Wuthering Waves continues to evolve with each update, introducing powerful Resonators and shifting the meta. several characters stand out as top-tier picks for different roles, whether as Main DPS, Sub-DPS, or Support. This guide dives deep into Wuthering Waves best characters, covering optimal weapons, Echo sets, team compositions, and playstyles to maximize performance in challenging endgame content like Tower of Adversity (ToA) and Whimpering Wastes (WhiWa).
1. Wuthering Waves Best Characters: Cartethyia
Cartethyia has solidified her position as one of the strongest Main DPS characters in Wuthering Waves, particularly excelling in Aero Erosion teams. Her ability to deal massive damage independently makes her a versatile pick, though pairing her with Aero Erosion supports like Ciaccona and Rover (Aero) unlocks her full potential.
Best Weapon for Cartethyia
Her signature weapon, Stormchaser’s Edge, is the ideal choice, offering a substantial boost to Aero DMG and attack speed. If unavailable, Verdant Summit (Jiyan’s signature Broadblade) serves as a strong alternative, enhancing Heavy Attack DMG—a key part of Cartethyia’s rotation.
Optimal Echo Set
The Celestial Gale 5-piece set is her best-in-slot, increasing Aero DMG and providing a stacking buff after using Resonance Skills. For a hybrid setup, combining Celestial Gale (2-piece) with Molten Rift (2-piece) ensures balanced damage output while maintaining flexibility.
Team Compositions
- Premium Aero Team: Cartethyia (Main DPS), Ciaccona (Sub-DPS), Rover (Aero) (Support)
- F2P-Friendly Option: Cartethyia, Taoqi (Sub-DPS), Baizhi (Support)
Cartethyia thrives in fast-paced rotations where her Aero Erosion stacks are continuously applied, making her indispensable for high-difficulty content.
2. Brant: The Versatile Fusion DPS
Brant has risen to SS-tier thanks to his unparalleled versatility, excelling as both a Main DPS and Sub-DPS. His self-sustain, mid-air combat superiority, and synergy with Fusion teams make him a must-have for endgame players.
Best Weapon for Brant
His signature weapon, Wildfire Mark, enhances his ATK and Resonance Liberation DMG while providing team-wide buffs. If unavailable, Ages of Harvest (Jinhsi’s signature weapon) is an excellent substitute, boosting Resonance Skill DMG.
Optimal Echo Set
The Flaming Clawprint 5-piece set is ideal, increasing Fusion DMG and amplifying team-wide damage after using Resonance Liberation. For beginners, a hybrid Flaming Clawprint (2-piece) + Molten Rift (2-piece) setup ensures consistent damage output.
Team Compositions
- Premium Fusion Team: Brant (Main DPS), Lupa (Sub-DPS), Changli (Support)
- Budget Fusion Team: Brant, Mortefi (Sub-DPS), Baizhi (Support)
Brant’s ability to heal while dealing high damage makes him a self-sufficient unit, perfect for players who prefer flexible rotations.
3. Lupa: The Fusion Support Enabler
Lupa is the premier Fusion support, elevating Mono-Fusion teams to new heights. While her personal damage is modest, her Fusion DMG buffs and RES shred make her invaluable for Brant and Changli comps.
Best Weapon for Lupa
Her signature weapon, Wildfire Mark, synergizes perfectly with her kit, offering Crit DMG and team-wide DMG bonuses. Alternatives like Verdant Summit or Lustrous Razor provide solid stat boosts if her signature isn’t available.
Optimal Echo Set
The Flaming Clawprint 5-piece set is her best option, enhancing Fusion DMG for the entire team. A hybrid Flaming Clawprint (2-piece) + Molten Rift (2-piece) setup works well for early-game players.
Team Compositions
- Premium Fusion Team: Lupa (Support), Brant (Main DPS), Changli (Sub-DPS)
- F2P Fusion Team: Lupa, Chixia (Main DPS), Mortefi (Sub-DPS)
Lupa’s role is niche but transformative—she turns strong Fusion DPS characters into unstoppable forces.
4. Zani: The Spectro Frazzle Specialist
Zani is a top-tier Spectro DPS who excels in Frazzle-based teams. Her ability to parry attacks and convert Frazzle stacks into massive damage makes her a high-skill, high-reward character.
Best Weapon for Zani
Her signature weapon, Blazing Justice, amplifies Spectro Frazzle DMG and ignores enemy DEF. If unavailable, Tragicomedy (boosting Heavy Attack DMG) is a strong alternative.
Optimal Echo Set
The Eternal Radiance 5-piece set maximizes her Frazzle DMG, with Capitaneus as the best Main Echo. For early-game players, Celestial Light provides a decent Spectro DMG boost.
Team Compositions
- Premium Spectro Team: Zani (Main DPS), Phoebe (Sub-DPS), Shorekeeper (Support)
- F2P Spectro Team: Zani, Rover (Spectro) (Sub-DPS), Verina (Support)
Zani’s reliance on Frazzle mechanics means she performs best in dedicated Spectro teams, but her damage output justifies the investment.
5. Wuthering Waves Best Characters: Shorekeeper
Shorekeeper remains one of the best supports in Wuthering Waves, offering Crit buffs, healing, and K.O. prevention. Her versatility makes her a staple in almost every meta team.
Best Weapon for Shorekeeper
Her signature weapon, Tideswell, enhances team-wide Crit Rate and Energy Regen. If unavailable, Autumntrace (BP weapon) provides solid Crit Rate and ATK buffs.
Optimal Echo Set
The Moonlit Clouds 5-piece set is ideal, boosting Energy Regen and team ATK. Alternatively, Rejuvenating Glow enhances her healing capabilities.
Team Compositions
- Universal Support: Shorekeeper fits into almost any team, including:
- Cartethyia + Ciaccona (Aero Erosion)
- Brant + Lupa (Fusion)
- Zani + Phoebe (Spectro Frazzle)
Shorekeeper’s ability to amplify team damage while sustaining survivability makes her indispensable for high-level play.
Building Wuthering Waves best characters requires understanding their synergies, optimal gear, and team dynamics. Cartethyia, Brant, Lupa, Zani, and Shorekeeper currently dominate the meta, each excelling in their respective roles. By optimizing their weapons, Echo sets, and team comps, players can tackle the toughest challenges with ease.
For more detailed guides on individual characters, check out the latest tier lists and build recommendations
you can also check Wuthering Waves vs. Genshin: Combat, Explore, and Gacha.