Wuthering Waves Version 1.3 "To The Shore's End" Review

Ever since its global launch in May 2024, Wuthering Waves has been one of the few gacha-based RPGs that has managed to set itself apart from others in the genre through its impressive multi-layered combat system, exploration, and an alluring world that can easily distract you from its lackluster but action packed story, which follows the classic trope of "learning about your past as the fate of the world depends on it."

After spending a decent chunk of hours playing the version 1.3 update and experiencing everything it had to offer ahead of its official release, my stance on the game remains the same.

However, I cannot comment on the story as the build I was provided with had the new main story quest, To the Shore's End Chapter I Act VIII, already completed, with only the Epilogue left for me to experience.

For players who are yet to play the game or are looking to make a return with version 1.3, To the Shore's End, I would like to point out that it is a massive update that adds one of the most picturesque locations in the game till date, The Black Shores, along with a new boss, Fallacy of No Return, two new characters, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Resonator, Shorekeeper, and the ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Resonator Youhu, Encore's Companion quest, new weapons, challenges, side quests and much more while expanding over the game's main story.

The core of the version 1.3 update is its new region, The Black Shores Archipelago, a multi-layered map that introduces eight new POIs filled with new NPCs, a decent variety of side quests, a ton of challenges, including the new ones, Phantom Appearances – Phantom: Gulpuff, Phantom: Lumiscale Construct, Yhoran's Tactical Trials, which are one of the best activities that you start as a side quest, and an expansive area to explore.

With the new region, developer Kuro Games has managed to efficaciously deliver on the positive aspects of Wuthering Waves that have kept many players hooked to the game while expanding over the less impactful areas by adding more variety of mini-games like the Aetherfin Challenge and creating portals, unique events, and such things.

There are three things about the update that really impressed me. The first was the fact how beautiful the Black Shores region is, especially when I was exploring and got to witness the sunrise while seeing a few TDs fighting near the shore. It made me appreciate the dynamic world that the developers of Kuro Games have created.

The second was the new OSTs, and the third was set pieces with a change in camera angles that shifted the game from a 3D to 2D view whilst adding a lot of platforming that made reminded me of one of my favourite hack and slash game with JRPG elements, Nier Automata.

Other than that, Wuthering Waves has always excelled in offering impressive, challenging boss battles, and that continues in version 1.3 with Fallacy of No Return, a two phase boss fight with many unique movesets that you will learn to master.

Now, talking about the big elephant in the room, the new characters. While I cannot discuss much about Youhu, but as for Shorekeeper—she is BREATHTAKING.

As someone who has spent thousands of hours playing similar gacha games like Genshin Impact, I can say that developers Kuro Games have developed the most pre-eminent formula when it comes to character designs with unique abilities that, on the surface, look very simple but offer an intricate set of mechanics unique to that character.

The Shorekeeper is a brilliant S-tier Support unit that you must not miss out on as she can not only heal your party members and provide them with massive buffs, significantly increasing their DPS output, she can also heal your heart with her appealing character design and enthralling idle animations.

Moreover, with the new end-game content that was added with the version 1.3 update in the form of Tactical Hologram: Inferno Rider, the two new Phantom Appearances, and the Overdrive Zone in the Tower of Adversity, many of you will be having a quality time even after complete the new story quest and the different side quests.

On the same note, there is also a permanent event, Retro Game Collector, that you can start by talking to KU-Cass at Tethys Hub.

In this event, you must obtain and submit KU-Cass Cartridge to level up Data Hub, which rewards you with lucrative rewards while unlocking Elite Boss fights that server as yet another end game content where you can test out your skills and experiment different team comps.

Overall, Wuthering Waves 1.3 To the Shore's End is a pronounced update that you must definitely not sleep on!