Deciding between Genshin Impact's weapon banner and character banner remains one of the most debated topics in the community as we move through 2025. With limited primogems to spend, players constantly face this dilemma: invest in new characters or power up existing ones with signature weapons? Let's dive into this analysis to help you make the best decision for your account.
The Case for Character Banners
Character banners have traditionally been considered the safer investment in Genshin Impact. Each new character brings unique gameplay mechanics, elemental reactions, and team compositions that can completely transform your experience. Unlike weapons, which primarily boost numbers, characters expand your strategic options.
Think about it - would you rather have a shiny new 5-star character with completely fresh gameplay or slightly higher damage numbers on a character you already own? For most players, especially those who enjoy the collecting aspect of gacha games, the answer is obvious.
Characters also come with guaranteed pity systems. Lose your 50/50? Your next 5-star is guaranteed to be the featured character. This reliability makes character banners significantly less risky than their weapon counterparts.
The Argument for Weapon Banners
Despite their notorious reputation, weapon banners deserve consideration under specific circumstances. For established players who already have a solid roster of characters, signature weapons can provide substantial damage increases for favorite main DPS units.
As one experienced player noted, "If you care about Spiral Abyss, weapon banners are good investments for your main DPS." This is particularly true for hypercarry teams where a significant portion of your damage comes from a single character.
Take Kazuha's signature weapon, Freedom-Sworn, for example. It doesn't just boost his personal damage - it provides team-wide buffs that can elevate your entire party's performance. Similarly, weapons like Homa, Mistsplitter, or Engulfing Lightning can transform good characters into exceptional ones.
Risk vs. Reward: The Epitomized Path System
The weapon banner's Epitomized Path system, introduced back in 2021 and refined over the years, has somewhat mitigated the gacha risk. By selecting your preferred weapon, you'll eventually guarantee it after a maximum of three 5-star pulls. However, this still means potentially spending up to 240 wishes for a single weapon - a steep price compared to character guarantees.
Does this make weapon banners worth it? It depends on your priorities and spending habits.
Who Should Pull on Weapon Banners?
Consider the weapon banner if you meet several of these criteria:
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You're satisfied with your current character roster
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You've already secured the upcoming characters you want
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Both featured weapons would benefit characters you actively use
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You're willing to potentially spend the full 240 wishes for a guarantee
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You're focused on maximizing Spiral Abyss performance
Who Should Stick to Character Banners?
Character banners remain the recommended choice if:
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You're F2P or a low spender with limited primogems
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You still have several key characters missing from your account
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You enjoy trying new playstyles and team compositions
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You prefer collecting characters over maximizing damage
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You're casual about end-game content like Spiral Abyss
Finding Balance: A Hybrid Approach
Many veteran players have found success with a balanced approach. Prioritize must-have characters first, then occasionally target weapon banners when both featured weapons would be valuable additions to your account.
As one player wisely put it, "For F2Ps, I wouldn't suggest it unless if there's a content drought for you (ex: not pulling for 2 whole banners), but if you're a dolphin of some sorts, sure. Go for it if you see fit."
The Verdict: Which is Better?
So, Genshin Impact weapon banner vs character banner: which is better? The honest answer is that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. For most players, especially newer ones, character banners provide better value and less risk. However, weapon banners have their place in a well-planned pulling strategy for established accounts.
Remember that Genshin Impact is ultimately about enjoyment. Would a new character bring you more joy than seeing bigger numbers from your favorite DPS? Or would you rather perfect the characters you already love?
As we navigate through 2025's banner cycles, the most important thing isn't maximizing damage or collecting every character—it's creating an experience that brings you satisfaction. After all, "We waste time looking for the perfect banner to pull on, instead of creating the perfect account for our playstyle."
For more in-depth guides, banner analyses, and the latest updates on Genshin Impact, visit GenshinRealm, a dedicated gaming blog focused on helping players optimize their experience and stay ahead of the meta.