Waveriding Whirl Genshin Impact Guide ⇒ Unlock Best Builds Now

Waveriding Whirl is a potent 4-star Catalyst in Genshin Impact, designed to empower HP-scaling, Hydro-aligned characters and enhance aquatic exploration. Whether you’re aiming to maximize your team’s healing and Hydro damage or simply want an easier time traversing water-laden regions, this weapon is a unique and versatile choice in any Traveler’s arsenal.

Waveriding Whirl at a Glance: Stats and Unique Qualities

The Waveriding Whirl stands out as an HP-focused support weapon with a strong Energy Recharge substat, perfectly tailored for characters dependent on frequent Burst activations and HP scaling.

Weapon Type: Catalyst
Rarity: 4-star
Base Attack (Level 90): 454
Secondary Stat: Energy Recharge (61.3% at Level 90)
Acquisition: Epitome Invocation weapon banners (details here)
Region: Natlan Series

Explore the Passive: Fangs Flying To and Fro

Waveriding Whirl’s passive, Fangs Flying To and Fro, is what truly sets it apart as both a utility and combat weapon. Here’s what you gain:

Swim Stamina Reduction: -15% to swimming stamina consumption, making it excellent for exploration in aquatic regions like Fontaine.
HP Bonus on Skill: Using an Elemental Skill grants a 20% increase to Max HP for 10 seconds (Refinement 1), activating once every 15 seconds.
Hydro Party Synergy: For each Hydro character in your party, HP bonus is increased by 12%, capping at 44% with two Hydro members.

At Refinement 5, these bonuses skyrocket, with up to 40% base HP increase and a possible total of 88% HP bonus when fully optimized.

Obtaining Waveriding Whirl: Availability and Banner Info

The Waveriding Whirl is acquired exclusively from Epitome Invocation weapon banners, not standard banners or free events. It was first featured in Genshin Impact Version 5.2.

The weapon may return to the banner in future cycles. Stay updated by checking the in-game notifications and sites like GameWith or Game8 for rerun info.

Maximizing the Weapon: Ascension Materials and Enhancement Path

Upgrading Waveriding Whirl to level 90 requires a collection of materials sourced from Natlan. Here’s the full ascension list:

Primary Ascension: Sacrificial Heart’s Terror, Hesitance, Resolve, and Splendor
Secondary Materials: Shard/Locus/Sigil of a Shattered/Clear/Striding Will
Common Materials: Juvenile Fang, Seasoned Fang, and Tyrant’s Fang

Full farming guides are available if you need efficiency tips.

Best Users of Waveriding Whirl: Who Should Wield It?

Waveriding Whirl is tailored for HP-scaling, Hydro catalyst users who shine in both healing and off-field application. Here are the standout wielders:

Kokomi: Unmatched synergy due to her HP-based healing and scaling. The weapon’s passive and ER stat streamline her rotations and burst uptime. Kokomi-centric Hydro teams maximize the HP bonus, pushing her healing and damage to new heights.
Other Potential Users: Any future catalyst-wielding Hydro support or HP-scaling character will benefit, though the current roster is limited.

For a competitive comparison with other options, see this in-depth breakdown.

Building Around Waveriding Whirl: Synergistic Artifact and Team Compositions

To unlock this weapon’s full potential, optimize your artifacts and party:

Best Artifact Sets

Ocean-Hued Clam: Amazing synergy for Kokomi – higher max HP directly increases both healing and the set’s damage bubbles.
Tenacity of the Millelith: For teams where off-field buffs matter, this set scales perfectly with increased HP.

Recommended Main Stats and Sub-Stats

Sands: HP% or Energy Recharge
Goblet: HP%
Circlet: Healing Bonus or HP%
Sub-stats: HP%, Energy Recharge, Flat HP, Healing Bonus

Optimal Team Setups

Full Hydro Synergy: Kokomi plus two other Hydro characters (like Yelan, Xingqiu) for maximum HP stacking
Support Compositions: Kokomi + Hydro enabler + Anemo or Dendro support for amplified reaction damage and healing rotations

Exploring Beyond Combat: Extra Utility and Value

Even outside battle, Waveriding Whirl’s -15% swimming stamina cost makes it a daily convenience for active overworld explorers. Fontaine’s lakes, rivers, and Natlan’s rumored aquatic biomes become less punishing to traverse, saving time and food resources. For players who love immersion and efficiency, this is a real quality-of-life boon.

Frequently Asked Questions about Waveriding Whirl in Genshin Impact

What type of weapon is Waveriding Whirl?

Waveriding Whirl is a 4-star Catalyst in Genshin Impact, specifically crafted for HP and support-focused playstyles.

How do I obtain Waveriding Whirl?

You can obtain it by pulling on the limited Epitome Invocation weapon banners using Intertwined Fates when it’s featured. It is not available through standard or permanent banners.

Which characters benefit most from Waveriding Whirl?

Kokomi is the standout candidate, as her abilities scale off Max HP. Any HP-scaling Hydro catalyst user will gain major benefits from this weapon.

Is Waveriding Whirl good for main DPS roles?

It’s best used as a support or healing weapon for teams built around HP scaling rather than as a main DPS catalyst, unless your DPS’s damage also scales directly with HP.

What is the maximum HP bonus possible with Waveriding Whirl?

At Refinement 1, you can reach up to a 44% Max HP increase with a team containing two Hydro characters. Refinement 5 further increases this cap.

Does the swimming stamina reduction affect party members or just the wielder?

The swimming stamina reduction only applies to the character currently wielding Waveriding Whirl, not the whole party.

What ascension materials are required?

Main materials come from Natlan: Sacrificial Heart series, Will series (Shard, Locus, Sigil), and various types of Fang. Check farming guides like TheriaGames for full details.

Which artifact set best complements this weapon?

Ocean-Hued Clam is widely considered the top pick for Kokomi, but Tenacity of the Millelith is viable for buffer/support roles.

Will Waveriding Whirl be available again?

Yes, as with most weapon banner exlusives, it is expected to return in future banners. There is no set schedule, though leaks and news outlets like GameWith provide updates.

Is Waveriding Whirl F2P-friendly?

No, it is only available through the weapon gacha, so it requires spending Intertwined Fates and relies on luck or investment in weapon banners.

Can I use Waveriding Whirl on non-Hydro characters?

Technically, yes, but the HP bonus scales specifically with party Hydro members, and non-HP-scaling characters will benefit less from its unique effects.

Does the HP increase affect Healing Bonus?

The increased max HP from Waveriding Whirl raises the effectiveness of healing from characters like Kokomi whose healing skills scale with Max HP, indirectly improving overall team sustainability.

Further Resources and Community Insights

For in-depth showcases, advanced build theory, and community discussion, check top guides such as GameWith’s weapon guide, Game8 character compatibility analysis, and TheriaGames’ farming/upgrade guide. You’ll also find lively speculation and community posts on social media platforms, like Instagram and short-form video breakdowns.

Waveriding Whirl is a fantastic pick for anyone focused on HP-based Hydro support, providing robust team healing, decent Burst uptime, and even smoother open-world navigation. Whether you’re a dedicated Kokomi main or just looking to streamline swimming adventures, this weapon is sure to make a splash in your collection.