How Genshin Impact Banners Work: A Complete Guide to the Gacha System

Genshin Impact Banner Guide: Understanding the Gacha System
In the world of Genshin Impact, one of the most popular gacha games globally, the term “banners” or “banners” has become synonymous with excitement, strategy, and sometimes, frustration. For both new and veteran players, the Genshin Impact banner system is a core part of the gameplay experience, offering a chance to pull for coveted 5-star characters and weapons. But how does this system work, and how can players make the most of it? Let’s dive into the world of Genshin Impact banners and explore the ins and outs of this iconic gacha system.

What Are Genshin Impact Banners?
For those new to the game, banners in Genshin Impact are essentially gacha pulls that allow players to obtain random characters, weapons, or other in-game items. These banners are divided into two main categories: Character Event Banners and Weapon Event Banners.

Character Event Banners: These banners feature limited-time 5-star characters that players can pull for using Intertwined Fate or Primogems. Each banner typically highlights one or two 5-star characters, along with an increased drop rate for specific 4-star characters.
Weapon Event Banners: Similar to character banners, these focus on 5-star weapons. Players can pull for weapons that complement their characters’ abilities, enhancing their gameplay experience.

How Do Banners Work in Genshin Impact?
The Genshin Impact banner system operates on a pity system, which ensures that players will eventually receive a 5-star item after a certain number of pulls. Here’s a breakdown of the mechanics:

Pity System: After 89 consecutive pulls without a 5-star item, the next pull is guaranteed to be a 5-star item. This is known as the “soft pity” system. However, there’s also a “hard pity” mechanism at 90 pulls, ensuring a 5-star item if one hasn’t been obtained by then.
Rates: The base drop rate for a 5-star item is 0.6%, with an increased rate for the featured character or weapon on a banner. For example, the featured 5-star character on a banner has a 50% chance of being the one you get if you pull a 5-star character.
currencies: Players can use Intertwined Fate (obtained through Starglitter) or Primogems to pull on banners. Intertwined Fate is the premium currency and offers better value.

Should You Pull on a Banner?
Deciding whether to pull on a banner depends on several factors:

Your Current Roster: If you already have a strong team, you might not need to pull unless the banner features a character or weapon that significantly enhances your gameplay.
Budget: Pulling on banners can be expensive, especially if you’re chasing a specific character or weapon. It’s important to set a budget and stick to it.
Limited-Time Nature: Most banners are time-limited, so if you miss a banner, you might have to wait a long time before it reappears.

Top Tips for Pulling on Genshin Impact Banners
To make the most of your pulls, consider the following strategies:

Save for Specific Banners: If you’re eyeing a particular character or weapon, save your Primogems and Intertwined Fate for their banner.
Use the Pity System Wisely: Knowing when to stop pulling is crucial. If you’ve already hit pity, it might be worth waiting for a new banner to avoid wasting resources.
Focus on Weapons Too: While characters are often the main attraction, 5-star weapons can greatly improve your team’s performance. Don’t overlook weapon banners!

Case Study: The Popularity of Certain Banners
Some banners are more popular than others, often due to the featured character’s design, abilities, or lore. For example, banners featuring Kamisato Ayaka or Venti have historically been highly popular, with many players pulling aggressively to add these characters to their roster.
Similarly, weapon banners for items like the Memory of Dust or Aqua Simulacra have seen high engagement, as these weapons are meta-defining for certain characters.

The Future of Genshin Impact Banners
As Genshin Impact continues