Unlocking new characters in Genshin Impact is mostly done through the "Wish" system, which is like a lottery where you spend in-game currency for a chance to get new heroes and weapons. However, you can also get several characters for free by playing through the game's story, completing certain quests, exploring the world, and participating in special events.

Genshin Impact is a huge game with tons of characters, each with their own unique powers and stories. Whether you want a specific fighter for your team or just love collecting them all, knowing the different ways to get new characters will help you on your adventure across Teyvat.

The Wish System: Your Main Way to Get Characters

The main way to add new characters to your roster is through the "Wish" system, also known as gacha. It's like a special in-game lottery where you use certain items called Fates to "pull" for characters or weapons. There are two main types of Fates: Acquaint Fates and Intertwined Fates. You can get these Fates by:

• Spending Primogems: This is the main currency in Genshin Impact. You earn Primogems from daily tasks, quests, opening chests, and completing events. 160 Primogems can get you one Fate. You can also buy Primogems with real money if you want to speed things up.
• Trading Starglitter and Stardust: When you make Wishes, you sometimes get Masterless Starglitter or Stardust. You can trade these in the Paimon's Bargains shop for Fates and even some 4-star characters that change each month.

There are different "banners" where you can use your Fates:

• Character Event Wish: These are limited-time banners that feature a specific 5-star character and three boosted 4-star characters. These banners change regularly. If you're looking for a top-tier character, this is often where you'll find them.
• Standard Wish (Wanderlust Invocation): This banner is always available and features a pool of permanent 5-star and 4-star characters and weapons. You typically use Acquaint Fates here.
• Beginner's Wish: If you're new to the game, there's a special Beginner's Wish banner that gives you a discount on your first few pulls and guarantees you the 4-star character Noelle.

The Wish system also has a "pity" system. This means that after a certain number of Wishes without getting a rare item, the game guarantees you one.

• 4-star Pity: You're guaranteed a 4-star item (character or weapon) within 10 Wishes.
• 5-star Pity: You're guaranteed a 5-star item within 90 Wishes on Character Event and Standard Banners. For Weapon Event Banners, it's 80 Wishes.
• Soft Pity: Before you hit the hard pity limit, your chances of getting a 5-star character actually start to go up. For character banners, this usually kicks in around 74 wishes.
• The 50/50: On Character Event Wishes, your first 5-star character has a 50% chance to be the featured character and a 50% chance to be one of the standard banner 5-star characters. If you get a standard banner character (meaning you "lost" the 50/50), your *next* 5-star on any Character Event Wish banner is guaranteed to be the featured character.

I remember saving up all my Intertwined Fates for weeks to pull for a specific character, Hu Tao. I hit 75 pity, and my heart was racing! I ended up getting Diluc, which meant I lost the 50/50. It was a bit disappointing, but I knew my next 5-star would be guaranteed to be Hu Tao, so I started saving all over again. It taught me a lot about patience in gacha games!

How to Get Characters for Free

Not every character requires you to use the Wish system. Genshin Impact gives out several characters just by playing the game:

• Story Progression: You'll get some characters automatically as you go through the main story quests (Archon Quests). These include the Traveler (your main character), Amber, Kaeya, and Lisa.
• Quests and Events:
• Barbara: You can get Barbara by completing the "Baptism of Song" event or reaching Adventure Rank 18.
• Xiangling: This powerful Pyro character can be earned by clearing Floor 3, Chamber 3 of the Spiral Abyss, which is a combat challenge unlocked at Adventure Rank 20.
• Collei: You can get Collei by clearing Floor 4, Chamber 3 of the Spiral Abyss.
• Noelle: While you technically "pull" for her, she's guaranteed in your first 10 pulls on the Beginner's Wish banner.
• Limited-Time Events: Keep an eye on special in-game events. HoYoverse often gives away free 4-star characters during these events, so make sure to participate.

My personal favorite free character I earned was Xiangling. Getting her from the Spiral Abyss felt like a real accomplishment. Her Elemental Burst is incredibly strong and she became a core part of many of my teams without ever costing me a single Primogem. It just goes to show that you can build a powerful team even without spending a dime.

Tips for Smart Character Collecting

• Save Your Primogems: Don't just spend your Primogems on any banner. Save them for characters you really want or characters that will greatly improve your team.
• Track Your Pity: Always know how many pulls you've made since your last 5-star. This helps you plan your next Wishes strategically.
• Prioritize Event Banners: Limited-time characters are often very strong and won't be available again for a long time. If you want one, focus your Intertwined Fates there.

Collecting characters in Genshin Impact is a journey of both luck and strategy. By understanding the Wish system, taking advantage of free character opportunities, and planning your pulls, you can build an amazing team to take on any challenge Teyvat throws your way!

If you're looking to make in-app purchases for Primogems or other resources in Genshin Impact, you can use Playstorm to redeem Apple or Google Play gift cards and enhance your gameplay.