In Genshin Impact, primogems are the currency that opens doors—doors to powerful characters, game-changing weapons, and new adventures. For free-to-play (F2P) players, every single primogem counts. Unlike players who top up their accounts, F2P gamers must rely on discipline, strategy, and smart resource management to keep up with limited-time events, banners, and progression goals. This guide breaks down exactly how to save primogems effectively without compromising enjoyment or long-term growth.
Understand Where Primogems Come From—and Go
Before saving primogems, you need to know how they flow in and out of your inventory. Primogems are earned through a variety of activities, but they're also spent quickly if not managed wisely. Recognizing both sides of the equation is critical.
Common sources of primogems include:
- Daily Commissions (60 per day)
- Adventure Rank milestones (one-time rewards)
- Completing quests (main, world, and event-based)
- Clearing domains (resin refunds = 20 primogems each)
- Event participation and achievements
- Monthly login rewards and Battle Pass (if claimed)
On the spending side, primogems are used for:
- Wishing on character and weapon banners (160 per wish, 90/160 for weapons)
- Refilling resin (20 primogems per refill, max 6 times daily)
- Purchasing items from Paimon’s Bargains (limited stock)
Stop Wasting Resources: The Hidden Cost of Bad Habits
Many players drain their primogems without realizing it. The biggest leaks aren’t flashy pulls—they’re small, repeated actions that add up over time. Consider this: refilling resin six times a day burns 120 primogems daily. Over a month, that’s 3,600 primogems—enough for 22 wishes. That could be an entire 5-star character.
Here’s what drains primogems silently:
- Over-refilling resin: Unless you’re preparing for a time-limited domain rotation or catching up on artifact enhancement, don’t touch the refill button.
- Spending on non-essential shop items: Some players buy Mora or enhancement ores from Paimon’s shop. These are inefficient uses of primogems when farming domains is free and scalable.
- Random pulling during frustration: Seeing a 4-star you don’t need after several bad rolls doesn’t justify burning more gems. Walk away.
“Primogem conservation isn’t about hoarding—it’s about intentionality. Every gem should serve a plan.” — Aris Chen, Genshin Theorycraft Analyst
Strategic Saving: A Step-by-Step Timeline
Saving primogems isn’t just restraint—it’s planning. Follow this timeline to align your savings with meaningful goals.
Week 1–2: Audit Your Current Status
Open your inventory and check your current primogem count. Review your Adventure Rank progress and identify upcoming AR milestones that grant primogems. Note active and upcoming banners—check community calendars for release dates.
Week 3–4: Define Your Pull Goal
Decide what you’re saving for. Is it a specific 5-star character? A staple support like Bennett or Xiangling? Or are you building a general pool for future meta shifts? Write it down. Knowing your target prevents impulsive decisions.
Month 2–3: Execute the Savings Plan
During this phase, stop all non-essential spending. No resin refills unless absolutely necessary. Focus on completing dailies, claiming event rewards, and farming only what you need. Use resin efficiently—prioritize artifact sets over generic leveling if you already have a functional team.
Month 4+: Pull with Confidence
Once you’ve saved enough (typically 16,000–20,000 for a safe pull), prepare for the banner. If using pity tracking tools, ensure your history is updated. Pull in batches of 10 to minimize emotional fatigue. After pulling, reset your goal and begin again.
Smart Spending Checklist
Use this checklist before spending any primogems:
- ✅ Do I have a clear reason for spending these?
- ✅ Is this purchase aligned with my long-term goal?
- ✅ Have I waited at least 24 hours after feeling “I need this now”?
- ✅ Could I earn what I want another way (e.g., farming instead of buying)?
- ✅ Am I under stress or fatigue? (Avoid pulling when tired.)
If you answer “no” to any of the first three, reconsider. If you’re fatigued, sleep on it. Emotional decisions cost more than missed opportunities.
Maximize Free Primogem Income
F2P players can still earn substantial primogems—consistently. Here’s how to optimize every source:
Daily Commissions
Complete all four daily commissions every day. They give 60 primogems and are among the most reliable sources. Pair them with resin-efficient activities so you’re not wasting stamina elsewhere.
Adventure Rank Progression
Each AR level grants rewards, including primogems. Focus on quest completion and exploration. Unlock teleport waypoints, defeat bosses, and open chests to level up faster. Prioritize story quests in new regions—they offer dense AR XP.
Events
HoYoverse runs nearly continuous events. Most award between 300–600 primogems per run. Even short events (3–5 days) are worth full participation. Don’t skip co-op mode or puzzle-heavy stages—use online guides if stuck.
Resin Refund Strategy
When you clear domains, you get 20 primogems back per refund. Only use resin on domains that matter: Artifact domains for your main DPS, talent books for your team, and weapon ascension mats for keystone weapons. Rotate weekly bosses based on your needs.
Exploration and Chests
Open every chest. Many contain primogems directly. Golden chests guarantee one. Use community maps to locate hidden ones. Exploration also speeds up AR progression.
| Activity | Primogems Per Week (Est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Commissions | 420 | Requires consistent login |
| AR Progress (early-mid game) | 200–500 | Tapers off at AR 50+ |
| Weekly Bosses + Domains | 260 | Includes 2x resin refunds |
| Event Participation | 300–600 | Varies by event length |
| Exploration & Chests | 100–300 | Higher early-game |
| Total Weekly (Potential) | 1,080–1,780 | F2P can earn ~50k/year |
This means a dedicated F2P player can accumulate around 16,000 primogems in under three months—enough for one guaranteed 5-star pull without spending a dime.
Mini Case Study: How Lena Saved for Nahida
Lena, a university student and casual F2P player, wanted Nahida but didn’t want to spend money. She started at AR 42 with 2,000 primogems saved. Instead of pulling on interim banners, she committed to a 10-week savings plan.
She did the following:
- Completed dailies without fail
- Participated in all events (gaining ~400 extra primogems)
- Stopped refilling resin entirely
- Used resin only on Dendro DMG goblets and Nahida talent books
- Tracked her progress in a spreadsheet
By week 10, she had 18,400 primogems. The Nahida banner launched, and she pulled on the second-to-last day. On her 9th wish, Nahida appeared. She kept 2,400 for future use. Her discipline paid off—she got her dream unit without pressure or regret.
FAQ: Common Questions About Primogem Saving
Should I ever refill resin as an F2P player?
Only if you’re actively leveling a key character or weapon and missing just a few mats. Routine refills are unsustainable. Let resin cap at 160 and use it strategically every 8 hours.
Is it worth pulling on beginner banners?
No. The Beginner’s Wish guarantees a 4-star character but locks you out of future beginner pulls. Save your primogems for standard or event banners where the rates and options are better.
How many primogems should I save before pulling?
Aim for at least 16,000. The pity system guarantees a 5-star within 90 wishes (14,400 primogems), but soft pity often starts around 75. Saving extra ensures you can finish the pull even if luck runs cold.
Final Thoughts: Play Smart, Not Hard
Being free-to-play in Genshin Impact isn’t a limitation—it’s a challenge of patience and precision. The game rewards consistency, not spending. By understanding your income streams, eliminating waste, and setting clear goals, you can enjoy the same high-tier content as any other player.
Remember: every primogem saved is a choice made for your future self. Whether it’s unlocking a healer to breeze through Spiral Abyss or finally getting that carry DPS, your discipline today builds tomorrow’s power.








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