Open-world action RPG Wuthering Waves may be receiving an interesting new set of character special effects, as a leak claims battle damage appearances could be coming to the game. Developer Kuro Games is gearing up to deploy a major Wuthering Waves version update early in 2025.

Wuthering Waves made a big splash when it launched in May 2024. Many saw it as a competitor to the massively successful Genshin Impact as an open-world game with an action-focused combat system and stylish, attractive anime-inspired visuals and characters. And despite fan outcry over difficulties with the launch, developer Kuro Games has worked to restore confidence in the game, announcing that the major Wuthering Waves version 2.0 update will accompany its PS5 debut.

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Since then, a mix of official announcements and leaks have shed more light on what players can expect from the 2.0 update, from new Wuthering Waves 5-Star characters to planned visual upgrades. A post on Reddit shared by user KarlSQuent detailed what looks to be a "battle damage" feature destined for addition in version 2.0.

Leaked Wuthering Waves 2.0 Battle Damage Feature Makes Characters Look Injured

According to the description, the Wuthering Waves 2.0 battle damage system is a new cosmetic feature that activates a special "Injured" visual effect on characters when they stay in combat for a long period and take many hits. The effect changes the character's skin and clothing to display scrapes, small bruises, dirt smudges, tears in stockings, and other signs to show that the character's been in combat. The gallery that accompanied the post demonstrated the effect on characters Changli, Xiangli Yao, Carlotta, and Yinlin, though the system applies to all playable Wuthering Waves Resonators.

If confirmed, the new battle damage system could add a new dimension of immersion to the visual experience of Wuthering Waves. Since the system triggers only when a character has been hit multiple times (with the rumored threshold based on the same character taking at least 8 hits in a single on-field session), the system could represent when a fighter (and the player) has been having a rough time. Reactions ranged from impressed to amused. A few players joked that once the system debuts, Kuro Games may as well make "battle damaged" the default appearance for Wuthering Waves character Danjin, whose skills consume her own HP and essentially injure herself to do damage.

With the recent cavalcade of leaks and rumors, it seems that excitement about Wuthering Waves is building up again. Fans have highly praised the game's visuals and combat system, and player morale seems to be high following a series of much-requested changes that followed the game's rougher launch period.

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Wuthering Waves
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Action RPG
Open-World
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 76 /100 Critics Rec: 80%
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Released
May 22, 2024
ESRB
T For Teen // Suggestive Themes, Violence
Developer(s)
Kuro Games
Publisher(s)
Kuro Games
Engine
Unreal Engine 4
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
PC Release Date
May 22, 2024
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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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.

PS5 Release Date
January 2, 2025
Platform(s)
Android, iOS, PC, PlayStation 5
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Open-World
OpenCritic Rating
Strong