Getting the A-rank with a Trainee in Umamusume Pretty Derby is the toughest possible task, but it's achievable with any character if you get your strategy right.
When you just start playing the game, achieving the A-rank is going to be nearly impossible. But you gradually build up your collection, improve your Umas and support cards, and get items that suit specific races. You'll still need a perfect strategy to use everything you have in your hand and get the A-rank.
Umamusume Pretty Derby A-rank guide
For starters, you don't need 3-star Umas to get an A-rank. In fact, some of the 2-star and 1-star Trainees will be better choices to get an A-rank. Irrespective of the stars on your Uma, you'll have to get the basics right. First, let's understand which factors are essential to determine the rank of your career run.
A-rank depends entirely on your Rating. Your Rating is the number shown under Uma's display picture inside the game. Ratings are decided by two factors: Stats and Skills. All other factors, like races run and won, don't have any effect on Ratings.
Stats have a positive correlation with Ratings. The higher the Stat, the higher your Rating will be. But an extremely high value in a single Stat is going to have a bigger impact on Rating. For example, a build with 1100 Speed and 300 Stamina is going to contribute more towards a higher Rating than another build with 500 Speed and 500 Stamina. In short, it's better to have lop-sided stats if you're concerned about getting a higher Rating (and a higher Rank).
Skills are divided into two types: Unique Skills and Non-Unique Skills. Each level of your Unique Skill will contribute 120 points if it's a 1-star or 2-star Uma. If it's a 3-star or higher Uma, each Unique Skill level will contribute 170 points towards your Rating. You can increase your Unique Skill level thrice in your URA Finale career by having more fans.
Any skill with a base cost between 100-140 has the same contribution to your final Rating. Hence, it's better to go with skills that cost around 100 (except skills that cost 110 and 140). You should also avoid skills that apply a double-circle condition. You'll be better off spending on two separate skills that cost around 100 SP each to get more Rating contribution.
Additionally, buying skills that match the best attributes of your Uma is going to be more beneficial. If your Uma has an S-aptitude as a Pace Chaser, any skill that corresponds with the same type will result in better ratings. Also, avoid skills that offer debuffs since they don't contribute as much to ratings like non-debuff skills.
It's pretty clear you'll need to get a lot of SP to buy the skills. To do that, you'll have to win a lot of races, which will reward you with SP. Make sure to bring Supporters who have a high Race Bonus, as this will result in more SP from a winning race.
To max out your stats, the best tactic is to use a deck with Four Speed and Two Wits. This is a free-to-play method that is achievable fairly easily. But you'll need to use the following Umas to increase your chances of an A-rank
- Haru Urara
- Sakura Bakushin O
- Agnes Tachyon
You can also get A-rank with other Umas, but they will have conflicting goals. We should get more SSR Supporters and build them up in the future, which will make it easier for you to get A-rank with more Umas. Currently, this privilege is only available to those who have spent real-life money to open Supporter banners.
The post How to get A-rank in Umamusume Pretty Derby appeared first on Destructoid.
