Uma Musume Pretty Derby Career Guide
Written by Priya Kapoor
Career Mode is the core of Uma Musume Pretty Derby and plays like a horse-themed roguelike sim. You train a horsegirl through a full racing career, and most of your game progress depends on how well you manage that run.
You’ll fail often at first and that’s normal. This guide breaks down how Career Mode works and what to focus on.
How to Start a Career
Choose a Character
Pick any horsegirl you’ve unlocked. If you’re new, start with someone like Sakura Bakushin O. Her short-distance race goals and simple stat needs make her one of the easiest to train.
Pick Your Legacies
You choose two Veteran characters (your own or borrowed from friends) as Legacies. These pass down stat bonuses and aptitudes. Borrowed Legacies come from your Follow List and can be used three times a day.
Each Legacy gives Sparks. Blue Sparks boost starting stats. Pink Sparks can raise your race type or pace aptitudes. Green and white Sparks can grant skills. These also get bonuses during Year 2 and 3’s Inspiration events.
You’ll also see an Affinity score. This affects how much your new trainee benefits from her Legacies. Aim for ◎ when you can.
Select Your Support Cards
Support cards are your “training buddies” and give stat boosts, events, and skill hints during the Career. You’ll pick 5 of your own and 1 borrowed card.
You cannot use a support card that features the same girl you're training.
Recommended Card Builds
Sprint
3 Speed + 3 Wit
Or 4 Speed + 2 Power
Sprint runners don’t need much Stamina. Focus on Speed and Wit, then Power. Inherit Power or more Speed if possible.
Mile and Dirt
4 Speed + 2 Power
Or 5 Speed + 1 Stamina
Again, Stamina is not very important here. Use your inherited stats to cover the missing piece.
Medium
4 Speed + 2 Stamina
Super Creek is highly recommended by many for one of the Stamina cards
You need more balance here. If your Legacies don’t cover enough stats, consider mixing 1 Power card in too.
Long
3 Speed + 3 Stamina or 4 Speed + 2 Stamina
Prioritize Super Creek as one Stamina card
Long races are tough early on. If you don’t have the right cards, you can substitute with a bit of Power or Wit.
Extra Tips for New Players
Losing is normal at the start. Your account is weak and the systems take time to learn.
Even failed runs can give great Sparks, which helps future runs.
You don’t need to finish all celebration missions on Day 1. Check the mission screen for expiration dates.
Always match your support cards to your horsegirl’s race style and strategy. You’ll get better skill hints this way.
If you’re stuck, just train Sakura Bakushin O a few times. She can carry you through early wins.
Final Blurb
Career Mode in Uma Musume Pretty Derby is meant to be tough when you’re new. Most of your progress comes from repeating runs, learning better builds, and slowly building stronger Legacies.
Don’t worry if your first few tries are failures; that’s how you get better runners.
FAQ
Q: Why do I keep failing Career Mode?
That’s normal early on. You need better cards, stronger Legacies, and more practice.
Q: Is Sakura Bakushin O really the best starter?
Yes, she’s fast, easy to train, and wins races early. Ideal for beginners.
Q: What does the Affinity score do?
It affects how well you benefit from your Legacies during Inspiration events.
Q: Can I use the same girl as both trainee and support?
No, you can’t use a support card with the same character you’re training.
Q: Should I always focus on Speed?
Speed is always important, but race length decides how much Stamina and Power you also need.
Let me know if you want a visual loadout or card priority guide added next.
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