race called Eclipsites attacked and eradicated the Caelestites. You play the game as the only one who survived the incident. With the help of the Aororians, you plan to bring peace back to your world. Will you be able to achieve your goal? The game also has many unique characters that you get in this gacha game, each with its own voiceover. This turn-based combat game is definitely a must-try for those who love good story-based RPGs.
Monster Super League
There is a world filled with monsters out there, waiting for a master. Monster Super League puts you in the land of Latecia, where you are tasked with finding the hidden monsters called Astromon, to train them and take them to battle to restore the balance. There are over 600 different Astromons that you can gather in the game that can change the tide of battle for you. Furthermore, you can also join arms with other players around the world or fight in a PvP battle arena. So get to Latecia and start gathering Astromons; Seira is waiting for you. Who is Seira, you may ask? Find out on Monster Super League.
DC Legends: Fight Superheroes
Any DC fans would love this game as it features more than 130 DC characters that you can collect and play the game with. Yes, DC Legends: Fight Superheroes features the original characters that we all love very much. The RPG game with strategic gameplay delivers satisfying 4v4 battles. As far as the gameplay and the story go, the DC world is in ruins, and it needs your help to find the heroes and restore the world. But wait, there’s more! The game even gives you a new legendary character to collect every month for free.
Dungeon Hunter Champions
Multiverse, magic, champions, intense 5v5 battles; Dungeon Hunter Champions has everything you want. You play as someone who has absolutely OP cosmic powers. Your goal is to summon your champions and fight the darkness that is encapsulating the multiverse. The game is available for mobile phones and PC. So you can choose the platform that you are comfortable with and play the game to your heart’s content. Even if you are playing on both mobile and PC, then it would not be a problem as you can have your data shared on both platforms. Another feature the game proudly flaunts is the 5 player co-op battles against bosses. So even if the boss is a bit difficult, you can always have some helping hands.
Fate/Grand Order (English)
The Fate franchise’s fans have another game that they can enjoy to the fullest with this gacha game, Fate/Grand Order (English). The story begins as you time travel into the past to save the world from extinction in 2019 A.D. You will then have to go on card battle RPG by gathering spirits. Gather the number of heroic spirits that will help you on your journey. It is a fun game that has a very captivating storyline that the fans of the original franchise would not be disappointed with.
King’s Raid
King’s Raid is a dark, story-driven game with anime-style 3D characters. The game starts off with a story of a battle between a king and a demon from the ancient past. The war ended hundreds of years ago, and the holy sword that ended the war is now in danger. You are a night, on a path to find your missing king, with the help of your friend. Gather more heroes and equipment on your way and fight huge monsters such as dragons by unlocking them as you progress. You can also gather with other players in the arena and fight real players to your heart’s content.
The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross
MHA fans are not the only ones that are lucky enough to have a game based on the original series. The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand cross is another anime-based game that features all the characters of the series. The game features all the characters as collectibles and are playable after you unlock them. The game also follows the story in the anime’s world recreated in 3D animations. The game is very immersive as you play as the main heroes of the game. There are other features such as 2-player PvP deathmatch, co-op mode, and timed co-op battles to make the experience even more mesmerizing.
Lord of Heroes
This gacha game takes on the idea of RPG in a new way. Lord of Heroes does not feature you as the hero who needs to save the world. Instead, you are put in the shoes of a dictator who is trying to revive a world that has fallen into ruins. The game is also designed in such a way that you do not need to grind on it for a long time in order to level up. With a diverse range of characters, the game is fun to play, and the carefree nature gives a sense of relaxation to the player as well. Furthermore, since this is a gacha game, getting mystery characters and rewards that can help you change the tide of the game surely makes it more satisfying.
