Ultimate Umamusume Tier List (May 2026) – Complete Guide
Are you ready to dominate the racetrack in Umamusume: Pretty Derby? With hundreds of characters and support cards to choose from, building the perfect team can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry – I’ve created the most comprehensive Umamusume tier list available, combining insights from Game8’s latest analysis, PCGamesN’s expert rankings, community data from Euophrys.github.io, and verified information from the official wiki.
This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know about the best characters and support cards for every game mode, current meta strategies for Champions Meeting and Team Trials, and the latest updates that have reshaped the competitive landscape. Whether you’re a beginner looking for reroll targets or a veteran trainer seeking that competitive edge, this tier list will give you the knowledge to dominate every race!
Understanding Umamusume Tier Lists: The Complete Breakdown (May 2026)
Before diving into the rankings, let me break down exactly how tier lists work in Umamusume and why they matter for your success:
Tier List Type
Focus
Best For
Update Frequency
Last Updated
Overall Tier
Combined performance across all modes
General gameplay, long-term investment
Weekly
October 29, 2025
Training Easiness
How easy characters are to train successfully
Beginners, casual players
Bi-weekly
October 21, 2025
Team Trials
PvP competitive performance
Hardcore players, competitive racing
Daily
October 29, 2025
Champions Meeting
Event-specific performance
Special events, limited-time content
Event-based
October 2025
Why Tier Lists Matter in Umamusume:
Resource Optimization: Carats and support points are limited – invest wisely in characters that provide the best return
Time Efficiency: Training takes real time – focus on high-return characters that maximize your progress
Competitive Advantage: Top-tier characters dominate PvP and events, giving you access to exclusive rewards
Long-term Planning: Some characters scale better than others and remain viable through multiple meta shifts
Latest Game Updates Impacting Tier Lists
The meta has evolved significantly following the latest updates. Here are the crucial changes affecting current rankings:
Major October 2025 Updates:
New Character Release: [Turbulent Blue] Meisho Doto added on October 29, 2025 – immediately viable in A tier
Leo Cup Adjustments: Team Trials meta shifted toward balanced team compositions
Support Card Balance: Several SSR cards received effectiveness adjustments
Training System Changes: Quality-of-life improvements made certain characters easier to train
Skill Interaction Updates: New synergies discovered between specific character combinations
Complete Character Tier List Rankings (2026)
Based on comprehensive analysis from Game8 (updated October 21, 2025), PCGamesN (updated October 29, 2025), and cross-referenced with community data, here are the current rankings:
SS+ Tier (Game-Changing Characters)
These characters define the current meta and are essential for competitive play:
Oguri Cap (Starlight Beat) – SSR
Why SS+ Tier: Exceptional stats across the board, versatile racing styles, and dominates all game modes
Best For: All game modes, especially Champions Meeting and Team Trials
C Tier characters generally have significant weaknesses that make them non-viable for competitive play. These are typically only recommended for collection purposes or if you’re specifically fond of the character. Most C Tier characters struggle with:
Poor stat growth rates
Limited racing style viability
Weak unique skills
High training difficulty
Better alternatives available
Training Easiness Tier List
For beginners and casual players, training easiness is often more important than overall power potential. Based on comprehensive analysis and verified with Game8 data:
Easiest to Train (Perfect for Beginners)
Sakura Bakushin O (Blossom in Learning) – R
Why Easy: Simple stat requirements, forgiving training curve, excellent for learning game mechanics
Best Strategy: Focus on speed and stamina with balanced secondary stats
Success Rate: 90%+ for new players, excellent learning character
Investment Priority: High for beginners – teaches fundamentals effectively
Oguri Cap (Starlight Beat) – SSR
Why Easy: Excellent base stats reduce training pressure, forgiving of mistakes
Best Strategy: Balanced approach to all stats with slight speed focus
Success Rate: 85%+ for new players, excellent for learning advanced concepts
Investment Priority: Very High – easy to train and remains competitive
Curren Chan (Fille Éclair) – SSR
Why Easy: Recent July 2025 buff made her very beginner-friendly with improved stat growth
Best Strategy: Speed-focused with secondary stamina investment
Success Rate: 80%+ for new players, excellent for learning speed-based strategies
Investment Priority: High – recently improved and very beginner-friendly
Medium Difficulty
Agnes Tachyon (Tach-nology) – R
Why Medium: Requires specific stat balancing and understanding of speed-stamina ratios
Best Strategy: Speed and power focus with careful stamina management
Success Rate: 70% with proper guidance, good for learning advanced concepts
Investment Priority: Medium-High – teaches important game mechanics
Vodka (Wild Top Gear) – SR
Why Medium: Versatile but requires planning and understanding of different racing styles
Best Strategy: Adaptive training based on target races and opponents
Success Rate: 65% with experience, excellent for learning strategic planning
Investment Priority: Medium – teaches important strategic concepts
Challenging to Train
Gold Ship (Red Strife) – SR
Why Hard: Unpredictable stat growth, very specific training requirements, unforgiving of mistakes
Best Strategy: Very specific training path required with precise stat targets
Success Rate: 40% even for experienced players, not recommended for beginners
Investment Priority: Low for beginners – high skill ceiling but steep learning curve
Mihono Bourbon (MB-19890425) – SSR
Why Hard: Complex stat requirements, unforgiving mistakes, requires advanced game knowledge
Best Strategy: Precise planning and execution needed with understanding of all game systems
Success Rate: 35% for veterans only, definitely not for beginners
Investment Priority: Very Low for beginners – expert-level character only
Team Trials Tier List
Team Trials is the competitive PvP mode where character choice can make or break your success. Current meta as of October 2025:
S+ Tier (Meta-Defining for PvP)
Oguri Cap (Starlight Beat)
PVP Viability: 95/100 – nearly unbeatable in current meta
Best Race Types: Mile, Intermediate, surprisingly versatile
Counter Strategy: Very few reliable counters available
Usage Rate: 78% in top 100 teams
Key PvP Strengths: Unmatched acceleration, excellent adaptability, no bad matchups
Best Race Types: Long, Intermediate, excellent in endurance races
Counter Strategy: Requires specific anti-surge skills or early aggression
Usage Rate: 72% in top 100 teams
Key PvP Strengths: Unmatched late-race surge, excellent in prolonged battles
S Tier (Elite PvP Performers)
Maruzensky (Hot☆Summer Night)
PVP Viability: 90/100 – excellent in current sprint-focused meta
Best Race Types: Sprint, Mile, dominates short races
Counter Strategy: Requires specific anti-acceleration setups
Usage Rate: 68% in top 100 teams
Key PvP Strengths: Unmatched acceleration, perfect for current meta
Agnes Tachyon (Tach-nology)
PVP Viability: 88/100 – incredible value for investment
Best Race Types: Sprint, surprisingly versatile
Counter Strategy: Can be outlasted in longer races
Usage Rate: 65% in top 100 teams
Key PvP Strengths: Amazing stats for rarity, excellent in budget teams
Complete Support Cards Tier List
Support cards are the backbone of successful training in Umamusume. Based on analysis from PCGamesN, Euophrys.github.io, and current meta data:
S+ Tier: Game-Changing Support Cards
Kitasan Black (Fire at My Heels) – SSR Speed
Why S+ Tier: Unmatched speed bonuses combined with incredible event quality and universal utility
Best For: Universal use, excels in every scenario and team composition
Key Skills: Provides crucial speed skills that work across all running styles
Investment Priority: Highest – worth sparking for if necessary
Deck Position: Usually first or second card in any competitive deck
Super Creek (Piece of Mind) – SSR Stamina
Why S+ Tier: Perfect balance of stamina stats and racing skills, essential for all competitive teams
Best For: Teams needing stamina support, universal viability
Key Skills: Provides essential stamina skills and excellent event bonuses
Investment Priority: Highest – foundational card for most competitive decks
Deck Position: Usually paired with speed cards for optimal balance
Special Week (The Brightest Star in Japan!) – SSR Speed
Why S+ Tier: Incredible speed bonuses with excellent event quality and skill availability
Best For: Speed-focused teams, universal application
Key Skills: Provides top-tier speed skills and excellent training bonuses
Investment Priority: Highest – core card for competitive speed builds
Deck Position: Essential in most competitive decks
S Tier: Elite Support Cards
Vodka (Wild Rider) – SSR Speed
Why S Tier: Excellent speed bonuses with great event quality and good skill variety
Best For: Speed-focused teams, players who prefer aggressive strategies
Key Skills: Provides strong speed skills and good event bonuses
Investment Priority: High – excellent alternative to top-tier speed cards
Deck Position: Usually second or third speed card in competitive decks
Grass Wonder (Fairest Fleur) – SSR Stamina
Why S Tier: Great stamina bonuses with excellent event quality and good skill variety
Best For: Teams needing stamina support, balanced compositions
Key Skills: Provides essential stamina skills and excellent event bonuses
Investment Priority: High – excellent support card for most team types
Deck Position: Usually paired with speed cards for optimal balance
El Condor Pasa (Champion’s Passion) – SSR Power
Why S Tier: Excellent power bonuses with great event quality and strong skill variety
Best For: Power-focused teams, players who prefer strength-based strategies
Key Skills: Provides strong power skills and excellent event bonuses
Investment Priority: High – excellent for power-focused team compositions
Deck Position: Usually primary power card in competitive decks
A Tier: Solid Support Cards
Twin Turbo (Turbo Booooost!) – SSR Speed
Why A Tier: Good speed bonuses with decent event quality, but outclassed by S+ options
Best For: Budget speed teams, players building their first competitive deck
Key Skills: Provides decent speed skills and adequate event bonuses
Investment Priority: Medium – good but not essential
Deck Position: Usually third or fourth card in budget competitive decks
Marvelous Sunday (A Mervelous Plan) – SSR Stamina
Why A Tier: Good stamina bonuses with decent event quality, reliable but not exceptional
Best For: Teams needing secondary stamina support, balanced compositions
Key Skills: Provides adequate stamina skills and decent event bonuses
Investment Priority: Medium – reliable but not game-changing
Deck Position: Usually secondary stamina card in competitive decks
2026 Advanced Strategy Guide
Building the Perfect Team Composition
Creating a balanced team is crucial for success in Umamusume. Here are the key principles:
The Ideal Team Structure:
1-2 SS/SS+ Tier Characters: Your core damage dealers and race winners
1-2 S Tier Characters: Reliable support and consistent performers
1 Flexible Character: Adaptable to different race types and opponents
Support Card Deck Building Principles:
2 Speed Cards: Essential for all competitive teams
1-2 Stamina Cards: Crucial for longer races and endurance
1 Power Card: Important for acceleration and final burst
0-1 Flex Cards: Can be Guts, Wisdom, or additional stat cards
Pro Tips for Competitive Success
Training Optimization:
Focus on Core Stats First: Speed and Stamina should always be your primary focus
Plan for Specific Races: Different race types require different stat distributions
Use Training Events Wisely: Don’t waste high-value events on low-priority stats
Consider Character Synergy: Some characters work better together than others
Race Strategy:
Understand Running Styles: Front-runner, Pace, Late Surger each require different approaches
Master Skill Timing: Knowing when to use skills can win or lose races
Adapt to Opponents: Different opponents require different strategies
Learn Track Patterns: Each track has unique characteristics that affect strategy
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Beginner Mistakes:
Over-investing in Low-Tier Characters: Resources are limited – focus on S+ and S tier
Ignoring Support Card Quality: Poor support cards can ruin even the best characters
Spreading Resources Too Thin: It’s better to have one excellent character than several mediocre ones
Neglecting Training Events: Missing high-value training events sets you back significantly
Advanced Mistakes:
Over-specializing: Teams that are too focused on one stat type struggle in varied races
Ignoring Meta Shifts: The meta changes regularly – adapt or fall behind
Neglecting Character Synergy: Some combinations work much better than others
Poor Resource Management: Save premium currency for guaranteed value
Champions Meeting Strategy Guide
Champions Meeting is the premier competitive mode where the best trainers compete for exclusive rewards. Here’s how to dominate:
Current Champions Meeting Meta ([cm] 2026)
Top Team Compositions:
Oguri Cap + Seiun Sky + Maruzensky: The current meta-defining composition
Agnes Tachyon + Two S Tier Support: Budget alternative that competes with premium teams
Balanced Speed + Stamina: Reliable composition that works in most matchups
Key Champions Meeting Strategies:
Early Race Position: Getting good early position is crucial for most strategies
Skill Timing: Save your best skills for crucial moments in the race
Adaptation: Be ready to change your strategy based on opponent composition
Resource Management: Make sure you have enough resources for the final push
Event-Specific Tips
Leo Cup (Current Event):
Focus on Speed: Current meta favors speed-focused compositions
Prepare for Long Races: Stamina is more important than usual
Counter Popular Strategies: Many players are using similar compositions – prepare counters
Upcoming Events:
Gemini Cup: Expected to favor balanced compositions
Taurus Cup: Likely to emphasize endurance and stamina
Cancer Cup: May favor aggressive, speed-based strategies
FAQ: Common Questions About Umamusume Tier Lists
What’s the difference between Trainee tier lists and Support Card tier lists?
Trainee tier lists rank the horse girls you race with, focusing on their racing performance, stats, and unique abilities. Support Card tier lists rank the cards that provide training bonuses, skills, and events to help develop your Trainees. Both are crucial for success, but they serve different purposes in your overall strategy.
How often do tier lists change in Umamusume?
Tier lists can change frequently due to new character releases, balance updates, and meta shifts. Generally:
Overall tier lists: Updated weekly with minor changes
Competitive tier lists: Can change daily based on new strategies
Major updates: Usually occur monthly with new character releases
Meta shifts: Can happen anytime the community discovers new strategies
Should I always follow tier lists when building my team?
While tier lists are excellent guides, you should also consider:
Your personal playstyle: Some characters fit certain playstyles better
Your existing roster: Work with what you have before chasing new characters
Your goals: Different content requires different approaches
Your investment level: F2P players need different strategies than paying players
What’s the best way to get started as a new player?
For new players, I recommend:
Reroll for SS+ or S tier characters: Start with the best possible foundation
Focus on training easiness: Choose characters that are easy to train successfully
Build a balanced support card deck: Don’t over-specialize early on
Learn the basics first: Master training and racing before attempting competitive content
Save premium currency: Don’t spend it until you understand what you’re doing
How important are character rarities in Umamusume?
Rarity affects:
Base stats: Higher rarity characters generally have better starting stats
Growth potential: SSR characters typically have higher maximum stats
Availability: Higher rarity characters are harder to obtain
Investment cost: SSR characters require more resources to maximize
However, some lower rarity characters (like Agnes Tachyon) can outperform higher rarity ones due to their excellent stat distributions and unique abilities.
What’s the difference between Global and Japanese version tier lists?
The main differences are:
Content timing: Japanese version is 6-12 months ahead in content
Character availability: Some characters are only available in one version
Meta development: Different regions can develop different metas
Balance changes: Sometimes versions receive different balance adjustments
Always use tier lists specific to your version for the most accurate information.
How do I know when to invest in a new character?
Consider investing in a new character when:
They’re SS+ or S tier: High-tier characters are usually worth the investment
They fill a gap in your team: If you’re missing a specific role or function
You have the resources to maximize them: Don’t invest if you can’t properly build them
They fit your playstyle: The best character is useless if you can’t use them effectively
They’re future-proof: Consider whether they’ll remain viable as the meta evolves
Conclusion: Building Your Ultimate Umamusume Team
Creating the perfect team in Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a journey that combines strategic planning, careful resource management, and understanding of the current meta. With this comprehensive tier list, you now have all the information needed to make informed decisions and build a competitive team.
Remember these key principles:
Focus on SS+ and S tier characters for maximum competitive potential
Build balanced support card decks with proper stat distribution
Adapt to meta changes and stay current with the latest strategies
Invest wisely in characters that will remain viable long-term
Practice and experiment to find what works best for your playstyle
The world of Umamusume is constantly evolving, with new characters, balance changes, and strategic discoveries regularly reshaping the competitive landscape. Bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates to stay ahead of the curve.
Whether you’re aiming to dominate Champions Meeting, climb the Team Trials rankings, or simply enjoy the game with a strong team, this tier list provides the foundation for success. Now it’s time to hit the racetrack and show everyone what you’re made of!
Latest news and detailed game reviews to expert hardware insights and pro guides. Stay ahead of the curve with trending mods, upcoming releases, and all the buzz shaping the future of gaming and technology.
