I've just spent the past week diving deep into the 'Old Man and the Whale' event in Wuthering Waves, and let me tell you, it's been quite the fishing expedition! Initially added in the 2.1 update back in the day, this fishing extravaganza has become a permanent fixture in the Riccioli Islands area of Rinascita. Even in 2025, it remains one of my favorite activities in the game, combining relaxing gameplay with rewarding progression.

My First Impressions of Riccioli Islands

When I first sailed into the Riccioli Islands, I felt like a tourist who accidentally wandered into a postcard. The azure waters glistening under the sun looked so inviting that I almost forgot I was there to fish!

The tutorial bombarded me with mechanics that initially seemed as tangled as fishing line after a bad cast. But like untangling that line, once I got the hang of it, everything flowed together beautifully. The fishing system, the upgrades, the requests—they're all interconnected like an ecosystem, which I found rather poetic for a fishing event.

Mastering the Art of the Catch

Fishing in this event is surprisingly intuitive. I press the button when the arrow hits the highlighted areas, and voilà! A fish joins my collection. It's like playing a rhythm game where the prize is virtual seafood instead of high scores.

My cargo fills up quickly with colorful marine creatures that would make any aquarium jealous. Then I sail back to Planck, the local fish merchant who seems eternally stationed at the dock as if he's grown roots there. He exchanges my aquatic bounty for Riccioli Fishery Coins—a currency more valuable in these islands than any credit card I've ever owned.

The first time I sold a rare fish and watched my coin count jump, I felt like a Wall Street trader who just closed a major deal, except without the suit and with significantly more scales involved.

Upgrading My Fishing Empire

With coins jingling in my virtual pocket, I've been upgrading Rachel, my trusty Gondola. She's like the Swiss Army knife of boats—versatile, reliable, and constantly improving with each upgrade. I've spent resources like:

• Old Compass (which points to fish rather than north)

• Coast Flax (apparently fish find this irresistible)

• Metal Debris (one person's trash is another's fishing upgrade)

• Palm Tree Log (because wooden boats need wooden improvements)

• Universal Compass (the premium navigation tool of fisherfolk)

Each upgrade feels like giving my fishing operation a promotion. I've gone from amateur angler to what I like to call a "maritime mogul" in the span of a few days. The deeper waters I can now access are like exclusive VIP areas of the ocean, teeming with fish that probably have their own Instagram accounts due to their rarity and beauty.

The Request System: My Daily Fish Hunt

The Request system has become my daily ritual. These fishing assignments are like treasure hunts where X marks a specific type of fish. I wake up, check the requests, and set out with determination that would make Captain Ahab proud.

Completing these requests not only showers me with resources but also increases my Fame—which in the Riccioli Islands is apparently measured by how many fish you've caught rather than social media followers. As my Fame grows, I unlock new fishing areas that make me feel like a pioneer discovering uncharted waters, even though they're clearly marked on the map.

The Fame Game: From Nobody to Somebody

Rising through the Fame ranks has been oddly satisfying. It's like climbing a corporate ladder where each promotion grants access to better fishing spots instead of a corner office. The narrative unfolds with each Fame level, revealing more about the Riccioli Islands and their mysterious connection to the whale mentioned in the event title.

My current Fame level has unlocked trading opportunities that convert event currencies into valuable rewards like Astrite. In the economy of Wuthering Waves, this is like turning fishing trips into gold mining expeditions.

Ocean's Gift: The Prized Catch

While the event itself is permanent, the limited-time rewards are what keep me casting my line day after day. The crown jewel is Ocean's Gift, a 4-star Rectifier that's particularly potent if you main Phoebe. It's like finding a designer handbag at a thrift store price—unexpectedly valuable despite its accessibility.

Collecting Nameless Coins for this weapon has become my obsession. At 300 coins, it's not exactly pocket change, but the tasks to earn them—catching fish, expanding my Index, upgrading abilities, completing Requests—are activities I'd be doing anyway. It's like getting paid to eat your favorite food; the reward is just icing on an already delicious cake.

Why I'm Hooked on This Event

What started as a casual exploration has turned into a daily routine that's as comforting as a warm cup of tea on a rainy day. The fishing mechanics are accessible enough for casual play but offer enough depth (pun absolutely intended) to keep dedicated players engaged.

The progression systems interlock like perfectly designed gears in a watch, creating a satisfying loop of activity and reward. And unlike some grinding in games that feels like running on a hamster wheel, this event makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it worth starting the Old Man and the Whale event in 2025 if I'm a new player?

A: Absolutely! While you've missed some time-limited rewards from previous years, the event itself is permanently available and still offers valuable resources and an enjoyable gameplay loop. Plus, there are seasonal rewards that refresh periodically, so you're not missing out on everything.

Q: How long does it take to collect enough Nameless Coins for Ocean's Gift?

A: With focused play, you can gather the 300 Nameless Coins needed in about a week. It's like training for a marathon—consistent daily effort will get you there without the need to sprint and burn out.

Q: What's the best fishing ability to upgrade first?

A: I recommend upgrading your Resonator's selling price ability early on. It's like installing a money printer in your boat—every fish you catch becomes more valuable, creating a snowball effect for all other upgrades.

Q: Can I still enjoy the event if I don't like fishing mini-games?

A: Surprisingly, yes! The fishing mechanic is just one part of a larger ecosystem that includes exploration, collection, and narrative elements. It's like saying you don't like flour but still enjoying a cake—there are many ingredients that make the whole experience tasty.

As I continue my fishing adventures in the Riccioli Islands, I'm reminded that sometimes the most rewarding journeys are the ones that seem simple on the surface but reveal unexpected depths. Like a seemingly calm ocean that hides vibrant coral reefs beneath, this event continues to surprise and delight me even after all this time. Happy fishing, fellow Waveseekers!