Understanding the Pity System

In Genshin Impact, one of the main attractions is its vast selection of captivating characters and intricately designed weapons. However, acquiring these isn’t always a walk in the park, thanks to the game’s gacha system. This setup offers various banners, each showcasing different characters and weapons, making it tricky for players to decide where to spend their wishes. Calculating the odds of landing a specific item can be complex.

But here’s a bit of good news—the game incorporates a “pity system” to slightly ease the odds of obtaining rare 4-star and 5-star items. If you’re scratching your head trying to understand this mechanic, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide on Genshin Impact’s pity system.

### Understanding Genshin Impact’s Pity System

Simply put, Genshin Impact’s pity system guarantees players will get items of a certain rarity within a specific number of Wishes. For example, if you make nine consecutive Wishes without hitting a 4-star item, the tenth Wish is assured to yield a 4-star character or weapon. A similar rule applies to 5-star items, though it activates after a more extended period.

In short, you’re promised a 4-star character or weapon within every 10 wishes, a 5-star character through character banners after 90 wishes, and a 5-star weapon in the weapon banner following 80 wishes.

This means your odds of landing a 4-star or 5-star item are slightly higher than what the banner indicates. Specifically, the rate for 4-star items can increase to around 13-14.5%, while 5-star items may see odds of 1.6-1.85%. While the bump isn’t monumental, it might boost your hopes of acquiring that desired character or weapon.

### The 50/50 Enigma

Beyond the pity system, there’s what players call the 50/50 system. This forms another guarantee mechanism for catching a featured character under given circumstances.

During Character Event Wishes, a specific five-star character is available for a limited stretch—typically three weeks, with potential reruns later. Snagging a five-star on this banner gives you a 50% shot at securing the featured character, or you might get a standard banner character like Jean, Diluc, and others. If luck isn’t on your side, fear not—your next 5-star is guaranteed to be the featured character if you didn’t land them the first time, even if the banner changes.

### A Twist: Capturing Radiance

Though initially a strict 50%/50% split, in 2024 Hoyoverse added Capturing Radiance. Now, if you lose the 50/50, you’ll have a 5% chance of getting the featured character regardless—perfect for the risk-takers who keep hoping for an unexpected lucky break.

### Navigating the Weapon Banner Pity System

The weapon banner takes a slightly different approach than character banners. It guarantees a 5-star weapon every 80 wishes instead of 90. In case you pull a 5-star that wasn’t on the featured display, there’s a protective system called the Epitomized Path. Set your sights on your coveted weapon, and if your luck lands you something else, a Fate Point is given. The next time, your designated weapon is assured as the Fate Point works its magic.

Upon collecting one Fate Point, if the sword you seek isn’t the one pulled again, another Fate Point will seal the deal, ensuring the targeted weapon graces your inventory.

Keep in mind that while regular pity extends across banners, Fate Points are confined to their specific banner and do not roll over.

### Highlighting Featured Four-Stars

While everyone’s dream might be a five-star character or weapon, the four-stars also have their spotlight. Featured four-stars come with boosted pull rates in each banner, with 50% for characters and 75% for weapons.

No set route exists to hold out for a particular four-star, so be prepared to draw duplicates of one before landing the others. Miss one of these featured characters or weapons on your first go, and don’t worry; the next one is a lock-in.

As Wishes reset after securing an item, it’s useful to know that four-star assurance carries between versions, but don’t connect across different banner types.

### Single Banner or General Impact?

Wondering if your cumulative Wish count suspends across all banners? Unfortunately not—each banner is separate in its calculation. So don’t place 89 Wishes on one and head to another expecting to snag a guaranteed 5-star immediately.

### Soft Pity Adds a Touch

There’s what’s known as a soft pity system, escalating the odds of a five-star before hitting the cap. While specifics remain unclarified, theories suggest odds climb post the 74th Wish, riding a gentle wave up to the pity threshold.

### Chronicled Wish Pity System

Lastly, in 2024, a unique banner known as the Chronicled Wish was introduced. Exclusively appearing episodes aim to captivate players with a roster of past limited five-stars and region-themed weapons and four-stars.

Pulls utilize Intertwined Fates, storing pity across Chronicled Wishes. Here, the new Chronicled Path determines whether you lock onto waiting for characters or weapons.

Whether embracing bold pulls or strategically navigating banners, understanding Genshin Impact’s various systems can provide a leg-up on the competition.