Hoyo Games: Why Am I Always Broke?

Hey guys! Ever feel like you're perpetually broke in a Hoyo game? You're not alone! Many players have voiced concerns about the in-game economy of certain Hoyoverse titles, particularly when it comes to the constant need for Mora (Genshin Impact's in-game currency) or Credits (Honkai: Star Rail’s equivalent). Let’s dive into this, explore why you might be feeling the pinch, and discuss if this is a common experience across all Hoyo games.

The Mora/Credit Crunch: Why Are We Always Broke?

So, you're constantly running out of Mora or Credits? You're definitely not alone! It's a common sentiment among players, especially in Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. But why does it feel like we're always scrambling for cash? There are a few key factors at play here that contribute to this financial struggle.

First off, let's talk about the sheer number of things that require Mora or Credits. Leveling up characters, weapons, and talents, upgrading artifacts or relics, and even buying essential items from shops all eat into your hard-earned currency. Each of these actions requires a significant amount of in-game money, and the costs ramp up considerably as you progress further into the game. For instance, taking a character from level 1 to level 90 in Genshin Impact can cost millions of Mora, and the same principle applies to relic upgrades in Honkai: Star Rail. These systems are designed to encourage long-term investment and progression, but they also create a constant demand for currency.

Next, consider the limited supply of Mora and Credits. While there are various ways to earn currency – completing daily commissions, tackling events, clearing domains or Calyxes, and exploring the world – the amount you receive often feels insufficient compared to the escalating costs. Daily commissions and events provide a steady stream of income, but they are often a drop in the bucket compared to the millions needed for character ascensions and talent upgrades. Domains and Calyxes, which offer more substantial rewards, are gated by Resin (Genshin Impact) or Trailblaze Power (Honkai: Star Rail), limiting how frequently you can farm them. This resource restriction creates a bottleneck, forcing players to prioritize their spending and carefully manage their resources. Exploring the world and opening chests can provide a one-time influx of Mora or Credits, but these sources are finite and don't offer a sustainable long-term solution.

Another factor is the gacha system itself. Both Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail are gacha games, meaning players spend in-game currency (or real money) for a chance to obtain new characters and weapons. While pulling new characters and weapons can be exciting, it often exacerbates the Mora/Credit problem. New characters require extensive investment to become viable – leveling them up, ascending them, upgrading their talents, and equipping them with suitable artifacts or relics. All of these activities require Mora or Credits, putting further strain on your resources. So, while you might be thrilled to pull that shiny new five-star character, you'll also need to budget for the significant costs associated with building them.

Finally, let's acknowledge that Hoyoverse games are designed to be played over a long period. The resource scarcity is intentional, meant to encourage daily engagement and player retention. By making Mora and Credits a valuable commodity, the game incentivizes players to log in regularly, complete daily tasks, and participate in events. This long-term focus means that players are constantly balancing their spending, making tough choices about which characters to prioritize, and carefully managing their resources. While this can be frustrating at times, it's also part of the game's design and intended to keep players invested over time.

Is This Unique to One Hoyo Game?

Now, the big question: Is this constant money struggle unique to just one Hoyo game, or is it a recurring theme? While the specific currencies and methods for obtaining them might differ, the core principle of resource management is prevalent across many Hoyoverse titles. Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail are the most prominent examples, but even games like Honkai Impact 3rd have their own resource-intensive systems. Each of these games requires a significant investment of time and resources to progress, and the feeling of being perpetually short on currency is a common experience.

In Genshin Impact, as we've discussed, Mora is essential for everything from leveling characters and weapons to upgrading artifacts and purchasing items. The demand for Mora far outstrips the supply for many players, especially those who are actively building multiple characters or trying to optimize their artifact sets. Events and daily commissions provide a steady trickle of Mora, but the costs associated with character progression often feel overwhelming. This leads to players prioritizing their spending, focusing on their main team, and carefully allocating their resources.

Honkai: Star Rail mirrors this system with Credits. Credits are used for many of the same purposes as Mora – leveling characters, upgrading light cones (the equivalent of weapons), enhancing relics, and purchasing items. Like Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail features a gacha system that encourages players to pull for new characters, which further increases the demand for Credits. The game offers various ways to earn Credits, such as Calyxes (the equivalent of Domains), daily missions, and events, but the supply can still feel limited, particularly when trying to build multiple teams for the Simulated Universe or Memory of Chaos.

Honkai Impact 3rd, another popular Hoyoverse title, has its own set of currencies and resource systems. While the specific names and mechanics differ, the underlying principle of resource scarcity remains the same. Players need to manage their Crystals, Coins, and other resources to acquire new Valkyries (characters), upgrade their gear, and progress through the game. The game features a variety of events and activities that reward players with resources, but the demand is always high, especially for players aiming to stay competitive in endgame content.

While the feeling of resource scarcity is common across these games, the degree to which it impacts players can vary. Some players find the challenge of resource management engaging, while others find it frustrating. The experience also depends on individual playstyles and spending habits. Players who actively participate in events, complete daily commissions, and optimize their resource usage are likely to feel less constrained than those who don't. Additionally, players who choose to spend real money on in-game currency may have an easier time keeping up with the demands of character progression.

Ultimately, the resource scarcity in Hoyoverse games is a deliberate design choice. It's intended to encourage long-term engagement, player retention, and a sense of progression. While it can lead to moments of frustration, it also adds a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay. Players need to carefully consider their priorities, make informed decisions about how to spend their resources, and celebrate the small victories as they gradually build up their characters and teams.

Tips and Tricks to Combat the Currency Crisis

Okay, so we've established that being perpetually broke is a pretty common experience in Hoyo games. But don't despair, fellow gamers! There are definitely ways to manage your Mora or Credits more effectively and ease the financial strain. Let's dive into some practical tips and tricks that can help you combat the currency crisis and keep your in-game wallet from hitting rock bottom.

First and foremost, prioritize your spending. This might seem obvious, but it's crucial. You can't afford to level up every character or weapon you own, especially in the early to mid-game. Focus on building a core team of characters that you enjoy playing and that are effective in various content. Concentrate your resources on leveling these characters, upgrading their talents, and equipping them with suitable artifacts or relics. Resist the urge to spread your resources too thinly across a wide roster, as this will ultimately leave you with a bunch of under-leveled characters who can't handle challenging content.

When it comes to talent upgrades, be strategic about which talents you prioritize. Not every talent is equally important for every character. For example, some characters rely heavily on their elemental burst, while others focus on their normal attacks or elemental skill. Identify the key talents for your characters and prioritize those upgrades. This will allow you to maximize your damage output without breaking the bank. Similarly, when upgrading artifacts or relics, focus on the main stats and substats that are most beneficial for your characters. Don't waste resources upgrading pieces with undesirable stats, as this will only deplete your Mora or Credits without providing a significant benefit.

Another essential tip is to actively participate in daily activities and events. Daily commissions in Genshin Impact and daily missions in Honkai: Star Rail provide a consistent source of income. Make sure to complete these every day, as the rewards add up over time. Events, both large and small, often offer generous rewards, including Mora, Credits, and other valuable resources. Keep an eye out for these events and make an effort to participate, even if you can only complete a portion of the challenges. The rewards from events can significantly boost your currency reserves and help you catch up on character progression.

Don't neglect the various farming opportunities available in the game. Ley Line Outcrops (Genshin Impact) and Calyxes (Honkai: Star Rail) are repeatable challenges that reward Mora or Credits. While they require Resin or Trailblaze Power, they are a reliable source of income. If you're feeling particularly strapped for cash, consider spending your Resin or Trailblaze Power on these challenges. Domains (Genshin Impact) and Caverns of Corrosion (Honkai: Star Rail) are another important source of resources, offering artifacts and relics. While these challenges don't directly reward Mora or Credits, the artifacts and relics you obtain can be used to upgrade your characters, reducing the need to purchase items from shops and saving you money in the long run.

World exploration is also an often-overlooked source of Mora and Credits. Exploring the map, opening chests, and completing world quests can provide a one-time influx of currency and other valuable resources. While this isn't a sustainable long-term solution, it can provide a welcome boost to your finances, especially in the early game. Take the time to explore new areas, uncover hidden treasures, and complete side quests. You'll not only earn rewards but also discover more about the game's lore and world-building.

Finally, consider your spending habits in the in-game shops. While it can be tempting to buy every item that catches your eye, be mindful of your budget. Prioritize essential items, such as character ascension materials and talent level-up materials. Resist the urge to buy unnecessary items, such as food or crafting materials, unless you absolutely need them. Crafting materials can often be farmed in the world, and food items can be obtained through events or daily activities. By being selective about your purchases, you can conserve your Mora or Credits and allocate them to more important expenses.

By implementing these tips and tricks, you can effectively manage your currency in Hoyo games and alleviate the feeling of being constantly broke. Remember, resource management is a key aspect of these games, and mastering it will enhance your overall gameplay experience. So, prioritize your spending, participate in daily activities and events, farm resources diligently, explore the world, and be mindful of your spending habits. With a little planning and effort, you can overcome the currency crisis and enjoy the game to its fullest.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Grind (or Find a Balance)

So, are you alone in feeling the Mora/Credit pinch in Hoyo games? Absolutely not! It's a shared experience among many players, a testament to the intricate resource management systems these games employ. The feeling of being perpetually broke is, to some extent, by design – a mechanism to encourage consistent engagement, strategic decision-making, and a long-term commitment to the game.

But, hopefully, this deep dive has illuminated the reasons behind the scarcity and offered some actionable strategies to navigate the financial challenges. Whether it's prioritizing your spending, maximizing daily commissions and events, or delving into the world's hidden treasures, there are numerous ways to ease the pressure on your in-game wallet.

Ultimately, the key is to find a balance that works for you. If the grind becomes too overwhelming, remember that these games are meant to be enjoyed. Don't be afraid to adjust your playstyle, set realistic goals, and celebrate the small victories along the way. And who knows, maybe one day, we'll all be swimming in Mora or Credits! Until then, happy gaming, and may your coffers be ever full (or at least fuller than they are now!).