Should You Spend Primogems on the Standard Banner in Genshin Impact?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The definitive answer is: generally, no, you should not spend your precious Primogems on the Standard Banner in Genshin Impact. While there are extremely niche exceptions, for the vast majority of players, especially those who are free-to-play or low-spending, allocating Primogems to the Limited Character Event Banners and Weapon Banners is a far more efficient and strategic use of your resources. Let’s delve into the reasons why.
The Core Issue: Control and Value
The heart of the matter is the lack of control you have on the Standard Banner, often referred to as the “Permenant Wish” or “Wanderlust Invocation”. Here’s a breakdown:
-
Diluted Pool: The Standard Banner contains a mixed pool of five-star characters (Diluc, Jean, Qiqi, Mona, Keqing) and five-star weapons. This means that when you pull, you have no guarantee of receiving a character. You could easily end up with a weapon you don’t need or a character you already own, leading to disappointment and a feeling of wasted Primogems.
-
Limited Character Event Banners Offer Focus: Limited Character Event Banners, on the other hand, feature a specific character with a dramatically increased drop rate. This gives you a significantly higher chance of obtaining a desired character. Furthermore, the 50/50 pity system ensures that if you don’t get the featured character on your first five-star pull on that banner, your next five-star pull is guaranteed to be the featured character. This provides a level of predictability and control that the Standard Banner simply cannot match.
-
Standard Characters are Obtainable Elsewhere: Critically, the five-star characters available on the Standard Banner can also be obtained when you lose the 50/50 on the Limited Character Event Banners. This means you have opportunities to acquire these characters simply by engaging with the banners you should already be prioritizing.
-
Weapon Banner Considerations: While the Standard Banner contains weapons, the Weapon Banner offers an even greater degree of focus if you’re specifically looking for a powerful weapon. The Weapon Banner has its own pity system and features specific weapons with increased drop rates. While it also comes with its own set of caveats (the infamous “Epitomized Path”), it is still a more targeted approach than the random nature of the Standard Banner.
When Might the Standard Banner Seem Appealing?
There are very specific scenarios where some might consider pulling on the Standard Banner:
-
Extreme Late-Game Players with Excess Resources: Players who have already built strong teams, have all the characters they want from Limited Banners, and have a surplus of Primogems might consider pulling on the Standard Banner for the slim chance of getting a specific weapon or constellation for a Standard Banner character. However, even in this case, most still advise against it.
-
New Players Mistakenly Using Primogems: New players, not fully understanding the gacha mechanics, might mistakenly use Primogems on the Standard Banner. This is an understandable error but a crucial one to avoid once you grasp the game’s mechanics.
-
The “I Just Feel Lucky” Mentality: Some players, driven by pure chance and excitement, may want to test their luck on the standard banner. While this is understandable from a gameplay perspective, it is not a sustainable or resource-efficient strategy for getting a desired character or weapon in Genshin Impact.
Alternatives for Acquiring Standard Banner Characters and Weapons
Instead of spending Primogems on the Standard Banner, focus on these methods:
-
Acquaint Fates: The best way to approach the Standard Banner is using Acquaint Fates. Acquaint Fates are earned through Adventure Rank rewards, Battle Pass progression, and occasional in-game events. Using these free Fates doesn’t cost you any Primogems, mitigating the resource loss.
-
Lost 50/50s: As mentioned before, losing the 50/50 on Limited Character Event Banners is your primary way of acquiring Standard Banner characters without explicitly pulling on the Standard Banner.
-
Starglitter Exchange: Masterless Starglitter, earned from pulling duplicates on any banner, can be exchanged for specific characters and weapons in the Paimon’s Bargains shop. Keep an eye on the shop’s rotation, as the selection changes periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Standard Banner
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Standard Banner and its place in Genshin Impact’s gacha system:
1. Does the Standard Banner have Pity?
Yes, the Standard Banner has a pity system. You are guaranteed a four-star item (character or weapon) every 10 pulls, and a five-star item (character or weapon) every 90 pulls.
2. Does Pity Carry Over from the Standard Banner to Limited Banners?
No, pity does not carry over between different types of banners. Pity on the Standard Banner is separate from pity on Limited Character Event Banners and the Weapon Banner. However, pity does carry over between Limited Character Event Banners.
3. What is the 50/50 System on Limited Banners?
On a Limited Character Event Banner, when you pull a five-star character, there’s a 50% chance it will be the featured character. If it’s not the featured character (meaning you “lost the 50/50”), your next five-star character is guaranteed to be the featured character.
4. Can You Get Every 5-Star Character on the Standard Banner?
Yes, all five of the standard five-star characters (Diluc, Jean, Qiqi, Mona, and Keqing) are available on the Standard Banner. However, you can also acquire them by losing the 50/50 on the Limited Character Event Banners.
5. What are the Odds of Getting a 5-Star on the Standard Banner?
The base probability of obtaining a five-star item (character or weapon) on the Standard Banner is 0.6%. This probability slightly increases as you get closer to the 90-pull pity. Within that 0.6%, the chances of getting a five-star weapon are equal to the chances of getting a five-star character.
6. Is the Standard Banner Worth It for Weapons?
Even if you’re specifically targeting weapons, the Weapon Banner is generally a better investment than the Standard Banner. The Weapon Banner features specific weapons with increased drop rates, giving you a higher chance of obtaining your desired weapon.
7. How Do I Get Acquaint Fates?
Acquaint Fates are earned through various means, including:
- Adventure Rank rewards
- Battle Pass progression
- In-game events
- Purchasing them with Masterless Starglitter
8. What Happens When I Get a Duplicate Character?
When you get a duplicate character, you receive their constellation activation material, which unlocks new abilities or buffs for that character. You also receive Masterless Starglitter, which can be exchanged for items in Paimon’s Bargains.
9. How Many Primogems Do I Need to Guarantee a Character?
To guarantee a specific character on a Limited Character Event Banner, you need a maximum of 28,800 Primogems. This accounts for potentially losing the 50/50 and needing to hit pity twice (90 pulls x 160 Primogems per pull x 2).
10. Is It Okay to Pull on the Standard Banner if I’m New?
As a new player, it’s best to avoid spending Primogems on the Standard Banner. Focus on Limited Character Event Banners to build a strong and diverse team.
11. Does the Novice Banner Use Primogems?
The Novice Banner uses Acquaint Fates, not Primogems, for the initial 20 wishes (discounted to 8 Fates each). This banner is a good starting point for new players, but it disappears after 20 pulls.
12. What’s the Difference Between Intertwined Fates and Acquaint Fates?
- Intertwined Fates are used for Limited Character Event Banners and the Weapon Banner.
- Acquaint Fates are used for the Standard Banner and the Novice Banner.
13. What Should I Prioritize Spending Primogems On?
Prioritize spending your Primogems on:
- Limited Character Event Banners featuring characters you want.
- Refilling Original Resin (judiciously) if you need to farm specific domains.
- The Weapon Banner only if you need a rate-up weapon that benefits your team.
14. Can I Get a Specific Weapon on the Standard Banner?
While you can get any of the five-star weapons on the Standard Banner, the chances of getting a specific one are very low due to the large pool of possible outcomes.
15. Are There Any Educational Resources on Genshin Impact Gacha Mechanics?
Yes! Understanding the game’s mechanics is crucial for strategic resource management. The Games Learning Society offers valuable insights into the educational aspects of gaming, which can help you appreciate the design and probabilities at play in Genshin Impact. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Smart Wishing is Key
In conclusion, while the allure of the Standard Banner might be tempting, especially when you have extra Acquaint Fates, it’s almost always a better strategy to focus your Primogems on Limited Character Event Banners and the Weapon Banner (with careful consideration). Prioritize the banners that offer focused pools and guaranteed characters. This will maximize your chances of building a strong and satisfying team in Genshin Impact. The Games Learning Society offers valuable insights into the educational aspects of gaming. Visit https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more!