Uma Musume: Shundai-sai Preview — Mastering 'Mentorship' and 'Enmoku Keiko' Training

Higher Stats and New Faces

The Shundai-sai scenario raises the ceiling for character stats compared to the previous Trecenten Ken mode. Maximum limits for Speed increase to 2200 (up from 2150), Stamina to 1850 (up from 1800), and Power to 1800 (up from 1700). This shift suggests that players can aim for even higher-tier characters by mastering the new mechanics.

The narrative is centered around Azuma (voiced by Kotono Maruishi), a shrine maiden of the festival. Beyond her role in the story, she serves as a critical gameplay element via the scenario-specific support card SSR [Itodome Taketaki, Matsuri Kana] Azuma. Given her mechanics, she is expected to be a staple in most high-performing decks.

The scenario's link characters include Daiwa Scarlet, No Reason, Mayano Topgun, Yukino Bijin, Blast Onepiece, and Azuma. Notably, a new costume for Daiwa Scarlet will also be released alongside this update.

Mentorship and the 'Enmoku Keiko' System

The core of this mode is the Enmoku Keiko (演目稽古) system. These are high-impact training sessions unlocked by filling the Enmoku Gauge. To trigger these, players must participate in training sessions involving characters assigned to specific rituals, such as Yabusame (Speed) or Nōmai (Stamina). For optimal results in later stages, the game seems to reward players who run a diverse deck of five or more different support card types.

The progression is driven by Mentorship (教え). Players receive various buffs—such as increased hint rates or reduced stamina consumption—and can combine these through a process called Ensei (transformation) to create enhanced versions. A crucial strategic element is that once a mentorship combination is chosen, it cannot be changed, making deck composition a high-stakes decision.

Verdict: Accessibility Meets Depth

Based on preliminary hands-on testing, Shundai-sai feels more accessible than its predecessors. The mechanics of mentorship and specialized training provide a higher level of consistency, making it easier for players to avoid extreme statistical outliers. While the complexity of combining mentorship buffs requires thought, the overall flow is intuitive.

While Cygames continues to balance the experience, Shundai-sai promises to be a significant addition to Uma Musume Pretty Derby, offering a more structured and rewarding training experience for both veterans and newcomers.