Wuthering Waves Game Guide: Everything You Should Know

Wuthering Waves is an action RPG that can be played on both PC and mobile devices. It features a realistic anime-inspired art style, fast-paced combat, and an open-world setting.

The game includes an optional co-op mode, but its core experience is designed for single players. Being a gacha game, it generates revenue through characters that are introduced at different intervals.

Players can acquire these characters using in-game currency that can be earned over time or purchased with real money. Those interested in trying the game often have several questions, such as:

• Does the game require spending money to succeed?

• Is it engaging enough to invest time in?

• What activities are available?

• Is the gameplay enjoyable?

• How strong is the story?

• Can new players still start without feeling behind?

All of these concerns will be addressed in this introduction and review of Wuthering Waves.

Monetization

Many players quickly dismiss a game if they believe it forces them to spend money to make progress. However, opinions vary on when a game becomes pay-to-win. By certain definitions, most MMORPGs could be seen that way.

In the case of Wuthering Waves, it is quite clear that paying provides an advantage. While it is free to play, spending money allows players to obtain characters faster, bypass in-game time restrictions, and enhance their character power much quicker than those who play without spending.

This may seem discouraging, but only if the goal is to be the strongest player without making purchases. Progressing through the game and enjoying it without spending money is very possible as long as these key points are understood:

The game is primarily a solo experience, meaning there is no direct competition with other players.
Keeping up with the latest content is not necessary to enjoy the game, as it is designed for casual play.
Even at higher levels, player skill still plays a major role in overcoming challenges, regardless of how much money has been spent.

Developing a successful game requires substantial funding, so it makes sense that revenue generation is a priority. However, if monetization methods feel manipulative or hidden, players may lose trust in the developers and the industry.

Kuro Games, the developer, is transparent about how monetization works in Wuthering Waves. Players essentially gamble for characters and weapons, but drop rates are clearly displayed.

Additionally, a pity system ensures that players have an increased chance of obtaining a character or weapon after multiple attempts.

While this method is not ideal for players, it remains one of the most effective ways for developers to earn revenue. If the game provides value and the funds are used to improve it, some players may find this approach acceptable.

Kuro Games also offers generous in-game rewards, especially for new players and limited-time events. They have acknowledged past mistakes, adjusted the game based on feedback, and compensated players with free rewards. Events have also been introduced to provide more resources requested by the community.

Although the presence of gambling mechanics and pay-to-win elements is undeniable, it is evident that the developers care about creating a good experience for players.

Action Combat

One of the most important aspects of a game that people spend hours playing is how enjoyable the combat is. In Wuthering Waves, the battle system is one of its strongest features.

Unlike some gacha games that focus more on story or progression systems, this game emphasizes fast and engaging combat. Players will notice similarities with the Devil May Cry series, as battles feature combos and dynamic boss fights.

Each player controls one character at a time but can switch between three team members, each with unique skills and playstyles. The way characters interact with one another adds depth to the gameplay. Animations are smooth, and the audio-visual effects enhance the experience, making every action feel impactful.

Dodge mechanics and parrying systems reward players who time their moves correctly, encouraging skillful play rather than relying on brute force. This allows skilled players to overcome obstacles even when their characters are not at the highest level or part of the most effective team compositions.

While there are moments when upgrading characters is necessary, knowledge and execution remain crucial for success. This focus on rewarding player skill makes Wuthering Waves more appealing to Western audiences compared to other games in the genre.

Single-Player MMO

Although Wuthering Waves is an ongoing live-service game with the option to join other players’ worlds, it is largely a single-player experience.

Players work on improving their characters over time, completing daily tasks that encourage continued engagement. Similarly, MMOs are designed to keep players logging in regularly so that there is always an active player base.

Some people enjoy the social aspect of MMOs, but others prefer to play at their own pace without external pressure. Many realize that interacting with others can sometimes slow down progress or disrupt personal goals.

While they like the idea of being part of a larger game world, they may choose to play alone while knowing other players are around.

Wuthering Waves provides a similar experience, but without the ability to display accomplishments to other players. Reaching personal goals is still satisfying, but the absence of a visible audience may make the experience feel solitary.

More cooperative content, such as group dungeons or world bosses, could enhance the multiplayer aspect, but this might also lead to issues like skill gaps between paid and free players.

A scenario where a player with fully upgraded characters is matched with someone using lower-tier characters on a mobile device could create an unbalanced experience.

Social media has changed how people engage with games. Instead of interacting within the game itself, players share experiences on platforms like Reddit and YouTube.

This allows for optional social engagement, where players can either enjoy the game independently or seek out community discussions and strategies.

Game Modes

Wuthering Waves offers an open-world experience with various activities to keep players engaged. Some of the main activities include:

• Following the main storyline

• Exploring different areas

• Completing quests

• Collecting resources

• Leveling up characters

• Capturing monsters

• Taking on challenges in the Tower of Adversity

• Testing skills in the Illusive Realm

• Facing enemies in Hologram battles

The main story serves as an introduction to the game’s mechanics and gradually unlocks additional features. While progressing, players will also come across side quests and treasure chests scattered throughout the world.

These chests, often guarded by enemies or hidden behind puzzles, contribute to entire map completion. Achieving full exploration in every area can be a satisfying goal.

As players advance, their characters grow stronger, and enemy difficulty scales accordingly to maintain a balanced challenge. Progression leads to new obstacles and additional game content.

One of the primary ways to enhance characters is through the Echo system. This feature allows players to defeat monsters, equip their Echo abilities, and upgrade them to boost stats. It shares similarities with Pokémon, as most enemies have Echoes that can be collected.

Since the stats of these Echoes vary, players can customize characters to fit their preferred playstyles. This adds an extra layer of strategy, as certain Echoes must be obtained to optimize character builds.

Improving character strength is a key aspect of Wuthering Waves, and most game activities contribute to this goal. Players who enjoy pushing their limits can engage with the challenging endgame content.

The Tower of Adversity consists of consecutive battles where players must clear each stage to advance. Since characters have usage limits, success requires leveling multiple teams. This mode is more relevant for experienced players with well-developed rosters but serves as a long-term goal for newcomers.

The Illusive Realm introduces a roguelike twist to combat. Players choose a character and progress through increasingly difficult levels while gaining new upgrades along the way.

These upgrades can alter a character’s abilities, creating different playstyles. Gear is not as important in this mode, making it appealing to those who may not have invested heavily in character progression but still want an engaging challenge.