NIKKE New Year Pilgrim 2026 Guide: Best Pick (F2P/Whale)

Understanding the 2026 Guaranteed Pilgrim Banner

Guaranteed Pilgrim Mechanics

After exactly 10 recruits using guaranteed recruit vouchers, you receive one Pilgrim from the available pool—no RNG. This eliminates typical gacha uncertainty where SSR rates hover at 4% and rate-up units at 1%.

Players can NIKKE gems top up through BitTopup for competitive rates and instant delivery before the January 22, 2026 deadline.

The guaranteed mechanic represents exceptional value versus standard Special Recruit banners requiring 200 Gold Mileage Tickets (200 pulls) for a specific SSR. This event compresses that to just 10 pulls.

Available Pilgrim Roster

Eight Pilgrims with vastly different power levels:

• Modernia - Burst III, Rating 9, T0 tier
• Scarlet: Black Shadow - Burst III, Rating 9.5, T0 tier
• Scarlet - Burst III, Rating 7
• Snow White - Burst III, Rating 6, T2 tier
• Rapunzel - Rating 3
• Noah - Rating 4
• Harran - Burst III, Rating 2, T1 tier
• Isabel - Rating 1

The rating disparity reveals critical selection considerations. T0 options like Scarlet: Black Shadow and Modernia dominate, while Isabel and Rapunzel offer minimal competitive value.

Banner Duration & Resources

Runs December 29, 2025 through January 22, 2026 at 04:59 UTC+9.

Free Resources:

• New Year's Greetings Mail: 30 recruits (expires January 3, 2026 04:59 UTC+9)
• New Year Event: 55 recruits (December 30, 2025 to January 14, 2026)
• Total: 85+ free pulls

CD-Key Codes:

• PUNYQUEEN: Advanced Recruit Voucher ×10
• NIKKECHRISTMASPARTY: Advanced Recruit Voucher ×10 + bonuses
• 2026HAPPYNEWYEAR: Advanced Recruit Vouchers + bonuses

Redeem via Notice → Event Notice (case-sensitive). Claim from Mailbox immediately.

Why This Matters

Pilgrims represent NIKKE's premium classification with superior stats and unique mechanics. The guaranteed acquisition after 10 pulls versus typical 200-pull Gold Mileage requirement creates unprecedented accessibility.

F2P monthly gem income: 14,000-20,000 (46-66 pulls). This banner requires less than 20% of one month's F2P income—the most resource-efficient Pilgrim acquisition method in NIKKE's history.

2026 Pilgrim Meta Landscape

Tier Rankings

T0 (Meta-Defining)

• Scarlet: Black Shadow (9.5) - Exceptional burst window damage
• Modernia (9) - Sustained DPS, universal application

T1 (Competitive)

• Harran (2) - Niche Burst III support

T2 (Situational)

• Snow White (6) - Conditional sniper value

Below Competitive

• Scarlet (7), Noah (4), Rapunzel (3), Isabel (1)

Content Performance

Campaign: Modernia excels in sustained damage for wave-based compositions. Scarlet: Black Shadow provides burst damage for high-priority target elimination.

Boss Raids: Burst III units dominate. Scarlet: Black Shadow's 40-second burst cycle synchronizes perfectly with raid mechanics. Modernia maintains competitive DPS between burst phases.

PvP Arena: Burst timing determines outcomes. Scarlet: Black Shadow's explosive damage eliminates enemy cores before defensive skills activate. Modernia offers more reliable performance against varied compositions.

Investment Requirements

Beyond acquisition, Pilgrims demand:

• Skill Books (level 1→10)
• Limit Breaks (duplicates or universal materials)
• Core Dust (equipment enhancement)
• Team Synergy Units

Modernia's universal applicability reduces team-building constraints. Scarlet: Black Shadow requires specific Burst I/II supports, increasing total investment.

F2P Guide: Best Pilgrim Pick

Selection Philosophy

F2P resource scarcity demands maximum ROI. Ideal selection criteria:

• Universal content application
• Minimal team-building requirements
• Long-term meta stability
• Self-sufficient damage output

Specialized units create roster inefficiency. F2P accounts can't afford units sitting idle.

Top Pick: Modernia

Why Modernia:

• Consistent DPS across all content
• Functions with basic Burst I/II units from standard recruitment
• Rating 9, T0 tier with proven meta longevity
• Straightforward damage scaling without extensive limit breaks

Modernia provides immediate impact at any progression stage—early Campaign, mid-game Tribe Tower, or late-game Boss Raids.

Alternative: Scarlet: Black Shadow

Consider only if you already own strong Burst I/II supports:

Advantages:

• Superior burst window damage
• Rating 9.5 (highest available)
• Peak performance ceiling in optimized scenarios

Requirements:

• Specific Burst I/II units (Liter, Crown)
• Coordinated team composition

Select only if your roster supports her requirements.

Avoid These Pilgrims

• Isabel (1): Minimal competitive value
• Rapunzel (3): Weak damage, limited synergy
• Noah (4): Situational, doesn't justify selection
• Harran (2): Support-focused, less immediate impact than DPS

F2P constraints make every selection critical. Don't waste this opportunity on low-rated options.

Post-Selection Resource Management

1. Prioritize skill leveling with accumulated books
2. Allocate Core Dust to equipment before spreading resources
3. Build supporting team with free Advanced Recruit Vouchers
4. Avoid immediate limit break attempts unless duplicates appear naturally

The 85+ free pulls provide substantial resources beyond guaranteed selection. Use additional pulls for supporting units.

Dolphin Strategy: Optimizing Monthly Budget

Dolphin Profile

$20-100 monthly through battle passes, monthly packs, occasional banner spending. Accumulates 60-90 pulls monthly (F2P income + purchases).

Pick Based on Roster Gaps

Scenario 1 - Missing Burst III DPS: Modernia or Scarlet: Black Shadow based on playstyle

Scenario 2 - Have Modernia: Choose Scarlet: Black Shadow for diversification

Scenario 3 - Burst Slot Coverage: Evaluate which Burst III position creates biggest bottleneck

Scenario 4 - Collection: If you own top-tier options, consider lower-rated Pilgrims

Dolphins can afford some collection choices without crippling progression.

Red Hood Consideration

Rapi: Red Hood (Rating 10) appears in concurrent Step Up Recruit requiring 6,600 Gems total:

• Phase 1: 100 Gems (1 recruit)
• Phase 2: 1,500 Gems (10 recruits)
• Phase 3: 2,000 Gems (10 recruits)
• Phase 4: 3,000 Gems (10 recruits)

Recommendation: Secure guaranteed Pilgrim first (Modernia or Scarlet: Black Shadow), then allocate remaining budget toward Red Hood Step Up. Guaranteed acquisition provides certain value versus probabilistic outcomes.

Balancing Collection and Meta

If you've acquired Modernia and Scarlet: Black Shadow previously, selection becomes collection-focused. Consider:

• Favorite character aesthetics
• Niche content applications
• Future synergy potential
• Collection milestones

However, if roster gaps remain in core DPS or Burst III coverage, prioritize meta-relevant selections.

Whale Recommendations

Whale Priorities

• Collection completion regardless of meta
• Duplicate value for limit breaks
• Niche optimization for specific content
• Future-proofing for upcoming releases

Evaluate which Pilgrim you're least likely to acquire through standard recruitment, then select that unit.

Completing Collection

If you own most Pilgrims:

1. Identify missing units from eight-unit pool
2. Consider duplicate value if you own all
3. Assess niche applications for active content

Primary value lies in eliminating RNG from specific Pilgrim acquisition.

Duplicate Value Analysis

High Value:

• Modernia: Sustained DPS scales with stats
• Scarlet: Black Shadow: Burst damage benefits from ATK increases

Moderate Value:

• Snow White: Conditional performance limits impact
• Harran: Support role reduces stat importance

Low Value:

• Isabel, Rapunzel, Noah: Weak base performance

Prioritize duplicates for actively deployed units.

Account Progression Stage

Early Game (Chapter 1-15)

Optimal: Modernia

Reasoning: Sustained DPS overcomes Campaign challenges without extensive team-building. New players lack developed rosters for specialized units.

Avoid Isabel, Rapunzel, Noah—insufficient Campaign impact.

Mid Game (Chapter 16-25)

Select based on biggest bottleneck:

• Lacking Burst III DPS: Modernia or Scarlet: Black Shadow
• Need burst specialist: Scarlet: Black Shadow
• Require sustained output: Modernia

Evaluate which content creates most significant progression barrier.

Late Game (Chapter 26+)

Focus on competitive modes—Boss Raids, PvP Arena, Tribe Tower.

Considerations:

• Boss Raid optimization: Scarlet: Black Shadow
• PvP meta counters: Evaluate Arena trends
• Duplicate value: Choose units where limit breaks matter

Selection becomes individualized based on specific needs.

Roster Evaluation Checklist

Burst Coverage:

• Strong Burst I? (Liter, supports)
• Strong Burst II? (Crown, supports)
• Strong Burst III DPS?

Content Bottlenecks:

• Which mode creates biggest barrier?
• What unit type overcomes it?

Team Synergy:

• Can roster support specialized Pilgrims?
• Or need self-sufficient units?

Resources:

• Can you invest immediately?
• Or will unit sit underdeveloped?

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Modernia vs Scarlet: Black Shadow

Modernia:

• ✅ Consistent sustained DPS
• ✅ Minimal team requirements
• ✅ Functions with basic supports
• ✅ Rating 9, T0
• ❌ Lower burst-window damage

Scarlet: Black Shadow:

• ✅ Superior burst damage
• ✅ Exceptional Boss Raid performance
• ✅ Rating 9.5, T0
• ✅ Highest peak damage
• ❌ Requires specific Burst I/II supports
• ❌ Reduced effectiveness outside burst windows

Recommendation:

• F2P: Modernia (versatility, low requirements)
• Dolphin: Either based on roster
• Whale: Scarlet: Black Shadow (higher peak when optimized)

Snow White: Heavy Arms Banner

Concurrent Special Recruit (January 1-22, 2026):

• SSR Water Burst III Sniper
• Pilgrim classification
• 4% SSR rate, 1% rate-up
• 200 Gold Mileage pity

Skills:

• Skill 1: Every 0.2s while charging, max 5 lock-ons, 41.9% final ATK (Level 10)
• Burst: 40s cooldown, 15 lock-ons, +84.48% attack damage for 10s

Team: Liter (Burst I), Crown (Burst II), Snow White (Burst III)

Rating: 6/10 (T2 tier)

Ranks below Modernia (9) and Scarlet: Black Shadow (9.5). Prioritize guaranteed Pilgrim for higher-rated options.

For Snow White pursuit, buy NIKKE gems online through BitTopup to reach 200 Gold Mileage pity efficiently.

Team Synergy Requirements

Modernia:

• Basic Burst I support (any healer/buffer)
• Basic Burst II support (any secondary DPS/buffer)
• Minimal dependencies

Scarlet: Black Shadow:

• Strong Burst I (Liter preferred)
• Strong Burst II (Crown or equivalent)
• Coordinated burst timing

Snow White:

• Liter (Burst I)
• Crown (Burst II)
• Sniper-focused composition

Common Mistakes

Always Picking Highest Tier

Scarlet: Black Shadow's 9.5 rating assumes optimal support. Without proper Burst I/II units, performance drops below Modernia's consistent output.

Correct: Evaluate whether your roster supports highest-rated option's requirements.

Ignoring Team Composition

Selecting Pilgrims duplicating existing roles creates inefficiency.

Correct: Audit roster for gaps. Fill missing roles, not redundant positions.

Overlooking Investment Costs

Acquisition is initial investment. Skill books, Core Dust, equipment, and supports determine actual performance.

Correct: Select Pilgrims you can invest in immediately. Avoid choices requiring months of resource accumulation.

Chasing PvP Without Campaign Progress

Early/mid-game players selecting PvP-focused Pilgrims while struggling with Campaign creates priority mismatch.

Correct: Prioritize Campaign until late-game (26+), then shift to competitive modes.

Decision Framework

Step 1: Assess Account Type

F2P:

• Monthly: 14,000-20,000 gems (46-66 pulls)
• New Year: 85+ free pulls
• CD-Keys: 20+ vouchers
• Total: 105+ pulls

Dolphin:

• Monthly: 60-90 pulls (F2P + purchases)
• New Year: 85+ free pulls
• Total: 145+ pulls

Whale:

• Unlimited budget
• Focus on optimization/collection

Step 2: Identify Bottleneck

Campaign: Stuck on chapters, lacking DPS, team fails to survive

Boss Raid: Insufficient damage, missing burst specialists, poor coordination

PvP: Losses to specific comps, lacking counters, insufficient burst damage

Tribe Tower: Faction towers lack DPS, insufficient roster depth

Step 3: Evaluate Roster Synergies

Burst I Options: Liter, Naga (Bonus Recruit at 1,000 Exchange Points, 10 claims per cycle)

Burst II Options: Crown, Alice (Bonus Recruit)

Burst III Coverage: Inventory current units, identify gaps

Strong Burst I/II supports enable Scarlet: Black Shadow. Without them, choose Modernia.

Step 4: Apply Account Criteria

F2P:

• Have Burst I/II supports? → Consider Scarlet: Black Shadow
• Lacking supports? → Modernia
• Own both? → Niche needs/collection

Dolphin:

• Missing core DPS? → Modernia or Scarlet: Black Shadow
• Have core DPS? → Scarlet: Black Shadow
• Collection-focused? → Missing Pilgrims

Whale:

• Missing Pilgrims? → Collection completion
• Own all? → Highest duplicate value
• Optimizing content? → Niche specialist

Step 5: Plan Investment

Immediate Requirements:

• Skill books (level 7+ minimum)
• Core Dust (equipment +5 minimum)
• Supporting units leveled
• Team slots available

Timeline:

• Week 1: Skill leveling
• Week 2-3: Equipment, team building
• Week 4+: Limit breaks, optimization

Securing Resources

Total Gems Needed

Guaranteed Pilgrim requires exactly 10 recruits using vouchers.

New Year's Greetings Mail: 30 recruits (expires January 3, 04:59 UTC+9) - Claim immediately

New Year Event: 55 recruits (December 30 to January 14)

Total: 85+ recruits without gem expenditure

Remaining 75+ pulls can target Snow White: Heavy Arms, Rapi: Red Hood Step Up, or standard recruitment.

Free Resource Acquisition

Double Rewards (January 1-7):

• Interception: 2x
• Simulation Room: 2x
• Daily Missions: 2x

Union Raid (January 2-8): Requires Union Level 3

Solo Raid Season 33 (January 8-15)

14 Days Login Event (December 30 to January 20)

Maintenance Compensation (December 30, 11:00-18:00 UTC+9)

Post-Banner Recovery

Bonus Recruit: 10 claims at 1,000 Exchange Points (December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2026)

Priority Units:

• Liter (if you selected Scarlet: Black Shadow)
• Alice (Burst II support)
• Others as needed

Monthly Planning:

• Resume normal gem accumulation (14,000-20,000 F2P)
• Allocate skill books to selected Pilgrim
• Focus Core Dust on Pilgrim equipment
• Build supports with standard vouchers

FAQ

Which Pilgrim should F2P choose?

Modernia. Universal content application, minimal team requirements, consistent performance across Campaign/PvP/Boss Raids. Rating 9, T0 tier ensures long-term meta relevance. Self-sufficient damage works with basic supports from standard recruitment.

How many gems for guaranteed Pilgrim?

Zero gems required. You receive 30 recruits from New Year's Greetings Mail (expires January 3, 04:59 UTC+9) and 55 from New Year event, totaling 85+ free pulls. Guaranteed Pilgrim needs only 10 pulls. CD-Keys add 20+ vouchers.

Scarlet: Black Shadow or Modernia?

Based on roster. Choose Modernia if lacking strong Burst I/II supports. Choose Scarlet: Black Shadow if you own Liter (Burst I) and Crown (Burst II). Scarlet's 9.5 rating edges Modernia's 9.0, but only when properly supported.

Can F2P get guaranteed Pilgrim without spending?

Yes. New Year's Greetings Mail (30 recruits) + New Year event (55 recruits) = 85+ free pulls. Guaranteed requires 10 pulls, leaving 75+ for other banners. CD-Keys provide additional vouchers.

Best long-term value Pilgrim?

Modernia and Scarlet: Black Shadow both offer exceptional value as T0 Burst III units (ratings 9 and 9.5). Modernia's versatility and minimal requirements provide consistent value regardless of meta shifts. Scarlet: Black Shadow's peak ceiling offers superior optimization for players investing in supports. Both maintained relevance through multiple patches.

Biggest selection mistakes?

(1) Selecting highest-rated without evaluating roster support—Scarlet: Black Shadow underperforms without Burst I/II; (2) Ignoring composition, choosing redundant roles vs filling gaps; (3) Overlooking investment costs, selecting Pilgrims you can't develop immediately; (4) Prioritizing PvP while struggling Campaign, delaying essential system unlocks.