Where Winds Meet has finally launched worldwide, and many players have been waiting for this moment. Since the game has quite a heavy grind, your early decisions will shape how smooth your journey will be later. To help you start strong, here’s a beginner-friendly guide covering everything from character slots to weapon choices so you can progress without wasting time.
1. How Character Slots Work
The game gives you six character slots, and each one functions as a completely separate playthrough. Nothing carries over between characters—no items, no progress, no currency, and no cosmetics. Anything you buy, including outfits or a Battle Pass, will stay with the specific character that purchased it.
Because of this, it’s best to pick one character as your main. Use the other slots only when you want to try different builds or playstyles. And always double-check before spending real money, as purchased items cannot be transferred.
The only exception is certain cosmetic items that can be gifted to another account, and even that works only if you don’t already own the cosmetic.
2. Choosing the Right Difficulty
At launch, the game offers three difficulty levels: Story (Easy), Recommended (Normal), and Desperate (Hard). A fourth mode, Hardcore, will arrive later and will include permadeath.
For new players, the first two modes are the best starting point. The differences between all available difficulties are only numerical—enemies hit harder and take more damage, but you won’t get better loot by choosing a higher difficulty. Hard mode is mainly for players who want a tougher fight and a special badge for beating certain bosses.
Hardcore mode, once available, will erase your character permanently if you die, so it’s meant for players who already understand the game well. If you only want to enjoy the story, there’s also a parry-assist option available in the two lowest difficulties to make combat easier.
3. Focus on the Story Before Multiplayer
Where Winds Meet combines a single-player narrative with a shared world where you can join raids, guild battles, or try PvP. Even though multiplayer sounds exciting, it’s recommended to play through the story first.
The game has over 30 hours of story content, not including side activities. By focusing on single-player early on, you’ll naturally gain better equipment, learn the mechanics properly, and gather the resources you need before stepping into multiplayer.
4. Best Early Martial Arts to Unlock
Instead of traditional classes, this game ties your abilities to the weapons you use. As you explore the world, you’ll unlock more weapons and can level them up to gain skills, passives, and bonuses.
Which Weapon to Unlock First
Healing is extremely limited in the game, so weapons with defensive and healing skills are incredibly valuable. The two best early options are the Fan and the Umbrella, as they give access to support-oriented Martial Arts.
The Fan is available early in the Qinghe region and is rewarded through an early quest. It takes some getting used to, but it’s one of the most helpful tools for surviving tougher encounters later.
5. Don’t Spend Jade on Cosmetics Early
Jade (the green discs) is a core resource in the early game. You’ll use it to unlock new skills from vendors, including Internal Skills that work with almost any weapon. Because Jade is so important, avoid spending it on cosmetics early on.
Using Jade on visual items will slow down your progress and delay access to key skills you’ll need for stronger builds.
6. Exploration Matters
Exploration is a big part of Where Winds Meet. The game rewards you with Exploration Experience for discovering locations, solving puzzles, doing small challenges, and completing side quests.
The more you explore, the faster your character grows through resources, experience, and hidden rewards scattered across the world. Exploration also helps you discover new weapons, stories, and useful items to support your build.
That’s our beginner’s guide for Where Winds Meet. By focusing on one main character, choosing the right difficulty, and unlocking the most helpful early Martial Arts, you’ll have a smoother start from the moment you enter the world. Keep exploring, save your Jade, and get familiar with the game’s mechanics at your own pace. This guide will be updated as more information becomes available, so feel free to check back anytime for new tips or insights into the game.