Umamusume Pretty Derby Tier List Updated: What Actually Matters for Trainers (August 2025)

Why the Umamusume Tier List Caught My Eye

I’ll be honest-every time a new Umamusume Pretty Derby tier list drops, half the community cheers and the other half rolls their eyes. Sure, these lists are catnip for min-maxers and meta-chasers, but veteran players know real racing results come down to a lot more than just who’s at the top of the chart. So when I saw Smart Falcon and a new shuffle in the August 2025 update, I started digging in. What’s changed for players? What’s the real takeaway amid all the shiny S and SSR labels?

Key Takeaways for Trainers

• S-tier trainees like Special Week and Silence Suzuka still offer early power, but 5-star performance is possible for any girl with enough investment.
• SSR Support Cards are critical for high-level play, but don’t sleep on A-tier options for budget or F2P builds.
• Rarity matters, but with enough Star Pieces, anyone’s favorite can shine-if you’re willing to grind or swipe.
• The tier list is a starting point, not gospel; skill, upgrades, and personal preference matter as much as the meta.

Breaking Down This Tier List-Beyond the Hype

I’ve played Umamusume since the JP days, and if you know the gacha cycle, you know how quickly the “best” trainees or support cards can rotate, especially as new content finally hits the global version. This August 2025 update lands most of the usual suspects in the S tier for both trainees and support (Special Week, Silence Suzuka, etc.), with Smart Falcon now a solid A-tier. But it’s never as simple as just pulling one or two S-tier cards, slapping them in your deck, and winning every race.

The real game is in maxing out stars (for trainees) and diamonds (for support cards)—and that’s not something a simple tier list explains. Pulling a 3* Tokai Teio (the OG gacha flex) gives you a head start, sure, but building her up to 5* takes a chunky pile of Star Pieces. And if you’re like me, your box is full of 1* classics like Mejiro Ryan who could outpace the meta picks…if you’re willing to grind. The system is built to favor whales, but does reward patience and smart play.

Support Cards: The Hidden Engine of Success

If you’ve been racing for more than a week, you already know: support cards make or break a run. Even the best S-tier trainee needs the right deck to hit those skill procs and stat boosts. The S tier right now reads like a who’s-who of essential SSRs (Kitasan Black, Super Creek, SSR Tazuna), and with good reason—they unlock effects and caps that the lower rarities just can’t compete with when fully upgraded. But here’s my take: don’t let the SSR chase drain your resources. Some A-tier SRs are easier to max and offer excellent bang for your buck, especially for F2P or low-spend players. My own B-tier Smart Falcon has won races thanks to solid synergy and the right training routes.

What Gamers Need to Know About Rarity and Upgrades

A question I always see from new players: “Should I save SSR tickets for a favorite?” Here’s the real answer—the difference between 3* trainees and SSR/SR cards comes down to both flexibility and grind. Trainee rarity affects starting power, but every horse girl can technically reach 5*. For support cards, pulling SSRs is hype, but upgrading them to full diamond is a long-term project (or a shortcut for heavy spenders). SSRs scale harder, but high-level SRs can carry you while you wait for luck—or cash—to favor you.

The smartest play: build around what (and who) you enjoy. The feeling of maxing “lesser” Umas and seeing them cross the finish line never gets old—and some events even reward off-meta picks or creative team comps. Don’t let a tier list box in your fun.

The Real State of the Meta—And Why It Doesn’t Control You

Every global update brings old favorites into the spotlight, but the tier list is just one tool. The truth is, Umamusume is surprisingly forgiving if you’re not chasing the absolute ceiling of PvP. If you invest in your favorites, make use of support tickets wisely, and keep an eye out for limited-time events or codes, you’ll be fine—even if your starter isn’t in the S tier. The big wallet will always have an edge, but clever play still matters.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect Next

With the global version slowly catching up to the JP cycle, expect to see new alternates, skills, and, inevitably, shake-ups to the tier list. Don’t be shocked if your current A-tier favorite gets bumped up—or down—overnight. If there’s one constant in Umamusume, it’s that your roster will keep evolving, so don’t stress over a single snapshot of rankings. And honestly, that persistent chase (and room for personal flair) is why many of us are still racing after all this time.

TL;DR

The August 2025 Umamusume tier list confirms old favorites up top, but any trainee can shine with enough resources. Don’t live or die by the meta—find what (and who) works for your playstyle, maximize your upgrades, and remember: enjoying the race is the actual endgame.