Wuthering Waves continues to expand its roster with captivating characters, and Qiuyuan stands out as a prime example. Released in Phase 2 of Version 2.7 on October 30, 2025, this 5-star Aero Sword wielder embodies the wandering swordsman archetype, drawing from classic Wuxia inspirations with his resilient, integrity-driven persona.

In this guide, we'll cover optimal Echoes, weapons, and teams to maximize his potential in the 2025 meta.

Qiuyuan Overview

As a Sub-DPS with strong support elements, Qiuyuan excels at stacking "Swordster's Soliloquy" through Basic Attacks and Dodge Counters to unlock powerful states like Bamboo's Shade (team Echo Skill DMG Bonus) and Inksplash of Mind (enhanced Heavy Attacks treated as Echo Skills).

His Resonance Liberation boosts team Crit. DMG based on his own Crit. Rate, while his Outro Skill amplifies the next Resonator's Echo Skill DMG by 50%. This makes him ideal for teams relying on Echo Skills and coordinated plays.

Best Weapons for Qiuyuan

Qiuyuan's kit emphasizes personal damage alongside team buffs, so weapons that enhance ATK, Crit. stats, and Echo/Heavy Attack DMG are key. Prioritize those that don't heavily depend on his stats for support utility.

  • Top Pick: Emerald Sentence (5-Star Signature) – Base ATK: 588, Crit. Rate: 24.3%. Increases ATK by 12% and grants stacks of "Bamboo Cleaver" for 30% Heavy Attack DMG Bonus (up to 2 stacks) upon casting Echo Skill. Additionally, Intro Skill provides 20% Echo Skill DMG Bonus to the team for 30s. This synergizes perfectly with Qiuyuan's Echo-focused playstyle, boosting both his output and allies'.

Alternatives:

  • Emerald of Genesis (5-Star): Energy Regen +12.8%, ATK +6% (stacks up to 2) on Resonance Skill. Great for sustaining his Liberation's Crit. DMG buff.
  • Red Spring (5-Star): ATK +12%, up to 30% Basic Attack DMG Bonus stacks, plus 40% more on Concerto Energy consumption.
  • Lumingloss (4-Star): Boosts Basic and Heavy Attack DMG by 64% (R5) after Resonance Skill for 10s.
  • Somnoire Anchor (4-Star): Stacks ATK +4% per hit (up to 10), with +12% Crit. Rate at max.
  • Commando of Conviction (4-Star): +30% ATK for 15s after Intro Skill.

Focus on upgrading to at least R1 for noticeable improvements in his sub-DPS rotations.

Optimal Echoes Setup

Echoes amplify Qiuyuan's Aero DMG, Heavy Attacks, and team support. Aim for a 4-3-3-1-1 cost distribution to balance stats.

  • Primary Set: Law of Harmony (3-Piece) + Sierra Gale (2-Piece) – Law of Harmony grants 30% Heavy Attack DMG Bonus to Qiuyuan for 4s on Echo Skill, plus 4% team Echo Skill DMG Bonus (stacks to 16%). Sierra Gale adds 10% Aero DMG. This hybrid maximizes his buffs and personal Aero output.
  • Main Echo: Nightmare: Feilian Beringal or Reminiscence: Fenrico – Feilian Beringal deals 164.16% Aero DMG with follow-ups, granting 12% Aero and Heavy Attack DMG Bonuses. Fenrico offers 273.60% Aero DMG with similar buffs. Choose based on availability for quick Aero bursts.
  • Main Stats: 4-Cost: Crit. Rate (aim for 65% total to max Liberation's 30% team Crit. DMG buff); 3-Cost: Aero DMG or ATK%; 1-Cost: ATK%.
  • Substats Priority: Crit. Rate/Crit. DMG > ATK% > Heavy Attack DMG > Energy Regen.

Alternatives include full Moonlit Clouds for pure support (+22.5% ATK to next Resonator via Outro) or Sierra Gale (5-Piece) for DPS-focused builds (+30% Aero DMG after Intro).

Recommended Teams

Qiuyuan shines in Echo Skill-heavy comps, providing buffs without needing to stay on-field long.

  • Premium Echo Team: Qiuyuan (Sub-DPS), Galbrena (Main DPS), Shorekeeper (Sustain). Qiuyuan's Outro amplifies Galbrena's Echo DMG, while his Liberation adds Crit. DMG for high burst. Shorekeeper ensures survival with healing and energy support.
  • Phrolova Synergy: Qiuyuan (Sub-DPS), Phrolova (Main DPS), Cantarella (Sub-DPS). Ideal for coordinated attacks, though Phrolova's off-field time limits Outro utility—use Cantarella to cycle buffs.
  • Hypercarry Setup: Qiuyuan (Main DPS), Iuno or Mortefi (Sub-DPS), Shorekeeper (Sustain). Leverage Qiuyuan's Inksplash state for on-field dominance, with sub-DPS enhancing his Aero chains.

In rotations, build Soliloquy to 600, unleash Inksplash, then swap for Outro buffs. With Sequence 3 unlocked, access enhanced skills for even more stagger and DMG.

Qiuyuan's versatility makes him a meta staple in 2025, blending damage and utility seamlessly. Experiment with dupes for defensive ignores and stagnation effects to elevate your teams.