Combat plays a vital role in Wuthering Waves, offering players a diverse range of enemies to encounter and battle while looking into different areas and working toward their objectives. Developing a strong grasp of the combat system allows for better performance in fights.
It also plays a part in helping players maximize the effectiveness of each Resonator and optimize team compositions for various situations. A Gacha mechanic called Convene is used in Wuthering Waves, featuring a structured yet intricate Pity System, which is outlined in detail in this guide.
Heavy Attacks deliver powerful strikes but consume stamina (Photo: Wuthering Waves/A-1 Pictures and Aniplex)Combat System in Wuthering Waves
The combat mechanics in Wuthering Waves are both fluid and engaging, making them one of the most enjoyable aspects of the game. While achieving mastery may take some dedication, the rewards are well worth the effort.
Learning how to execute devastating combos, determine which characters excel in specific roles, and apply deeper knowledge to character builds will enhance gameplay considerably.
Attacks
Basic Attacks serve as the most frequently used offensive moves and are triggered by pressing the left mouse button. These attacks do not have a cooldown and are always available. The speed and animation of Basic Attacks differ based on the selected Resonator and weapon type.
Holding down the Basic Attack button executes a Heavy Attack, which consumes stamina but delivers a more powerful strike.
Dodging and Parrying
Each enemy follows a specific attack pattern, so learning when to dodge or parry is essential for setting up counterattacks. Dodging requires precise timing. Press the right mouse button just before an enemy attack lands to evade the hit.
Parrying is performed by pressing the attack button (left mouse button by default) right before an enemy strike connects. Executing a perfect parry can stagger or immobilize the enemy, opening opportunities for additional attacks and combos.
Forte Circuit
Every Resonator is equipped with a Forte Circuit, one of their two unique skills. The charge level of this ability is displayed just above the character’s health bar. Players can build up charge in the Forte Circuit bar by attacking enemies.
Once fully charged, pressing the key indicated at the end of the meter activates the Forte Circuit, unleashing a powerful move unique to the character. The key or key combination required to trigger a Forte Circuit varies depending on the Resonator.
Resonance Skills & Resonance Liberation
Resonance Skills are special abilities unique to each Resonator, typically delivering a high-impact attack or effect. These skills come with a cooldown period after each use. By default, Resonance Skills are mapped to the E key, and once activated, they remain unavailable until the cooldown timer resets.
Intro and Outro Skills
Swapping Resonators during combat can trigger Intro and Outro Skills, providing additional tactical advantages. An icon appears over a Resonator’s portrait on the right-hand side of the screen when their Intro Skill is ready.
To activate an Intro Skill, players must press the button assigned to that Resonator. The incoming character will execute their skill upon entering the battle, while the outgoing character may also activate their Outro Skill if they have one.
Echoes and Sonata Effects
Echoes are collectible items that can be equipped to Resonators, granting them additional buffs and unique abilities. These items are obtained by defeating enemies in different locations. Some enemies leave behind spectral remnants called Echoes, which can be absorbed.
Players can equip one main Echo and up to four additional Echoes, provided they do not exceed the Resonator’s maximum Echo cost. The main Echo not only grants buffs but also provides an active skill that can be used in combat.
These abilities range from offensive attacks to transformation effects and healing. Additional Echoes contribute buffs but do not offer active abilities like the main Echo. Equipping multiple Echoes that share the same Sonata on a single Resonator can activate Sonata Effects, granting additional buffs.
Choosing Echoes that complement each other and align with a Resonator’s abilities enhances their effectiveness in battle, making them more powerful in combat scenarios.