Banner Types: Basic vs Selection
Anime Squadron features two distinct banner types, each serving a different purpose in your roster-building journey. Understanding when and how to use each banner is the single most important summoning decision you will make.
The Basic Banner is available from the moment you start playing. It rotates its featured unit pool every hour, which means the available units change frequently. This banner is your workhorse for filling out your roster with Rare and Epic units, with a small chance at Mythic pulls.
The Selection Banner unlocks at Level 10 and is the premium option for targeting specific units. You choose one Mythic unit as your guaranteed target, and the banner refreshes its available targets every 24 hours. This is where you spend your saved Gems when you need a particular unit.
| Feature | Basic Banner | Selection Banner |
|---|---|---|
| Unlock | Immediate | Level 10 |
| Cost per pull | 50 Gems | 150 Gems |
| Rotation | Hourly | Every 24 hours |
| Mythic guarantee | Pity at 50 pulls | Target pick system |
| Best use | Roster depth | Targeting specific Mythics |
Pull Rates and Rarity Breakdown
Every summon in Anime Squadron follows a set probability table. Knowing these rates helps you set realistic expectations and plan your Gem budget accordingly. The rates differ slightly between the two banners, with the Selection Banner offering better Mythic odds.
| Rarity | Basic Banner Rate | Selection Banner Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Common | 45% | N/A |
| Rare | 30% | 35% |
| Epic | 18% | 45% |
| Legendary | 5% | 13% |
| Mythic | 2% | 7% |
The Selection Banner eliminates Common pulls entirely, shifting that probability into higher rarities. This makes every pull on the Selection Banner more valuable on average, justifying the higher Gem cost. However, the Basic Banner remains useful for picking up Rare and Epic units that serve as evolution materials or role fillers.
Mythic Unit Pool
Mythic units are the rarest and most powerful summons. The current Mythic pool includes:
| Unit | Role | Banner Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Woo | Boss DPS | Both banners |
| Aizen | Control | Both banners |
| Madora | Boss DPS | Both banners |
| Shanron | Support | Selection Banner only |
| Puppeteer | Control | Both banners |
The Pity System Explained
Pity is your safety net against bad luck. On the Basic Banner, you are guaranteed a Mythic unit at 50 pulls if you have not pulled one naturally. This pity counter resets after any Mythic pull, whether from natural luck or the guarantee.
The Selection Banner uses a different system. Instead of a traditional pity counter, you accumulate points toward your chosen Mythic target. After a set number of pulls, you automatically receive the unit you selected. This makes the Selection Banner the most reliable way to obtain a specific Mythic.
| Banner | Pity Mechanic | Pity Threshold | Reset Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Guaranteed Mythic at X pulls | 50 pulls | Any Mythic pulled |
| Selection | Target point accumulation | Varies by unit | After target obtained |
Pity Strategy Tips
- Track your pull count on the Basic Banner to know when pity is close
- Save enough Gems for at least 30 pulls on the Selection Banner before starting
- Never switch your Selection Banner target mid-way, as progress does not carry over
- Use the Basic Banner for quick pulls when you are far from pity on either banner
Optimal Summoning Strategy for Each Account Stage
Your summoning strategy should evolve as your account progresses. Early on, you need quantity to fill roles. Later, you need quality to push endgame content.
Early Game (Level 1-10)
Spend Gems freely on the Basic Banner to build a functional roster. You need at least one carry, one support, and one tank or control unit to clear Story content. Do not hoard Gems at this stage because having no units means no progression.
| Priority | Action | Gem Budget |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pull until you have a carry | 200-400 Gems |
| 2 | Pull for role coverage | 200-300 Gems |
| 3 | Save remainder for Selection Banner | All leftover |
Mid Game (Level 10-25)
Shift your spending to the Selection Banner. Target the strongest Mythic unit available that fills a gap in your roster. Woo is the best target if you lack boss DPS, while Aizen is ideal if you need control.
Late Game (Level 25+)
Be highly selective with your summons. Only spend Gems when a banner features a unit you genuinely need. At this stage, Trait Shards and gear are more impactful than new units, so consider whether your Gems might be better saved for future content updates.
| Account Stage | Banner Focus | Spending Pace |
|---|---|---|
| Early | Basic Banner | Aggressive |
| Mid | Selection Banner | Targeted |
| Late | Both, situationally | Conservative |
When to Save vs When to Spend
The hardest part of summoning is knowing when to hold your Gems. Here are clear guidelines for each situation:
- Save when a major update is announced, as new units may be added to banners
- Spend when the Selection Banner features your most wanted unit
- Save when your current team clears all available content comfortably
- Spend when you are stuck on a specific act and need a different unit to progress
- Save at least 500 Gems at all times as an emergency summoning fund
| Situation | Recommendation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| New update announced | Save 80% of Gems | New units may power-creep current roster |
| Selection Banner has Woo | Spend | S-tier boss DPS is always valuable |
| Team clears all content | Save | No urgency, wait for better banners |
| Stuck on Story Act | Spend on needed role | Progression unlocks more farming |
Join the Anime Squadron Discord to discuss banner rotations and summoning strategy with experienced players.
Summoning Budget Planning
Planning your Gem spending around pity thresholds prevents the most common mistake in Anime Squadron summoning: running out of Gems before reaching pity. Below is a recommended budget framework:
| Budget Level | Gems Required | What You Get | Weekly Farm Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Mythic pity | 2,500 | 1 guaranteed Mythic | 1-2 weeks |
| Selection Mythic pity | 3,000 | 1 targeted Mythic | 2-3 weeks |
| Basic Secret pity | 12,500 | 1 guaranteed Secret | 5-8 weeks |
| Selection Secret pity | 15,000 | 1 targeted Secret | 6-10 weeks |
Gem Income Sources for Summoning
| Source | Gems Available | Effort | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| All active codes | 12,500+ | Minimal | One-time + new codes |
| Story Mode full clear | 24,000-36,000 | Medium | One-time |
| Weekly dailies | 700-2,400 | Low | Weekly |
| Infinite Mode milestones | 500-2,000 | Medium | Weekly |
| Raids + Boss Rush | 200-500 | Medium | Weekly |
FAQ
How does the pity system work in Anime Squadron?
The Basic Banner guarantees a Mythic at 50 pulls, while the Selection Banner accumulates points toward your chosen target. Pity on the Basic Banner resets after any Mythic pull. The Anime Squadron summoning guide recommends tracking your pull count to avoid wasting pulls near pity.
Is the Selection Banner worth the higher Gem cost?
Yes, especially for mid-game and late-game players. The Selection Banner eliminates Common pulls and lets you target a specific Mythic unit. The Anime Squadron summoning community agrees that paying 150 Gems per pull is worth the guarantee of getting the unit you actually need.
Should I pull on the Basic Banner as a new player?
Absolutely. New players need roster depth, and the Basic Banner at 50 Gems per pull is the most efficient way to fill out your squad. The Anime Squadron summoning guide suggests doing 10-15 pulls on the Basic Banner before switching to the Selection Banner at Level 10.
How many Gems should I save before summoning?
Save at least 500 Gems for the Basic Banner pity system and 1,500+ Gems for the Selection Banner. This ensures you can reach pity or accumulate enough points for your target. Check the Anime Squadron Discord for current banner recommendations.