Defier’s Thorn: Should You Summon on Wuthering Waves 3.0’s Exclusive Weapon Banner?

The highly anticipated Absolute Pulsation weapon convene has launched in Wuthering Waves Version 3.0, marking a significant moment for both dedicated meta enthusiasts and newly journeying Resonators. This limited-duration offering brings with it the debut of the exclusive 5-Star Weapon: Defier’s Thorn, alongside heightened acquisition rates for three notable 4-star armaments. Its potential to redefine optimal strategies for challenging content in the coming months is undeniable.

Unlike many standard pulls, Defier’s Thorn is an event-specific item. Official communications indicate that once this banner concludes, the weapon will not be available again. This scarcity places a notable urgency on the decision for competitive players striving to conquer the game’s most demanding encounters.

Key Information: Absolute Pulsation Weapon Convene

Availability Window: From the 3.0 update release until 2026-01-15 at 09:59 (server time).
Featured 5-Star Weapon: Defier’s Thorn (Exclusive to this event).
Rate-Up 4-Star Weapons: Relativistic Jet, Endless Collapse, Undying Flame.
Required Currency: Forging Tide.
A 4★ weapon or Resonator is guaranteed every 10 convenes.
The pity count for 5★ weapons is cumulative across all weapon banners and only resets upon obtaining a 5★ item.

Conditions for Participation:Players can access this convene after meeting any of the following criteria:

Reaching Union Level 5.
Successfully completing the combat trial within the First Resonance questline.
Advancing to a specific milestone in the Main Quest Fast Track Event.

(These eligibility requirements are sourced directly from official event announcements; no further prerequisites have been disclosed.)

Convening Schedule and Drop Mechanics

The Absolute Pulsation banner will be active from the 3.0 Update launch (date to be announced) until 2026-01-15 at 09:59 (server time). During this period, Defier’s Thorn is the featured 5-star weapon, with Relativistic Jet, Endless Collapse, and Undying Flame enjoying boosted drop rates among the 4-star selections. The exact server timezone has not been specified in official materials.

Understanding Rate-Up and Pity

Every ten convenes will secure at least one weapon or Resonator of 4-star rarity or higher.
Any 5-star weapon obtained through the pity system on this banner will exclusively be Defier’s Thorn, eliminating the chance of receiving an off-banner 5-star weapon.
Your accumulated pity progress is shared across all weapon event banners, resetting only when a 5-star weapon is successfully acquired.
As an event-exclusive item, Defier’s Thorn will not be obtainable once this specific banner concludes.

Impact on Endgame: The Significance of Defier’s Thorn

For advanced players focused on mastering challenges like Memory of Chaos (MoC) and other late-game content, Defier’s Thorn presents a rare opportunity to acquire a guaranteed, potentially game-changing weapon. Its exclusivity means it will not become diluted within future standard pools, potentially making it a high-value asset for your account if it pairs effectively with top-tier Resonators – assuming you are prepared to invest.

While the three rate-up 4-star weapons are useful for bolstering mid-game setups, they are generally considered stepping stones rather than meta-altering tools for the highest echelons of play. Savvy theorycrafters will primarily be scrutinizing Defier’s Thorn’s speculated statistics and synergistic potential, closely monitoring early clears and comprehensive testing by leading players shortly after the update goes live.

Is Pulling on Absolute Pulsation Advised?

Guidance for Free-to-Play (F2P) and Low Spenders

The definitive guarantee of acquiring Defier’s Thorn as the 5-star weapon significantly mitigates the typical risks associated with event weapon convenes, as there are no alternative 5-star weapons to pull.
However, given its event-exclusive nature, choosing to bypass this banner now could mean missing a unique opportunity for future account optimization.
If your primary goal is to achieve top-tier clears or assemble specific meta teams, consider reserving your currency for this banner, particularly if Defier’s Thorn aligns with a prominent Resonator’s niche. Otherwise, it might be more prudent to save for upcoming character banners that better complement your current roster.

Resource Management and Strategic Planning

The pity system carries over between all weapon event banners. If you are far from reaching soft or hard pity, carefully assess whether you can realistically secure the guarantee before the 2026-01-15 deadline.
Forging Tide is the required currency for convene attempts. With no specific details provided regarding bundle discounts, it’s advisable to plan your spending conservatively.
Keep a close watch on announcements for competing character banners, especially if new limited-time Resonators are revealed post-3.0.

Recommended Approach: Only pursue this banner if Defier’s Thorn’s specific passive abilities and stat profile are crucial for your current teams or anticipated future compositions. Otherwise, prioritizing limited character banners may offer a more advantageous return on your investment.

Team Compositions & Synergy Prospects

As the precise statistics and passive effects of Defier’s Thorn have not been officially disclosed, any information from prior leaks or unofficial sources should be regarded as unconfirmed and potentially subject to change. Early discussions within the theorycrafting community suggest it will likely complement a particular weapon category and possibly an upcoming or newly released 5-star Resonator.

Initial Recommendations:– Experiment with the rate-up 4-star weapons. They can serve as effective stat sticks or provide valuable elemental triggers for your sub-DPS units, especially if you lack superior alternatives.- Stay updated on synergy findings immediately following the 3.0 launch, particularly observing any new team builds emerging from high-investment players who obtain Defier’s Thorn early.

Preparation Steps

Begin accumulating Forging Tide through daily activities, in-game events, and the shop in anticipation of the 3.0 update.
Ensure you meet the banner eligibility requirements by completing Main Quest milestones, if you have not yet reached Union Level 5.
Regularly check your current currency reserves and pity status across all weapon convene banners.
Monitor official news channels for any detailed breakdowns of Defier’s Thorn‘s stats, recommended Resonators, or indications of potential event reruns.

Conclusion: A Crucial, Time-Sensitive Opportunity

The Absolute Pulsation banner could well be remembered as one of the most significant weapon events in the history of Wuthering Waves thus far. While the allure of a guaranteed, exclusive 5-star weapon is powerful, prudent resource management remains essential for all but the highest-spending players.

If your current team compositions are poised to fully utilize Defier’s Thorn – or if your account development goals align with the ongoing speculation about its specialized role – this might be a rare event banner you cannot afford to overlook. Conversely, exercising patience for the subsequent cycle of character banners could yield a more beneficial outcome for free-to-play and low-spending accounts. As always, keep a close eye on GenshinBuilds for the latest theorycrafting insights, strategies for conquering endgame content, and in-depth banner analyses as Version 3.0 unfolds.

Visuals & Accessibility

Original event graphics feature the Absolute Pulsation weapon banner splash art and its in-game user interface. These visuals are suitable for event guides and providing visual context. An appropriate alt text suggestion would be: “Wuthering Waves Absolute Pulsation weapon event banner art, showcasing Defier’s Thorn and highlighted 4-star weapons, alongside the in-game convene interface detailing event mechanics.”