NTE Character Selector Guide — Which to Pick?

NTE offers generous free S-rank selectors at launch. This guide breaks down each option to help you make the best pick.

1. 1Beginner banner 20-pull selector (pick 1 S-rank)
2. 2Standard banner 50-pull selector (pick 1 S-rank)
3. 3City Tycoon mode: free S-rank Xiaozhi (maxed 6+5)

Tip: You can get 3 S-rank characters total from these free sources — extremely F2P-friendly.

#1: Jiuyuan (Strongly Recommended)

T0 grouping, heals at A1. Fits every team. Grouping is the rarest mechanic in NTE — having Jiuyuan doubles your DPS output by grouping enemies for AoE attacks.

#2: Hayamu

T0 burst DPS. Great pick if you need a second main DPS. Pairs well with Nanally as a sub-DPS.

#3: Baicang

T1 versatile DPS. Ranged character with low skill floor, great for beginners. Pick if you lack a strong main DPS.

#4: Hotori

Only S-rank support with grouping + ATK buff. Overlaps with Jiuyuan — pick one, not both.

#5: Haniel

Niche value in specific team comps. Less versatile than the above.

• Complete beginner: Jiuyuan (grouping is irreplaceable, covers 2 roles)
• Have Jiuyuan: Hayamu or Baicang (add DPS)
• Have Nanally: Still pick Jiuyuan (Nanally + Jiuyuan = T0 core)
• F2P: Jiuyuan > Baicang > Hayamu (best value route)
• Have Xiaozhi: Still Jiuyuan (Xiaozhi is DPS, Jiuyuan is support — no overlap)

Same recommendation: Jiuyuan first. If you already picked Jiuyuan from the beginner selector, go Hayamu or Baicang for DPS coverage.

Tip: You can select the same character twice for awakening, but expanding your roster is usually better. A1 Jiuyuan > A0 Hayamu in value.

One answer: Jiuyuan. Grouping is the rarest mechanic and boosts entire team damage by 50%+. If you already have Jiuyuan, Hayamu and Baicang are the runner-up picks.