While in Los Angeles for The Game Awards, I had the chance to visit Kuro Games and get a look at the latest update coming to Wuthering Waves, and I came away impressed. Wuthering Waves version 3.0, slated to launch Dec. 25, is set to deliver new characters, an expanded map, several collaborations and a new motorbike that could shake up the free-to-play action RPG. Titled We Who See the Stars, the update takes players to Lahai-Roi, a region that promises fresh combat encounters and new story beats for those eager to explore beyond the game’s existing boundaries. From what I played, players are in for a treat.
To be honest, beyond previously spending time with the game on mobile, I was relatively new to Wuthering Waves. I liked what I saw, but never had the time to fully explore everything the experience had to offer. The expansion, which will launch on iOS, Android, PC, PlayStation 5 and Steam, introduces a range of new features along with refinements to many elements players have come to expect. The developers spoke in detail about the time being invested in dialogue, localization and the overall fit and polish of the final experience.
The biggest new element of the update is the region of Lahai-Roi, which expands the game’s open world with fresh environments to explore. While I did not experience everything the map has to offer during my demo session, the update introduces an Expedition Motorbike that makes exploration easier and is genuinely fun to use. This addition fits into the game’s broader push to streamline traversal as the world grows with each major version, and it feels well implemented.
Motorbikes in games can be hit or miss, often feeling like an afterthought in overall world traversal. Thankfully, Wuthering Waves 3.0 nails the experience. Players have full control, whether racing along tracks, entering combat with moves tied directly to character actions such as jumping, or simply travelling using the autopilot feature. The latter delivers some striking cinematic moments as your character speeds across the world.
What I did not expect was the range of activities tied to the motorbike, with the new area dotted with race missions that encourage players to use it in different ways. These range from exploration-focused challenges to pure speed tests, as well as obstacle-course-style tracks that require more precise control.
I am not entirely sold on how every activity works, but the depth of content built around the new mechanic is encouraging to see. Fans of the game are likely to enjoy experiencing the world in new ways, particularly given how well the team has tuned the controls.
Wuthering Waves version 3.0 also introduces the Startorch Academy, a new school location featuring missions, student life activities and the hub that grants access to the Expedition Motorbike. This area was the main focus of the demo, and even with only a brief look at what it offers, the developers at Kuro Games appear to have put significant effort into making it feel like a tangible place. With NPCs, quests and a strong sense of life even when the player character is absent, the location feels convincingly alive.
I will also say that Wuthering Waves version 3.0 is stunning to look at. The team on site outlined the work done to improve the game’s visuals, and based on the areas I explored during my demo session, the results are impressive. The level of detail across environments and characters showcases strong lighting effects and textures that would not feel out of place in a premium title. While the demo was still a work in progress, what I saw left a strong impression.
There is also plenty more included in the update. It introduces new resonators, including Lynae and Mornye, both of whom I was able to try during the demo. Players can also expect a range of new weapons, such as the Spectrum Blaster and the Starfield Calibrator, along with several others. As with any new region, there are new enemies to face. I encountered some of the new monsters during combat, and they are engaging, if not challenging, particularly if you let your guard down.
“I will also say that Wuthering Waves version 3.0 is stunning to look at.”
Version 3.0 feels packed with content and left me eager to dive back into Wuthering Waves when it launches. That enthusiasm only grew after learning about additional crossovers planned for the future. Kuro Games announced crossover events with both Persona and Sonic, although details remain limited. During the Version 3.0 update broadcast, bike decorations featuring characters from Persona 5 and Persona 3 Reload appeared, suggesting cosmetic tie-ins rather than full character additions. For now, it is a matter of waiting to see how those collaborations take shape.
I enjoyed my time with Wuthering Waves far more than I expected, with the depth of the game offering plenty to explore. After speaking with the developers at Kuro Games, it is clear this is a project they are passionate about, and that commitment shows. Version 3.0 arrives Dec. 25 across all platforms. The update adds Lynae, Mornye and the Lahai-Roi region, along with crossover content tied to Persona and Sonic. Whether it delivers enough to keep players engaged through the next three-week cycle remains to be seen.
