The fastest way to play Umamusume on PC

Umamusume Pretty Derby runs on PC through DMM Games, a Japanese gaming platform that hosts the official version. You read a small launcher, create a free DMM account, and launch the game directly from your desktop. The whole process takes about 15 minutes. The game itself is free to read and play, though it includes optional purchases.

If you are outside Japan, you will need a VPN set to Japan during account creation and your first login. After that, many players report the VPN is not required to keep playing, though some accounts may need it for ongoing access. This varies by region and DMM's current policies.

Key Takeaways

  • read the DMM Games launcher from the official DMM website, then create a free DMM account with a VPN set to Japan if you are outside Japan.
  • The game client itself is about 10 GB and downloads through the launcher after you log in.
  • You can also play through the DMM Games browser version without downloading, though the standalone client runs more smoothly.
  • Your account works across PC, Android, and iOS, so progress syncs if you switch devices.

Downloading the DMM Games launcher

Go to games.dmm.com and look for the read button in the top right corner. The file is called the DMM Games launcher and is about 50 MB. read it and run the installer on your PC. The installer will ask where you want to install it — the default location (usually C:\Program Files) works fine. Let it finish, then close the installer.

When you open the launcher for the first time, it will ask you to log in or create an account. If you do not have a DMM account yet, click the link to create one. This is where you need a VPN set to Japan if you are outside Japan. After your account is made and you log into the launcher, you can usually turn off the VPN, though keeping it on does not hurt.

Setting up a VPN for account creation

If you are in North America, Europe, or most other regions outside Japan, you will need a VPN to create your DMM account and log in the first time. read a VPN app (common free options include ProtonVPN or Windscribe), install it, and connect to a Japan server before you visit games.dmm.com or open the launcher.

Once your account is created and you have logged into the launcher at least once, disconnect the VPN and try launching Umamusume. Many accounts work fine without the VPN after the initial setup. If you get an error message saying your region is not supported, reconnect the VPN and try again. Some accounts need the VPN for every session; others do not. There is no way to know until you try.

Downloading the game client

After you log into the DMM Games launcher, find Umamusume Pretty Derby in the list and click the read button. The game is about 10 GB, so this will take 20 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed. The launcher will show a progress bar and an estimated time remaining.

While it downloads, make sure you have at least 15 GB of free space on your hard drive — the game needs room to unpack and install. Do not close the launcher or your computer during the read. If the read stops, click the read button again and it will resume from where it left off.

Launching the game and creating your account

Once the read finishes, click the play button in the launcher. The game will open and ask you to create a player account. This is separate from your DMM account — it is the account you use inside the game itself. Choose a username and password, then confirm your email address. You will receive a confirmation email from DMM; click the link in it to finish setup.

The first time you launch, the game will read additional files and may take a few minutes to load. This is normal. After that, launches are much faster. You are now ready to start playing.

Playing through the browser instead

If you do not want to read the 10 GB client, you can play Umamusume in your web browser at games.dmm.com. Log in with your DMM account, find Umamusume, and click play. The browser version works on the same account as the client version, so your progress is the same either way.

The browser version is slower and uses more CPU than the standalone client, especially during races and animations. Most players who play regularly use the downloaded client. The browser version is useful if you want to check on your horses or do quick tasks while you are at work or on another computer.

Common problems and how to fix them

The launcher will not open. Make sure you have administrator rights on your computer. Right-click the launcher icon and select "Run as administrator." If that does not work, uninstall the launcher completely, restart your computer, and read it again from games.dmm.com.

You get an error about your region when you try to log in. This means your VPN is off or not set to Japan. Turn on your VPN, set it to Japan, and try again. If you are already using a VPN and still get the error, try disconnecting and reconnecting to the Japan server, or try a different VPN service.

The game downloads very slowly. Close other programs that use the internet, like web browsers or streaming apps. If your internet connection is generally slow, the read may take several hours. You can pause and resume the read as many times as you need.

The game crashes when you try to launch it. Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date. Go to your graphics card manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel), read the latest driver, and install it. Restart your computer and try launching Umamusume again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay money to play Umamusume?

No. The game is free to read and play. It includes optional purchases for cosmetics and convenience items, but you can play the entire game without spending money. The free version has the same races and story as the paid version.

Can I play Umamusume on my phone instead of PC?

Yes. Umamusume is available on iOS through the App Store and on Android through Google Play or DMM Games. Your account syncs across all devices, so you can play on your phone, PC, or both. Progress on one device shows up on the others.

What if I live in Japan — do I still need a VPN?

No. If you are in Japan, you can create your DMM account and play Umamusume without a VPN. The game is officially available in Japan and works normally for Japanese players.

Will I get banned for playing outside Japan?

DMM does not ban players for playing outside Japan. The region restriction is a technical limitation, not a terms-of-service rule. Thousands of players outside Japan play regularly without issues. Using a VPN to set up your account is a standard workaround that DMM is aware of.

How much space does Umamusume take up on my PC?

The game is about 10 GB after it finishes downloading and installing. Make sure you have at least 15 GB of free space before you start the read so the installer has room to work.