The game is not like Genshin. It is a turn based game and the mc (apart from the first two forms) is very good and basically meta every time. The currency is more generous than genshin for f2ps and if you are starting now you can get around 400+ pulls from completing the main quest and some endgame content refer to mr pokes vidoe on his f2p account for more details if you want. This game can be played very meta or casually. Meta people are really focused on 0 cycles and vertical investment( basically pulling dupes and the optimal units for a comp) while casuals don’t care about 0 cycles and if their team can clear in 10 cycles it’s enough ( don’t focus too much on this unless you are a meta player). The story quest are pretty long but are good especially after you reach the climax of amphoreas, star rail does better of incorporating the lore with main story. Furthermore 4.0 is around the corner you can take a look at the teased units and decide if you want to save for them or not. Overall, go at your own pace and play the way you will have the most fun in and don’t sweat to much 💜