Complete Build Guide • Wuthering Waves Version 2.4 / 3.1 • February 2026
S-Tier • Aero • Sword • Main DPS • 5★ Limited Banner • Dual-Form Swordmaster
Overview
Cartethyia is a 5-Star Aero Sword Main DPS introduced in Wuthering Waves Version 2.4. She is a dual-form swordmaster who shifts between her standard Cartethyia form and the enhanced Fleurdelys state, making her one of the most mechanically unique DPS characters in the game. Crucially, she scales off HP rather than ATK — a rare trait that shapes all of her echo, weapon, and substat priorities.
Her core damage loop revolves around the Aero Erosion mechanic: stacking Aero Erosion on enemies before triggering her Resonance Liberation — Blade of Howling Squall, which consumes all stacks to deal massive amplified damage (up to 5 stacks for maximum bonus). This makes her team composition especially important — characters who apply and boost Aero Erosion cap limits are essential for peak performance.
Cartethyia’s Fleurdelys state is unlocked via full Resonance Energy. In this form she generates Conviction through combat — reaching 120 Conviction unleashes the Blade of Howling Squall finisher. She remains one of the strongest main DPS options in Version 3.1, especially in dedicated Aero Erosion teams with Ciaccona and Chisa.
▲ Cartethyia Scales from HP — Not ATK!
This is the single most important thing to understand when building Cartethyia. Because she scales from HP, not ATK:
- Use HP% on 1-Cost echo slots (not ATK%)
- Her signature weapon Defier’s Thorn is the only sword in the game with an HP% substat
- Echo set uses 44111 cost layout (not the standard 43311) since no ATK main stat is needed on 3-Cost slots
- Sub-stats: prioritize Crit Rate > Crit DMG > HP% > Normal/Liberation DMG Bonus
Strengths & Weaknesses
✓ Strengths
- ✓ Exceptional burst damage via Aero Erosion stack consumption
- ✓ Unique dual-form playstyle — Fleurdelys state adds depth and power ceiling
- ✓ HP scaling allows very high raw HP pool for survivability
- ✓ Sword Shadow mechanics add multi-hit AoE via Plunging Attack recalls
- ✓ 44111 echo layout gives more flexible stat allocation than 43311
- ✓ Still strong meta pick in 3.1 — Aero Erosion teams remain top-tier
✗ Weaknesses
- ✗ Team-dependent — requires Ciaccona to reliably apply Aero Erosion stacks
- ✗ Signature weapon Defier’s Thorn is the only HP% sword — without it, performance drops
- ✗ Aero Erosion stacks nerfed — no longer self-sufficient for stacking alone
- ✗ Dual-form rotation has a moderate learning curve for new players
- ✗ Weaker in solo/generalist setups — needs full Aero Erosion team for peak output
The Dual-Form Kit Explained
Cartethyia’s entire kit is built around two distinct states that interact through Sword Shadows, Plunging Attack recalls, and the Aero Erosion consumption finisher.
- Last-hit Basic Attack summons a Sword Shadow
- Heavy Attack summons a Sword Shadow
- Concerto Skill summons a Sword Shadow
- Resonance Skill summons a Sword Shadow
- Up to 3 Sword Shadows can exist on field at once
- Using Plunging Attack recalls all active Sword Shadows — deals bonus Aero DMG based on type and quantity recalled
- Activated when Resonance Energy is full — tap Resonance Liberation
- Upon entering: gains bonus effects based on types of Sword Shadows recalled
- All attacks in this form generate Conviction
- Reach 120 Conviction → activate Resonance Liberation: Blade of Howling Squall
- Blade of Howling Squall consumes all Aero Erosion stacks on enemies — each stack increases damage (max 5 stacks)
🔥 Blade of Howling Squall — The Nuke
The entire damage identity of Cartethyia culminates in this finisher. For every stack of Aero Erosion on the enemy when this skill lands, damage is amplified — up to 5 stacks maximum. This is why Ciaccona (reliable Aero Erosion applicator) and Chisa or Aero Rover (stack cap increasers) are so important: without pre-stacking, you lose the majority of this skill’s damage multiplier. Always ensure 5 Aero Erosion stacks are present before triggering Blade of Howling Squall for maximum output.
Skill Breakdown
Multi-hit Aero sword combo. The last Stage of Basic Attack summons a Sword Shadow. Use 3-hit chains to reach the Shadow-summoning final hit efficiently without wasting Concerto. Scales with Normal Attack DMG Bonus sub-stat.
Charged attack that summons a Sword Shadow on hit. Used in rotation to accumulate Sword Shadows before the Plunging Attack recall. Heavy Attack DMG Bonus sub-stat increases its effectiveness. Key for building up to 3 Sword Shadow stacks quickly.
Deals Aero DMG and summons a Sword Shadow. Used as a rotation enabler — contributes a Shadow and builds Concerto Energy. Low direct DPS contribution, so skill level priority is medium. Two charges available for back-to-back use when needed.
Core damage skill. When Sword Shadows are present, a Plunging Attack recalls all of them, dealing bonus Aero DMG scaled by the number and type of Shadows recalled. Recalling 3 Shadows deals significantly more than 1–2. Max priority for leveling — this is where the bulk of Cartethyia’s sustained damage lives.
Primary nuke. Used in Fleurdelys state after reaching 120 Conviction. Consumes all Aero Erosion stacks — each stack (up to 5) increases the damage dealt. Max priority for leveling. Liberation DMG Bonus sub-stat directly improves this skill’s damage.
Intro: Deals Aero DMG on entering the field and also summons Sword Shadows. Outro: Grants the next character a buff — typically used to activate team buff chains with Ciaccona or Chisa. Both have low leveling priority as their direct damage is minimal.
Skill Leveling Priority
| Priority | Skill | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| ★★★★★ 1st | Forte Circuit | Sword Shadow Plunging recall is her highest sustained DPS source — max first |
| ★★★★★ 1st | Resonance Liberation | Blade of Howling Squall is the nuke finisher — co-equal max priority with Forte |
| ★★★ 2nd | Normal Attack | Basic Attack multipliers and Heavy Attack contribute moderate DPS — level after Liberation/Forte |
| ★★ 3rd | Resonance Skill | Rotation enabler — builds Concerto and summons Shadows; low direct damage scaling |
| ★ Last | Intro Skill | Minimal personal damage — only used for field entry utility. Level last |
Best Weapons
| Weapon | Rarity | Substat | Key Passive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defier’s Thorn | 5★ Sig | HP% 77.0% | +12% HP. After Intro Skill or Basic Attack: ignores 8% of target DEF. When target has >1 Aero Erosion stack: +20% damage dealt. Only sword with HP% substat in the game |
| Emerald of Genesis | 5★ Standard | Crit Rate 24.3% | Strong Crit Rate substat helps hit breakpoints easily. Solid general offensive passive for DPS |
| Ages of Harvest | 5★ | Crit Rate 24.3% | +12% Attr DMG Bonus. Intro Skill + Resonance Skill both trigger passive — viable if you have it |
| Lumingloss | 4★ BP | Crit DMG | When Resonance Skill is released: +Basic Attack DMG +Heavy Attack DMG for a duration. Best non-5★ weapon for Cartethyia |
| Commando of Conviction | 4★ F2P | Crit Rate | ATK stacking passive — provides sufficient Crit Rate for budget builds while farming signature or BP weapon |
⚠ Signature Weapon Priority — Highly Recommended
Unlike most characters where the signature is optional, Defier’s Thorn is the only sword in the game with an HP% substat. Since Cartethyia scales from HP, this weapon alone provides a much larger damage boost than it would on an ATK-scaling character. The +20% DMG vs Aero Erosion-stacked enemies further amplifies her nuke potential. Pulling the weapon banner alongside Cartethyia is strongly recommended.
Best Echo Sets
◆ 44111 Echo Layout — Not 43311
Because Cartethyia scales from HP and not ATK, she uses a 44111 cost layout instead of the standard 43311. This allows two 4-Cost main echo slots to carry Crit Rate / Crit DMG main stats, and the three 1-Cost slots carry HP%. This setup is unique to Cartethyia and maximizes her stat efficiency.
Windward Pilgrimage (5-PC)
2-PC: +10% Aero DMG Bonus — always active
5-PC: Additional Aero DMG Bonus stacking after using Resonance Skill or dealing Aero damage
Tailor-made for Cartethyia’s Aero-heavy kit. Highest damage output of all echo set options.
Gusts of Welkin (2) + Sierra Gale (2)
Gusts of Welkin 2-PC: +10% Aero DMG Bonus
Sierra Gale 2-PC: Additional Aero DMG Bonus. Both sets offer a combined +Aero DMG Bonus. Use while farming full Windward Pilgrimage with good sub-stats
Echo Main Stats — 44111 Layout
| Echo Slot (Cost) | Main Stat | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Cost Echo #1 (Main Echo) | Crit Rate or Crit DMG | Choose Crit Rate if <70% without it; Crit DMG if already capped on Crit Rate |
| 4-Cost Echo #2 | Crit Rate or Crit DMG | Whichever you did not take in the first 4-Cost slot to balance the Crit ratio |
| 1-Cost Echo ×3 | HP% | HP% — not ATK%! Cartethyia scales from HP, so all 1-Cost slots must use HP% for optimal damage output |
Echo Sub-Stats Priority
| Sub-Stat | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crit Rate | ★★★★★ Top | Target 70–80% across all sources combined |
| Crit DMG | ★★★★★ Top | Target 200%+. Higher is better once Crit Rate is secured |
| HP% | ★★★ Mid | Important since she scales from HP — stack after Crit is balanced |
| Normal Attack DMG Bonus | ★★ Situational | Boosts Basic Attack hits in the rotation — take if Crit is already well-covered |
| Liberation DMG Bonus | ★★ Situational | Directly buffs Blade of Howling Squall — valuable situationally if Crit is capped |
🎯 Target Stat Goals
Optimal Rotation
Phase 1 — Build Sword Shadows & Erosion Stacks
›
Resonance Skill
›
Basic Attack ×3
›
Heavy Attack
›
🏈 Plunging Attack (3 Shadows Recall)
Phase 2 — Enter Fleurdelys & Nuke
›
Basic Attacks (build Conviction)
›
120 Conviction
›
🔥 Blade of Howling Squall (5-Stack Aero Erosion!)
›
Echo Skill & Outro
Key Rules: Always ensure enemies have 5 Aero Erosion stacks from Ciaccona / Chisa before triggering Blade of Howling Squall. In Fleurdelys form, do NOT switch out — maintain the form until 120 Conviction is reached. Intro Skill summons Shadows instantly, so use it to immediately prime your Plunge at the start of each rotation. Never use Plunge with fewer than 3 Sword Shadows if avoidable — the damage multiplier scales significantly with Shadow count.
Best Team Compositions
★ Aero Erosion — BIS Team
The definitive Cartethyia team. Ciaccona applies Aero Erosion reliably, Chisa raises the stack cap and provides DEF shred — maximizing Blade of Howling Squall’s damage multiplier at 5 stacks.
🌐 Aero + Healer Alt
Swap Chisa for Shorekeeper when healing is needed. You lose DEF shred and the extra Erosion cap, but gain excellent Crit Rate/DMG buffs and strong survivability.
🍌 Fusion Reaction Team
Lupa’s Fusion DMG buffs synergize with Cartethyia’s multi-hit attacks. Verina provides sustained healing and ATK/DMG boosts. Not as peak as Aero Erosion team but solid and flexible.
✅ F2P Budget Team
Aero Rover is fully free and increases Aero Erosion stack cap — partial synergy with Cartethyia’s kit. Baizhi provides reliable healing. Excellent resource-limited starter team.
Resonance Chain (Sequence Nodes)
| Node | Effect | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| S1 | Blade of Howling Squall deals increased damage based on Aero Erosion stacks consumed. Enhances the nuke’s damage scaling per stack consumed | ★★★★ High |
| S2 | Sword Shadow Plunging Attack damage increased. Each Shadow recalled in Forte Circuit deals additional Aero DMG — more Shadows = more damage boost | ★★★★★ Best Early |
| S3 | Resonance Liberation skill level +4. In Fleurdelys form, Normal Attack DMG and Resonance Liberation DMG both increased — significant multiplier boost | ★★★★ High |
| S4 | Concerto Energy gained from Plunging Attack (Shadow recall) increased — improves rotation speed and allows faster Liberation cycling in combat | ★★★ QoL |
| S5 | Forte Circuit skill level +4. Sword Shadow Plunge ATK gains additional multiplier boost — directly increases the 3-Shadow recall damage output | ★★★★ Good |
| S6 | Major upgrade — Blade of Howling Squall gains an additional Aero DMG hit after execution. Bonus Aero attack triggers on each Plunging Attack recall in Fleurdelys form. Significant DPS spike | ★★★★★ Major |
✓ Recommended Pull Order
S0R1 > S2R1 > S3R1 > S6R1 — S2 provides the most impactful early upgrade by boosting Sword Shadow recall damage. S6 is a significant late-game investment but entirely optional for clearing all endgame content at S0.
Should You Pull Cartethyia?
🔥 Pull If…
- ✓ You want a strong S-Tier Aero DPS with a unique dual-form mechanic
- ✓ You already have or plan to pull Ciaccona — they are co-dependent for best results
- ✓ You enjoy burst-style DPS playstyles centered on big nuke finishers
- ✓ You can invest in her signature Defier’s Thorn — the HP% substat is uniquely valuable
◯ Skip / Wait If…
- ✗ You don’t have Ciaccona — her Aero Erosion stacking becomes inconsistent without her
- ✗ You prefer simpler, standalone DPS characters that work in any team
- ✗ You are saving for stronger current 3.1 characters like Aemeath — consider roster priorities
The Verdict
🏅 The Aero Erosion Nuke Queen
Cartethyia earns her S-Tier ranking as a high-ceiling burst DPS with one of the most satisfying finisher mechanics in Wuthering Waves — the Blade of Howling Squall consuming 5 Aero Erosion stacks for massive Aero nuke damage. Her dual-form system, HP scaling uniqueness, and 44111 echo layout set her apart from every other DPS in the game.
What makes her worth pulling: Her entire kit revolves around a well-designed loop that rewards preparation — build Shadows, stack Erosion, enter Fleurdelys, and nuke. When the full team is in place with Ciaccona + Chisa, the damage ceiling is among the highest in the current meta.
Final Recommendation: Pull Cartethyia alongside Defier’s Thorn if possible, use Windward Pilgrimage 5-PC with a 44111 HP% layout, and pair with Ciaccona + Chisa for maximum output. She rewards players who master the Aero Erosion setup loop with exceptional endgame performance that remains strong well into Version 3.1.
🔗 Related Character Guides
📋 View Complete Wuthering Waves Character Tier List
Master Cartethyia’s Aero Erosion nuke rotation and dominate endgame content!
