by MORGAN Jack - Published 3 months ago

Top 9 Single-Player Gacha Games

Highlight

Gacha mechanics are creeping into single-player games, tempting players to spend money to unlock their favorite characters.
Unique tactical gameplay in mobile games like Arknights and Honkai Star Rail challenge traditional Gacha norms.
Games like Another Eden offer generous Gacha systems, allowing players to enjoy fulfilling single-player adventures.

The term "Gacha" often brings to mind mobile games, known for their aggressive monetization strategies. While this perception isn't entirely inaccurate, it's not always the case. Many Gacha games rely on social features, encouraging players to flaunt their characters and tempt others into spending more.

However, some games venture beyond multiplayer and integrate Gacha mechanics into single-player experiences. These systems must work harder to incentivize usage, leading to varying levels of predatory practices. If you seek a more focused experience, consider these games.

9 Octopath Traveler: Champions Of The Continent

With the success of the original Octopath Traveler, Square Enix recognized the potential of the HD-2D art style. They capitalized on this by creating Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent.

While the game isn't devoid of predatory practices, featuring character-driven gacha mechanics with high costs, the actual gameplay is entirely free. There are no limitations on playtime or progression. It essentially encapsulates Octopath Traveler in a mobile setting.

8 Arknights

Arknights presents a unique gameplay style rarely seen in mainstream gaming, especially on mobile devices. It's a variation of a Tower Defense game, requiring strategic unit placement to defend your base from advancing enemies. It's also played in real-time, adding to the tension of decision-making.

Beyond levels, the game includes base-building features that maximize material and currency acquisition. Players can even tactically choose which characters they want to acquire based on their progress. This means there's no rush to obtain the "best" characters, as even common ones can be useful in specific situations.

7 Honkai Star Rail

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Hoyoverse achieved widespread popularity in China with their Honkai Impact series but garnered international acclaim through the release of Genshin Impact. This success propelled them to introduce other series to a global audience, eventually leading to Honkai Star Rail.

Unlike Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail is a turn-based game emphasizing tactical party composition. Multiplayer aspects have been removed, replaced by a few social features. The Gacha system is similar to other games, but players can enjoy it at their own pace.

6 Another Eden

Another Eden, created by Masato Kato and Yasunori Mitsuda (known for Chrono Cross), is a Gacha game designed to evoke older RPGs. It has flown under the radar for many despite its prestigious pedigree.

Another Eden is entirely single-player and its Gacha system is generous. New characters are unlocked through it, but players can acquire plenty of free currency for extra pulls. It is worth trying if you seek a fulfilling single-player experience without excessive complexities.

5 Tears of the Kingdom

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Mentioning Tears of the Kingdom here might seem odd. You're probably wondering how a full-priced Nintendo game without microtransactions can be considered a Gacha game. The answer lies in a technicality.

In the Sky Islands, players encounter machines that reward them with parts for building when fed Zonai materials. These machines are literally Gacha machines, like the real-life capsule machines. Therefore, Tears of the Kingdom technically qualifies as a Gacha game.

4 Punishing Gray Raven

Character Action games are a rare genre, and even rarer to find successful and competent examples. It's challenging to design enticing characters and enemies that reward experimentation, while still being accessible for players without expert skills. Punishing: Gray Raven effectively navigates this line.

The game features short missions where players must defeat all enemies efficiently, encouraging stylish combos. Many characters are available for free through the story, while others are acquired through the Gacha system. The game is visually stylish and offers satisfaction regardless of the character used.

3 Fire Emblem Heroes

Nintendo is known for its limited presence in the mobile market, with even fewer games having a long lifespan. Fire Emblem Heroes, released in 2017, stands out as an exception, growing stronger since its debut. With a rich Fire Emblem universe to draw from, the game thrives.

Similar to the console versions, Fire Emblem Heroes is a grid-based strategy game, featuring a Chibi art style for its characters during missions. Characters are obtained through Gacha mechanics, with variations acquired through events. The game boasts absurd ability triggers that rival those found in the main series.

2 Nier Reincarnation

While Yoko Taro has developed several mobile games, Nier Reincarnation, following the success of Nier Automata, is arguably the most well-known. Set in a new world distinct from Replicant and Automata, the game allows players to take on different characters across its story chapters.

During missions, players assemble a team. While some characters are provided through the story, variations and improved weapons are acquired through Gacha mechanics. Although not the harshest system, the story behind these items was a major draw for many.

1 Xenoblade Chronicles 2

This game is the inspiration behind this entire article. Almost every other game on this list is either a mobile game or a typical Gacha game that encourages spending. The core of Gacha is the choice between instant gratification and the potential grind for your desired character.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 primarily relies on the Gacha system for acquiring new Blades, with only a handful offered as part of side quests. While the random nature fosters unique playthroughs and diverse team building, the sentiment can be challenged when burning through Core Crystals for a specific Blade like Kos-Mos.