Wuthering Waves’ Version 2.1, Waves Sing, and the Cerulean Bird Calls, introduces new characters, mechanics, and challenges. With the meta constantly evolving, players need to know which characters dominate the tier list for endgame content. This guide breaks down the top 10 meta characters in 2.1, their roles, synergies, and why they’re essential for competitive play.
Top 10 Meta Characters in Wuthering Waves 2.1
Here’s the definitive ranking of the strongest characters as of February 2025, based on performance in endgame modes like Tower of Adversity and Whimpering Wastes.
1. Camellya (Havoc | Main DPS)
Why Dominant:
Camellya reigns as the premier Havoc DPS, excelling in AoE and burst damage. Her kit synergizes with Basic Attack and Havoc DMG amplification, making her a powerhouse when paired with Sub-DPS like Roccia. She rivals even Jinhsi in raw damage output and thrives in Havoc-focused teams .
Best Team: Camellya + Roccia (Sub-DPS) + Shorekeeper (Support).
2. Jinhsi (Spectro | Main DPS)
Why Dominant:
Jinhsi’s Resonance Skill and Liberation burst enemies with unmatched multipliers. Her ability to stack Incandescence for explosive damage cements her as a top-tier Spectro DPS. Pair her with Zhezhi for Resonance Skill buffs and Shorekeeper for crit boosts .
Best Team: Jinhsi + Zhezhi (Sub-DPS) + Shorekeeper (Support).
3. Shorekeeper (Support)
Why Dominant:
The ultimate support, Shorekeeper provides team-wide crit buffs, healing, and damage amplification. Her versatility and future-proof design make her indispensable in meta teams, especially with DPS like Jinhsi or Camellya .
Best Team: Shorekeeper + Jinhsi/Camellya + Yinlin.
4. Yinlin (Electro | Sub-DPS)
Why Dominant:
Yinlin’s off-field Electro coordinated attacks and Liberation DMG buffs make her a staple in Electro teams. She synergizes perfectly with Xiangli Yao and Calcharo, enabling high burst rotations .
Best Team: Xiangli Yao + Yinlin + Shorekeeper.
5. Verina (Spectro | Support)
Why Dominant:
Verina remains the best healer, offering off-field Spectro DMG, healing, and damage buffs. While overshadowed by Shorekeeper’s crit boosts, she’s a top F2P-friendly option .
Best Team: Verina + Jiyan + Mortefi.
6. Mortefi (Fusion | Sub-DPS)
Why Dominant:
This 4-star gem boosts Heavy Attack DMG by 20% and triggers off-field Fusion attacks. His Resonance Chain unlocks team-wide ATK buffs, making him a budget-friendly meta pick .
Best Team: Jiyan/Encore + Mortefi + Verina.
7. Calcharo (Electro | Main DPS)
Why Dominant:
Calcharo’s Electro burst and agility shine in single-target scenarios. Paired with Yinlin, he becomes a lethal force, though his clunky mechanics keep him just below S-tier .
Best Team: Calcharo + Yinlin + Verina.
8. Zhezhi (Glacio | Sub-DPS)
Why Dominant:
Zhezhi amplifies Resonance Skill and Glacio DMG while dealing off-field damage. She’s Carlotta’s best partner and elevates Jinhsi’s burst potential .
Best Team: Carlotta/Jinhsi + Zhezhi + Shorekeeper.
9. Xiangli Yao (Electro | Main DPS)
Why Dominant:
A free 5-star unit, Xiangli Yao excels in Liberation DMG. His synergy with Yinlin’s buffs makes him a top Electro DPS for F2P players .
Best Team: Xiangli Yao + Yinlin + Shorekeeper.
10. Changli (Fusion | Main DPS)
Why Dominant:
Changli’s self-buffing Ultimate and Fusion DMG potential are stellar, but her niche team requirements hold her back. Future updates may elevate her with better synergies .
Best Team: Changli + Zhezhi + Shorekeeper.
FAQs: Wuthering Waves 2.1 Meta
Q1: Why isn’t Phoebe (2.1’s new Spectro character) on the list?
Phoebe’s banner releases on February 13, 2025. Early testing suggests she’ll be a strong Spectro DPS/Support hybrid, but her meta impact is still unconfirmed .
Q2: Is Verina still viable without Shorekeeper?
Yes! Verina remains a top healer, especially for F2P players. Shorekeeper is preferred for crit-focused teams, but Verina’s healing and Spectro utility are unmatched .
Q3: Which 4-star characters are worth building?
Mortefi (Sub-DPS), Sanhua (Basic Attack buffer), and Yangyang (Energy Regen) are meta-relevant. Sanhua especially shines with Camellya .
Q4: How does the new auto-equip feature in 2.1 help?
The auto-equip system recommends optimal Echoes based on Sonata Effects, streamlining build creation for new players .
Q5: Should I pull for Brant or Changli’s rerun?
Brant (Fusion DPS) is new, but Changli’s rerun offers proven burst potential. Prioritize based on team needs—Changli suits Fusion comps, while Brant’s kit is still under review .
Conclusion
Version 2.1’s meta revolves around Havoc and Spectro DPS units like Camellya and Jinhsi, supported by Shorekeeper’s crit buffs. While new characters like Phoebe and Brant may shift rankings, the current top 10 remain dominant. For more details, check Game8’s Tier List or TheGamer’s rankings.
Meta Tip: Always pair DPS with elemental buffers (e.g., Roccia for Havoc, Zhezhi for Glacio) and prioritize crit stats for endgame content!
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