Genshin Gacha & Primogem Strategy 2026: Pity, Planning & What to Pull
Gacha is not about luck, it is about planning. Read the pity, count your Primogems, skip weak banners — and F2P accounts still lock in the characters they want.
The Pity System
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Hard pity | Character banner guarantees a 5-star by 90 wishes |
| Soft pity | 5-star rate spikes from ~wish 74 (~33% per pull); most get it between 75-85 |
| 50/50 | First 5-star is 50% featured; lose it and the next is guaranteed — worst case 180 wishes |
| 4-star | At least one 4-star every 10 wishes |
Pity carries over between same-type banners: 60 pity this banner continues next banner, so saving for a specific character is viable.
Where Primogems Come From
Daily commissions
60 Primogems / day, ~1,800 / month — the baseline
Events
420-1,000 each, 2-3 per patch — the big chunk
Spiral Abyss
1,200 / cycle (every 2 weeks) once your build is ready
Chests / Achievements
Open-world chests, 5-20 per achievement — adds up
A diligent F2P gathers about 8,000 Primogems (~50 pulls) per patch (~6 weeks); the Welkin Moon (daily 90) speeds saving noticeably.
Planning Rules
Beginner Order
- Clear story with free units first: Traveler / Amber / Kaeya / Lisa clear all story — no need to pull early.
- Main DPS before supports: one usable carry (or a 4-star National team) beats scattering pulls on solo units.
- Fill team gaps: already have a Pyro DPS? Don't pull another — take a limited that fills a missing element or role.
- Trade Stardust for Fates: monthly shop exchange for Intertwined Fates — never waste it.
Common Mistakes
- Pulling on every banner: resources thin out, you are always one short, and nobody reaches constellation.
- Forcing the weapon banner: separate pity plus Epitomized Path; terrible F2P value when refined 4-stars already suffice.
- Ignoring the Welkin: 90 Primogems daily compounds; long-term better than occasional top-ups.
- Is Mavuika C2 worth it
Quick Answers
How does Genshin pity work?
Character banner hard-pities a 5-star at 90 wishes; soft pity spikes the rate from ~74; the 50/50 gives a 50% featured chance first, then guarantees it next — worst case 180 wishes. Pity carries across same-type banners.
How many Primogems guarantee a character?
Save at least 160 pulls (25,600 Primogems) before a target so a lost 50/50 still lands it. A diligent F2P reaches that in about 1.5-3 patches.
Is the weapon banner worth it?
Strongly no. Separate pity plus Epitomized Path needs ~240 pulls to secure; most F2P players are fine with refined 4-star weapons — keep Primogems for character banners.
Which banner should a beginner pull first?
None at first. Clear story with free units, then save for a limited character that fills a real team gap; use free Acquaint Fates only on the standard banner.