Last Updated: August 7, 2026 | Version: HSR 4.4 Phase 2 (August 5–25, 2026)
HSR 4.4 is one of the toughest updates for F2P players because three different goals compete for the same Stellar Jade: Aventurine fixes survivability, Himeko Nova adds immediate DPS, and Rin Tohsaka is a long-term Fate collaboration investment. This guide explains which choice gives your account the biggest upgrade.
Quick Answer: Who Should You Pull?
| If you need... | Pull... |
|---|---|
| Survival | Aventurine (Phase 2 rerun) |
| DPS | Himeko Nova (available throughout Version 4.4) |
| Fate Team | Rin Tohsaka + Archer synergy |
| Nothing urgent | Save for future characters or reruns |
New player or missing a premium sustain?
➡️ Aventurine – one of the safest defensive upgrades for newer accounts
Need a main DPS or Fire/AoE coverage?
➡️ Himeko Nova – one of the strongest immediate DPS upgrades for accounts missing Fire/AoE coverage
Have Archer from Fate Part 1 or planning to claim him?
➡️ Rin Tohsaka – higher value if your account pairs her with Archer
Everyone:
➡️ Claim your free Fate 5-star selector — choose Gilgamesh or Archer based on your account needs.
➡️ Players who already own Archer will often prefer Gilgamesh because the selector provides a new character instead of another Eidolon. However, Archer remains the better choice for players planning a Rin-focused Fate team.
F2P Reality Check
Version 4.4 is one of the toughest updates for F2P players because multiple limited characters compete for the same Jade budget. The biggest mistake is not skipping a strong character — it is spending Jade without a clear target.
Before pulling, decide:
Do I need survival? → Aventurine (Phase 2)
Do I need DPS? → Himeko Nova
Do I want Fate collaboration value? → Rin Tohsaka (if you have Archer)
Pick the answer first, then pick the character.
Aventurine vs Himeko Nova: Who Improves Your Account More?
This is one of the most common comparisons players are making in Phase 2.
| Your Account Status | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| New player with weak or no teams | Aventurine – survival is the first progression wall |
| Two teams but missing damage | Himeko Nova – fills the DPS gap |
| Endgame player clearing all content | Pull based on favorites or future plans |
The general rule: Fix your biggest weakness first. If you're dying in content, get Aventurine. If you're not dealing enough damage, get Himeko Nova.
Phase 2 Rerun Reality Check
Phase 2 is not only about Aventurine. Cerydra and Anaxa also return alongside him, but their value depends heavily on your existing teams. Most F2P players should prioritize the character that fixes their biggest account weakness instead of pulling every rerun.
Phase 2 features three returning character banners, while Himeko Nova's banner remains available during Phase 2, so players do not need to treat her as a Phase 1-only decision.
HSR 4.4 F2P Pull Priority (General Account Value)
| Priority | Target | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Aventurine | New accounts needing sustain |
| 🥈 | Himeko Nova | Accounts lacking Fire/AoE DPS |
| 🎁 | Free Selector (Always Claim) | Choose Archer or Gilgamesh |
| 🥉 | Rin Tohsaka* (Account-dependent) | Archer owners and Fate collectors |
*Fate collaboration characters are ranked separately because their value depends more on ownership history and collection goals than normal account progression. The selector is a free reward, not a Jade pull, so it is listed separately.
Important: This ranking assumes a player is missing key roles. Existing accounts should prioritize their biggest roster gap. This is a general F2P value ranking, not a damage ranking. A veteran player with Archer may value Rin above Himeko Nova, while a player lacking sustain may get more value from Aventurine.
Note: Rin and other Fate collaboration characters use a separate Fate pity system from normal character warps. Progress on the Fate Collaboration Warp is tracked separately from the regular Character Event Warp, so don't assume pulls on one banner will help you reach pity on the other. The free selector is a reward, not a warp.
The Free Fate Selector: Gilgamesh or Archer?
Version 4.4 gives every player a free limited 5-star choice through the Fate Contract: Renewal event. You get one choice between Gilgamesh and Archer, and it's permanent.
Quick Decision Rule
| Your Situation | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| You already own Archer (from the first Fate collab) | Gilgamesh – new unit beats an Eidolon |
| You own Saber or plan to build her | Gilgamesh – strong synergy |
| You missed the previous Fate collaboration Archer giveaway | Archer – fills a gap |
| You plan to pull Rin Tohsaka | Archer – Rin's value is higher with Archer |
| You own neither and have no Fate plans | Gilgamesh – a new limited character that may fit more accounts depending on team needs |
Why Most Veterans Should Pick Gilgamesh
Archer was available as a free Fate collaboration reward during Part 1 of the Fate collaboration. Players who already own him should usually consider Gilgamesh from the selector instead of another Archer copy. If you already own him, picking him again only adds an Eidolon level—while Gilgamesh is a brand-new unit with a fresh kit.
What Each Unit Does
Gilgamesh: Lightning Destruction DPS focused on burst damage and Saber synergy.
Archer: Quantum Hunt DPS focused on single-target damage and Rin synergy.
Everyone should claim the free Fate collaboration selector before making pull decisions—it costs no Jade and may change which Fate character you want to build around.
Should You Pull Rin Tohsaka Before Getting Archer?
This is one of the biggest confusion points in Version 4.4.
If you want Rin Tohsaka, do not ignore Archer. Rin gains additional value when paired with Archer, making Archer ownership an important factor when deciding whether to pull her.
If you already have Archer: Choose Gilgamesh from the selector and consider pulling Rin for the full Fate core.
If you don't have Archer: Consider using the selector on Archer first. Rin gains additional value when paired with Archer, but players should still compare her against characters that solve their current roster problems.
Can F2P Players Get Both Himeko Nova and Rin Tohsaka?
Most F2P players should choose one main target. Getting both Himeko Nova and Rin Tohsaka usually requires saved Jade, early 5-stars, or winning multiple 50/50s.
The math:
Across the entire Version 4.4 update, F2P players can earn roughly 93–94 limited pulls, depending on event completion, endgame clears, and starting savings. Players pulling during Phase 2 will only have access to whatever Stellar Jade they have saved plus the remaining rewards available before the banners end.
A 5-star can appear before soft pity, but many players plan around roughly 75–90 pulls. Guaranteeing a specific featured character can require much more because of the 50/50 system.
The reality check: Most F2P players should pick one main target. Treat everything else as a bonus.
Planning your Jade spending? Check our [HSR 4.4 Jade Budget Guide] before committing.
Himeko Nova vs Rin Tohsaka: Which One Should F2P Players Choose?
This is one of the most common questions in Version 4.4.
Choose Himeko Nova If:
✅ You need a DPS for your account
✅ You lack Fire or AoE damage coverage
✅ You want immediate account improvement
✅ You don't have Archer from Fate Part 1
Choose Rin Tohsaka If:
✅ You already own Archer from Part 1 of the collab
✅ You value Fate collaboration exclusivity (future availability is uncertain)
✅ Your account is already strong and clearing content
✅ You're a collector or Fate fan
⚠️ Rin Tohsaka Pull Warning: Rin becomes significantly more valuable for players who already own Archer. If you missed Archer, compare her against characters that immediately improve your account instead of pulling only because she is limited.
The Default F2P Choice:
Fix your biggest weakness first. If you lack a DPS, Himeko Nova is the safer pick. If you have Archer and a strong roster, Rin offers unique value that may never return.
Best Pull Order If You Only Have 90 Pulls
This is one of the most common F2P scenarios.
New Account (No Sustain)
Claim the free Fate selector – choose Gilgamesh or Archer based on your account goals
Pull Aventurine (Phase 2) – If you lack any 5-star sustain
Save remaining Jade – Don't chase Himeko Nova yet
Need DPS (Already Have Sustain)
Claim the free Fate selector
Pull Himeko Nova – If you lack Fire/AoE damage
Skip Light Cone – Characters > Light Cones for F2P
Save for future supports
Fate Fan with Archer
Claim the free Fate selector – choose the unit that best supports your Fate team
Save for Rin Tohsaka – Don't split pulls
Avoid splitting pulls between Himeko Nova and Fate banners – separate pity systems mean your progress does not help both targets
Skip unnecessary reruns
HSR 4.4 Phase 2 Banner Priority: Who Should F2P Players Pull?
Phase 2 runs from August 5–25, 2026 (server time). It features three returning character banners, while Himeko Nova's debut banner continues throughout the entire Version 4.4 update.
Phase 2 Banner Quick Verdict
| Character | Best Choice For |
|---|---|
| 🛡️ Aventurine | New players, accounts missing premium sustain, players who want safer clears |
| 🌪️ Cerydra | Players building teams that benefit from her support mechanics, especially if you already have the DPS characters she supports |
| 🌪️ Anaxa | Players who need Wind coverage, fans of his playstyle |
For average F2P players, Aventurine provides the widest account improvement.
HSR 4.4 Phase 2 Aventurine vs Cerydra vs Anaxa
🛡️ Aventurine – Imaginary Preservation
Pull if:
✅ You're a new player without any 5-star sustain
✅ You're struggling with survival in harder content
✅ You want a shielder that fits any team
Skip if:
❌ You already own multiple premium sustain options like Lingsha, Fu Xuan, Huohuo, or Luocha
❌ You're a veteran clearing all content comfortably
Aventurine is still one of the safest sustain options, especially for newer accounts. However, Phase 2 is not automatically an Aventurine must-pull. Players who already have strong sustain options may gain more value from saving.
🌪️ Cerydra – Wind Harmony
Pull if:
✅ Your main team benefits from her Harmony support role, especially if you already have the DPS characters she supports
✅ You are investing into teams that specifically use her mechanics
✅ You already have your core DPS and sustain covered
Skip if:
❌ You only need immediate damage improvement
❌ Your roster doesn't have the units she supports best
🌪️ Anaxa – Wind Erudition
Pull if:
✅ You want a Wind Erudition DPS
✅ Your account lacks AoE damage options
✅ You enjoy his playstyle or want to build around him
Skip if:
❌ You're a general F2P account looking for wide account improvement
❌ You already have other Erudition DPS options
Before Spending Jade: Check These 3 Things
1️⃣ Your Roster Gap
What does your account actually need?
Need sustain? → Aventurine (Phase 2)
Need Fire/AoE DPS? → Himeko Nova
Want Fate value? → Rin Tohsaka + Archer synergy
Nothing urgent? → Save for future characters or reruns
2️⃣ Your Pity Situation
At 0 pity, no guarantee? You need ~90 pulls for a 5-star, ~160 to guarantee
At high pity or with guarantee? You have more flexibility
Note: Fate collaboration banners use a separate Fate pity system from normal character warps. Progress on the Fate Collaboration Warp is tracked separately from the regular Character Event Warp, so don't assume pulls on one banner will help you reach pity on the other.
3️⃣ Your Future Plans
Don't empty your Jade for one character if you also want the next banner
Check if you can reach pity again before the banners end
Character trials and community reviews are available – use them
Related: See our [HSR 4.4 Banner Schedule & Phase 2 Guide].
Who Should NOT Pull Anyone in 4.4?
Skip all banners if:
✅ You already have two complete teams
✅ You already have multiple strong sustain options (Lingsha, Fu Xuan, Huohuo, Luocha, or Aventurine)
✅ You have multiple DPS options covering different elements
✅ You're saving for a favorite character or future reruns
These players gain the most from saving. If your account is comfortable clearing endgame content, you don't need another carry.
Character Decisions
🔥 Himeko Nova – Fire Erudition
Pull if:
✅ You need a Fire DPS or AoE damage dealer
✅ Your account lacks Erudition coverage for Pure Fiction
✅ You want a flexible carry that works without heavy investment
Skip if:
❌ You already have strong Fire/AoE carries (Firefly, The Herta, Jade, etc.)
❌ You're a new player without a sustain yet
❌ You're saving for Fate collab characters
E0 is generally enough for players who want her as a main DPS. Higher investment improves her ceiling but is not required for most accounts.
Related: See our [Himeko Nova Build Guide].
💎 Rin Tohsaka – Quantum Erudition (Fate Collab)
Pull if:
✅ You already have Archer from Part 1 of the collab
✅ You want a limited collab character (future availability is uncertain)
✅ You're a collector or Fate fan
Skip if:
❌ You don't have Archer (her damage drops significantly without him)
❌ Your account needs immediate improvement elsewhere
Key synergy: Rin gains additional value when paired with Archer, making Archer ownership an important factor when deciding whether to pull her.
Related: See our [Rin Tohsaka Guide] and [Fate Collaboration Guide].
👑 Gilgamesh – Lightning Destruction (Free Selector Option)
What you need to know:
Available through the free Fate selector — claim him if he fits your account
Gilgamesh has strong synergy with Saber-focused Fate teams
A fresh unit for most accounts who already own Archer
Verdict: Choose him from the selector if you already own Archer or don't have specific Fate team plans.
The Biggest F2P Trap: Splitting Pulls Between Two Banners
This is one of the biggest mistakes F2P players can make in 4.4.
Why It's Dangerous
Fate collaboration banners use a separate Fate pity system from normal character warps, so plan your Jade carefully.
| Banner | Pity System |
|---|---|
| Himeko Nova Character Warp | Regular limited character pity |
| Fate Collaboration Warp | Separate Fate collaboration pity |
What this means:
Pulls on Himeko Nova do NOT count toward Rin Tohsaka
Pulls on Rin Tohsaka do NOT count toward Himeko Nova
Splitting pulls between both banners can leave you without enough progress to secure either character
The F2P rule:
Pick ONE banner target
Commit until you get the character
Treat the other banner as "not available to you"
Related: See our [HSR 4.4 Jade Budget Guide] for exact Stellar Jade calculations.
4 Biggest F2P Mistakes in HSR 4.4
❌ Mistake 1: Pulling Before Claiming the Free Selector
Claim your free Fate 5-star first before spending any Jade—it costs nothing and may change your pull plans.
❌ Mistake 2: Splitting Jade Between Banners
Choose one target and commit. The Fate banner has separate pity – splitting pulls can leave you with nothing.
❌ Mistake 3: Pulling Light Cones Before Characters
Characters improve accounts more than Light Cones. Secure the character first.
❌ Mistake 4: Ignoring Future Banners
Saving is sometimes the strongest pull. If you don't need anyone in 4.4, skip and wait.
Should You Pull? Decision Flow
🆕 New Player
| Priority | Character | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Claim the free Fate selector | Choose based on account needs |
| 2 | Aventurine (Phase 2) | Reliable sustain unlocks harder content |
| 3 | Himeko Nova | Only if you already have a sustain |
Why sustain first: A reliable shielder enables harder content much earlier than a new DPS.
⚔️ Mid-Game Player (Two Teams, Missing DPS)
| Priority | Character | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Claim the free Fate selector | No Jade cost |
| 2 | Himeko Nova | Fills Fire/AoE gap if needed |
| 3 | Rin Tohsaka | Only if you already have Archer |
👑 Veteran Player (Clearing All Content)
| Priority | Character | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Claim the free Fate selector | Free is free |
| 2 | Pull only for favorites | Vertical investment or collection goals |
| 3 | Rin Tohsaka | If you have Archer and want collab exclusivity |
| 4 | Save | For future characters or reruns |
The "Do I Pull Now or Wait?" Checklist
Before spending any Jade, ask yourself:
✅ Do I have two complete teams already?
✅ Am I missing a DPS, sustain, or support?
✅ Do I have a guarantee (lost previous 50/50)?
✅ Is this character a favorite, or just "good" for my account?
✅ Am I okay skipping another banner to get this one?
✅ Have I checked character trials and community reviews?
If you answered "no" to more than two questions, consider saving.
FAQ
How many pulls can F2P players get in 4.4?
| Account Type | Total Limited Pulls |
|---|---|
| F2P | ~93–94 pulls |
| + Express Supply Pass | ~117 pulls |
| + Supply Pass & Battle Pass | ~126 pulls |
Exact totals vary depending on event completion, endgame clears, and when you start saving. This estimate covers the entire Version 4.4 patch. Players entering Phase 2 will only have the Jade they saved or earned before the remaining banner period ends.
Is Aventurine or Himeko Nova better for beginners?
Aventurine is usually better for brand-new accounts because survival is the first major progression wall. Himeko Nova becomes the better choice if your account already has reliable sustain and lacks a strong DPS option.
Should new players pull Aventurine or Himeko Nova?
Aventurine. New players gain more from survival tools than another DPS. Aventurine enables harder content, while Himeko Nova adds damage to content you may not survive yet.
Is Aventurine still worth pulling in HSR 4.4?
Yes, especially for newer players or accounts missing a premium sustain. However, players who already have multiple premium sustain options should treat him as a comfort upgrade rather than an account-changing upgrade.
Should I pull Aventurine if I already have premium sustains?
Usually no. If your account already has reliable premium sustain units like Fu Xuan, Huohuo, Lingsha, or Luocha, Aventurine becomes more of a comfort upgrade instead of an urgent account improvement. Save your Stellar Jade unless you specifically want Aventurine.
Is Himeko Nova worth pulling if I already have Firefly / The Herta / Jade?
Probably not. She's strong, but she overlaps with other Erudition DPS. If you already have two strong teams, she won't change your account much.
Should I pull Himeko Nova or save for future characters?
If your account already clears Memory of Chaos, Pure Fiction, and Apocalyptic Shadow comfortably, saving is usually better. Himeko Nova improves accounts missing Fire/AoE damage but is not mandatory for completed rosters.
Should F2P players pull Light Cones in 4.4?
Only after securing the character. Prioritize character banners first. Light Cones are a luxury, not a requirement.
Should I pull Rin Tohsaka if I don't own Archer?
Usually lower priority. Rin can still function without Archer, but players lose part of her Fate team synergy. If your account needs immediate improvement, characters that fill missing roles are usually a safer investment.
Can I get both Himeko Nova and Rin Tohsaka as F2P?
Getting both is possible, but most F2P players will need saved Jade, lucky early 5-stars, or multiple successful 50/50 wins. With ~94 pulls in 4.4, you can guarantee one character if you win the 50/50. Getting both requires winning two 50/50s with average luck. Pick one target.
Is Cerydra or Anaxa worth pulling?
Cerydra: Consider if your main team benefits from her Harmony support role, especially if you already have the DPS characters she supports. Skip if you only need immediate damage improvement.
Anaxa: Consider if you want a Wind Erudition DPS. Lower priority for general F2P accounts.
Final Takeaway
Version 4.4 is not about finding the strongest character — it is about fixing your account's biggest weakness.
New players should prioritize Aventurine.
DPS-focused accounts should consider Himeko Nova.
Archer owners should seriously consider Rin.
Everyone should claim the free Fate collaboration selector and choose the character that best fits their account.
If you're unsure, don't pull immediately. Try each character's trial, review your roster, and spend Stellar Jade only after deciding which weakness your account actually needs to fix.
Pick one banner target, commit, and treat everything else as a bonus. Good luck!
This guide was updated for Phase 2 of Version 4.4 (August 5–25, 2026). Banners and meta rankings are subject to change. Always check character trials and community reviews before pulling.
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