Houtarou is a high school student in search of his own "Gotcha" (something unique to him). However, he is still in a daze, unable to even decide on a career path. His classmate Rinne looks down on him. 

Then, Houtarou meets a grasshopper. "I don't know what it is, but when I'm with you, I feel a stirring in my heart..." Then, Steamliner suddenly appears and takes Houtarou to another space. In the other space, a mysterious man entrusts Houtarou with a Driver, saying it is his hope for the future. Then an enemy attacks!

The target is Houtarou's Driver. Houtarou loads the card into the Driver! He transforms into Kamen Rider Gotchard.

Houtarou continues his quest to befriend all the Chemies as he meets a Chemy known as Apparebushido, and is given his card by Minato.

A new Malgam appears and Houtarou attempts to fight it using Apparebushido, but it defies orders and causes Houtarou to be defeated.

"Just how can I get Apparebushido to open up to me?" Houtarou asks himself as he begins to secretly train. Just then, he is approached by alchemist named Spanner Kurogane, who demands the Gotchardriver!