Whether you’re a seasoned gacha gamer or just starting out, the sheer variety of games available can be overwhelming. From sci-fi adventures to fantastical realms and even dress-up simulations, the gacha genre caters to a diverse audience. This list highlights some of the best gacha games of 2024, including both new releases and established favorites.
alt text: Collage showcasing various characters and scenes from Wuthering Waves gameplay.
Wuthering Waves
Launched in May 2024, Wuthering Waves is a futuristic, open-world action RPG set in the aftermath of a catastrophic event known as the Lament. This cataclysm decimated civilization and unleashed dangerous monsters upon the world. Players assume the role of a Rover, choosing between male and female avatars, who awakens with amnesia and embarks on a quest to rediscover their past and protect the remnants of humanity. Wuthering Waves distinguishes itself with its dynamic and strategic combat system, requiring more than simple button-mashing. The game’s intriguing lore and compelling narrative promise a bright future, despite its relatively recent release.
Wuthering Waves Gameplay Trailer
Blue Archive
alt text: Blue Archive game promotional art featuring a group of schoolgirls in uniform.
Released in February 2021, Blue Archive is a popular blend of real-time strategy (RTS) and visual novel elements. Set in the contemporary city of Kivotos, players take on the role of a Sensei tasked with locating the missing president of the General Student Council and resolving various incidents across the city’s numerous academies. Players assemble squads of up to six students to engage in military combat. Blue Archive’s engaging storyline and strategic gameplay have earned it a devoted fanbase and even inspired an anime adaptation in April 2024.
【ブルーアーカイブ -Blue Archive-】ティザーPV
Honkai: Star Rail
alt text: Honkai: Star Rail promotional art showcasing the main characters in a dynamic pose.
Released in April 2023, Honkai: Star Rail is a popular sci-fi turn-based RPG from HoYoverse. Players embody the Trailblazer, journeying through the cosmos aboard the Astral Express alongside a diverse cast of companions. The game offers a compelling narrative with the Trailblazer at its core, as they explore new planets, resolve conflicts, and uncover a darker overarching mystery. Honkai: Star Rail features strategic turn-based combat with four-character parties, each member possessing unique damage types and “Paths” (classes). With a wealth of content, including numerous quests and explorable areas, Honkai: Star Rail offers a captivating and ever-expanding universe.
Reveal Trailer – “Next Stop, the Stars!” | Honkai: Star Rail
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis
alt text: Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis key art featuring Cloud Strife and other iconic characters.
Launched in September 2023, Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis is a mobile gacha game set in the beloved Final Fantasy VII universe. Players can control iconic characters like Cloud, Aerith, Tifa, and Barret, experiencing both familiar storylines and new episodic content released monthly. The game expands upon the original narrative with a prequel focusing on Sephiroth’s backstory, set years before the main events. Ever Crisis utilizes the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, similar to Final Fantasy VII Remake, offering a dynamic blend of real-time and turn-based combat.
FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS Teaser Trailer
Genshin Impact
alt text: Genshin Impact promotional art featuring the Traveler against a backdrop of a vibrant fantasy landscape.
Released in 2020, Genshin Impact is HoYoverse’s flagship gacha game and a global phenomenon. Set in the expansive fantasy world of Teyvat, players assume the role of the Traveler, searching for their lost sibling in this unfamiliar land. The game offers a vast open world inspired by titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, with diverse regions, cultures, and characters to discover. Genshin Impact’s extensive content and engaging gameplay continue to captivate millions of players worldwide.
Genshin Impact Announcement Trailer: The Outlander Who Caught The Wind
Honkai Impact 3rd
alt text: Honkai Impact 3rd artwork showcasing the game's Valkyries in action.
Originally released in China in October 2016, Honkai Impact 3rd is a long-running action RPG from HoYoverse. While sharing a similar name with Honkai: Star Rail, it offers a distinct gameplay experience. Honkai Impact 3rd features fast-paced hack-and-slash combat with a compelling storyline centered around the Valkyries, the player’s team of characters. The game also incorporates social elements, allowing players to interact with characters through the Dorm system, where they can decorate and personalize dorm rooms.
Honkai Impact 3rd – Gameplay Video
AFK Journey
alt text: AFK Journey promotional image showcasing the game's distinctive art style and characters.
Released in December 2023, AFK Journey is a fantasy RPG set in the enchanting world of Esperia. Players control Merlin the mage, exploring the world from an isometric perspective, battling enemies, and collecting a diverse roster of heroes. The game features automated RTS combat, allowing players to strategically position their characters before battles commence. AFK Journey’s charming storybook art style and whimsical atmosphere create a visually appealing and immersive experience.
Start On A Journey! | Official Trailer | AFK Journey
Zenless Zone Zero
alt text: Zenless Zone Zero promotional art showcasing the game's stylish characters and futuristic setting.
Released in July 2024, Zenless Zone Zero is a recent action RPG from HoYoverse. The game boasts visually striking character animations and is set in the futuristic city of New Eridu, a post-apocalyptic world with various factions vying for power. Players take on the role of a Proxy, a skilled hacker who guides characters through virtual dimensions known as Hollows, teeming with enemies. With its dynamic combat system and stylish aesthetics, Zenless Zone Zero offers a fresh and engaging gacha experience.
Tuning Test Trailer – “Don’t Mess Up Your First Commission” | Zenless Zone Zero
