What is Pity in Gacha? A Comprehensive Guide
Pity in gacha games is a safety net mechanism designed to ensure that players eventually obtain highly coveted items or characters, even when luck is not on their side. At its core, it’s a system that mitigates the randomness inherent in gacha mechanics. Instead of relying solely on chance, pity guarantees a high-rarity item after a certain number of attempts (known as “wishes,” “pulls,” or “rolls”). This system significantly improves the player experience by reducing frustration and creating a more predictable path toward acquiring desirable content. Essentially, pity is a mechanic that makes gacha more fair.
The way pity systems work varies from game to game, but the basic principle remains the same: If you don’t get a rare item after a set number of rolls, the game will increase your odds of getting one. This is often broken down into two main categories: soft pity and hard pity.
Soft Pity vs. Hard Pity
Understanding Soft Pity
Soft pity is the term used for the point at which your chances of obtaining a high-rarity item increase significantly, without guaranteeing one. It usually happens as you approach the hard pity limit. For example, in a game, after a certain number of unsuccessful pulls, the probability of pulling the featured 5-star character may gradually increase with each additional roll. It’s not a guarantee, but your chances become much higher than the base rate. This encourages players to keep pulling, knowing that they are getting closer to that desired character. Many players who reach this stage of the pity system find that they get the high-rarity unit before they get to hard pity.
Understanding Hard Pity
Hard pity is a guaranteed pull, the point where you are absolutely certain to get a high-rarity item. If you reach the hard pity threshold without obtaining the desired item or character, the game will make sure that your next pull is one that you want. This guarantees a positive outcome after a predetermined number of unsuccessful attempts. This is often presented as the maximum number of rolls needed to obtain a rare item. Hard pity prevents excessive frustration and ensures that committed players are rewarded, even when they have extremely bad luck.
How Pity Works in Different Games
The specifics of pity can vary from game to game. Some games feature a single pity counter that applies to all gacha banners, while others might have different counters for different types of banners. Pity systems can be character-specific, weapon-specific, or even linked to specific types of loot. Understanding how the system functions in each game is vital for maximizing your in-game resources.
The Impact of Pity Systems
Pity systems greatly impact the overall player experience. By reducing the amount of disappointment, they help keep players engaged and motivated. When a system is in place, players feel like their investments of time and resources have some guarantee of payout, which increases the sense of fairness and satisfaction.
Pity also influences spending patterns in free-to-play games. Players are more likely to spend when they know that they are closer to a pity threshold, thereby increasing the likelihood of getting a highly desired item. Knowing that there is a safety net encourages players to make those final few attempts, which often leads to increased revenue for game developers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between “pity” and “luck”?
Pity is a system implemented to mitigate bad luck; it provides a safety net that guarantees a high-rarity item after a set number of attempts. Luck on the other hand, is entirely based on the game’s RNG (Random Number Generator), so there is no predictability with luck. Pity ensures a reward after a certain amount of failed attempts, while luck provides a reward with a lower chance earlier.
2. How does pity affect the odds of getting rare items?
Pity gradually increases your chances of getting rare items as you approach the pity threshold. Soft pity will increase the odds as you approach hard pity, while hard pity guarantees a high-rarity item after reaching its specified threshold. This is to stop the extreme frustration of not getting a reward for hundreds of rolls.
3. Can pity counters carry over between banners?
Whether a pity counter carries over to the next banner is game-specific. Some games reset the pity counter whenever a new banner is launched, while others allow the counter to carry over if the banner changes. Always check game-specific documentation or forums for clarification.
4. Is soft pity always a fixed number?
Soft pity is not always a fixed number. While many games have a soft pity threshold, the actual increased rate can vary, as well as the start point where it starts to increase. Always keep track of when soft pity begins and how rapidly the odds are increasing to make the most informed decisions.
5. Does getting a 5-star reset the pity counter?
Yes, getting a high-rarity item typically resets the pity counter. This means that after you obtain a 5-star character (or a comparable item in other games), you will start from zero on the pity system. This is important to keep in mind as you try to obtain more characters.
6. What is a “50/50” system in gacha?
The 50/50 system refers to a scenario where, when you pull a 5-star character, there is a 50% chance that it will be the featured character, and a 50% chance it will be a standard character from the game’s existing pool. If you do not obtain the featured character, your next 5-star pull will be guaranteed to be the featured character.
7. What are the downsides of pity systems?
While beneficial for players, pity systems can lead to “pity pull” mentality. Players might feel compelled to reach the pity threshold, potentially leading to overspending. It can also reduce the perceived value of obtaining rare items, since they are no longer reliant purely on luck.
8. How does pity influence free-to-play players?
Pity systems are especially beneficial to free-to-play players. They offer a guaranteed path to obtain highly desirable items or characters without relying on luck, making the game accessible and engaging for players who do not want to spend money on gacha pulls.
9. How does pity work on weapons banner?
The pity system on weapons banners often differs from that of character banners. Typically, the pity threshold on weapons banners is lower (eg. 80 pulls to hard pity), as these items tend to be secondary and more obtainable. Soft pity is often more accessible as well.
10. Why is understanding pity so important?
Understanding the pity system is crucial for optimizing resource usage. It lets you budget your in-game currency and decide whether to commit to a specific banner. It is more informed to wait till you reach the soft pity mark than it is to gamble away resources with no end goal.
11. Can pity systems encourage impulsive spending?
Yes, pity systems can be psychologically designed to encourage impulsive spending. Knowing you are close to the hard pity can create a sense of urgency, leading to players spending more than they intended. Game developers often leverage this by introducing characters that appeal to players.
12. How do I know what my current pity count is?
In most games, your current pity count can be tracked within the in-game menu. This information may be found in the history section of the gacha banner. Look for a count that indicates how many pulls you’ve made on the banner so far. If the game doesn’t explicitly show it, it’s important that you keep track of each pull manually.
13. What happens if I get the item I want before hitting pity?
If you get the item you want before reaching soft or hard pity, the pity counter is reset, and you start from zero. This allows players who are lucky to pull a 5-star early to try again at a 5-star that may be on a different banner.
14. Are all pity systems the same?
No, not all pity systems are identical. The soft and hard pity thresholds, as well as the rates at which these change, vary among games. Some systems have unique quirks, so it’s essential to understand how it works for each game. Always seek resources relevant to the specific gacha game.
15. How does pity affect overall gacha design?
Pity systems have become an integral part of modern gacha design. They’re designed to balance monetization with player satisfaction, ensuring a long-term game experience. The implementation of pity systems helps to retain players and encourage continued engagement in the gacha system. By guaranteeing a good result to those who are patient, this has become essential for game design in the modern age.