Wuthering Waves' next major update, Version 2.0, will debut on January 2. Though several compelling Resonators and features are included in update 1.4, Version 2.0 is upping the ante. With a new nation to explore andWuthering Wavesarriving on the PlayStation 5, excitement for the open-world gacha title is mounting.
Notably, despite the hype surrounding the game, there are pitfalls Kuro Games should avoid going into Version 2.0. While it’s impressive thatWuthering Wavesis nominated for Best Mobile Gameat the 2024 Game Awards, it should remain open to constructive criticism. For instance, the studio may want to diversify its list of playable characters to include more male Resonators.
Wuthering Waves Could Expand Its Roster With More Male Characters
Wuthering Waves Features a Roster That’s 75% Female
Of the 25 playable Resonators currently available, seven of these are male. When including the Phase Two banners from Version 1.4 alongside the fiveconfirmed Rinascita characters, the total number of playable characters increases to 31. Of the Rinascita characters, only one male character, Brant, has been revealed. Therefore, the percentage of playable male Resonators compared to female Resonators is strikingly only 25%.
While many female characters inWuthering Wavesare aesthetically appealing and offer unique abilities, Kuro Games should consider fortifying its roster to include more male characters. As of patch 1.4, the most recent male character, Xiangli Yao, was introduced alongside Version 1.2, released over two months ago. Though it’s worth noting that Jiyan headlined arerun banner inWuthering WavesVersion 1.3, he was not a new Resonator.
For reference, the complete list of playable male-identifying Resonators inWuthering Wavesis as follows:
Brant will be playable inWuthering WavesVersion 2.0. The male version of Rover is not included in this list.
Similar games, likeGenshin ImpactandHonkai: Star Rail, have been disparaged for featuring an overwhelming number of female characters. The reasons for this vary, but the main theory is that anime-style games typically attract more male players than female players. This calls into question theover-sexualization of females in titles likeGenshin Impact. While this may not be as prominent inWuthering Waves, Kuro Games could still broaden its male line-up to better cater to the diverse preferences of its community.
Wuthering Waves' Story May Benefit From The Addition Of More Characters
DespiteWuthering Waveswinning Google Play Hong Kong’s award for “Best Story,” its plot has garnered mixed reviews since its release in May. Thepost-apocalyptic world of Solaris-3, along with the mysteries surrounding The Lament and Rover’s purpose, are intriguing. However, some have criticized the abundance of romantic storylines involving Rover, stating that they would like to see more diversity in the character’s motivations and desires beyond being fascinated with the protagonist.
As such, adding more male representation to the game would help diversify the roster and strengthen the narrative by highlighting new characters. Fortunately, the arrival ofBrant inWuthering WavesVersion 2.0may signify Kuro Games' intention to resolve this issue. Hopefully, he will be the first of many in the update.
“Adding more male representation would help diversify the roster and strengthen the narrative.”
Furthermore, as players leave Huanglong to venture to thehidden archipelago of Rinascita, they can expect several new companion stories and quests. Though it’s too soon to say what these narratives might entail, Carlotta’s elite family ties, the Carnevale, and Roccia’s comedic gifts should be highlighted. Several new male characters will likely be introduced, and ideally, Kuro Games will make them playable in future updates.
Wuthering Waves
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Welcome aboard, roving voyager.Upon the shores lay the silent embers of a world during the Ebb Tide.Desolated by the Lament, the erstwhile creations and earthly beings are left static.But they strike back, strong enough to penetrate the silence.Humanity has risen anew from the ashes of the apocalypse.And you, Rover, are poised for an adventure of Awakening.Companions to meet, enemies to conquer, new powers to gain, hidden truths to unveil, and unseen spectacles to behold… A vast world of endless possibilities awaits. The choice rests in your hands. Be the answer, be the leader, and follow the sounds to arrive at a new future.As Wuthering Waves echo endlessly, mankind set sail on a new journey.Rise and embark on your odyssey, Rover.
