Varka's banner runs February 25 to March 17, 2026, featuring the Grand Master as a 5-star Anemo Claymore DPS. Guaranteed acquisition needs 14,400 Primogems (90 pulls) or 28,800 worst-case. F2P players get ~171 pulls across Version 6.3 and 6.4 Phase 1. This analysis examines whether topping up delivers real account value.
Banner Overview: Timeline and Mechanics
Version 6.4 Phase 1 runs February 25 to March 17, 2026—20 days for acquisition. Standard 0.6% base rate applies, soft pity starts at pull 74, hard pity at 90. 50/50 system means potential 180 pulls worst-case.
Livestream codes (Homeward, VarkaArrives, VisitWonderland) provide 300 Primogems. Each Intertwined Fate costs 160 Primogems.
F2P Primogem Potential
Version 6.3 (42 days): 14,540 Primogems + 10 Fates (107 pulls)
- Daily Commissions: 2,520
- Spiral Abyss: 1,200
- Lantern Rite 2026: 1,600 + 10 Fates
- Events/exploration: ~9,220
Version 6.4 Phase 1 (21 days): 8,735 Primogems (54 pulls)
- Daily Commissions: 1,260
- Spiral Abyss: 600
- Livestream codes: 300
- Events: ~6,575
Combined: 23,275 Primogems + 10 Fates ≈ 171 pulls
Exceeds single-pity but falls short of worst-case 180 pulls.
Pity Optimization
Soft pity (pulls 74-89) offers higher conversion efficiency. Pity carries between same-type banners—40 pulls on previous Character Event Wish transfer to Varka's banner. 50/50 status resets only after winning/losing featured character coinflip.
Varka Kit Analysis
5-star Anemo Claymore, sustained on-field DPS with elemental absorption.
Elemental Skill - Windbound Execution:
- 501.1% AoE Anemo damage
- Triggers 12-second Stormward Charge state
- Normal Attacks infuse second blade with Pyro/Hydro/Electro/Cryo from party
Elemental Burst - Northwind Avatar:
- 606.5% + 326.6% Anemo damage
- 60 Energy cost, 15s cooldown
Passive - Dawn Wind's March:
- 10% Anemo DMG + Elemental DMG per 1,000 ATK
- Caps at 25% bonus (2,500 ATK)
Stormward Charge Multipliers:
- 140%: 2 Anemo OR 2 matching elemental characters
- 220%: 2 Anemo AND 2 matching elemental characters (optimal)
Four Winds' Ascension:
- 236.8% + 127.5% damage, 11s cooldown
- Triggers during Stormward Charge
Azure Fang's Oath Stacking:
- 7.5% damage per Swirl reaction
- Max 4 stacks (30% total), 8s duration
- Rewards aggressive elemental application
Meta Comparison
vs Neuvillette: Neuvillette offers easier gameplay, self-sufficiency, strong C0 performance. Varka demands specific teams for 220% multiplier.
vs Arlecchino: Arlecchino delivers higher raw damage, simpler rotations. Varka's dual-blade system adds complexity for comparable output.
Spiral Abyss Performance: Anemo provides universal applicability but lacks multiplicative shield advantages. Swirl-dependent model thrives in multi-target, struggles single-target.
Team Slot Competition: Varka competes with existing DPS. Marginal improvement over well-invested Neuvillette/Arlecchino may not justify 14,400-28,800 Primogem cost. Accounts lacking Anemo DPS gain more value.
Constellation Value
C0: Complete kit, competitive performance. 220% multiplier, Azure Fang's Oath, full burst damage available. Rotation constraints exist—12s Stormward Charge with downtime between windows.
C1 - Lyrical Libation: Additional Four Winds' Ascension use (473.6% + 255% damage). Addresses rotation limitations. Highest value constellation for damage-per-screenshot.
C2 - Additional Strike: 800% ATK AoE Anemo damage. Scales with ATK-stacking playstyle. Benefits high-investment builds.
C6 - Azure Fang's Oath Enhancement: 15% CRIT DMG per stack, max 60%. Transforms into critical scaling amplifier. Hypercarry status but requires 100,000+ Primogems worst-case.
Constellation vs New Character: Each constellation costs same as new 5-star. C1 improves performance 20-25%, while new character unlocks different teams, elements, gameplay. Roster diversity typically outweighs single-character optimization.
Weapon and Artifacts
Ballad of the Mighty Wolf (Signature):
- 608 Base ATK, 33.1% CRIT Rate
- 10% ATK SPD + Four Winds' Hymn stacks (6% DMG per stack, max 5)
- R1: 30% DMG + 30% CRIT DMG at max stacks
4-Star Alternatives:
- Serpent Spine: CRIT Rate, stacking DMG% (requires maintaining stacks)
- Prototype Archaic: ATK%, AoE procs (no CRIT stats)
- Blackcliff Slasher: CRIT DMG, ATK on kill (unreliable vs bosses)
Performance gap: 15-25% between signature and top 4-stars. Weapon banner needs up to 240 pulls (38,400 Primogems) worst-case via Epitomized Path.
Artifact Sets:
- Viridescent Venerer 4pc: 60% Swirl DMG, 40% RES shred
- Mixed 2pc: VV + Gladiator's/Shimenawa's for generalist builds
Main Stats: ATK% Sands, Anemo DMG Goblet, CRIT Rate/DMG Circlet
Substats: CRIT Rate/DMG > ATK% > ER (120-140%) > EM
Investment Costs:
- Ascension: 420,000 Mora, 168 Wolfhooks, Drive Shafts, 46 Radiant Moongecko
- Talents: 1,653,000 Mora, Freedom books, 6 Rook drops, 1 Crown (triple-crown)
- Artifacts: Weeks of resin farming
Team Compositions
Achieving 220% multiplier requires 2 Anemo + 2 matching elemental characters.
Optimal Anemo-Pyro:
- Varka/Bennett/Xiangling/Kazuha
- Bennett: ATK buff (600-1,200), healing, Pyro
- Xiangling: Off-field Pyro, damage
- Kazuha: Elemental DMG%, crowd control
Anemo-Hydro Alternative:
- Varka/Xingqiu/Yelan/Jean
- Consistent elemental application, defensive utility
- Trades ATK buffs for reliable Swirls
F2P Teams:
- Varka/Sucrose/Xiangling/Bennett (all obtainable via events/shop)
- Varka/Traveler(Anemo)/Kaeya/Rosaria (Cryo resonance)
- 20-30% performance drop vs optimal, sufficient for Abyss Floor 12
Support Investment: Each support needs leveling (80/90 or 90/90), talents, artifacts (VV, Noblesse, Emblem), weapons. Total team investment exceeds 2,000 Resin plus millions Mora over weeks.
Primogem Costs
Worst-Case Scenarios:
- 0 pity, win 50/50: 12,800 Primogems (80 pulls average)
- 0 pity, lose 50/50: 28,800 Primogems (180 pulls)
- 50+ pity, guaranteed: 6,400-14,400 Primogems
Check wish history for current pity and 50/50 status before budgeting.
Top-Up Analysis
Genesis Crystal Packages (first-time doubled):
- $0.99: 120 Crystals
- $4.99: 600 Crystals
- $14.99: 1,960 Crystals
- $29.99: 3,960 Crystals
- $49.99: 6,560 Crystals
- $99.99: 12,960 Crystals
Cost-Per-Pull:
- $99.99 first-time: $1.23/pull (81 pulls)
- $99.99 standard: $2.47/pull (40.5 pulls)
- $49.99 first-time: $1.52/pull (41 pulls)
First-time bonuses deliver ~50% better value. For 90 pulls: $99.99 + $14.99 first-time = 93.25 pulls for $114.98.
BitTopup Advantages:
- 5-15% below official rates
- Fast delivery (minutes)
- Secure transactions
- Wide payment options
- Dedicated support
For competitive rates when you buy genesis crystals for varkas banner or top up primogems genshin impact cheapest, BitTopup maximizes purchasing power.
Decision Framework
Pull Varka if:
- You lack Anemo DPS entirely
- Current carries struggle with Abyss Floor 12
- You have built supports (Bennett, Kazuha, Xingqiu) ready
- You enjoy claymore sustained DPS gameplay
- You're mid-to-late game (AR 50+) with surplus resources
- Light spender with first-time bonuses available
- Can guarantee with minimal spending (<$100)
Skip if:
- You own well-invested Neuvillette/Arlecchino
- You're early-game (AR 1-44) needing roster breadth
- You lack built support characters
- F2P with limited primogems and better Version 6.5 options
- 0 pity with 50/50 status, can't afford 180 pulls
- You prefer quickswap over sustained field time
- Saving for upcoming archons/meta characters
Spending Tier Recommendations:
F2P: Only pull with 180+ saved pulls. Avoid topping up unless must-have for enjoyment.
Light Spenders (Welkin/BP): Viable if saving enables minimal spending. $99.99 first-time bonus justified for genuinely wanted character. Skip constellations.
Dolphins ($50-200/month): Fits budget if appealing. Consider C1 value (~$100-200), avoid C2+.
Whales ($500+/month): Pull if collecting or enjoying design. C6 achieves hypercarry but requires substantial investment.
Common Mistakes
FOMO Trap: Not every limited character is necessary. Varka reruns in 6-12 months. Skipping doesn't cripple accounts—alternative characters clear all content.
Constellation Bait: C0 includes all core mechanics. C1-C6 enhance, don't enable. Majority clear Abyss Floor 12 with C0 5-stars. New characters typically outvalue constellations.
Weapon Banner Pitfalls: 0.7% rate, 80 hard pity, Epitomized Path needs up to 240 pulls. 4-star alternatives provide 75-85% signature performance at zero cost. Rarely justified unless whale.
Rerun Patterns: Limited 5-stars rerun within 6-12 months. Patient players wait with more primogems, confirmed meta position, evolved account needs.
Final Verdict
Strong Investment Scenarios:
- Lack Anemo DPS, need elemental coverage
- Have built support ecosystems ready
- Mid-to-late game (AR 50+) with surplus resources
- Genuinely enjoy playstyle after trial testing
- Light spender with first-time bonuses, favorable cost-per-pull
- Collect Mondstadt characters or personal attachment
- Can guarantee with minimal spending (<$100)
Skip Scenarios:
- Own well-invested Neuvillette/Arlecchino clearing all content
- Early-game (AR 1-44) needing roster breadth
- Lack built supports, need entire teams from scratch
- F2P with Version 6.5 leaks suggesting better options
- 0 pity, 50/50 status, can't afford 180 pulls
- Prefer quickswap over sustained DPS
- Saving for confirmed archons/meta-defining characters
BitTopup Optimization Process:
- Calculate exact primogem needs (check pity, 50/50 status)
- Maximize F2P sources first (events, dailies, Abyss)
- Prioritize first-time bonuses for best cost-per-pull
- Use BitTopup for competitive rates, secure transactions
- Purchase incrementally to pity thresholds, reassess if win early
- Avoid weapon banner unless whale
Long-Term Planning:
- Maintain 14,400+ Primogem reserves
- Prioritize versatile supports over DPS
- Avoid constellation traps
- Research 3-5 days post-launch before pulling
- Accept FOMO—strategic skipping enables guaranteed priorities
Varka's banner ends March 17, 2026, but your journey continues. Make decisions supporting long-term enjoyment and progression over artificial urgency.
FAQ
Is Varka worth pulling in Version 6.4?
Worth pulling if you lack Anemo DPS, have built supports (Bennett, Kazuha, Xingqiu), enjoy sustained claymore gameplay. Skip if you own well-invested Neuvillette/Arlecchino, lack supports, or save for Version 6.5. C0 functions completely for mid-to-late game players.
How many primogems guarantee Varka?
14,400 Primogems (90 pulls) winning 50/50, or 28,800 (180 pulls) losing it. F2P get ~23,275 Primogems + 10 Fates (171 pulls) across Version 6.3 and 6.4 Phase 1—exceeds single-pity, short of worst-case.
When does Varka's banner end?
February 25 to March 17, 2026 (20 days). Phase 2 starts March 17 with Skirk/Escoffier, making March 17 the deadline until rerun.
Do I need his signature weapon?
Ballad of the Mighty Wolf provides 15-25% damage increase over 4-stars like Serpent Spine, but isn't necessary. Weapon banner needs up to 240 pulls (38,400 Primogems) worst-case—poor value for most. C0 Varka with 4-star weapons clears all content.
Best team compositions?
Optimal: 2 Anemo + 2 matching elements for 220% multiplier. Varka/Bennett/Xiangling/Kazuha (Pyro) or Varka/Xingqiu/Yelan/Jean (Hydro). F2P: Varka/Sucrose/Xiangling/Bennett, sacrificing 20-30% performance for accessibility.
Should F2P pull Varka?
Only with 180+ saved pulls or reaching that via Version 6.3-6.4 earnings (~171 pulls). Avoid topping up unless must-have for enjoyment over meta. Rerun provides second chance after accumulating more resources.
