Back in May 2024, I was just a fresh Rover in Wuthering Waves, staring at the map after finally hitting Union Level 17. That was the gate for Depths of Illusive Realm, a limited-time roguelike event that ran from May 23 to June 27, 2024. I remember the thrill of unlocking it, the confusion of my first Metaphor choice, and the joy of beating the final boss after several embarrassing deaths. Now, writing in 2026, that event is a fond memory, but the lessons I learned still apply to any roguelike mode in Wuthering Waves. This is my personal walkthrough.
Unlocking the Realm and Choosing My Resonator
Reaching Union Level 17 was my first real goal after launch. I was grinding daily quests and exploration, and once I hit that level, a marker appeared on the map. I walked into the marked area and started the quest. If you are leveling up in 2026, the same principle applies: prioritize Union Level, and you will unlock every limited-time mode that much faster.
When I entered the realm and spoke to the quest NPC, I was asked to pick an assigned Resonator to clear the stage. I could choose a trial character or one from my own pool that was approved for that stage. I remember picking a trial character because my own roster was thin. That choice saved me. The event provided trial Resonators for a reason, so do not feel ashamed to use them.
After selecting a character, I had to pick an Echo, a Metaphor, and buffs. Metaphors are the randomized upgrades that apply random buffs or enhancements to my selected Echo or Resonator. I selected a new Metaphor after every room I cleared. At first, I treated Metaphors like minor bonuses. I was wrong. They are the backbone of your run.
Echoes, Metaphors, and the Memory Room Loop
The overall gameplay loop is simple but addictive. You clear rooms called Memory Rooms, and each room clear grants Dream Fragments. Those fragments let you buy things from a vendor, ranging from healing to new Metaphors to character enhancements. At the end of each stage is a boss battle where all your upgrades are tested.
I remember one run where I stacked Metaphors that boosted my Echo damage. By the time I reached the boss, my Echo was doing more work than my Resonator. It was hilarious and effective. The lesson: read every Metaphor and lean into synergies. Do not just pick the highest rarity.
Thought Evolution: The Permanent Buff That Saved Me
Outside of Metaphors and character buffs, I could apply permanent buffs to myself with Thought Evolution. I ignored this system during my first few runs, and I struggled hard in the later stages. Once I started using Thought Evolution, everything changed. The resource used for it, Memory Points, is gained from clearing stages and is farmable. So if you are stuck, go back and farm Memory Points. It is not cheating. It is strategy.
The Five Stages and Their Suggested Levels
As of Version 1.0, there were five stages. Each varied in difficulty and in the available Resonators I could pick from, with trial characters provided by the event. I learned quickly that the level beside each stage is only a suggested level. You can beat stages without being the recommended level. I cleared one stage two levels under the suggestion because I had good Metaphors and a bit of luck.
One important note from the original guide: Yinlin was not available at first, but she was playable in specified stages when she released in the next major update. That kind of rotating roster is common in Wuthering Waves events, so always check the stage details before you commit.
Here is a quick summary of what I remember about the stages:
| Stage | Difficulty | Trial Characters | My Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Easy | Yes | A gentle introduction, perfect for learning Metaphors |
| 2 | Normal | Yes | I died once because I ignored healing |
| 3 | Hard | Yes | Thought Evolution became mandatory |
| 4 | Very Hard | Yes | I had to restart twice |
| 5 | Extreme | Yes | My proudest clear, with a lucky Echo build |
Rewards, Objectives, and the Illusive Store
Depths of Illusive Realm was packed with rewards. I earned them through Anomaly Investigation from the event menu and through the Illusive Store using Illusive Specimens earned from stage clears.
Anomaly Investigation objectives tasked me with completing specific tasks to unlock Astrite, for a total of 190 Astrite. That is not a huge amount, but every pull counts.
The Illusive Store was an exclusive shop that used Illusive Specimens to buy premium items. The key items included Astrite, Premium Sealed Tube, and Premium Tuner. If you are under a time constraint, focus on the Astrite and the Premium Sealed Tube or Premium Tuner first. Those give the most lasting value.
Stage clear rewards were granted simply by clearing a stage. They included repeatable rewards, which meant I could farm the Illusive Store. My advice: focus on clearing the highest level stage you can manage. That is the most efficient way to farm Illusive Specimens and get the items you want.
Final Thoughts for 2026
In 2026, the original Depths of Illusive Realm event is over. But Wuthering Waves has continued to evolve, and roguelike modes keep returning in new forms. The core lessons remain: pick your Resonator wisely, read your Metaphors, use Thought Evolution, and farm the highest stage you can. I still smile when I remember my first clear. It was messy, it was chaotic, and it was one of my favorite memories from Version 1.0. 🎮⚔️💎