As someone who has tracked pity, rate-up math, and rerun schedules for over 10 years in gacha, here’s my quick take: if you want to win the mind game of genshin banners, you need a plan. A real one. Pity counts, Primogems budgeting, soft pity at ~75, hard pity at 90—this stuff matters.
In my experience, the people who plan their wishes and skip bait banners are the ones who end up with the characters they love, not just screenshots of losing 50/50 to Qiqi at 2 a.m. Been there. I cried into my Welkin Moon like it was a latte.
My TL;DR Pull Strategy (So You Don’t Regret It Later)
- Save for two patches ahead. Always have a cushion for reruns.
- Know your pity: character banner soft pity starts around 75; hard pity at 90. Weapon banner hard pity at 80 with Epitomized Path logic.
- Weapon banner is a luxury. Only pull if both 5-stars are wins for you, and you can afford misses.
- Track your 50/50 losses. Lose once? Next featured 5-star is guaranteed on the limited Event Wish (unless you switch banners mid-pity—don’t).
- Set a floor: 180 wishes saved is “comfortably safe” for 2 limited 5-stars, assuming one 50/50 loss.
If you want deep-dive reasoning, this kind of meta analysis is my bread and butter, and I break it down here: meta analysis.
What I Watch Each Patch
I look at three things. The upcoming rerun schedule, the 4-star lineup (yes, these can make or break your account), and whether the weapon banner is a trap this time. Spoiler: it usually is.
For patch rumors, balance tweaks, and “my friend’s cousin datamined this” chaos, I skim a feed like this: roster drama, patch notes, and leaks.
Quick Primer: What Are Wishes, Pity, and Rate-Up?
If you’re new, think of wishes as tickets. After enough tickets, the house coughs up a 5-star. That’s pity. Soft pity is when the odds quietly ramp up. Hard pity is the guaranteed pull if the ramp-up still didn’t hit.
This isn’t unique to one game; it’s core to how most gacha titles work. If you want the academic version, here’s the background on the genre: gacha game.
The Numbers (Plain Speak)
- Event Character Wish: 5-star pity at 90 (soft starts ~75). 50/50 to get the featured unit. Lose it? Next 5-star on this banner is guaranteed featured.
- Weapon Banner (Epitome Invocation): 5-star pity at 80. Miss the chosen weapon? You get a fate point. Two points guarantees your selected weapon next time you hit a 5-star. The price of bling is pain.
- Standard Banner: Don’t. Unless you like diluted pools and “surprise” Kaeyas at AR60.
For people who tilt when notes drop (me, hi), this piece helps calm the brain and still win more matches: panic-proof patch notes guide.
Simple Pity Reference Table
| Banner Type | Soft Pity | Hard Pity | 50/50? | Guarantee Logic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event Character | ~75 | 90 | Yes | Lose once → next 5-star is featured |
| Weapon (Epitome) | ~65-70 | 80 | N/A | 2 fate points guarantees chosen weapon |
| Standard | ~75 | 90 | N/A | No featured guarantee; mixed pool |
Should You Pull Characters or Weapons?
I always tell friends this: characters unlock teams; weapons polish them. If your account is young, pick up flexible 5-star units and strong 4-stars first. Later, if you’re comfy and bored, then chase shiny sticks. Or don’t. Your wallet will thank you.
If you want the official overview on the game itself, here’s the primer: Genshin Impact.
4-Star Units Matter More Than People Admit
Sometimes the “mid” 4-stars on a banner are actually the whole reason to pull. Bennett, Xiangling, Xingqiu—these enable teams that hit way above their price tag. Getting their constellations is a permanent account upgrade.
For broader industry updates I keep an eye on between patches, I peek at: esports news.
How I Budget Primogems Without Feeling Miserable
- Daily commissions + Welkin + BP = slow n’ steady. It adds up. Really.
- Skip “meh” patches. Full skip. Don’t toss “just 10 pulls” unless you want future-you to glare at you later.
- Farm materials before you pull. That way, if you do get lucky, you can level immediately instead of staring at a Lvl 20 paperweight.
Yes, the character roster is huge—and still growing. If you need a list, here you go: full character list.
How Many Wishes Do You Need?
I plan around 180 wishes for a single unit if I absolutely must win: that covers one 50/50 loss and one hard pity. When it comes to Genshin banners, this strategy helps me stay prepared no matter the odds. If I’m okay gambling, 90–120 can be enough. Yes, early pity happens — but in Genshin banners, you can’t count on it. The universe knows when you’re desperate.
For practical, on-the-ground advice beyond theory, I’ll plug this bucket of posts: competitive tips.
Mini Guides (Little Questions, Fast Answers)
Which Banner Is Best for F2P?
The limited Event Character banner. Consistent pity, real guarantee, and usually a good 4-star lineup to chase constellations. Standard is fine for spooks, not for planning.
Also, if you’ve ever wondered why “boxes with random rewards” are debated, the policy folks have thoughts: loot box basics.
When Do I Pull for Constellations?
Only after you own two comfy teams for Abyss. C1-C2 on a carry can be cracked value if it unlocks smoother rotations. But don’t chase C6 unless you’ve handled survival, ER, and basic team synergy first.
If you want a single rolling feed to keep up with the scene while you decide if this patch is a skip or not, this one’s handy: news firehose.
Is Weapon Banner Ever “Worth It”?
Sometimes. If both rate-up weapons are great for your roster, and you’re okay funding two misses before your chosen weapon, then sure. But for most players, a strong craftable or a good 4-star is enough. Your damage screen doesn’t care who signed your sword’s certificate.
On a serious note, countries keep studying these systems. Here’s one report if you like policy stuff: UK loot box findings.
“Table” You Can Screenshot: 30-Second Pull Planner
| Goal | Wishes to Save | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 new 5-star (risky) | 90–120 | Covers one hard pity; may lose 50/50 |
| 1 new 5-star (safe) | 180 | Covers a 50/50 loss and the guarantee |
| New 5-star + signature weapon | 300–360+ | Weapon banner variance + Epitomized Path cost |
| Constellation push (C1–C2) | 120–240 | Depends on luck and your pity carryover |
A Note on Expectations
I’ve always found that if you treat pulls like a plan, not a gamble, you enjoy the game more. Set goals, track pity, and accept that sometimes the 50/50 fairy picks your Diluc. Laugh. Move on. Pre-farm his mats in spite.
If you like a steady news diet that isn’t just doomscrolling, this general feed helps: esports news.
Why People Argue About Reruns So Much
Because the schedule for Genshin banners is tight and the cast is huge, slots are limited. If your favorite unit is “due,” you’ll see theorycrafters draw a map with string and thumbtacks like we’re solving a crime. It’s funny until you realize you’re doing it too.
If you want a neutral take on what the game is, why it exploded, and how it keeps adding regions and NPCs with trauma, here: Genshin Impact overview.
My Personal Rules
- I don’t pull for weapons unless the character is already built and used weekly.
- I never spend on a banner if my pity is under 50 and I’m lukewarm on the unit.
- I stop at soft pity if the vibes are bad. Yes, vibes are a metric.
- I farm before I pull. Nothing kills hype like “no books, no boss drops.”
And yes, sometimes I still lose, and it still stings. That’s the ride with genshin banners. Plan hard, laugh harder, and please stop tossing singles at 2 a.m. It’s never just one more.
FAQs
How do I check my pity without a third-party tool?
Open history on the Wish screen and count pulls since your last 5-star. It’s clunky, but it works. I screenshot after every 10-pull to make it painless.
Is it better to save Intertwined Fates or raw Primogems?
Functionally the same, but I save Primogems so I’m not tempted by the wrong banner. Fates burn holes in pockets. Proven science (by me).
Do 4-star rate-ups really matter?
Yes. A banner with Bennett/Xiangling/Xingqiu can outvalue a mid 5-star for many accounts. Constellations on core supports are huge.
What’s the safest way to get a signature weapon?
Have enough wishes for two fate points and a pity (think 240+). If that number scares you, skip it. Your teams will live.
Should I pull if a rerun is “likely” next patch?
If you only “kind of” want the current unit, skip. Reruns happen. Missing your must-pick later hurts more than waiting now.
John | Your source for Esports, Battle Royale, Role-Playing, Retro Games, and Gaming Gear. Let’s Enjoy!
