Arknights Beginner Pull Guide

Starting Arknights and staring at the banner screen is overwhelming. Here's the exact pull strategy new players should follow — what to roll on first, what to save, and how to avoid the classic rookie mistakes.

First: know the pity system in one minute

Rule 1: Pull the beginner/standard banner first (if it exists)

Most games give a discounted or free beginner banner (often 20 pulls for 10, or a guaranteed 5★ early). Do those first — they're the best value in the game and you'll never get them back. Just don't spend Orundum on the standard pool after the discount is gone.

Rule 2: Don't pull the limited banner until you understand it

The limited banner is where your Orundum should go long-term, but only when you actually want the featured character. Before your first limited pull:

1. Check the current featured character — is it a top-tier pick for new players? (guides and tier lists will tell you)

2. Read the Arknights Pity System guide on this site so the numbers make sense

3. Look at the Arknights Banner Countdown to see what's coming next — if a better character is 2 weeks away, wait

Rule 3: Save your first ~300 pulls for a banner you're sure about

The single biggest rookie mistake: pulling a little on every banner. Because pity carries over, scattered pulls still build toward a 5★ — but you have no control over which character you get. Save 300 pulls (300 × 600 = 180000 Orundum), wait for a banner you actually want, then go all the way to pity. See the Arknights Pull Planner to track your savings.

Rule 4: Free characters carry the early game

Arknights gives you a solid free roster — they clear all early content comfortably. You don't need a limited 5★ to progress; you need one to make your account feel great. Be patient.

Rule 5: Spend your free Orundum on the limited banner, never the standard one

Standard-banner pulls come free over time (through leveling and events). Never spend earned Orundum there — every pull you buy should go to the limited pool, where pity carries over and the rate-up is real.

Rule 6: Don't chase 4★s

A specific 4★ can look tempting, but 4★s come from every banner naturally. Pulling a banner only for a 4★ is how beginners burn their 300-pull budget.

Rule 7: Use the tracker and calculator

The new-player checklist

1. ✅ Complete the beginner banner (discounts!)

2. ✅ Save until you have 300 pulls banked

3. ✅ Wait for a featured character you want

4. ✅ Pull to hard pity — you're guaranteed a 5★

5. ✅ If you lose the 50/50, you now have a guaranteed featured — plan the next banner around it

Summary