Cygames has pushed out an anniversary update for Umamusume: Pretty Derby, marking a year and a half since the game's release with a new feature that lets training run largely on its own. The headline addition, Independent Training, automates the grind in real time rather than requiring players to sit through every session manually. Alongside the new training option, the Steam version of the game is getting a visual upgrade, with smoother concert performances arriving first and higher-resolution support to follow. Notably, several of these changes are landing in the English version before Japan sees them, a shift from the usual pattern of localized content trailing the original release.
Training That Runs Without You
The core addition in this update is Independent Training, a system that lets a training run progress automatically and in real time, continuing even if the app itself is closed. A full run takes roughly 50 minutes to complete, during which players have only limited input into how the run unfolds compared to manual play. The feature is designed with convenience in mind rather than optimization. Cygames is positioning it as a tool for keeping up with daily missions, growing a fan base, and making passive progress on characters without needing to actively play through an entire training cycle. It is not intended to replace hands-on training for players chasing top-tier competitive results, where manual control over decisions still matters most. Ahead of the update's release, there was some confusion among players about exactly which kind of automated training was being introduced. Early chatter suggested a broader, career-spanning autoplay mode might be on the way. Cygames has since clarified that the feature is Independent Training specifically, not a full autoplay option that would run an entire career unattended.
Steam Players Get a Visual Bump
PC players on Steam are also seeing improvements tied to the anniversary update. Concert scenes are gaining early access to 60 FPS performances, smoothing out the stage sequences that showcase the game's idol-style events. Cygames has also confirmed that 4K resolution support is planned to follow shortly after, which is expected to sharpen outfit textures and facial detail during those same concert scenes. No firm release date has been attached to the 4K rollout, and Cygames has not specified an exact timeline beyond describing it as coming soon after the frame rate upgrade.
Part of a Larger Convenience Push
Cygames has framed this update as one piece of an ongoing effort to bring more quality-of-life features to the English version of Umamusume: Pretty Derby specifically. The early arrival of Independent Training ahead of its Japanese counterpart suggests the English release is being used, at least for this feature, as a proving ground rather than simply following the original version's update schedule. With Independent Training now live and Steam's visual upgrades rolling out in stages, Cygames appears focused on lowering the day-to-day time commitment for casual players while leaving the core training experience intact for those chasing competitive results. Further convenience-focused updates are expected, though Cygames has not detailed what comes next or when.
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