Genshin Impact Gacha Guide: Pity, Rates, and Pull Strategy

The gacha system is the core of Genshin Impact, and understanding it can make the difference between landing your favorite five-star character and walking away empty-handed. Whether you're a new player or a veteran looking to optimize your resources, a solid grasp of pity, rates, and currency planning is essential.

For the latest Genshin Impact news and guides, visit the Genshin Impact hub.

At a Glance

• Base 5-star rate: 0.6% per pull
• Soft pity starts: 75 pulls on a character banner
• Hard pity: 90 pulls (guaranteed 5-star)
• 50/50 system: First 5-star has a 50% chance to be the featured character; if you lose, the next 5-star is guaranteed
• Epitomized Path: For weapon banners, you can chart a course to guarantee a specific weapon after up to three pities
• Pity carries over between same banner types

How the Pity System Works

Every pull on a limited character banner adds to a hidden counter. The hard pity is 90 pulls, meaning you are guaranteed a 5-star by the 90th pull if you haven't gotten one earlier. However, the probability increases significantly after pull 75 — known as soft pity. From pull 75 to 89, the rate rises dramatically, making it very unlikely to reach hard pity.

The same system applies to the Standard Banner (Wanderlust Invocation) and the Weapon Banner (Epitomized Path), though the weapon banner has its own pity thresholds (80 hard pity, soft pity around 65).

Soft Pity and Hard Pity

• Character Banner: Soft pity 75–89, hard pity 90
• Weapon Banner: Soft pity 65–79, hard pity 80
• Standard Banner: Same as character banner (soft pity 75, hard pity 90)

Knowing these thresholds helps you decide when to pull: if you're at 60 pity on a character banner with no guarantee, you are still in the normal rate zone. But once you cross 74, the odds flip heavily in your favor, so it's worth committing to reach the 5-star if you want the limited unit.

The 50/50 and Epitomized Path

When you pull a 5-star on a limited character banner, there is a 50% chance it will be the featured character. If you lose that coin flip (get a standard character like Diluc, Jean, Mona, Qiqi, or Keqing), your next 5-star pull on any limited character banner is guaranteed to be the featured one. This guarantee resets only when you get the featured character.

On the Weapon Banner, the Epitomized Path lets you select one of the two rate-up weapons. If you don't get it, you accumulate Fate Points; after two losses (three total pities), your chosen weapon is guaranteed. Fate Points reset when the banner ends.

F2P Currency Planning

As a free-to-play player, you earn Primogems through daily commissions, events, the Spiral Abyss, Battle Pass (free track), and exploration. A typical patch gives enough for about 50–60 pulls. To guarantee a character (up to 180 pulls assuming worst case), you may need to save across two or more patches.

Best practices for F2P:

• Never pull on the weapon banner unless you have a large surplus — it’s a luxury for spenders.
• Do not spend Primogems on the Standard Banner — limited banners offer more value.
• Know your target: Save for characters that fit your roster or bring new gameplay.
• Skip banners if you cannot guarantee the character within the patch unless you are okay with luck.

For more on banner scheduling and value, check our Genshin Impact 4.7 Banners guide for a real-world example of pull planning.

Should You Pull?

Without a specific banner to evaluate, the general rule applies: pull only if:

• The character adds new mechanics or significantly improves an existing team.
• You like the character (aesthetic, lore, gameplay) – enjoyment matters.
• You have the primogems to reach pity (at least 75 pulls) or are willing to spend.

Conversely, skip if:

• The character is a sidegrade to what you already own.
• Their team requirements are too restrictive (e.g., needing specific five-star supports).
• You are near pity and want a future character more.

Genshin Impact frequently rewards planning over impulse. Keep an eye on upcoming updates and leaks (always take leaks with a grain of salt) to prepare.

Conclusion

Mastering the gacha system in Genshin Impact comes down to understanding pity mechanics, managing your Primogems, and pulling with a clear goal. Whether you are going for a specific five-star or building your account over time, the same principles apply. Stay informed with our Genshin Impact hub for the latest news and guides.

For deeper insights into how choices affect your account, read our article on Genshin Impact Decisions.