Aemeath splash art and Version 3.1 patch illustration. Official character and update promotion. Alt text: A sweeping, snow-covered panorama showcases the newly introduced 5-star Resonator, Aemeath, alongside a glimpse of upcoming staking mechanics in Wuthering Waves Version 3.1.

Wuthering Waves 3.1: Character Showcases, The Frozen Frontier & System Enhancements

Wuthering Waves Version 3.1, titled “For You Who Walk in Snow,” is set to debut on February 5th, 2026 (UTC+8). This significant patch introduces not only fresh Resonators and armaments but also unlocks the sprawling Roya Frostlands region and delivers comprehensive system improvements. Players—whether meticulously planning their gacha pulls or optimizing free-to-play strategies—will face key decisions regarding banner targets, resource farming, and event reward maximization within an evolving game meta.

Quick Overview: Wuthering Waves 3.1 Key Information

Scheduled maintenance: February 5th, 2026, from 04:00 to 11:00 (UTC+8). Game servers will be offline during this period, so plan your activities accordingly.
New zones accessible: The expansive Roya Frostlands (including the Frostlands Surface and its sub-areas, alongside Main Quest Chapter III Act III).
Fresh 5-star Resonators joining the roster: Aemeath (Fusion/Sword) and Luuk Herssen (Spectro/Gauntlets).
Banner release structure: A two-phase system (detailed schedule provided below).
Time-limited activities: Events such as “Where Stars Cascade Down,” “Unfrozen Traces,” daily login bonuses, photography challenges, combat trials, and leisure activities—many offering valuable free-to-play rewards.
Motorbike advancements: Introduces the Glacier Track, enabling water traversal, an autopilot function, and refined mobile controls.
Pre-download commencement: February 3rd, 2026, at 10:00 (UTC+8).

Summoning Schedules: Version 3.1 Character & Weapon Banners

Official announcements confirm the standard two-phase banner rollout. All times are indicated in UTC+8; precise end and start times are not yet specified—players should consult the official in-game timer or the GenshinBuilds banner tracker for real-time updates.

Phase	Dates (UTC+8)	Banner	Featured 5★ Unit/Weapon
1	2026-02-05 ~ TBD	Take Flight in Spring	Aemeath (Fusion/Sword)
		Everbright Polestar	Everbright Polestar (Sword)
2	Immediately after Phase 1	When Winter Thaws	Luuk Herssen (Spectro/Gauntlets)
		Daybreaker's Spine	Daybreaker's Spine (Gauntlets)

Note: Specific transition dates and exact banner sequences for Phase 2 are not yet publicly disclosed in official communications.

Summoning Strategy: Advice for Free-to-Play and Low-Spending Players

Aemeath (Fusion/Sword) takes center stage as the initial 5-star character in Phase 1. Fusion units typically excel in area-of-effect scenarios and offer adaptable team roles, though detailed kit information and optimal compositions are still emerging. Luuk Herssen (Spectro/Gauntlets) anchors Phase 2, presenting an alternative combat style. Historically, characters released in early patches often shape the meta (refer to our Wuthering Waves 3.0 in-depth analysis on GenshinBuilds). Therefore, those prioritizing meta relevance might lean towards Aemeath’s early availability, while collectors or Spectro-focused players may prefer to save for Luuk Herssen.

Key recommendations for summoning:

For F2P/Low-Spend: Ensure you accumulate sufficient Astrite and free pulls from upcoming events before committing to banners. Version 3.1 includes several reward-rich events (details below).
Weapon Banners: Both weapon banners are aligned with their respective character phases. Carefully assess your team’s needs and current pity progression before deciding to pull on weapon banners.
Rates & Guarantees: No changes to existing gacha rates or guarantee systems have been announced for 3.1 (based on official patch notes). Standard Wuthering Waves pity and 50/50 mechanics remain in effect.
Currency Optimization: Prioritize obtaining banner currency from the “Starpaths Intertwined” giveback event, the 7-day login bonus, and event completions to maximize your gacha value.

Team Dynamics & Synergies: Integrating Aemeath & Luuk Herssen

Aemeath (Fusion/Sword) is anticipated to thrive in elemental reaction-centric teams. Fusion characters often display strong synergy with support Resonators such as Jué or Chixia, and hybrid builds that offer AoE utility are likely to be rewarded. Luuk Herssen (Spectro/Gauntlets) will probably find his niche in single-target, high-damage setups, potentially offering an upgrade over older gauntlet DPS units. Until comprehensive kit details are released, making use of existing gear and echoes (especially incorporating new Sonata Effects—detailed later) is advisable for initial experimentation.

Recommended Echo/Gear Acquisition: Focus on acquiring the new echo sets—Trailblazing Star, Chromatic Foam, Sound of True Name—for both new units. Optimizing your echo farming routes within the Roya Frostlands early on will yield the best results.

Major Region & Narrative Unlocks: The Roya Frostlands Debut

Patch 3.1 grants access to the Roya Frostlands, encompassing zones like the Frostlands Surface, Frostlands Transit Port, Mount Gjallar, Starblind Crashsite, Upphaf Forest Ruins, and Tidelost Forest. This new area is intricately woven into Main Quest Chapter III Act III: The Star That Voyages Far. Numerous activities, including the “Footprints on Frostlands” photography event and new resource nodes, are heavily integrated with these fresh environments.

Prerequisite for Entry: Players must have completed previous main quest storylines. Note that not all zones may be immediately accessible on launch day, as progressive unlocking is a common practice.

Featured Limited-Time Events and Rewards (Commencing February 5th, 2026)

Event Schedule: Key Highlights

Event Name	Type	Key Rewards	Dates/Duration (if stated)
Where Stars Cascade Down	Limited Combat	Phantom: Sigillum, Sigil: A Night to Remember	Not stated
Unfrozen Traces	Exploration	TBD	Not stated
Footprints on Frostlands	Photo Collection	Titles, material packs	Not stated
Full Throttle! Bolt & Blitz!	Leisure	Title: Roving Lodestar	Not stated
Gifts of Soft Snow	7-Day Login	Pull currency, boost items	Not stated (coincides with patch release)

Additional event types will include area-specific challenges, a Featured Commission, and web-based activities. For a complete event roadmap, consult the patch preview within the in-game Events tab.

Compensation & Eligibility: 300 Astrite and 2 Crystal Solvent will be provided to accounts created and with mail unlocked before February 5th, 2026, 04:00 UTC+8. Ensure you claim these rewards before the subsequent version update.

Quality of Life & System Upgrades: Motorbike, HDR, and Mobile Enhancements

Version 3.1 significantly upgrades the expedition motorbike by introducing the Glacier Track for water traversal, an “All-Terrain Tactics” module, and vital improvements for mobile user interfaces and controls. HDR support is now fully integrated on compatible platforms. Furthermore, optimizations to resource loading and animation performance have been implemented, and a bulk Data Modify/Merge feature is now available for inventory management—a frequently requested player enhancement.

Storage & Firmware Guidance: Pre-downloading the update is strongly advised. PC users will require a 35GB download (with 40GB free space recommended), while Android/iOS users will need 18GB (temporarily requiring 61GB). Devices lacking sufficient temporary storage may be unable to apply the patch.
Expanded Controller Support: Compatibility has been extended to include Xbox and DualShock/DualSense controllers across PC, Mac, and mobile platforms. Refer to the official compatibility table for a full list.

Pre-Patch Preparation: Your To-Do List Before Maintenance

Utilize or claim all Waveplates and complete daily event objectives prior to February 5th, 2026, 04:00 UTC+8.
Initiate the pre-download of game resources starting February 3rd, 2026, 10:00 UTC+8.
Confirm your device has adequate storage and an updated operating system version; an SSD installation is recommended for PC users.
Unlock your in-game mail system if you haven’t already, to ensure eligibility for compensation.
Review the upcoming event roadmap to avoid missing out on day-one challenges.

Launch Day Priorities: Maximizing Your 3.1 Experience

Expedite the initial Main Quest steps within the Roya Frostlands to gain early access to new echoes and story content.
Prioritize claiming rewards from “Where Stars Cascade Down” and “Gifts of Soft Snow” login bonuses, as currency is time-sensitive.
Experiment with the enhanced motorbike mechanics and new controller options if applicable to your setup.
Begin scouting for new Sonata Effects in the region-specific echo nests.
Utilize the new batch operation feature for managing gear as soon as inventory access is restored.

Unverified Information — Subject to Change

No comprehensive leaks or banner rerun speculation were mentioned in the official 3.1 announcements. Should datamined information surface, we will update this section according to GenshinBuilds’ verification standards. Always consult GenshinBuilds’ Wuthering Waves coverage for the latest unconfirmed developments.

Conclusion: Version 3.1 Sets the Stage for Future Meta & Lore

Wuthering Waves Version 3.1 significantly expands the WuWa universe, with the Roya Frostlands promising both narrative depth and diverse gameplay opportunities—especially for players focused on optimizing event currencies and efficiently upgrading echoes. With Aemeath and Luuk Herssen headlining the new character roster, both free-to-play and optimization-minded players should carefully consider their banner and event participation timing. Stay tuned to GenshinBuilds for our evolving guides on team compositions and farming strategies as the patch unfolds.

For previous patch analyses and meta breakdowns, refer to:

For the most current confirmed details and emerging patch notes, follow GenshinBuilds’ dedicated Wuthering Waves coverage.