Gacha games have become a dominant force in the gaming world, blending strategy, collection mechanics, and compelling narratives into a unique gaming experience. Originating from the Japanese “gashapon” capsule toy vending machines, these games entice players with the allure of randomized rewards. If you’re new to the genre, understanding its terminology can make the experience more enjoyable and less overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of essential gacha game terms to get you started.
Gacha
The core mechanic of these games, “gacha” refers to the randomized system used to obtain characters, items, or equipment. Players spend in-game currency to “pull” or “roll” from a virtual pool, hoping to acquire rare and powerful rewards.
Pull/Roll/Summon
These terms are used interchangeably to describe the act of using the gacha system. A single “pull” typically refers to one attempt, while a “multi-pull” or “10-pull” allows for multiple attempts at once, often with increased chances of obtaining higher-tier rewards.
Banner
A “banner” is a limited-time event that features specific characters or items with increased drop rates. Banners often coincide with game updates, holidays, or story events, making them a focal point for players looking to optimize their collections.
Rates/Drop Rates
Drop rates indicate the probability of obtaining a specific character or item in a pull. Rates are often displayed as percentages, with rare items typically having a lower chance of appearing. Many games offer “rate-up” banners where the odds for certain rewards are temporarily boosted.
Pity System
To counteract the frustration of poor luck, many gacha games implement a “pity system.” This mechanic guarantees a high-rarity reward after a set number of unsuccessful pulls, ensuring players eventually receive a valuable item.
Free-to-Play (F2P)
F2P players enjoy gacha games without spending real money. These players rely on strategic resource management and event participation to progress and acquire rewards.
Whale
A “whale” is a player who spends significant amounts of money on gacha games, often to obtain rare characters, max out their stats, or dominate leaderboards. Whales are a crucial revenue source for gacha game developers.
Event Currency
Many games introduce limited-time “event currency” during special events. Players earn this currency by completing event tasks and use it to redeem exclusive rewards, such as characters, skins, or items.
Meta
Short for “most effective tactics available,” the meta refers to the current state of optimal strategies, characters, or equipment in the game. Meta shifts occur frequently as new updates and characters are introduced.
Rerolling
Rerolling is the process of restarting a game account to repeatedly attempt initial gacha pulls until obtaining a desired character or item. This practice is common among players seeking a strong start without spending money.
Dupes
Short for duplicates, “dupes” refer to obtaining the same character or item multiple times. While often frustrating, many games allow players to use dupes to enhance the power of their characters or items.