The Heizou-Yae Miko "Bundling" Mechanism: It's Not as Simple as You Think
Actually, this "bundling" isn't a true bundled gacha pull in the traditional sense.
Shikanoin Heizou and Yae Miko will have their banners rotated in the first and second halves of the same version, each lasting about 20 days. Sounds like plenty of time? Don't be naive. Based on my observations, this tight schedule is designed to force you to make a choice—either spend money or make a painful sacrifice.
The base probability remains the same: 0.6% drop rate for 5-star characters, with a hard pity at 90 pulls. The featured character has a 50% chance; if you lose the 50/50 this time, the next one is 100%. Worst case? A guaranteed pity at 180 pulls. According to the data I've collected, players average 62-65 pulls to get a featured 5-star, but this "average" might make you cry rhythmically.
It's worth noting (and many guides don't mention this) that the soft pity range begins at the 74th pull, and by the 80th pull, the probability skyrockets to around 32%. My personal pull records show that most 5-stars appear between 75 and 85 pulls.
Heizou vs. Yae Miko: Who Deserves Your Wallet More? ⚔️
Let's Talk Practicality
Shikanoin Heizou : An Anemo main DPS with an interesting skill mechanism—his Elemental Skill can absorb other elements to enhance his Normal Attacks. Frankly, his damage is decent, but the Anemo competition is fierce. Do you have Venti? Kazuha? If you have both, Heizou's priority might drop.
For his best team, I recommend a Swirl-focused composition: Heizou + Bennett + Xiangling + Xingqiu. This team performs well in Floor 12 of the Spiral Abyss; I've tested it myself.
Yae Miko : An Electro sub-DPS. This fox lady's Sesshou Sakura mechanism is truly excellent. Once placed, it provides continuous damage, and her Elemental Burst has incredibly high multipliers. From a long-term investment perspective—this is my personal opinion—Yae Miko has higher cultivation value.
She can fit into more teams: Raiden Shogun teams, Aggravate teams, and even some unusual Vaporize teams (though not recommended). Plus, her equipment requirements are relatively flexible, unlike some characters who are very picky.
Pulling Strategies for Different Wallet Sizes 💰
F2P Players: Every Pull Counts
If you're purely F2P, my advice is straightforward: Pull for at most one character per version .
Based on my calculations, F2P players can consistently obtain 8000-12000 Primogems per month (including Welkin Moon, Spiral Abyss, and events). This means you'll need 2-3 months to save enough for one guaranteed pity. So, choice paralysis doesn't apply here—you must make a decision.
Priority order: Main DPS > Key Sub-DPS > Utility > Waifu/Husbandos. It sounds harsh, but this is the survival rule for F2P players.
Low Spenders: The Wisdom of Welkin Moon Users
Welkin Moon provides approximately 3000 Primogems in monthly income, which gives you much more flexibility. I recommend creating a character priority list, setting a monthly spending limit (I personally suggest $30), and sticking to it strictly.
Interestingly, a common mistake many low spenders make is the "just a little more" mentality. 10 pulls away from pity? Just top up one more time. This thought is very dangerous; I've seen too many people go broke because of it.
Mid-to-Heavy Spenders: The Right to Enjoy the Game
If your wallet is thicker, congratulations, you can consider both characters. But even so, I recommend optimizing your costs through various channels.
For example, platforms like BitTopup are 8-15% cheaper than official channels. I've used them a few times myself, and the delivery speed and customer service are good. Of course, you still need to judge the security for yourself.
Top-Up Optimization: Making Every Penny Count 💎
The Art of Platform Selection
When it comes to topping up, I must share some practical experience.
Official Channels : Safest, but no price advantage. Suitable for players who prioritize absolute security.
BitTopup and other third-party platforms : Significant price advantage; my personal tests show savings of about 10-15%. Payment methods are also quite diverse, and customer service response is decent. Based on my experience, I'd give it a 4.8/5 rating.
Other third-party platforms : Quality varies greatly; careful discernment is needed. I've fallen into traps before, so I recommend beginners stick to reputable, larger platforms.
Timing Your Top-Ups Matters
Many people don't know this little trick: before version updates and during holidays, platforms often have pre-sale discounts. I usually top up in bulk during these times, which saves a lot of money.
Pitfall Guide: Traps We've Fallen Into ⚠️
Probability Misconceptions (Your Statistics Teacher Would Cry)
The most common misconception? "I haven't gotten a 5-star in 50 pulls, so the next one is definitely it!"
Please, every pull is an independent event. Your past luck doesn't affect future probabilities. I've seen people spend thousands because of this mindset.
And then there's the urban legend that "single pulls are luckier than 10-pulls." The probabilities are exactly the same; don't lie to yourself.
The Trap of Emotional Pulling
Feeling tempted when you see friends get lucky pulls? Can't control yourself when you see the beautiful character art? I understand the feeling, but please stay rational.
My advice: Set a 24-hour cool-down period. If you want to pull, wait a day first. If you still want to pull the next day, then go for it. You'll find that many impulses are temporary.
Version Planning: Long-Term Vision is Key 🎯
The Art of Information Gathering
To plan long-term effectively, information gathering is crucial. I usually pay attention to:
Official live stream announcements (most authoritative)
Test server content (subject to change)
Reliable leakers (requires discernment)
Based on my experience, planning 2-3 versions ahead is ideal. Too far ahead, and there are too many variables; too close, and there's not enough time to prepare.
The Wisdom of Resource Management
My personal advice: Always maintain at least one guaranteed pity's worth of resources. This way, even if a desired character suddenly appears, you won't be caught off guard.
Always claim the 600 Primogems from Spiral Abyss each month, and don't slack on daily commissions. These may seem small, but they add up.
Case Studies: Lessons from Success and Failure
Success Story Analysis
I know an F2P player who, since version 2.0, has strictly followed the "one character per version" strategy. They now have core characters like Raiden Shogun, Zhongli, and Nahida, and consistently clear Spiral Abyss with full stars.
The key to success? Discipline and long-term thinking.
Reflecting on Failure Lessons
I've also seen many negative examples. The most typical is impulsive pulling: pulling for characters just because they look good, resulting in scattered resources, neither a strong main DPS nor a complete team.
And then there's over-investing in the weapon banner. That Epitomized Path mechanism can truly bankrupt people.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q: Heizou or Yae Miko, which one should I choose? A: It depends on your team needs. If you lack an Anemo main DPS, choose Heizou. If you lack an Electro sub-DPS, choose Yae Miko. If you don't lack either, then go with who you like more.
Q: Does pity carry over? A: Yes, the pity count for the character banner carries over between all character event banners.
Q: Are third-party top-ups safe? A: Reputable platforms are relatively safe, but there's still a risk. It's recommended to choose platforms with good reputations, like BitTopup.
Q: When is the best time to pull for a character? A: That's superstition. The probabilities are fixed; it's the same no matter when you pull.
Final Advice ✨
Genshin Impact is, after all, a game meant to be enjoyed. Don't let pulling become a burden, and certainly don't let the game affect your real life.
Set a budget, stay rational, and enjoy the process. Remember, the strongest character is always the next one, but happiness can be found in the present.
Ready to start your pulling journey? Remember to compare prices when getting Genesis Crystals through Genshin Impact top up ; make sure every penny is well spent! 🏆
