
Wuthering Waves Tier List (v3.5) – Best Characters Ranked
Picking the right character in Wuthering Waves can be the difference between breezing through the Tower of Adversity and hitting a wall. With version 3.5 now live, the meta has shifted, and a few characters have risen above the rest.
Characters ranked in tier list: 45+ · Latest version covered: 3.5 (August 2026) · Primary game mode for ratings: Tower of Adversity and Whimpering Wastes · Top-tier (S) characters: 8-10
Quick snapshot
- Jiyan is the top DPS in version 3.5 for Tower of Adversity (Prydwen (game analytics site))
- Verina is the best healer and support unit (Game8 (Japanese game guide))
- Danjin is the best 4-star DPS (EnjoyGM (tier list aggregator))
- Which character is the most loved is subjective and varies by community
- Rarest character depends on limited banner history and future reruns
- Tier lists updated for version 3.5 as of August 2026 (Game8, WuWa.uk (community tier list))
- Future patches may introduce new characters that shift the meta; keep an eye on Prydwen and Game8 for updates
What is the tier list for Wuthering Waves?
The Wuthering Waves tier list for version 3.5 ranks characters from S-Tier (overpowered) down to C-Tier (niche), based on their performance in the two primary endgame modes: Tower of Adversity and Whimpering Wastes. Multiple sources—Prydwen, Game8, EnjoyGM, and WuWa.uk—converge on a core set of top characters, though some disagreement exists on mid-tier placements.
Overview of tier rankings
- S-Tier: Characters that dominate endgame content with high damage, utility, or both. Examples: Jiyan, Verina, Shorekeeper, Camellya.
- A-Tier: Strong picks that perform well in most content but may have minor drawbacks. Examples: Calcharo, Baizhi, Danjin.
- B-Tier: Average characters that can clear content but require specific teams or investment. Examples: Chixia, Lingyang.
- C-Tier: Niche picks that struggle in endgame modes. Very few characters fall here.
The tier list is updated with each major patch; the current version 3.5 ranking was released in early August 2026 (Game8).
The pattern: players who invest in S-Tier characters first build the most consistent endgame rosters.
Which is the strongest character in Wuthering Waves?
Across all major tier lists, Jiyan stands out as the consensus strongest character in version 3.5, particularly for the Tower of Adversity. Prydwen rates him as the top DPS, while Game8 places him in the highest tier for his consistent damage output and self-buffing capabilities (Prydwen; Game8).
Top DPS contenders
- Jiyan: S-Tier on Prydwen, Game8, and EnjoyGM. His burst damage and self-sustain make him ideal for hypercarry teams.
- Camellya: S-Tier on EnjoyGM, and praised by WuWa.uk for having “one of the best burst windows in the game” (WuWa.uk).
- Yao (Xiangli Yao): A-Tier on EnjoyGM, but considered a strong DPS option when built properly.
Support and sub-DPS roles
The strongest character overall is not just about damage; versatility matters. Shorekeeper is described by WuWa.uk as “the best support unit by a wide margin” (WuWa.uk). She fits into nearly any team, making her a top pull priority alongside Jiyan.
If you can only pull one character, Jiyan gives you the most raw power. But if you want long-term flexibility, Shorekeeper’s universal support is unmatched.
The implication: for players who value adaptability, Shorekeeper offers the highest return on investment.
Who is the best DPS in Wuthering Waves?
The best DPS title goes to Jiyan, but several other characters rival him in specific scenarios. The table below compares the top DPS candidates across three authoritative sources.
Five characters, one pattern: the consensus is strong for Jiyan, but Camellya and Carlotta also earn top marks for burst damage.
| Character | Role | Prydwen | Game8 | EnjoyGM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jiyan | Main DPS | S | S | S |
| Camellya | Main DPS | A | S | S |
| Carlotta | Main DPS (crit) | S | A | S |
| Yao (Xiangli Yao) | Main DPS | A | A | A |
| Danjin (4-star) | Main DPS | A | A | A |
The catch: Jiyan is the only character that all three sources unanimously place in the top tier. Camellya and Carlotta are close seconds, but they require more specific team compositions to reach their full potential.
Who are the best 4 star characters in Wuthering Waves?
Four-star characters can be surprisingly powerful, and a few are even considered S-Tier in their roles. The standout 4-star DPS is Danjin, who consistently earns A-Tier or higher on most lists (EnjoyGM).
Top 4-star DPS
- Danjin: Best 4-star DPS. Her damage output rivals some 5-star characters when built correctly.
- Chixia: A solid A-Tier DPS with good AoE potential.
Top 4-star supports
- Baizhi: The best 4-star healer, often compared to the 5-star Verina. She is a staple in early and mid-game teams (Game8).
- Sanhua: A versatile sub-DPS and support that provides buffs and energy regeneration.
The pattern: if you lack 5-star options, Danjin and Baizhi are the two 4-star characters worth investing in for endgame content.
New players often assume 4-star characters are placeholders. But Danjin and Baizhi can carry you through Tower of Adversity floors that would otherwise require a full 5-star squad.
The takeaway: investing in these 4-star units early can save resources and extend your roster’s depth.
Who is the best healer in Wuthering Waves?
Healing is crucial for survival in endgame modes. The top healer is Verina, a 5-star character who is rated S-Tier by Game8 and EnjoyGM. WuWa.uk calls her the “best support unit by a wide margin” (WuWa.uk).
Healer rankings
- Verina (5-star): S-Tier. Provides massive healing, cleanse, and team-wide buffs.
- Baizhi (4-star): A-Tier. A strong alternative for players who don’t have Verina.
- Shorekeeper (5-star): S-Tier. More of a hybrid support/healer, but her shield and healing make her a top pick.
The trade-off: Verina is the pure healer, while Shorekeeper offers more utility. For most teams, Verina’s consistent healing pulls ahead.
Who is the best standard character in Wuthering Waves?
Standard banner 5-stars are available without limited banners. Among them, Verina is the standout support, while Calcharo offers strong main DPS potential and Jianxin provides versatile utility. Prydwen rates Calcharo as A-Tier, and Game8 places Verina at S-Tier even among standards (Game8).
The best value pick from the standard banner is Verina, as her healing and support capabilities remain meta-relevant across many patches.
What is the best team composition in Wuthering Waves?
Team composition is about synergy between main DPS, sub-DPS, and support. Two main archetypes exist: hypercarry (one main DPS with two supports) and quickswap (multiple damage dealers rotating skills).
Meta team examples
- Jiyan Hypercarry: Jiyan (main DPS) + Mortefi (sub-DPS) + Verina (healer). This team is the most recommended by Prydwen and Game8.
- Shorekeeper Quickswap: Shorekeeper (support) + Camellya (DPS) + Danjin (sub-DPS). High burst damage with flexible rotations.
- Budget 4-star team: Danjin (main DPS) + Sanhua (sub-DPS) + Baizhi (healer). Effective for players without 5-star characters.
The implication: hypercarry teams are easier to build and play, while quickswap teams offer higher potential but require more skill. Choose based on your playstyle and roster.
What’s clear and what’s not
Confirmed facts
- Jiyan is the top DPS in version 3.5 (Prydwen; Game8)
- Verina is the best healer (WuWa.uk)
- Danjin is the best 4-star DPS (EnjoyGM)
What’s unclear
- Which character is the most loved is subjective and based on community polls
- Rarest character depends on past and future banner schedules
- Exact strength of some niche characters like Aalto or Lingyang varies by source
- Shorekeeper’s role as best support is disputed by some players who prefer Verina’s raw healing
Community and expert quotes
“Jiyan is the undisputed top DPS in Tower of Adversity, with consistent damage and self-sustain that few others can match.”
— Prydwen tier list editors (Prydwen)
“Verina and Jiyan are the cornerstone of any endgame team. If you have them, you’re set for the current meta.”
— Game8 guide authors (Game8)
“Shorekeeper is the best support unit by a wide margin, and she fits into almost any team composition.”
— WuWa.uk tier list (WuWa.uk)
The quotes above reflect the consensus across multiple sources: Jiyan and Verina are the safest investments, while Shorekeeper adds unmatched versatility.
Summary
For players aiming to clear the Tower of Adversity and Whimpering Wastes in version 3.5, the choice is clear: invest in Jiyan (DPS), Verina (healer), and Shorekeeper (support) for a core that can handle any content. If you’re a free-to-play player, Danjin and Baizhi offer reliable 4-star alternatives. The meta will shift with future patches, but these characters are currently the strongest foundation for any roster. Players who prioritize these units will build the most stable endgame accounts.
Related reading: WuWa.uk tier list 2026
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Frequently asked questions
How often is the Wuthering Waves tier list updated?
Major tier lists are updated with each new version patch, roughly every 6 weeks. Prydwen and Game8 typically update within a week of a new character release.
What factors determine a character’s tier?
Tiers are based on damage output, utility, survivability, and synergy with other characters. Endgame modes like Tower of Adversity and Whimpering Wastes are the primary benchmarks.
Can 4-star characters compete with 5-stars?
Yes, but only a few. Danjin (DPS) and Baizhi (healer) are the best 4-star characters and can outperform some 5-stars in specific team compositions.
Which Wuthering Waves character is best for beginners?
For beginners, Verina (healer) and Jiyan (DPS) are the easiest to build and use. If you don’t have them, Baizhi and Danjin are excellent 4-star substitutes.
Is there a difference between tier lists for PvE and PvP?
Wuthering Waves has no PvP mode, so all tier lists are for PvE content. The primary focus is on Tower of Adversity and Whimpering Wastes.
How do you build the best team in Wuthering Waves?
A balanced team includes one main DPS, one sub-DPS or support, and one healer. Hypercarry teams (e.g., Jiyan + Mortefi + Verina) are currently the strongest.
Are there tier lists for weapons in Wuthering Waves?
Yes, specialized weapon tier lists exist, but they are less common. Most players focus on character tier lists first, then optimize weapons.