The launch of Wuthering Waves in 2024 brought a storm of excitement to the gacha gaming world, with players diving headfirst into its vibrant landscapes and pulse-pounding combat. For newcomers, nothing sparks joy quite like unlocking powerful 5-star characters—and Kuro Games generously offered not one, but two guaranteed chances to grab these elite resonators. This unexpected bounty transformed early-game progression, letting players forge formidable teams without emptying their wallets. Yet beneath the surface, tricky choices awaited about resource allocation and character synergies that could make or break an account.

Unlocking the Novice Convene Banner

Every journey begins with the Novice Convene Banner, accessible right after the First Resonance main quest. This special banner holds the first key to a 5-star character, but it demands patience. Players must complete 50 pulls here—a task achievable through early-game rewards like exploration Astrite and login bonuses. The grind pays off spectacularly: hitting 50 guarantees a random 5-star drop from the standard pool. More importantly, it unlocks the hidden Beginner’s Choice Convene Banner, where true power lies. Suddenly, the gates swing open to handpick a dream resonator from five stellar options: Lingyang’s icy elegance, Jianxin’s defensive mastery, Encore’s explosive fire, Calcharo’s relentless electro assaults, or Verina’s life-saving support. But selection is just step one—securing that chosen character requires up to 80 more pulls on the Beginner Banner.

The Free Selector Windfall

As if one guaranteed 5-star wasn’t enough, Kuro Games dropped a bombshell apology gift after Wuthering Waves’ rocky initial release. On May 26, 2024, every active account received an in-game mail containing a free 5-star selector, valid until May 22, 2025. No gacha pulls required—just log in and claim it. This wasn’t just generosity; it was a peace offering bundled with critical fixes like skippable cutscenes and combat tweaks. For players in 2025, this selector remains a golden ticket, especially for late starters. Imagine bypassing months of grinding for a meta-defining unit! Yet this bounty sparks a dilemma: which character complements your existing roster best?

Choosing Your 5-Star Wisely

The Novice Banner’s random drop dictates everything. Pulling a DPS like Calcharo or Lingyang first? Then Verina becomes the obvious selector pick. Her healing and buffs outlive flashy attackers in long-term viability—she’s the glue holding teams together through endgame chaos. But if Verina graced your Novice pulls? Freedom reigns! All DPS options shine, though Calcharo deserves extra attention. His electro dominance pairs perfectly with Yinlin (a future banner star), creating lethal elemental reactions. Don’t sleep on Jianxin either—her shields enable reckless, high-skill playstyles. Remember:

• 🔄 DPS from Novice? Prioritize Verina

• 💚 Verina from Novice? Choose any DPS

• ⚡ Calcharo + Yinlin = Meta synergy

Resource Management Blunders

Here’s where many players trip. The siren call of instant gratification tempts folks to burn precious Astrite on Lustrous Tides for standard banners. Big mistake. Why? Astrite converts to pulls at 160 per Tide, but Lustrous Tides (for Beginner/Standard) flood in from quests and events. Radiant Tides for limited banners? Far scarcer. F2P accounts especially must hoard Astrite like dragons guarding gold—wasting it on standard pulls sabotages future event banners featuring exclusive powerhouses. Patience pays; those 50 Novice pulls come naturally through gameplay.

FAQ: Free 5-Star Characters Explained

1. How long do I have to claim the free selector?

Until May 22, 2025—just log into any active account to find it in your mail.

1. Should I reroll if I get a bad Novice Banner 5-star?

Not worth it. The selector lets you cover weaknesses. Verina fixes any team!

1. Can I get both free 5-stars as a casual player?

Absolutely! The Novice Banner pulls accumulate fast, and the selector requires zero effort.

1. Is Calcharo still relevant in 2025?

Yes—his electro DPS remains top-tier, especially paired with newer units like Yinlin.

1. What’s the biggest new-player mistake?

Spending Astrite on standard banners. Save it for limited events!