Wuthering Waves has been making waves since it’s original debut in 2024, and it continued to do so with the release of the PlayStation 5 version earlier this year. Initially, I had bounced off the game, since the story wasn’t what I thought it would be, and I didn’t have the inclination to go further. However, that thought changed with the release of Version 2.0, thanks a whole host of much-needed changes. Wuthering Waves Version 2.2 is certainly holding my attention.
New Patch, New Characters, More Women
I’ll start with the star of the show: the new character Cantarella. Cantarella is the head of the Fisalia family, who have been a constant antagonistic faction to Rover and their allies in Rinascita. So, I was prepared to hate her and not pull for her, ever. This initial thought didn’t last long, as meeting Cantarella in the game certainly changed my mind. She’s charming, and while she admits that her family isn’t perfect, they are attempting to right the wrongs of the past.
Cantarella is the banner character for the first phase of Wuthering Waves Version 2.2 alongside a rerun of Camellya. This does mean that the two characters synergize in a party together, but Cantarella doesn’t require Camellya to be effective. Instead, she functions as a sub-DPS character that can be dropped into any party, and she also has strong support passive effects. Honestly, Cantarella will not be a must pull for most players. She is strong and can synergize well with many characters, but anyone can fill her job.
However, her story will make you fall in love with her and perhaps that is enough to justify pulling for her. This includes both the main quest and her side quest, which is one of my favorite character quests. This story can be enjoyed whether or not you pull for Cantarella, but I am sure you will fall in love with her like I did.
A New Chapter to Rinascita
Alongside Cantarella, a new act to the Rinascita story called “The Maiden, The Defier, The Death Crier” has been added. This story mostly revolves around Cantarella and Cartethyia, who we met near the end of Version 2.0.
I am in love with this section of the story. There were so many moments had me shouting at my screen, crying, or laughing as I played. I was spellbound to finish in a single sitting, which took at least five hours of gameplay. This is where I developed my love for both Canterella and Cartethyia, which makes them must-pull characters in my eyes.
This is a story that must be experienced by everyone who enjoyed 2.0, as it feels like an ending to Rinascita. There may be two more patches before we are entirely done with Rinascita, but this provides a lot of closure for the main story. Much like the previous patch it also introduces the new areas.
The main story will mostly take place in the Avinoleum and then venture into Boehr Waters. Boehr Waters is smaller than previously added areas, and the main gimmick for Avinoleum has to do with gravity. I liked exploring Avinoleum, since the ability to change gravity with devices makes the area feel vast. The story takes quite a number of detours in this area, but it didn’t ruin my enjoyment. I looked forward to spending more time in the Avinoleum and seeing how much I missed after the story concluded.
An Ending for Us
Wuthering Waves Version 2.2 has been a ride, and this has possibly been the best story content told this far. Version 2.2’s story can hook you in and not let go, despite being having a slow start. Cantarella and Cartethyia also have the potential to be some of the best characters in the game.
There is a lot to love with 2.2, but it’s worth noting that it builds on what started with 2.0. In many ways, this feels like an ending to the Rinascita while preparing for what lies ahead for Rover. I can’t wait to see what future patches add and what many other banners will bring, as Wuthering Waves has developed beautifully into a game that stands out from its competitors.
Wuthering Waves is available now to play on Android, iOS, PC, Mac, and PlayStation 5.
