Gacha games are a type of mobile game that originated in Japan and have become increasingly popular worldwide. 

They are often characterized by their use of “gacha” mechanics, which involve players spending virtual currency or real money to obtain virtual items or characters that players can level up or upgrade one’s characters and combat skills.

While gacha games can be enjoyable and engaging, they have also been criticized for utilizing gambling-like mechanics and for encouraging players to spend real money on in-game items.

According to management engineering student Alexander Chua, he refrains from spending real money for gacha because he doesn’t want to engage himself in the gambling aspect of these mobile games.

“I don’t believe in spending money for gacha games eh, I’m a free-to-play friendly [gamer] at heart,” the 21-year old told republicasia.

“Since I’m in college, I’m trying to avoid falling into the gacha hole too much, and my mom doesn’t like it when I spend money on games,” he added.

But there are free-to-play gacha mobile games that do not require the use of real cash. These games typically provide players with a steady stream of free currency or rewards, and often have events or challenges that allow players to earn even more currency or rare items. 

They also tend to have fair gacha rates, which means that players have a reasonable chance of obtaining desirable items without having to spend excessive amounts of money.

Senior high school student Jami Perez, 18, started playing gacha games in 2021. She tried playing gacha mobile games like Genshin Impact, Epic Seven, and Arknights because of their popularity on social media. Eventually she gained online friends to play with.

Perez said: “What really encouraged me to play Genshin and Arknights ay yung mga nagpopost ng clips ng gameplay nila on Twitter and Facebook. I found the graphics really interesting and immersive and di naman ako nagkamali. 

“Aside from the story and the satisfaction you get from obtaining the high-ranked characters in the game, I also enjoy playing with my internet friends. Mahilig kami mag-log in together at the same time to complete quests in the game,” she added.

Screengrab from Jami Perez

Perez shared she has already collected 23 out of the 32 five-star playable characters in Genshin Impact.

Chua shares the same sentiments.

Since he was an avid fan of gacha mobile games, he was able to play various gacha including Honkai Impact 3, Honkai: Star Rail, and Genshin Impact.

He also enjoys collecting the in-game characters and revamping their skills for better team combat performance.

Screengrab from Alexander Chua / Jami Perez

“I think the main driver that makes me want to continue playing gacha games is the characters. For me, talagang getting the characters you saved up for is yung main essence nung game,” Chua said.

“Saka, yung alam mo yung, you can make them a stronger unit kasi by leveling up their combat skills. Pati na rin yung feeling na nag-pay off yung paghihintay and pagsave mo ng primogems (in-game Genshin Impact currency) by completing quests just to have that character,” he added.

Here are the five free-to-play friendly gacha mobile games you can play.

Honkai Impact 3rd

Courtesy: HoYoverse

Honkai Impact 3rd is a popular action RPG developed and published by HoYoverse, formerly miHoYo. 

The game is set in a world where humanity is under threat from mysterious creatures known as the Honkai. 

Players take on the role of Valkyries, powerful warriors who are able to combat the Honkai and defend humanity.

The gameplay in Honkai Impact 3rd is fast-paced and action-packed, with players using a variety of melee and ranged attacks to defeat enemies. 

The game also features a gacha system that allows players to obtain new Valkyries, weapons, and equipment through a random draw system.

Screengrab from Alexander Chua 

Genshin Impact

Courtesy: HoYoverse

Also published and developed by HoYoverse, Genshin Impact is an action role-playing game released in September 2020.

The game takes place in the world of Teyvat, a vast and colorful fantasy world filled with magic and mystery. 

Players take on the role of the Traveler, a hero who has been separated from their twin and is searching for a way to reunite with them. Along the way, they meet a cast of colorful characters, each with their own unique personalities and abilities, and uncover the secrets of Teyvat.

The gameplay in Genshin Impact is a mixture of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Players can explore the open world of Teyvat, discovering new areas, unearthing hidden treasures, and battling powerful monsters.

Screengrab from Jami Perez

Honkai: Star Rail

Courtesy: HoYoverse

Honkai: Star Rail is the newest game under the Honkai Impact game universe. 

While it takes place in the same world as Honkai Impact 3rd, the game features new characters and a new story, but will also include some familiar faces from the first installment of the game series.

The gameplay in Honkai: Star Rail is focused on fast-paced, side-scrolling combat, with players using a variety of attacks and abilities to take down enemies. 

The game also includes a gacha system that allows players to obtain new characters and equipment through a random draw system.

Screengrab from Alexander Chua

Arknights

Courtesy: Yostar Limited

Arknights is a tower defense game developed and published by Yostar Limited in January 2020.

In Arknights, players portray a doctor who must manage a team of operators, each with their own unique abilities, to defend against waves of enemies. 

The game features a variety of challenging levels and modes, each with their own unique objectives and enemy types.

Courtesy: Yostar Limited

Epic Seven

Courtesy: Smilegate Megaport

In the turn-based RPG Epic Seven, players use a diverse set of skills and abilities to win against enemies. 

Developed and published by Smilegate Megaport in 2020, the game features a variety of customization options, allowing players to personalize their heroes with different equipment and upgrades.

In Epic Seven, players also take on the role of a group of heroes, known as “Soul Weavers,” who must battle against the forces of evil that threaten the world. 

The game also includes an assortment of challenging levels and modes, each with their own unique objectives and enemy types.

Courtesy: Smilegate Megaport