Wuthering Waves has quickly become one of the most talked‑about action RPGs thanks to its high‑speed combat, deep Resonator roster, and skill‑based gameplay. As the game evolves, so does the character tier list—some Resonators dominate all content, while others shine only in specific situations.
This guide is built from first-hand analysis of character performance in the current meta, considering damage output, utility, ease of play, and synergy potential. We’ve broken them into three main tiers: Apex, Meta, and Niche.
Characters Tire List
Apex Characters (SS Tier)
These characters are meta-defining—they work in almost any team and deliver top-tier performance in endgame content like Tower of Adversity or boss farming. If you have them, they should be your priority investments.
- Jinhsi (Spectro – 5★)
An explosive Main DPS who excels at chaining combos for massive burst damage. Her kit rewards precision, and her mobility makes her a safe yet high-damage pick. - Camellya (Glacio – 5★)
Specializes in sustained single-target damage. Her consistent output makes her a boss-killing machine, and her skill uptime is one of the best in the game. - Carlotta (Havoc – 5★)
A flexible powerhouse capable of serving as Main DPS or strong Sub-DPS. Her kit adapts to multiple playstyles, making her viable in nearly every scenario. - Verina (Spectro – 5★)
The most complete support/healer in Wuthering Waves. She boosts team Crit Rate, heals consistently, and fits into any composition. - Shorekeeper (Glacio – 5★)
Offers reliable healing, shields, and passive buffs. A safe choice for tougher content where survivability matters. - Phoebe (Fusion – 5★)
A potent Sub-DPS who deals strong off-field damage. Great in quick‑swap teams. - Brant (Havoc – 5★)
Can operate as both Main DPS and support DPS. Works well in Havoc‑focused compositions. - Zani (Aero – 5★)
Excels in Aero erosion teams and pairs perfectly with Ciaccona and Cartethyia. - Ciaccona (Aero – 5★)
Brings powerful AoE attacks and high burst potential for large enemy waves. - Cartethyia (Aero – 5★)
Often the centerpiece of Aero comps, she provides team‑wide synergy and massive elemental damage.
Meta Characters (S–A Tier)
These characters are consistently strong and can carry or support teams in most situations. They might not define the meta, but they are excellent picks.
- Jiyan (Aero – 5★)
Fast attacks and strong AoE make him a safe Main DPS choice. Great for clearing mobs quickly. - Yinlin (Electro – 5★)
One of the best Sub-DPS options. She delivers constant off-field damage while amplifying her team’s DPS. - Changli (Fusion – 5★)
A high-burst Fusion DPS who thrives with proper skill rotation timing. - Xiangli Yao (Aero – 5★)
Combines crowd control with respectable DPS. Good for controlling aggressive enemy groups. - Roccia (Havoc – 5★)
Brings strong burst Havoc damage and works well as an aggressive Sub-DPS. - Lupa (Fusion – 5★)
Great as a Fusion enabler in specialized teams. - Sanhua (Glacio – 4★)
A budget-friendly Sub-DPS with strong attack buffs. Surprisingly good for her rarity. - Encore (Fusion – 5★)
Delivers short but devastating bursts of Fusion damage. Requires precise execution. - Rover (Spectro/Havoc/Aero – 5★)
Flexible and free to obtain. Spectro and Havoc forms are solid; Aero is situational. - Mortefi (Fusion – 4★)
Strong in supporting Fusion damage rotations. - Danjin (Havoc – 4★)
Low-cost Havoc DPS with good synergy in budget teams. - Calcharo (Electro – 5★)
Aggressive Electro DPS. Pairs extremely well with Yinlin for max output.
Niche Characters (B–C Tier)
These characters can still be useful, but they shine only in specific roles or team setups. They are often outclassed by higher-tier picks.
- Jianxin (Aero – 5★)
Offers crowd control but lacks top-tier DPS. - Aalto (Aero – 4★)
Buffs Aero damage but is often replaced by stronger supports. - Yuanwu (Electro – 4★)
Provides area debuffs but needs ideal conditions to shine. - Baizhi (Glacio – 4★)
A healing alternative to Verina or Shorekeeper, but with lower overall utility. - Youhu (4★)
Has unique attack animations but low damage output in high-level play. - Lumi (4★)
Fun to use but struggles to compete in high-end content. - Lingyang (Glacio – 5★)
Has a unique kit but underperforms in the current meta. - Yangyang (Aero – 4★)
Decent early-game choice but quickly gets outclassed. - Taoqi (4★)
Primarily defensive—struggles to contribute meaningful DPS.
Tier Table
| Tier | Characters |
|---|---|
| Apex (SS) | Jinhsi, Camellya, Carlotta, Verina, Shorekeeper, Phoebe, Brant, Zani, Ciaccona, Cartethyia |
| Meta (S–A) | Jiyan, Yinlin, Changli, Xiangli Yao, Roccia, Lupa, Sanhua, Encore, Rover (Spectro/Havoc/Aero), Mortefi, Danjin, Calcharo |
| Niche (B–C) | Jianxin, Aalto, Yuanwu, Baizhi, Youhu, Lumi, Lingyang, Yangyang, Taoqi |