The Wuthering Waves 3.1 Preview Special Broadcast, which aired on January 23, 2026, at 19:00 UTC+8, has wrapped up, delivering an exciting preview of the next major update. Titled "For You Who Walk in Snow," this patch promises fresh story content, powerful new resonators, expanded exploration in icy realms, and player-friendly improvements. The full update launches on February 5, 2026 (UTC+8), following server maintenance.
New Characters and Banners
Two highly anticipated 5-star resonators take center stage: Aemeath, a Fusion Sword main DPS with a seamless dual-form system (normal and mech modes integrated into combos), and Luuk Herssen, a Spectro Gauntlet DPS focused on aerial maneuvers like jumps, plunges, and dodges.
The banner schedule spans two phases (Phase 1 starts February 5, Phase 2 on February 26):
| Phase | Dates (UTC+8) | Featured 5-Stars (New + Reruns) | Featured 4-Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Feb 5 - Feb 26 | Aemeath (new), Chisa, Lupa | Mortefi, Taoqi, Aalto |
| Phase 2 | Feb 26 - Mar 19 | Luuk Herssen (new), Galbrena | Sanhua, Lumi, Yuanwu |
Aemeath's signature weapon is the Everbright Polestar (high ATK, Crit DMG), while Luuk Herssen pairs best with Spine of Day.
New Regions and Endgame Content
Players will venture into the breathtaking Roya Frostlands - Frostlands Surface, one of several new areas (including SkyArk Space Station) packed with exploration rewards, lore, and challenges. A geographic preview showcased its snowy landscapes and secrets.
Endgame gets a boost with updates to Peaks of Prestige (new enemies and rewards), Void Storm Zone (special tune break interactions), a new weekly robot boss, and the Reactor Husk Hologram Challenge, offering tough tests for high-level teams.
New Echoes and Sonata Sets
Three fresh Echo Sonata sets cater to Fusion and Aero-focused builds. New echoes include Sigillum (main slot for Trailblazing Star, summons two Fusion DMG attacks: 68.4% + 205.2%; Aemeath equip bonus: +25% Resonance Liberation DMG, 20s CD), Iceglint Dancer, Shadowstepper, Kronablight, Kronaclaw, Glommoth, and Nameless Explorer.
| Set Name | 2-Pc Effect | 5-Pc Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Trailblazing Star | +10% Fusion DMG | Inflicting Fusion Burst or Tune Rupture-Shifting: +20% Crit. Rate and +20% Fusion DMG Bonus to self (8s). |
| Chromatic Foam | +10% Fusion DMG | Inflict Fusion Burst: Gain +10% Fusion DMG Bonus (15s). While active, Outro Skill grants next Resonator +25% Fusion DMG Bonus (15s or until switched out). |
| Sound of True Name | +10% Aero DMG | Echo Skill DMG: +20% Echo Skill Crit. Rate and +15% Aero DMG Bonus (5s, refreshes on hit). |
Bonus QOL: Echo data merge now lets you choose the Sonata set (up to 10x/week, select 5 unused upgraded echoes).
These sets boost Aemeath (Trailblazing Star), quick-swap Fusion supports (Chromatic Foam), and on-field Aero DPS like Qiuyuan (Sound of True Name).
Story, Skins, and Events
- Main Story: Chapter III Act III unlocks free new Rover skins (school outfit: Perpetual Spark).
- New Moto Skins: Themed upgrades for vehicles, including Iuno, Chisa, Aemeath bundles.
- Mercedes-Benz Speed and Passion: Racing event on research motorcycle (Lv. 8+, story progress). Collect modules, upgrade, tackle tracks. New Ice Field module for icy boosts.
- Moonlit Path / Player Support Event: Earn points via requirements for rewards (ongoing).
- Starpaths Intertwined (F2P Giveback): 10 free standard + 10 limited pulls, namecard, glider skin, avatar.
- Login Rewards: 10 free pulls (5 standard + 5 limited).
- Spending Event: Exclusive rewards incl. 10 std/ltd pulls, moto accessories, 5★ Standard Weapon selector, choice of 5★ Resonator (Jinhsi, Shorekeeper, or Camellya).
Additional perks: 1600 Astrite + Aemeath avatar deliverable to mail starting February 17.
Quality of Life Improvements
- Motorcycle Enhancements: "Frost Dash" (Snow Tires) lets bikes glide over water by forming ice. New expansion modules for speed/burst upgrades, custom liveries.
- Movement Tweaks: Smoother dodging, actions, transitions, walking/running animations for fluid exploration/combat. Mobile controls/camera optimization.
- Graphics/UI: Ultra high graphics on more mobile devices, FPS/stutter fixes, snow/rain visuals improved, controller vibration expanded.
- Other: New Echo skin (Phantom Sigillum), $10 bundle (680 Lunite + 1600 Astrite + Transducer).
Livestream Codes (300 Astrite Total)
Redeem these ASAP in-game (valid until Jan 25, 2026, 07:59 PT):
PAPERPLANEWARMSUNLIGHTJOURNEYWELL
Version 3.1 looks set to deliver a frosty, action-packed expansion with meta-shifting DPS options, generous F2P rewards, and rewarding traversal. Save your pulls for Aemeath or Luuk Herssen, and gear up for the Frostlands. Full patch notes drop closer to launch!