9.1/ 10

Verdict

Based on performance in the Tower of Adversity and against the toughest overworld bosses, cross-referenced across several major community rankings.

Wuthering Waves — official gameplay screenshot
Wuthering Waves — official screenshot — Wuthering Waves Steam store page (store.steampowered.com/app/3513350)

The current meta ranking of resonators, based on their performance in the Tower of Adversity and against the toughest overworld bosses, cross-referenced across several community sources rather than a single isolated opinion.

Methodology

Characters are evaluated at Sequence 0 (no duplicates) with a 5-star echo set, representing a realistic performance ceiling for a well-built account, not an extreme edge case. S-tier means meta-defining, usually the best (or tied for best) in its specific role. A-tier means strong and flexible, slightly behind S in raw numbers but a comfortable pick almost anywhere. B-tier means viable across all content once properly optimized, not a top pick but never dead weight.

SS Tier — the absolute top

  • Jinhsi — best main DPS in single-target
  • Camellya — the undisputed reference for AoE damage
  • Hiyuki, Sigrika, Aemeath, Cartethyia, Augusta — top-tier main DPS units
  • Shorekeeper — universal support, no real rival at her level
  • Cantarella — near-essential support for her team archetype

S Tier

  • Changli — a very solid main DPS, a good complement to Spectro/Havoc teams
  • Jiyan — remains the most reliable entry point for newer or less-invested accounts

Patch 3.5 new arrivals

Two brand new resonators launched with 3.5, and both slot in near the top immediately:

  • Yangyang: Xuanling — the first-ever SP (special) variant in the game. A stance-switching, Heavy Attack Havoc main DPS built entirely around the Havoc Bane mechanic, and one of the strongest hypercarries the archetype has seen.
  • Suisui — Yangyang's younger sister, finally playable after appearing only in lore and character stories. An HP-scaling support built around state-shifting mechanics, team-wide healing, and heavy elemental status amplification — she can sustain a team while dramatically boosting its damage output at the same time.

Current meta

Patch 3.5 confirms the dominance of Spectro and Havoc carries across most end-game content, with two team archetypes standing out in particular: Havoc Bane compositions (built around Yangyang: Xuanling) and Glacio Chafe teams. Versatile investments like Lynae, Aemeath and Mornye remain safe long-term picks, capable of clearing both the Tower of Adversity and Whimpering Wastes without needing a second full echo set.

Pros

  • Cross-references multiple community rankings
  • Updated with every patch
  • Clearly separates DPS and support

Cons

  • Assumes a near-optimal build (5-star echoes, sequence 0)
Is Jiyan still relevant in 2026?

Yes — he's no longer at the absolute top, but remains one of the most accessible and least investment-demanding DPS units for an account starting end-game content.

Should I pull for Shorekeeper?

It's not mandatory, but she remains the most versatile support in the game: she benefits nearly every composition, unlike more specialized supports.

Are Yangyang: Xuanling and Suisui worth pulling immediately?

If you're already invested in a Havoc Bane team, Xuanling is close to a must-pull hypercarry. Suisui is more of a quality-of-life and damage-amplification upgrade — strong, but less urgent than a dedicated new main DPS unless your current support is struggling to keep up.

Alex
Editor

Testeur end-game, 800+ h en jeu, Diamant. Chaque build est testé en conditions réelles avant publication.