Wuthering Waves vs. Genshin Impact: Which Has the Better Combat System?

The release of another gacha-based action RPG has naturally sparked comparisons between Wuthering Waves and the widely recognized Genshin Impact. Abbreviated as WuWa, the game has made an impressive entry into the market, surpassing 50 million preregistrations.

While its early days were marked by technical difficulties, quick fixes ensured smoother gameplay. To compensate for the initial issues, Kuro Games provided generous in-game rewards, which gave players confidence in the game’s future.

Gacha System and Pity Rates – A Generous Approach

Players have responded positively to Wuthering Waves’ approach to its gacha and pity system. A guaranteed standard 5-Star character is awarded after 50 pulls on the beginner banner, followed by another banner where players receive a selected standard 5-Star character after a maximum of 80 pulls.

Limited banners retain the 50/50 system, while weapon banners are separate and feature a guaranteed pull at 80 wishes. While gacha mechanics always involve an element of risk, WuWa’s system is structured in a way that feels more rewarding than many of its counterparts.

Familiar Features with a Unique Touch

Even though Wuthering Waves shares some mechanics with Genshin Impact, it distinguishes itself in various ways that could leave a lasting impression.

Similarities Between Wuthering Waves and Genshin Impact

Drawing Inspiration from a Popular Formula

Many action RPGs borrow concepts from each other, and WuWa is no exception. One of the most apparent similarities between Wuthering Waves and Genshin Impact is their expansive open-world maps. Both titles offer a rich environment filled with side quests and puzzles.

Some challenges focus on study, while others involve races, battles, or mechanics-based problem-solving. The level of difficulty depends on the player, but neither game presents overwhelmingly complex obstacles. The way teams are structured in WuWa closely mirrors Genshin Impact, albeit with a slight variation.

Instead of four-character teams, Wuthering Waves utilizes a three-character system. Players have access to six elemental affinities, with four being direct parallels to Genshin: Fusion (Pyro), Glacio (Cryo), Electro, and Aero (Anemo).

The remaining two, Havoc and Spectro, bear similarities to Quantum and Imaginary from Honkai: Star Rail, another gacha RPG by HoYoverse. Character progression also follows a familiar pattern.

Each character wields one of five weapon types, and instead of Genshin’s Artifact system, Wuthering Waves introduces Echoes, which function comparably.

Character abilities include five upgradeable skills: Basic Attack, Resonance Skill, Forte Circuit, Resonance Liberation, and Intro Skill. The skill structure largely mirrors Genshin, with Forte Circuit and Intro Skill being unique additions.

Key Differences That Set Wuthering Waves Apart

A More Interactive and Accessible Grind

Despite their shared mechanics, Wuthering Waves introduces several elements that differentiate it from Genshin Impact. Combat mechanics in WuWa lean toward a soulslike experience, incorporating precise dodging and parrying mechanics.

Successfully executing a perfect dodge grants brief invulnerability, while well-timed parries allow players to mitigate damage. These techniques become particularly crucial in boss battles, where stagger bars must be depleted to render enemies vulnerable and increase damage output.

Another contrast lies in elemental interactions. Unlike Genshin Impact, which emphasizes elemental reactions, WuWa prioritizes team synergy through buffs rather than reaction-based damage. The Echo system introduces further variations.

Unlike Genshin’s Artifact system, where sub-stats are acquired randomly, Echoes are obtained through defeating enemies or clearing Echo fields. Each Echo comes with two main stats and one of three cost levels. Upon reaching the maximum level, tuning allows sub-stats to be unlocked.

Instead of rolling for ideal sub-stats as in Genshin, Echoes provide maxed sub-stats from the outset, making the grinding process feel more rewarding and efficient. Although Wuthering Waves has made a strong impression, one area where it falls short is storytelling.

The story can sometimes feel overloaded with exposition, making certain story moments feel rushed. While there is a general direction to the plot, much of the engagement is carried by the compelling gameplay.

Genshin Impact’s storytelling at launch was far from perfect, but it introduced stronger character development and a more solid story foundation in comparison.

Is Wuthering Waves Already a Better Game Than Genshin Impact?

What Healthy Competition Brings to the Table

After overcoming early technical hurdles, Wuthering Waves has positioned itself as a worthy competitor to Genshin Impact, provided there are no major setbacks. Whether one game is superior to the other will depend on individual preferences regarding gameplay and story depth.

However, several systems in WuWa have introduced features that players have long requested in Genshin. A straightforward yet appreciated improvement is movement mechanics. In Genshin, characters must slowly climb walls, whereas WuWa allows players to run up vertical surfaces, reducing downtime.

Small quality-of-life changes like this contribute to a smoother gameplay experience. While the gacha system remains controversial, Wuthering Waves has taken steps to offer better rates and guarantees than some of its competitors.

The game’s success will depend on how Kuro Games continues to develop and refine its mechanics, ensuring longevity in a highly competitive market. Even if WuWa does not surpass Genshin Impact, its presence benefits both games.

A rival in the genre pushes developers to enhance their titles, leading to improved content and features that benefit players. Some speculate that Genshin’s rumored increase in Resin limits was a response to the overwhelming interest in Wuthering Waves.

However, it is also possible that the change is related to an upcoming level expansion. Regardless, those willing to invest time in both games may see meaningful improvements emerge as a result of this competition.

Side-by-side comparisons between these two games are inevitable unless one undergoes a dramatic overhaul. WuWa has tried to introduce distinct mechanics and gameplay elements, rather than simply replicating Genshin Impact under a new title.

There is still room for growth and refinement, but the strong launch and positive reception have given Wuthering Waves the resources needed to build upon its foundation and thrive in the long run.