Zhuang Fangyi Banner: Pull or Pass? The arrival of the Thunder of Renewal banner in Arknights: Endfield marks one of the most anticipated recruiting phases of this cycle, with Zhuang Fangyi debuting as the rate-up 6★ operator. For many Endministrators, this is a crucial gacha window—balancing limited banners, event-exclusive currencies, and the push for top-tier squads in endgame content. With rewards layered across sign-ins, operator trials, and new currency exchanges, this update packs in both opportunity and complexity. If you’re looking for a straightforward breakdown, strategic analysis, and all the key times and currencies to watch, you’ve got it here. For context and updates on Arknights: Endfield overall, refer to the latest news and guides. At a Glance: Thunder of Renewal Banner & Events Banner Duration: After At the Wake of Spring (patch release) – 2026-05-22 at 11:59 (Asia UTC+8 / Americas & European UTC-5) Featured Operator: Zhuang Fangyi (6★, first release, Rate-UP) Other Possible 6★ Pulls: Rossi, Tangtang, Ember, Lifeng, Ardelia, Last Rite, Pogranichnik Pull Currencies: Blitz of Verdance HH Permit, Chartered HH Permit, Oroberyls Limited‐time rewards: Blitz of Verdance HH Permit×5 (via sign-in/event missions) Banner Mechanics Attempts Reward Note 30 Urgent Recruitment (10x) Free 10x pull; rates identical to banner; 5★+ guaranteed 60 Headhunting Dossier ×1 Converts to 10x Special HH Permit for next Chartered banner 240 Featured 6★ Token ×1 Token for Zhuang Fangyi (name changes each banner) Pity mechanics are as described; no mention of cumulative carryover between different Chartered banners. Arsenal Tickets are awarded per pull (2000 for 6★, 200 for 5★, 20 for 4★) and may be exchanged in the Arsenal Exchange. Should You Pull? Zhuang Fangyi in the Current Meta Meta Evaluation Zhuang Fangyi’s role and kit details are not stated in official materials, precluding direct meta-tier assessment. However, the structure of this Chartered Headhunting cycle and her lack of Basic Headhunting eligibility after three banners suggest strong initial exclusivity value—converging with historical trends where debut limited 6★ units offer impactful utility or carry potential in challenging content. For endgame-focused players, especially those eyeing early clears in new difficult operations, skipping a newly released 6★—whose rerun and general pool availability are explicitly restricted—is a long-term risk. Unless you’re saving for a known future operator (or heavily invested in an existing comp that isn’t threatened by Zhuang Fangyi’s speculated archetype), pulling here is optimal if you can reach soft pity with available currencies. F2P and low-spend players should prioritize sign-ins, discounted Blitz of Verdance HH Permits in AIC Quota Exchange, and event missions before considering premium pulls. See more on banner strategy and operator evaluations in our banner guides. Events & Rewards: What Not to Miss Blitz of Verdance Sign-In Duration: Matches the Chartered Headhunting banner Rewards: 7-day sign-in earns 5 Blitz of Verdance HH Permits (event gacha currency) Optimal Claim Path: Log in daily; missing a day likely means forfeiting maximum free pulls Operator Trial: Combat Drills What it is: Test drive Zhuang Fangyi in preset-event missions Rewards: Event Center distributes additional materials upon stage completion Tip for Theorists: Run trial to estimate her kit applications and identify synergies for your main team before committing pulls AIC Quota Exchange Available Item: Blitz of Verdance HH Permit×5 (at a discount) Timing: During the entire event period Advisory: Prioritize this exchange before other purchases if you’re optimizing for F2P pulls See our detailed event farming primer for further resource planning. Teams & Synergies: Forward Planning While Zhuang Fangyi’s exact archetype and best-in-slot builds are not specified in current official notes, her premium positioning triggers several comp-planning checkpoints: Consider your current 6★ spread: If you’re missing recent limiteds, her value rises for filling gaps in squad versatility. Plan around Arsenal Ticket usage: Early speculation suggests significant value in pooling for future exchange shop refreshes—avoid spending them as soon as possible. Trial event meta-test: Use Combat Drills to identify whether Zhuang Fangyi addresses weaknesses in your MoC/Pure Fiction clears, rather than chasing raw rarity or stats. For concrete team-building ideas as more kit data emerge, review Endfield strategy updates. Takeaway With Zhuang Fangyi headlining the Thunder of Renewal banner, Arknights: Endfield offers both a rare recruitment window and a slate of accessible F2P pulls via events and exchanges. Meta-focused players—and those loath to miss a future-limited 6★—should prioritize this banner, but pace your pulls with an eye on guaranteed rewards and event currencies. As always, keep checking official in-game notices and our Arknights: Endfield news for real-time updates.