Ready to unlock the true potential of Wuthering Waves' most sophisticated sword master? Qiuyuan brings a unique blend of defensive prowess and explosive damage that transforms how you approach combat. This 5-star Aero sword wielder isn't just another Sub-DPS – he's a tactical game-changer who rewards skilled play with devastating results.
What Makes Qiuyuan Special?
Qiuyuan operates around a fascinating mechanic called Swordster's Soliloquy – think of it as your sword mastery meter. As you fight, this meter fills through basic attacks and perfectly-timed dodge counters. Once you hit specific thresholds (200/400/600 points), you unlock powerful stance changes that completely alter his combat effectiveness.
His basic combo Inkwash delivers three lightning-fast Aero strikes, but here's where it gets interesting: after each swing, he briefly enters a defensive stance. Get attacked during this window? He performs an instant Dodge Counter, avoiding all damage while striking back immediately. It's incredibly satisfying when you nail the timing.
tip
Practice the dodge counter timing in overworld fights. The defensive window is brief but generous enough to master with practice.
How Qiuyuan's Stance System Works
Normal Stance: Building Power
In his default state, Qiuyuan focuses on accumulating Swordster's Soliloquy points:
- Basic attacks generate points efficiently
- Dodge Counters provide significant point boosts
- Resonance Skill adds moderate points while repositioning
Enhanced Stances: Unleashing Potential
As your Swordster's Soliloquy meter fills, you unlock three distinct power levels:
Resonator Preview | Qiuyuan : r ...
Skill Priority: Where to Invest First
Focus your upgrades strategically to maximize Qiuyuan's impact:
important
His Forte Circuit isn't just a damage boost – it's what makes his entire kit function. Max this first, always.
Best Weapons for Every Budget
Signature Weapon: Emerald Sentence
Qiuyuan's signature weapon perfectly complements his playstyle:
- Base ATK: 588 with 24.3% Crit Rate
- Weapon Effect: 12% ATK increase, plus stacking Heavy Attack DMG Bonus from Echo Skills
- Team Buff: 20% Echo Skill DMG Bonus for all team members
X: "Qiuyuan Weapon ( Changes B2.7.7 ...
Premium Alternatives
If you're missing his signature, these 5-star options deliver excellent results:
Emerald of Genesis excels for energy-hungry rotations with its 12.8% Energy Regen boost and stacking ATK bonuses.
Red Spring rewards aggressive basic attack play with up to 30% Basic Attack DMG Bonus and additional benefits during Concerto Energy consumption.
Budget-Friendly Options
Don't overlook these 4-star powerhouses:
Lumingloss at R5 provides a massive 64% boost to both Basic and Heavy Attack damage when casting Resonance Skills.
Somnoire Anchor builds damage over time, reaching 40% ATK and 12% Crit Rate at maximum stacks.
warning
Avoid spreading your weapon upgrades too thin. One well-refined 4-star often outperforms multiple under-invested 5-stars.
Echo Sets: Maximizing Support Potential
Law of Harmony (Recommended)
This set transforms Qiuyuan into a dual-threat damage dealer and team buffer:
2-Piece Bonus: 10% Aero DMG increase 5-Piece Effect: Casting Echo Skills grants:
- 30% Heavy Attack DMG Bonus to the caster
- 4% Echo Skill DMG Bonus to the entire team (stacks up to 4 times)
Main Echo: Reminiscence: Fenrico
- Summons Talons of Decree dealing 273.60% Aero DMG
- Provides 12% Aero DMG and 12% Heavy Attack DMG bonuses
Sierra Gale (Alternative)
Choose this when maximizing Qiuyuan's personal damage output:
5-Piece Effect: 30% Aero DMG increase for 15 seconds after using Intro Skill
Main Echo: Nightmare: Feilian Beringal
- Deals 164.16% initial Aero DMG
- Follows up with 5 additional strikes at 21.89% Aero DMG each
Optimal Echo Stats Priority
Main Stats Distribution
Sub-Stats Hierarchy
Target these sub-stats in order of importance:
- Crit Rate (aim for 65% minimum)
- Crit DMG
- ATK%
- Heavy Attack DMG
- Flat ATK
Pro Tip: Qiuyuan benefits more from consistent crit hits than extreme crit damage. Prioritize reaching 65% crit rate before stacking crit damage.
Team Compositions That Dominate
Premium Galbrena Support Team
Qiuyuan shines brightest when supporting Echo Skill-focused main DPS units:
This team maximizes Qiuyuan's outro skill, which grants massive Echo Skill damage amplification to the incoming character.
Hypercarry Potential
Qiuyuan can serve as a main DPS with proper support:
Team 1: Qiuyuan + Iuno + Shorekeeper
- Iuno provides energy regeneration and damage amplification
- Shorekeeper ensures survivability while buffing damage
Team 2: Qiuyuan + Mortefi + Shorekeeper
- Budget-friendly option with Mortefi's coordinated attacks
- Still maintains excellent damage potential
Important Synergy Note
Qiuyuan's Echo Skill damage buff only affects the active on-field character. This limits his effectiveness with characters like Phrolova, who quickly swaps out after using abilities.
Strategy Insight: Qiuyuan works best with characters who stay on-field to utilize Echo Skills, not quick-swap burst characters.
Combat Rotation Mastery
Basic Rotation Framework
- Intro onto the field
- Build Swordster's Soliloquy through basic attacks and dodge counters
- Use Resonance Liberation for team-wide Crit DMG boost
- Activate enhanced abilities based on current stance
- Outro to amplify next character's Echo Skill damage
Advanced Techniques
- Dodge Counter Timing: Practice the brief defensive window after each basic attack
- Stance Management: Don't rush to higher stances - each threshold provides unique benefits
- Energy Conservation: His enhanced Energy Regen helps maintain Liberation uptime
Is Qiuyuan Worth Your Investment?
Qiuyuan represents a unique investment proposition. He's not the flashiest character, but his value lies in team synergy and long-term versatility. His ability to amplify Echo Skill damage makes him future-proof as more Echo-focused characters release.
Pull if you have:
- Galbrena or plan to get her
- Interest in sophisticated combat mechanics
- Need for a versatile Aero Sub-DPS
Skip if you prefer:
- Straightforward, high-damage characters
- Quick-swap team compositions
- Limited resources with other priorities
Qiuyuan rewards patient, skilled players who appreciate tactical depth over raw power. His stance system and dodge counter mechanics create engaging gameplay that evolves as you master his timing.
The sword chooses its master – will you prove worthy of Qiuyuan's sophisticated combat artistry?