The WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) transmits information from the Rac GTPase to the actin nucleator Arp2/3 complex. We have reconstituted recombinant human and Drosophila WRC in several forms and shown that they are inactive toward Arp2/3 complex but can be activated by Rac in a nucleotide-dependent fashion. Our observations identify core components needed for WAVE inhibition, reconcile contradictory existing mechanisms and reveal common regulatory principles for the WAVE/WASP family of proteins.