Arknights Pull Calculator

Estimate your chances and required pulls for desired operators.

Arknights Pull Calculator Inputs

What is an Arknights Pull Calculator?

An Arknights Pull Calculator is a tool designed to help players estimate the number of pulls, often referred to as “gacha pulls” or “headhunting attempts,” required to obtain a specific operator or rarity of operator from Arknights’ headhunting banners. These calculators take into account the game’s internal mechanics, such as pity systems and drop rates, to provide probabilistic outcomes.

Who Should Use It:

• Players planning their Originium Prime or Headhunting Ticket usage.
• Players who want to understand their chances of getting a rate-up operator.
• New players trying to grasp the gacha system’s nuances.
• Experienced players optimizing their resource management for specific banners.

Common Misconceptions:

• “It guarantees I’ll get the operator in X pulls.” Calculators provide averages and probabilities, not guarantees. You could get lucky early or hit hard pity.
• “The rates are static.” Arknights’ pity system dynamically increases the chance of pulling higher rarities after a certain number of unsuccessful pulls.
• “All banners are the same.” Different banners have varying pity rules, featured rates, and pools of available operators, which affect pull calculations.

Arknights Pull Mechanics and Calculation Explanation

Understanding Arknights’ headhunting system is crucial for accurate pull estimations. The core mechanics revolve around base drop rates and the pity system.

Base Drop Rates:

• 6-Star Operators: 2% base rate.
• 5-Star Operators: 5% base rate.
• 4-Star Operators: 93% base rate.

Pity System:

The pity system guarantees higher rarity drops after a certain number of pulls without obtaining that rarity. This is where the bulk of the calculation complexity lies.

• 6-Star Pity: The chance for a 6-star begins to increase significantly after pull 50 (soft pity). It ensures a 6-star by pull 300 (hard pity).
• 5-Star Pity: A similar, though less impactful, pity system exists for 5-star operators, typically ensuring one by pull 20.

Featured Rate-Up:

On rate-up banners (like Standard or Limited Banners), if the first 6-star obtained is NOT the featured operator, the next 6-star obtained is GUARANTEED to be the featured operator. This is a 50% chance. Some banners may have a “Guaranteed” tag which implies a 45% chance for the featured operator on the second 6* pull if the first was off-rate. The base probability of getting ANY 6* is 2%, and ANY 5* is 5%.

Formula and Calculation Logic (Simplified Explanation):

The calculator estimates the average number of pulls needed to achieve a specific outcome. It simulates the increasing probability due to pity. For a target operator:

1. Calculate Probability of Target: Based on the selected banner type (guaranteed or not) and the current pity count, determine the probability of getting the desired operator on the *next* pull.
2. Calculate Probability of Any 6* / 5*: Determine the probability of getting any 6* or 5* on the next pull, considering pity.
3. Iterative Estimation: The calculator iteratively calculates the probability of success at each pull count, summing the expected values. The average pulls needed is roughly the sum of (pull count * probability of getting the target at that pull count) across all possible pull counts up to the maximum.
4. Handling Pity: The probability of pulling a 6* increases after pull 50, reaching 100% at pull 300. For 5*, it increases after pull 10 and guarantees by pull 20. The calculator uses these thresholds to adjust probabilities.
5. Featured Operator Calculation: If targeting a featured operator on a rate-up banner:
   • Calculate the probability of getting the featured operator directly.
   • If not, calculate the probability of getting *any* 6* (which is not the featured one).
   • If an off-rate 6* is pulled, the next 6* is guaranteed featured. The calculation factors in the probability of this sequence.

Variables Used:

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
P6*	Base probability of pulling any 6* operator	%	2%
P5*	Base probability of pulling any 5* operator	%	5%
PFeatured	Probability of pulling the specific featured operator (when applicable)	%	50% (or 45% on guaranteed banners) if a 6* is pulled, otherwise 0% until pity.
PGuaranteed	Probability of the next 6* being featured if the previous 6* was not.	%	50% (or 45%)
PPity6*(n)	Effective probability of pulling a 6* at pull ‘n’ considering pity increases.	%	Starts at 2%, increases after pull 50, max 100% at pull 300.
PPity5*(n)	Effective probability of pulling a 5* at pull ‘n’ considering pity increases.	%	Starts at 5%, increases after pull 10, max 100% at pull 20.
n	Current pull count on the banner.	Count	0 – 300

Practical Examples (Arknights Pulls)

Example 1: Chasing a Specific Limited 6* Operator

Scenario: You are pulling on a limited banner featuring “Surtr”. You want Surtr specifically. You have already made 30 pulls on this banner. The banner is a standard rate-up banner (50% featured chance). You want to know the average pulls needed and your chances up to 150 total pulls.

Inputs:

• Guaranteed Banner: No (Value: false)
• Pity Count for 6*: 30
• Pity Count for 5*: 15 (Assumed for context)
• Target Operator Rate: Featured 6* (Highest Priority)
• Maximum Pulls to Consider: 150

Calculator Output (Illustrative):

• Main Result: High probability (e.g., ~85%) of obtaining Surtr within 150 total pulls.
• Avg. Pulls for Target: ~105 pulls.
• Avg. Pulls for Any 6*: ~60 pulls.
• Avg. Pulls for Any 5*: ~18 pulls.

Interpretation: On average, you’d need about 105 pulls from the start of the banner (which means 75 more pulls from your current 30) to get Surtr. However, the calculator shows a high chance of getting her within 150 total pulls (meaning 120 more pulls). This highlights that averages are just one part; the probability distribution is key.

Example 2: Saving for a High-Priority 6* Operator

Scenario: You are saving Headhunting Tickets and Originium Primes. Your goal is to pull “Eyjafjalla” (a standard pool 6*). You want to know how many pulls, on average, you might need if you start from scratch on a standard banner, and what your chances are if you hit pity.

Inputs:

• Guaranteed Banner: No (Value: false)
• Pity Count for 6*: 0
• Pity Count for 5*: 0
• Target Operator Rate: Any 6* (since Eyjafjalla is not featured)
• Maximum Pulls to Consider: 200

Calculator Output (Illustrative):

• Main Result: Average ~60 pulls to get any 6* operator.
• Avg. Pulls for Target: ~60 pulls (since we are targeting any 6*).
• Avg. Pulls for Any 6*: ~60 pulls.
• Avg. Pulls for Any 5*: ~18 pulls.

Interpretation: On average, you’ll need around 60 pulls to get a 6* operator from a standard banner. This means you have a decent chance of getting Eyjafjalla within the first 60 pulls. The calculator also shows that you’re likely to get a 5* operator around pull 18. This information helps in deciding whether to continue pulling or save resources.

How to Use This Arknights Pull Calculator

Using the Arknights Pull Calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps to get valuable insights into your headhunting strategy.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Select Banner Type: Choose whether the banner you’re pulling on offers a “Guaranteed” featured operator (45% chance if you miss the first 50/50) or a standard rate-up banner (50% chance if you miss the first 50/50).
2. Input Current Pity: Enter the number of pulls you have already made on the current banner specifically for the rarity you are tracking (6-star and 5-star). If you haven’t pulled yet, enter 0.
3. Choose Target Priority: Select what you are aiming for: the specific featured 6-star, any 6-star, the featured 5-star, or any 5-star. This selection determines the primary focus of the calculation.
4. Set Maximum Pulls: Define the maximum number of pulls you are willing to consider in the calculation. This helps visualize probabilities within a reasonable budget.
5. Click “Calculate Pulls”: The calculator will process your inputs and display the results.

Reading the Results:

• Primary Result (e.g., “Avg. Pulls for Target”): This shows the average number of pulls expected to achieve your selected target. Remember, this is an average; your actual experience may vary.
• Intermediate Values: These provide context, showing average pulls for related outcomes (like any 6-star or any 5-star) and the likely outcome if you reach the maximum pity count.
• Assumptions: Review the base rates and pity mechanics used in the calculation to ensure they align with your understanding of the banner.
• Probability Chart: Visualize the likelihood of obtaining your target operator at different pull counts.
• Expected Pulls Table: See estimated pulls for various outcomes and their approximate costs in Originium Primes (300 Primes per 10-roll) and Intertwined Fates (1 Headhunting Ticket per roll).

Decision-Making Guidance:

Use the results to make informed decisions:

• Resource Allocation: Estimate how many Originium Primes or Headhunting Tickets you’ll need.
• Pull Strategy: Decide if it’s worth pulling on a banner based on your target’s average cost and your current resource stockpile.
• Risk Assessment: Understand the probability of hitting pity and budget accordingly for potentially higher pull counts.

Key Factors Affecting Arknights Pull Calculator Results

Several elements influence the outcomes predicted by the Arknights Pull Calculator. Understanding these factors ensures realistic expectations.

1. Base Drop Rates: The fundamental probabilities of obtaining any 6-star (2%) or 5-star (5%) operator on any given pull are the starting point for all calculations. These are game-wide constants.
2. Pity System Implementation: This is the most significant factor. The calculator models how the probability of obtaining a 6-star increases after pull 50 (soft pity) and is guaranteed by pull 300. Similarly, 5-star pity guarantees by pull 20. The exact algorithms for soft pity can be complex, but calculators use standard approximations.
3. Banner Type (Rate-Up vs. Standard): Rate-up banners offer a chance (usually 50%) that the first 6-star pulled will be the featured operator. If not, the next 6-star is guaranteed to be featured. This significantly increases the chances of getting a *specific* desired operator compared to standard banners where any 6-star could appear. The “Guaranteed” tag adjusts this featured chance.
4. Current Pity Count: If you’ve already made pulls on the current banner, your pity count is higher, meaning the probability of getting a high-rarity operator on your *next* pull is already increased, reducing the *additional* average pulls needed.
5. Target Operator Priority: Calculating the average pulls for a *featured* 6-star is different from calculating for *any* 6-star. The featured calculation incorporates the 50/50 chance mechanic, generally lowering the average pull count needed for that specific operator.
6. Player Input Limits (Max Pulls): The calculator’s “Maximum Pulls to Consider” sets the horizon for probability calculations. Setting this too low might not capture the full picture of probabilities, especially concerning pity system effects near the 300-pull cap.
7. Game Updates and Changes: While rare, developers could theoretically adjust drop rates or pity mechanics. Calculators rely on the currently understood mechanics. Any unannounced changes would affect the accuracy.
8. “New Operator” Banners: These often feature a newly released 6-star with a higher chance of appearing if you lose the 50/50, making them distinct from standard rate-up banners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does the Arknights Pull Calculator guarantee I’ll get my desired operator?

A: No, the calculator provides probabilistic estimates and averages. You might get the operator much sooner or hit the hard pity limit (300 pulls for a 6-star). It’s a tool for planning, not a prediction of your exact outcome.

Q: How does the “Guaranteed Banner” option work?

A: On a standard rate-up banner, if you pull a 6-star and it’s NOT the featured operator, the next 6-star you pull is guaranteed to be featured (50% chance). The “Guaranteed Banner” option reflects banners where this chance might be slightly different (e.g., 45% on specific types) or simply acknowledges the standard 50/50 system is active.

Q: What is “pity” in Arknights?

A: Pity is a system designed to ensure players eventually receive high-rarity items. In Arknights Headhunting, the chance of pulling a 6-star increases after 50 pulls (soft pity) and guarantees a 6-star by the 300th pull (hard pity). A similar, less stringent system exists for 5-stars.

Q: How many pulls does it take to guarantee a 5-star?

A: The game guarantees a 5-star or higher operator by the 20th pull on any banner. The base chance for a 5-star is 5%, and this probability also increases gradually before the 20th pull.

Q: Should I use Originium Primes or Headhunting Tickets?

A: Both are currency for pulls. Originium Primes can be purchased or earned, and Headhunting Tickets are primarily earned through gameplay or login bonuses. The calculator helps you estimate the quantity of either needed, assuming 10 pulls cost 6000 Primes or 10 Tickets.

Q: What if I pull a 6-star that isn’t the featured one?

A: On a rate-up banner, if the 6-star you pull is *not* the rate-up operator, the game sets a “guarantee” for the featured operator. Your very next 6-star pull *will* be the featured one (with a 50% or 45% chance depending on the banner type).

Q: Does pity carry over between different banners?

A: Pity counts carry over between banners of the *same type*. For example, pity from one Standard Banner carries to the next Standard Banner. However, pity from a Standard Banner does NOT carry over to a Limited Banner, and vice-versa. Event banners often have their own independent pity systems.

Q: How accurate are these probability charts?

A: The charts are based on widely accepted approximations of Arknights’ pity mechanics and drop rates. While the core logic is sound, the exact internal algorithms can be proprietary. The charts represent a strong statistical likelihood.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

• Arknights Operator Tier List

  Discover which operators are currently considered the strongest and most meta-relevant in Arknights.

• Arknights Event Schedule Tracker

  Stay updated on upcoming banners, events, and reruns to plan your pulls effectively.

• Originium Prime Farming Guide

  Learn the most efficient ways to acquire Originium Primes through gameplay and daily activities.

• Arknights Resource Management Tips

  Essential strategies for managing Sanity, LMD, EXP cards, and other crucial resources.

• Beginner’s Guide to Arknights Headhunting

  An in-depth look at the gacha system for new players, explaining banners, rates, and pity.

• Arknights Gacha Probability Explained

  A deeper dive into the mathematical models behind Arknights’ pull rates and pity mechanics.