Wuthering Waves is an action role-playing game built around high skill-ceiling combat, blending open-world exploration with a sci-fi post-apocalyptic narrative. It launched in June 2024 and quickly reached 30 million downloads worldwide. On December 25, 2025, the game welcomed Version 3.0, themed "We Who See the Stars".
In the first half of this version, the limited banner for the 5-star character Cartethyia has returned. In the current version, her overall strength is still in the T0 tier. With simple execution, the team’s expected single-target DPS can reach as high as 71,900 per second, so now is a good time to build Cartethyia.
This guide will systematically explain how to build Cartethyia through skill breakdowns, weapon choices, Echo setups, and team building. You can tailor these recommendations to the resources you already have to maximize her overall performance.
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Wuthering Waves Cartethyia Overview
First, let us walk you through Cartethyia’s basic info.
 Cartethyia | Rarity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| Combat Role | DPS (main damage dealer) | |||
| Region | Rinascita | |||
| Element | Aero | |||
| Weapon | sword | |||
| Debut | Version 2.4 (Jun 12, 2025 to Jul 3, 2025) | |||
| Rerun | Version 3.0 (Dec 25, 2025 to Jan 15, 2026) | |||
In the story, Cartethyia was once the long-anticipated "Blessed Maiden." She carried a special power and a vital mission, but that role also meant years of pressure, sacrifice, and pain. After her faith collapsed and reality struck, she left behind the identity and place she once held. She now moves through the world as a traveler, answering everything with her actions.
In gameplay, Cartethyia has a powerful combat kit. Through her attacks, she can stack damage bonuses. She can also turn the negative effects on enemies into damage output.
Moreover, Cartethyia can transform into her Fleurdelys form. She is the only character in Wuthering Waves who can switch between two completely different forms. It gives you that "transform to power up" feeling, while also delivering two distinct gameplay styles and visual experiences.
What are Cartethyia's Skills?
Cartethyia's skills include Normal Attack, Resonance Skill, Resonance Liberation, Forte Circuit, and Intro Skill. Among them, Resonance Liberation is the ability that lets Cartethyia transform. Below, we will walk you through the details.
Normal Attack
Cartethyia’s Normal Attack is performed by tapping the screen. Hold to unleash a Heavy Attack.
Her 4th Normal Attack, Heavy Attack, and Resonance Skill each generate a different Sword Shadow effect. Each sword lasts 20 seconds and can be used for later enhancements:
- Mandate of Divinity: Increases Aero Erosion Damage (DMG) by 50% and shortens the damage interval by 50%.
- Power of Discord: While in Manifest, raises the Aero Erosion stacks on nearby enemies to the highest level.
- Heart of Virtue: Stagnates enemies close to Cartethyia and increases her Interruption Resistance.
The Mid-Air Plunging Attack recalls all Sword Shadows on the field and converts them into their corresponding enhancements. Plunge DMG is treated as Aero Erosion Effect DMG (additional damage calculated based on the number of Stacks).
Resonance Skill
Cartethyia's Resonance skill has a 14-second cooldown.
Cartethyia attacks the target, launches them, then slams them back to the ground, dealing Aero DMG and inflicting 2 Stacks of Aero Erosion Effect. This instance of DMG is considered Basic Attack DMG and can be cast in mid-air. On hit, it summons 1 Heart of Virtue Sword Shadow that lasts for 20 seconds.
Resonance Liberation
Cartethyia's Ultimate skill, which is triggered after you build up 125 Energy by attacking enemies. It has a 25-second cooldown.
After casting her Resonance Liberation, Cartethyia transforms into Fleurdelys. Her HP (Health Points) drops to 50% of its original value, and she enters Manifest for 12 seconds (the 4th hit of her Normal Attack slows enemies and increases her Interruption Resistance). During this time, she can switch between the two forms, and switching back to Cartethyia pauses the timer.
While transformed, attacks will trigger 1 instance of the Aero Erosion Effect. Attacking also builds Conviction, the energy Fleurdelys gains through her attacks. Once Conviction reaches 120, she can cast a second Resonance Liberation to deal damage.
The second Resonance Liberation gains a 20% damage bonus for each stack of Aero Erosion on the enemy, up to 100%. On hit, it clears the target's Aero Erosion stacks and restores 50% of Max HP.
Forte Circuit
This is Cartethyia's core passive, and it defines how her damage pattern changes after she transforms.
After Cartethyia transforms into Fleurdelys, all of her Normal Attacks, Mid-Air Attacks, Heavy Attacks, Dodge Counter, and Resonance Skill are replaced with new moves. Hitting enemies builds Conviction, and she can keep up sustained aerial damage for a long time. Her Resonance Skill can also be cast in mid-air. It first creates a pulling field to group enemies, then follows up with a wide-area plunge to deal damage.
Intro Skil
Intro Skill is the skill that triggers when you switch to Cartethyia from another Resonator.
In Cartethyia form, this skill deals Aero DMG, applies 2 stacks of Aero Erosion, and summons Sword of Discord's Shadow. You can then chain directly into Basic Attack Stage 2.
In Fleurdelys’ form, this skill thrusts forward to deal Aero DMG and grants Conviction. It can also chain directly into Basic Attack Stage 2.
In short, Cartethyia's damage engine is built around two things. First, stack up and then cash out the boosted effects from Sword Shadows through her Basic Attacks. Second, loop her special skills to keep stacking Aero Erosion, then convert those stacks into a damage increase.
Next, we will cover her skill leveling priority and advanced damage rotations, so you can build her more efficiently and keep your damage consistently high.
Cartethyia Skill Leveling Priority
Leveling her skills smartly lets you maximize Cartethyia’s strengths without wasting skill points. When upgrading, follow the priority order below.
Rank | Skill Type | Priority |
|---|---|---|
1 | Forte Circuit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Top priority. Level to max. |
2 | Resonance Liberation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recommended. Level to max. |
2 | Normal Attack | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recommended. Level to max. |
4 | Resonance Skill | ⭐⭐⭐ Worth investing leveling resources. |
5 | Intro Skill | ⭐⭐ Level if you have spare materials. |
When resources are limited, put everything into upgrading Forte Circuit and Resonance Liberation. They offer the highest return and the most noticeable gains. Upgrade the other skills as needed once your resources are more abundant.
Cartethyia Damage Maximization Tips
If you want to maximize Cartethyia’s damage, follow this sequence.
First, switch in as Cartethyia with her Intro Skill. Use Basic Attacks and Resonance Skill to summon three Sword Shadows in order, then follow up with a Plunging Attack to recall them.
When all three Sword Shadows in the Forte Circuit display a halo, it means their corresponding enhancement effects are fully active. At that point, cast Resonance Liberation and switch into Fleurdelys form to start dealing damage.
In Fleurdelys' form, start with one Basic Attack hit. Then chain into Resonance Skill and follow with the second hit of your mid-air attack. Next, cast the second part of the Resonance Skill, then land and continue into the third Attack hit. Once all five hits are done, use the second Resonance Liberation when Conviction reaches 120 to deal massive damage.
At this point, if you are using Cartethyia's signature weapon, Defier's Thorn, your expected on-field damage increases by about 34%, and your clear speed on the highest floor of the Tower of Adversity improves by a full 25%.
Tip: Make sure you complete Fleurdelys's full five-hit Basic Attack string. Do not interrupt it, or you will lose damage.
Cartethyia's Resonance Chain
Once you already have Cartethyia, pulling her again will convert the duplicate into her Resonance Chain. Each Resonance Chain level unlocks and stacks a new enhancement effect.
| Resonance Chain | Details |
|---|---|
1 | When an enemy is defeated, its Aero Erosion transfers automatically to the next enemy. As Fleurdelys, when Conviction reaches 30/60/90/120, Crit DMG increases. |
2 | After Resonance Liberation, the max Aero Erosion stack limit increases by 3. Your next attack applies 3 stacks of Aero Erosion to all hit targets and immediately triggers Aero Erosion DMG once. Also grants extra DMG multiplier increases to Cartethyia’s skills. |
3 | As Fleurdelys, Basic Attack hit 5, Mid-air Attack hit 2, Enhanced Heavy Attack, and Resonance Skill each apply 2 stacks of Aero Erosion. Resonance Liberation DMG multiplier +100%. |
4 | If the enemy has any negative status, the whole team gains +20% All Attribute DMG for 20s. |
5 | When taking fatal damage, gain a shield equal to 20% Max HP for 10s. Resonance Liberation: A Knight’s Heartfelt Prayers HP cost is reduced from 50% to 25%. |
6 | After Fleurdelys casts Resonance Liberation, apply Aero Erosion to the max stack limit on hit targets, and targets take 40% increased DMG from Fleurdelys. Within 30s after casting Cartethyia’s or Fleurdelys’s Intro Skill or Resonance Liberation, Aero Erosion DMG can be triggered. |
The hard pity for Resonance Chain is 160 pulls, while the weapon hard pity is 80 pulls. Also, Cartethyia’s first Resonance Chain level is usually less consistent than the HP and damage gains from her signature weapon. So if you only have one copy of Cartethyia, it is recommended to secure her signature weapon first, then decide whether to invest pulls into Resonance Chain based on your available resources.
Best Weapons for Cartethyia
With the right weapon, Cartethyia’s combat power increases significantly, and her gameplay can even unlock more advanced mechanics. This section will recommend the best weapons for Cartethyia, including 5-star picks as well as 4-star and 3-star alternatives.
Cartethyia Signature Weapon
For Cartethyia, the best weapon pick is Defier's Thorn, because both its base stats and its extra effects fit her perfectly.
At max level, it provides 412 bonus ATK and a 72.2% HP increase. And HP directly determines Cartethyia's damage output.
This weapon can raise Cartethyia's HP to 112%. Within 15 seconds after casting an Intro Skill or using a Basic Attack, the damage you deal ignores the target's Defense (DEF). If the target has at least 1 stack of Wind Erosion Effect, you deal 20% more damage to that target.
This signature weapon is strong because it further boosts the HP baseline Cartethyia relies on most. It also gives a DEF-ignoring mechanic that directly reduces the damage loss caused by enemy DEF. On top of that, the damage bonus is almost always active in Cartethyia's rotation, since she can keep Wind Erosion up for most of the fight. In practice, it is like saving a support slot and an equipment slot.
5-Star Weapon Alternatives
If you do not have the signature weapon yet, you can use the following 5-star weapons as substitutes.
| Weapon | Base Stats | Special Effect | Fit Rating |
Red Spring  | ATK 587, Crit Rate 24.3% | Increases ATK by at least 12%. When using Basic Attacks, gain at least 10% Basic Attack DMG Bonus for 14s, stacks up to 3 times. After Concerto Energy is consumed, additionally gain at least 40% Basic Attack DMG Bonus for 10s. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Emerald of Genesis  | ATK 587, Crit Rate 24.3% | Increases Energy Regen by at least 12.8%. When casting Resonance Skill, gain at least 6% ATK, stacks up to 2 times and lasts 10s. Obtainable from the Standard Weapon Convene. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Unflickering Valor  | ATK 412, Energy Regen 77.0% | Increases Crit Rate by at least 8%. After casting Resonance Liberation, Basic Attack DMG Bonus increases by at least 24% for 10s. Each time you deal Basic Attack damage, gain an additional at least 24% Basic Attack DMG Bonus for 4s. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Blazing Brilliance  | ATK 587, Crit DMG 48.6% | Increases ATK by at least 12%. When dealing damage, gain 1 stack of at least 40% Resonance Skill DMG Bonus. Gain 1 stack every 0.5s. When casting Resonance Skill, gain 5 extra stacks. Max 14 stacks. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Among these weapons, I recommend Red Spring as your first choice when you do not have the signature weapon. In my testing, its DPS gain is about 96% of the signature. And its Basic Attack DMG Bonus lines up very well with Cartethyia's on-field, Basic Attack-focused playstyle.
Low-Star Weapon Alternatives
If you don't have any five-star weapons, here are some recommended low-star weapons. They are easy to obtain and require fewer resources to upgrade.
| Weapon | Base Stats | Special Effect | Fit Rating |
Guardian Sword （3⭐）  | ATK 300, HP 30.3% | Increases Resonance Skill DMG by up to 24%. | ⭐⭐ |
| All 4-Star Weapons | / | No 4-star weapon currently fits Cartethyia. | ⭐ |
If you don't have any five-star weapons and lack the resources to upgrade three-star weapons, you can use any upgraded four-star weapon as a temporary solution.
The Best Echoes for Cartethyia
Echoes are gear that grant stat bonuses. Each character can equip 5 Echoes. Some high-tier Echoes also come with a summon skill, which can add extra damage, crowd control, or other utility.
Below, we have listed the Echo sets, Echo skills, and Echo stats that fit Cartethyia best.
Recommended Echo Sets for Cartethyia
Equipping a full set of Echoes activates a set bonus. These bonuses can increase Attribute DMG, Crit Rate, HP, ATK, and more. Here is the Echo set that best fits Cartethyia:
| Echo Set | Sonata Effect |
|---|---|
| Windward Pilgrimage | 2-piece: Aero DMG +10% |
| 5-piece: When you hit an enemy affected by Aero Erosion, your Crit Rate increases by 10% and your Aero DMG increases by 30% for 10s. |
If your current progress does not let you farm this Echo set yet, you can use Gusts of Welkin as a temporary option. It gives Cartethyia a 15% Aero DMG Bonus.
Cartethyia Echo Equip Recommendations
Activating the set bonus is only the first step. Next, you need to fill each Echo slot.
When equipping Echoes, pay attention to COST. Echo COST refers to the Echo Energy required to equip an Echo, and the limit is usually 12.
For Cartethyia, the most recommended COST layout is 44111. (44111 = two 4-COST Echoes + three 1-COST Echoes.)
For the three 1-COST slots, you can simply pick any three Echoes from the Windward Pilgrimage set. For the two 4-COST Echoes, refer to the following:
Echo | Echo Skill | CD |
|---|---|---|
| Reminiscence: Fleurdelys (Core Echo) | Casting the Echo Skill summons Windcleaver, dealing 8 hits of 24.32% and 1 hit of 121.60% Aero DMG. If equipped in the main slot, your Aero DMG Bonus increases by 10%. If the equipped character is Rover: Aero or Cartethyia, it increases by an extra 10%. | 20s |
| Nightmare: Kelpie | After equipping Nightmare: Kelpie, the character’s Glacio DMG and Aero DMG each increase by 12%. When summoning Nightmare: Kelpie, it deals 405% Glacio or Aero DMG to nearby enemies. | 25s |
Prioritize Reminiscence: Fleurdelys. Nightmare: Kelpie can be used as your second-slot Echo, or as a temporary option.
Recommended Main and Sub Stats for Cartethyia
Echo stats are one of the main grind points in this game. Completing a full set is only the start. You will need to spend time farming better stat lines. Below are the main and sub stats Cartethyia needs:
| Echo | Main Stat | Substats |
|---|---|---|
| Reminiscence: Fleurdelys (4-COST) | Crit Rate or Crit DMG | Crit DMG or Crit Rate > HP% > Basic Attack DMG Bonus ≈ Resonance Liberation DMG Bonus ≈ HP Note: Energy Regen is recommended at 110% or higher. |
| Nightmare: Kelpie, or any 4-COST Echo | Crit Rate or Crit DMG | |
| Any 1-COST Echo | HP | |
| Any 1-COST Echo | ||
| Any 1-COST Echo |
While maximizing critical hit chance and critical damage, also maximize Katisia's HP, as this attribute directly affects Cartethyia's damage output.
Recommended Teams for Cartethyia
To get the most out of Cartethyia at full investment, you need the right teammates. We have prepared multiple team options for her, from top-tier setups to the most accessible ones.
Best Top-Tier Team for Cartethyia
The most recommended high-end team is Cartethyia + Chisa + Ciaccona.
In this lineup, Ciaccona consistently applies and maintains the team’s core, sustained Aero Erosion. Chisa can weaken enemies and boost the team’s overall damage. This gives Cartethyia a longer, more reliable damage window, so she can maintain higher damage efficiency. In high-pressure content, the team is also less likely to lose DPS due to mistakes or interruptions.
On top of that, Ciaccona offers short-duration grouping. Chisa can also serve as a Sub DPS, using her strong damage to cover Cartethyia’s downtime.
Other Team Options for Cartethyia
If you do not have Chisa yet, consider Rover: Aero or The Shorekeeper as replacements.
| Main DPS | Main Support | Support / Sustain | Recommendation | Team Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cartethyia（5⭐） | Ciaccona（5⭐）  | The Shorekeeper（5⭐）  | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The Shorekeeper provides strong healing and buffs. Overall damage is steady. Survivability is high, with a larger margin for error. |
Rover: Aero（5⭐）  | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Two Aero supports speed up Aero Erosion stacking, letting Cartethyia trigger sustained damage more often. Rover is free, so the team cost is lower. |
If you are also interested in characters like The Shorekeeper, our GamsGo blog has the Shorekeeper prefarm guide for reference, so you can build this team more efficiently.
Ciaccona is Cartethyia’s dedicated support. If you do not have Ciaccona, consider the following teams:
| Main DPS | Sub DPS / Support | Support | Recommendation | Team Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cartethyia（5⭐） | Phoebe（5⭐）  | Rover: Aero（5⭐） | ⭐⭐⭐ | Phoebe consistently applies debuffs and adds extra damage. Rover: Aero further converts that debuff into Aero Erosion. |
Rover: Aero（5⭐） | The Shorekeeper（5⭐） | ⭐⭐⭐ | Rover: Aero creates and maintains Aero Erosion. The Shorekeeper provides healing and buffs. The team is stable overall. |
These teams have real value as alternatives and transitional options when you are missing Ciaccona.
Best Value Team Options for Cartethyia
If you do not have suitable 5-star teammates for Cartethyia, you can use the following teams:
Main DPS | Support | Sub DPS / Support | Recommendation | Team Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cartethyia（5⭐） | Rover: Aero（5⭐） | Sanhua（4⭐）  | ⭐⭐⭐ | Rover: Aero more reliably applies and maintains Aero Erosion. Sanhua provides fast buffs and off-field damage. Easy to play, steady damage, and forgiving. |
Aalto（4⭐）  | ⭐⭐ | Rover: Aero more reliably applies and maintains Aero Erosion. Aalto provides buffs and off-field damage, keeping Cartethyia’s on-field damage more consistent. |
These two teams are very low-cost. You often have a chance to get a 4-star character within a 10-pull. Rover and Sanhua can even be obtained for free.
Conclusion
In Wuthering Waves, Cartethyia has earned immense popularity through her tragic and emotional backstory, along with her ability to deal massive damage in the tens of thousands with ease. Investing your pulls and resources into her is absolutely worth it.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of her gameplay. It covers skill usage, gear setups, and team compositions based on the current mainstream strategies. It also includes lower-tier alternatives to give players with limited resources. You can confidently use this guide as a complete reference.
If you need more pulls, you can top up Wuthering Waves Lunite on GamsGo, a trusted platform. GamsGo offers Lunite at a 20% discount, supports major international payment methods for secure transactions, and provides 24/7 customer service to help resolve any issues. It is a smart, safe, and cost-effective choice.
FAQ About Wuthering Waves Cartethyia Build
How Much HP is Needed for Cartethyia?
As a general benchmark, Cartethyia performs best at 65,000+ HP. Roughly, every 7% HP equals about 1,000 HP, and flat HP also contributes significantly, making a mix of HP% and flat HP effective. With C1 providing 23% HP and 2,000 flat HP, reaching this range is relatively easy.
Why Does Cartethyia Have Two Forms?
Cartethyia’s dual forms come from her unique awakening, which allows her to manifest and control different aspects of her power fully. Rather than being a supernatural anomaly, this ability represents her mastery over her own strength, shaping both her narrative identity and combat design.
Why Does Cartethyia Wear a Crown of Thorns?
The crown of thorns symbolizes Cartethyia’s burden and resolve. It represents the pain, responsibility, and sacrifice she carries as part of her power, serving as a visual reminder that her strength is gained through endurance and self-control rather than glory or privilege.
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