Wuthering Waves is Kuro Games' open-world action RPG that directly competes with Genshin Impact but differentiates itself with a faster, more skill-based combat system and the unique Echo collection mechanic. The game launched on PC and mobile in May 2024 and has rapidly expanded its roster and endgame content. Its Echo system — where you absorb defeated enemy abilities and equip them as passive stat sources — replaces the artifact grind found in similar games. The darker sci-fi aesthetic and emphasis on aerial combat combos give Wuthering Waves its own identity in the gacha RPG space.
Your choice of equipment defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadblades | S | Jiyan, Calcharo | Heavy weapons with slow swings but high per-hit damage, used by characters like Jiyan and Calcharo. |
| Swords | A | Rover, Sword DPS characters | Balanced weapons with moderate speed and damage. |
| Pistols | A | Mortefi, ranged sub-DPS | Ranged weapons that enable safe damage at distance. |
| Gauntlets | B | Gauntlet DPS characters | Close-range brawler weapons with fast attack speed and built-in dodge-cancels. |
| Rectifiers | B | Verina, Encore | Catalyst-type weapons used by healers and Fusion/Spectro DPS characters. |
S-Tier: Broadblades
Heavy weapons with slow swings but high per-hit damage, used by characters like Jiyan and Calcharo. Best broadblades include Verdant Summit (5-star, Crit Rate substat) and Lustrous Razor. They reward commitment to full combo strings.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | Jiyan, Calcharo |
| Key Mechanic | echo system |
| Recommended Build | Rover |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Broadblades: Pairs naturally with Rover thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Swords
Balanced weapons with moderate speed and damage. Emerald of Genesis is the top 5-star option with Energy Regen substat. Swords work well for quick-swap playstyles where you don't stay on-field long.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Rover, Sword DPS characters |
| Key Mechanic | resonance chains |
| Recommended Build | Jiyan |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Swords: Pairs naturally with Jiyan thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Pistols
Ranged weapons that enable safe damage at distance. The auto-aim makes them accessible for mobile players. Pistol users typically serve as sub-DPS or Coordinated Attack triggers like Mortefi.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Mortefi, ranged sub-DPS |
| Key Mechanic | open world exploration |
| Recommended Build | Calcharo |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Pistols: Pairs naturally with Calcharo thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Gauntlets
Close-range brawler weapons with fast attack speed and built-in dodge-cancels. Gauntlet users like Xiangli Yao excel in sustained melee combat where you weave dodges between punches.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Gauntlet DPS characters |
| Key Mechanic | gacha characters |
| Recommended Build | Verina |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Gauntlets: Pairs naturally with Verina thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Rectifiers
Catalyst-type weapons used by healers and Fusion/Spectro DPS characters. Cosmic Ripples is Encore's best-in-slot, while Variation suits Verina. Rectifier users often have the most impactful Resonance Liberations.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Verina, Encore |
| Key Mechanic | stamina combat |
| Recommended Build | Encore |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Rectifiers: Pairs naturally with Encore thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Jinzhou
- Swords → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Pistols → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Broadblades → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Equipment Tips
- Always upgrade your primary equipment before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Soft pity starts at pull 66 on character banners. Save at least 80 pulls before starting a banner you want to guarantee.
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
More Wuthering Waves Guides
- Wuthering Waves Wuthering Waves Overview
- Wuthering Waves Best Builds
- Wuthering Waves Tier List
- Wuthering Waves Walkthrough
- Wuthering Waves Beginner's Guide
- Wuthering Waves Tips & Tricks
- Wuthering Waves Combat Guide
- Wuthering Waves Boss Guide
- Wuthering Waves Maps & Locations
- Wuthering Waves Crafting Guide
- Wuthering Waves Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Wuthering Waves, check out these related guides:
- Elden Ring Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Baldur's Gate 3 Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
