The white-haired shrine maiden has finally stepped out of the shadows. Hiyuki, the most anticipated Resonator in Wuthering Waves right now, is set to headline the 2nd Anniversary in Version 3.3 as a Glacio main DPS with a dual-form combat system.
Here's what we know so far about her kit, her expected banner timeline, and how to start saving now. We'll keep this article updated as new details are confirmed.
Need extra Astrite for her banner? Top up Wuthering Waves Lunite at GamsGo and save up to 30%!
Who Is Hiyuki?
On March 25, 2026, Kuro Games officially unveiled Hiyuki through the Version 3.3 drip marketing, confirming her as the next playable Resonator. The reveal quickly became one of the most discussed character announcements in the community, with her official splash art generating massive buzz across social media.
The official Wuthering Waves YouTube channel also released a character teaser alongside the splash art:
On March 27, Wuthering Waves' official YouTube channel released character cards confirming Hiyuki's element as Glacio and her weapon type as Sword.
Background and Identity
Hiyuki is a miko (shrine maiden) and a member of the Special Response Force from Startorch Academy in Lahai-Roi, with a long-standing connection to the Threnodian known as Aleph-1.
The official drip marketing describes her as "the embodiment of icy purity", driven forward by the wishes entrusted to her during brief encounters with others. With her Suzu, Hiyuki can perceive and utilize "future possibilities" of herself, crystallizing ice and snow before striking with lightning speed.
She was first hinted at through NPC dialogue and environmental clues as far back as Version 2.8, and has since become one of the most discussed unrevealed characters in the community.
During the Version 3.2 Special Program, she was shown alongside President Lucilla, suggesting a close relationship between the two. The full nature of their connection hasn't been revealed yet, but it's expected to unfold in the Version 3.3 storyline.
Players can also get an early glimpse of Hiyuki in the The Flaming Red in Memory event, available on April 16, 2026 during Version 3.2's second phase.
Design and Appearance
Hiyuki's in-game model was first revealed during the Version 3.2 Special Program livestream on March 13, 2026. Her full official splash art was then unveiled through the Version 3.3 drip marketing on March 25, 2026, giving players their first detailed look at her finalized design.
She is a tall female character with long white hair tied in a high ponytail with a red ribbon, dressed in a red-and-white shrine maiden outfit with sakura blossom motifs throughout her design. The background of her official art features an environment laced with ice and frost, reinforcing her Glacio identity.
She wields a katana-style sword, and her combat animations feature frost-laced strikes that match her Glacio attribute.
The visual direction blends traditional Japanese miko aesthetics with the sci-fi tone of Lahai-Roi, a combination that has already generated strong community buzz since the livestream aired.
Following the drip marketing reveal, many in the community have called it one of the most gorgeous character designs Wuthering Waves has released to date.
Hiyuki's Known Details
Element, Weapon, and Rarity
Based on the Version 3.2 livestream reveal, the official drip marketing, and supporting community sources, here is what has been confirmed or strongly indicated so far:
If Hiyuki releases as predicted, she is likely to secure a top spot on the Wuthering Waves tier list for her high burst potential.
Combat Mechanics (Leak-Based)
Early information from community sources points to the following kit details. These are not officially confirmed and may change before release:
What Makes Hiyuki Worth Pulling
- Glacio has been underserved for over a year. The last premium Glacio main DPS was Carlotta in Version 2.0 (January 2025). Hiyuki fills a gap that ice team players have been waiting on for a long time.
- Anniversary headliners are built differently. The first anniversary (Version 2.3) featured Zani and Ciaccona, both of which received strong tuning and broad team compatibility. Hiyuki is likely to get the same treatment as the 2nd Anniversary's main attraction.
- The Glacio Chafe mechanic opens new team strategies. If the leaks hold true, her stacking debuff into freeze gameplay rewards setup and timing, giving Glacio a burst-oriented identity it hasn't had before.
- She's the safer pick in a double 5-star patch. Version 3.3 features both Hiyuki and Denia. For players with limited Astrite, the anniversary headliner is generally the higher-value investment.
Expected Banner Schedule
Based on Wuthering Waves' consistent update pattern, here is the projected timeline:
| Milestone | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Version 3.2 launch | March 19, 2026 |
| Hiyuki drip marketing | March 25, 2026 ✅ |
| Version 3.3 (Anniversary) | Around April 29 ~ 30, 2026 |
| Hiyuki banner (Phase I) | Around April 29 ~ 30, 2026 |
| Denia banner (Phase II) | Around May 20, 2026 |
Hiyuki is expected to headline the first phase of the Version 3.3 Anniversary banners. As an anniversary headliner, she will likely come alongside anniversary events, login rewards, and potentially a large-scale rerun banner featuring past limited 5-star Resonators.
How to Prepare for Hiyuki
Hiyuki's full kit isn't confirmed yet, but there's plenty you can do right now to be ready on day one. Besides farming, make sure to keep an eye out for Wuthering Waves redeem codes for free Astrite and materials.
Save Your Astrite
Version 3.2 is a transitional update with Sigrika as the only new character, making it the ideal saving window. Here's how much you might need:
| Scenario | Pulls Needed | Astrite Cost |
| Win the 50/50 | Up to 80 | 12,800 |
| Lose the 50/50 (guaranteed) | Up to 160 | 25,600 |
If you're also considering her signature weapon, budget an additional 80 pulls on top of that.
Running low on Astrite? Top up Wuthering Waves at GamsGo to save up to 30% and get closer to your guarantee.
Pre-farm Glacio Materials
Hiyuki's specific ascension materials haven't been confirmed, but as a Glacio Sword character, the following are safe to start farming now:
- LF Whisperin Core (all tiers)
- Glacio boss drops (e.g. from Glacier Predator or Mourning Aix)
- Sword forgery materials (Cadence series)
- General EXP materials and Shell Credits
Players who previously built Carlotta or other Glacio characters will already have a head start on most of these.
Build Your Support Roster Early
Based on current leaks, these characters are the most likely teammates for Hiyuki:
| Resonator | Synergy Description |
|---|---|
 Chisa | Accelerates Glacio Chafe buildup, allowing Hiyuki to reach max stacks faster for smoother burst rotations. A strong support option available now. |
 Lucilla | Designed as Hiyuki's dedicated Condensation Sub-DPS, providing sustained off-field Glacio damage and Frost Build-up amplification. Expected to be Hiyuki's optimal teammate. Currently a story NPC; she is expected to become playable in Version 3.4. |
 Verina | Universal healer/buffer, fits into virtually any team. |
 Ciaccona | Top-tier coordinated attack support with broad compatibility. |
For the best results on day one, prioritize building Chisa now as she is already available and directly synergizes with Hiyuki's Glacio Chafe mechanic. Lucilla, Hiyuki's optimal dedicated partner, is expected to become playable in Version 3.4, so plan your Astrite accordingly if you want the complete Glacio Condensation team. Verina and Ciaccona are safe pre-investments since they work across all teams.
Hiyuki vs. Denia — Which One Should You Pull?
Version 3.3 presents Rovers with a classic gacha dilemma: two new limited 5-stars in one patch, and likely not enough Astrite for both. Here is how they compare at a glance:
- Pull Hiyuki if you have been waiting for a Glacio carry, you want the anniversary headliner experience, or you enjoy burst-oriented playstyles with high visual impact.
- Pull Denia if you already have Aemeath and want to round out her Fusion DoT team, you prefer off-field sub-DPS characters, or you are building toward long-term Fusion team flexibility.
For most accounts, Hiyuki is the safer priority. Anniversary main DPS characters tend to have stronger overall tuning and wider team compatibility than niche support units.
We will be publishing a dedicated Denia character preview soon. Stay tuned for the full breakdown.
Looking Ahead: Version 3.4 and Resource Planning
Keep in mind that Version 3.4 is also shaping up to be a major pull-heavy patch. Leaks point to a Cyberpunk: Edgerunners collaboration featuring Lucy and Rebecca as playable characters, alongside the debut of Lucilla as Hiyuki's optimal Glacio Sub-DPS partner. If you plan to build the complete Glacio Condensation team, factor in the cost of pulling Lucilla in 3.4 when budgeting your Astrite now.
Final Thoughts
Hiyuki has been one of the most anticipated characters in Wuthering Waves since players first began piecing together her identity through lore clues over half a year ago.
As the 2nd Anniversary headliner, she carries the weight of being a meta-defining release, and from what we have seen in the Version 3.2 livestream and the official drip marketing reveal, Kuro Games appears to be delivering on that expectation.
GamsGo will update this article as more information becomes available, and will follow up with a full Build Guide (Echoes, weapons, team comps) and Ascension Materials breakdown once test server data is released. Bookmark this page and check back for the latest updates.
We've prepared an exclusive promo code for all blog readers:
Enjoy an additional 3% off on your next purchase!
Valid across all categories: streaming accounts, AI tools, game top-ups, software subscriptions, and more.
FAQ
When Is Hiyuki's Release Date in Wuthering Waves?
Hiyuki is expected to release in Phase I of Version 3.3, around April 29 ~ 30, 2026. Her official drip marketing was published on March 25, 2026, confirming her as the next playable Resonator. The exact banner date will be confirmed through Kuro Games' official channels closer to launch.
What Element and Weapon Does Hiyuki Use?
Hiyuki is a Glacio (Ice) Resonator who wields a Sword. She is positioned as a burst-oriented main DPS with a dual-form combat system built around the Glacio Chafe mechanic.
How Many Pulls Do I Need for Hiyuki?
In Wuthering Waves, the 5-star pity is 80 pulls. If you lose the 50/50, you will need up to 160 pulls to guarantee her. Start saving Astrite now if she is your target.
Should I Pull for Hiyuki or Denia in Version 3.3?
For most players, Hiyuki is the safer priority. She is the anniversary headliner and fills a long-standing gap in the Glacio DPS roster. Denia is a better pick if you already have Aemeath and need a Fusion sub-DPS to complete her team.
Who Is Hiyuki's Best Teammate?
Lucilla is designed as Hiyuki's dedicated Condensation Sub-DPS, making them the optimal pairing for Glacio Chafe teams. However, Lucilla is not expected to become playable until Version 3.4. In the meantime, Chisa is a strong alternative who can accelerate Glacio Chafe buildup, and universal supports like Verina and Ciaccona round out the team well.
Is Hiyuki Good for Free-to-Play Players?
Based on early information, Hiyuki's burst DPS playstyle and anniversary-level tuning suggest she will be strong even at zero duplicates. Anniversary headliners in gacha games are typically designed to perform well without constellation investment.
🔍 You Might Also Like:
