Build powerful team compositions to dominate enemies (Photo: Wuthering Waves/A-1 Pictures and Aniplex)

Wuthering Waves Combat System Explained: How it Works

Master the combat system and unleash devastating combos.

Engaging in battles plays a fundamental role in Wuthering Waves, with a diverse range of enemies appearing as players explore various regions and strive to achieve their objectives.

A thorough understanding of the combat system allows players to refine their strategies, ensuring they can maximize the strengths of each

Resonator and create effective team compositions. Mastering these mechanics enhances the entire gameplay efficiency and makes combat encounters more rewarding.

The Pity System in Convene adds depth to the summoning experience (Photo: Wuthering Waves/A-1 Pictures and Aniplex)

The game employs a Gacha-based summoning system called Convene, which includes a structured yet intricate Pity System, detailed further in this guide.

Combat System in Wuthering Waves

An action-packed combat system brings a high level of excitement to Wuthering Waves, making it one of the most enjoyable aspects of the game. While mastering it may take some practice, the effort is well worth it.

Players who gain expertise in these mechanics can unleash powerful combos, identify the best character synergies, and develop more effective Resonator builds.

Attacks

Among all offensive moves, Basic Attacks are the most frequently used and are executed by pressing the left mouse button. These attacks are continuously available without a cooldown period. The speed and style of Basic Attacks differ based on the Resonator and weapon currently in use.

Holding the Basic Attack button allows players to perform a Heavy Attack, which consumes stamina but delivers stronger damage output.

Dodging and Parrying

Each enemy follows a recognizable attack pattern, making it essential to learn precise timing for dodges and parries to counter effectively.

Dodging requires pressing the right mouse button just before an enemy strike lands. A well-timed dodge can allow players to reposition and avoid damage altogether.

Parrying, however, involves pressing the attack button (left mouse button by default) right before an enemy’s attack makes contact. Executing a perfect parry can stagger or even paralyze the opponent, opening them up for additional combos and follow-up strikes.

Forte Circuit

Every Resonator possesses a Forte Circuit, a unique ability that operates on a charge system displayed above the character’s health bar. To build up the Forte Circuit meter, players must continuously land attacks on enemies.

Once the meter is fully charged, the assigned key at the end of the meter must be pressed to unleash a devastating move. The activation key or key combination varies for different Resonators, ensuring distinct combat styles among characters.

Resonance Skills and Resonance Liberation

Each Resonator has a distinct set of Resonance Skills, which usually involve executing a powerful burst attack or ability. These skills function with a cooldown system, temporarily preventing their use after activation. By default, Resonance Skills are mapped to the E key and remain inaccessible until the cooldown period ends.

Intro and Outro Skills

Switching characters in battle triggers automatic abilities known as Intro and Outro Skills, enhancing the effectiveness of Resonator rotations. When an Intro Skill is available, an icon appears above the character’s portrait on the right side of the screen.

To activate it, players must press the assigned button corresponding to the Resonator they wish to bring into battle. This action causes the new character to perform their Intro Skill upon entering, while the exiting Resonator may activate their Outro Skill if applicable.

Echoes and Sonata Effects

Equippable collectibles known as Echoes provide additional buffs and special abilities to Resonators, increasing their combat potential.

Refine your tactics and maximize efficiency in every encounter (Photo: Wuthering Waves/A-1 Pictures and Aniplex)

To acquire Echoes, players must defeat specific enemies throughout the game world. Occasionally, these enemies will leave behind spectral remnants called Echoes, which can be absorbed upon interaction.

Each Resonator can equip one Echo in the primary slot, along with up to four additional Echoes in secondary slots, provided they stay within the character’s maximum cost limit.

The Echo placed in the main slot grants both a buff and a unique ability usable in combat, which can include offensive moves, transformations, healing effects, and more.

Echoes in secondary slots contribute passive stat boosts but do not provide an additional skill like the main Echo does. Equipping multiple Echoes that share the same Sonata type on a single Resonator activates bonus effects known as Sonata Effects.

By selecting Echoes that complement the character’s existing skills, players can enhance combat performance, making each Resonator more effective in battle.