In Wuthering Waves, elements have been a crucial aspect of gameplay since its inception, primarily enhancing character performance and affecting enemy resistances. Unlike other titles such as Genshin Impact, Wuthering Waves has not traditionally focused on elemental reactions or deep team synergies. However, with the Version 2.0 update, the game has introduced significant changes to its elemental system, including new Echo sets and character reworks. A key addition is the ability for characters to apply and benefit from Elemental Effects, which now facilitate more direct interactions rather than merely serving as passive buffs or resistances. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding Elemental Effects in Wuthering Waves.
All Elemental Status Effects and Debuffs in Wuthering Waves
Elemental Effects have been part of Wuthering Waves from the start, initially applied only by certain enemies. Players may remember encountering these effects, especially with elements like Glacio, where enemies such as Lampylumen Myriad could freeze the active character. It's essential to understand that all six elements in the game have unique effects that players must consider, with most elements featuring a Damage over Time (DoT) effect.
Each element has a distinct status effect that impacts players differently during combat. These effects are applied through respective elemental attacks. Players can remove these stacks by dodging, which is crucial for managing negative status effects on their resonators.
| Elemental Effect | Effect Description |
|---|---|
| Havoc Bane | - While Havoc Bane Effect lasts, the number of its stacks is automatically increased by 1 periodically, stacking up to 2 times. - When 2 stacks are reached, all stacks will be removed to deal Havoc DMG, and reapplying Havoc Bane Effect to nearby Characters. |
| Glacio Chafe | - Each stack of Frost Chafe Effect will reduce target's movement speed. Each stack increases the debuff's intensity. - On max stacks (10 stacks), the resonator will be Frozen. Players can "Struggle" to accelerate the recovery time from Frozen. |
| Spectro Frazzle | - While Spectro Frazzle Effect lasts, the number of its stacks is automatically reduced by 1 to deal Spectro DMG to the target. - Having more stacks allows it to deal more Spectro DMG over time. |
| Fusion Burst | - Stacks up to 10 stacks (unless removed), and upon reaching max stacks, creates an explosion and deals great Fusion DMG to the character. |
| Aero Erosion | - While Aero Erosion lasts, it deals Aero DMG to the target periodically. Unlike Spectro, the stacks aren't lost to deal the DMG over time. - Having more stacks allows it to deal more Aero DMG over time. |
| Electro Flare | - Target's attack is reduced based on the stacks' amount: - 1-4 Stacks: ATK -5%. - 5-9 Stacks: ATK -7%, and applies Magnetized effect which can affect movement. - 10 Stacks: ATK -10%. |
Elemental Effect-Related Resonators, Echoes, and Echo Sets
While Wuthering Waves hints at a potential shift towards more active use of Elemental Effects with Resonators, as of the Version 2.0 update, this mechanic remains somewhat niche. It is currently limited to a few Resonators, Echoes, or Echo sets specifically designed to interact with these effects.
Resonators That Can Apply Elemental Effects
- Spectro Rover: As of the Version 2.0 update, Spectro Rover is the only character capable of applying Elemental Effects, thanks to a rework. After completing the Version 2.0 storyline, players can access this optimized Spectro Rover. No other character, including those in Havoc Rover, can apply Elemental Effects similarly. Spectro Rover's Resonance Skill’s Resonating Spin variant applies 2 stacks of Spectro Frazzle to enemies and also applies the Shimmer effect, preventing Spectro Frazzle stacks from decreasing over time. This allows Spectro Rover to maintain consistent stacks, which is particularly beneficial for leveraging buffs from specific Echoes and Echo sets that rely on Spectro Frazzle.
Echoes and Echo Sets Related to Elemental Effects
Currently, only one Echo set and its corresponding Echo benefit from Elemental Effects, specifically tailored for Spectro Rover. No other character can currently utilize these:
- Echo Set - Eternal Radiance: 2pc: Spectro DMG +10%. 5pc: Inflicting enemies with Spectro Frazzle increases Crit. Rate by 20% for 15s. Attacking enemies with 10 stacks of Spectro Frazzle grants 15% Spectro DMG Bonus for 15s.
- Echo - Nightmare: Mourning Aix: Mourning Aix attacks surrounding enemies, dealing 273.60% Spectro DMG. DMG dealt to enemies inflicted by Spectro Frazzle is increased by 100.00%. The Resonator with this Echo equipped in their main slot gains 12.00% Spectro DMG Bonus.
