Where Winds Meet is an encapsulating open-world RPG set in 10th-century China. The game captures the essence of complex combat systems as you go through the various levels to change your destiny. Since there is a lot to learn from the get-go, things can get complicated rather quickly. This guide will provide some insight into some of the best early-game tips for Where Winds Meet.
Top 12 Tips For the Best Start in Where Winds Meet
Since Where Winds Meet offers a lot of complex gameplay mechanics, it could get overwhelming from the start. Here are some early game tips to help you get started.
Focus on the Main and Side Quests
Following the main story quests and side quests helps you uncover more of the map and automatically teaches you the game mechanics. The game has a lot of mechanics and systems, and it is best to first get access to all, before you start heading off for exploration and world bosses. If you encounter NPCs, talk to them to get new quests and follow those along. This is a great way to earn XP and also earn some rare rewards, so don’t waste all your time doing collectibles or resource gathering.
Utilizing Energy Efficiently
Your energy meter will determine how long you last doing tasks in the game. There are two energy bars: one for combat and the other for crafting. While energy does replenish over time, you also need to utilize it efficiently. Do not use energy on gathering low-level materials, which you can easily acquire by unlocking chests or completing quests.
The best way to use energy is to replay boss battles to farm rarer materials. After beating early game bosses for the first time, go back and spend your energy on a rematch. That way, you get to farm XP and also gather materials for crafting better gear. Then, focus on crafting consumables and weapons with the remaining energy you have.
Avoid High-Level Bosses
While exploring the early terrains of Where Winds Meet, you will encounter World Bosses. These battles might seem tempting, but steer clear of them. They are usually extremely high-level, and you will be wasting resources on trying to take them down. Rather, focus on leveling up and unlocking better weapons to help you along.
Visit the In-Game Store
If you have currency and energy to spare, visiting the in-game weekly store frequently will help you purchase the missing materials required for crafting. That way, you don’t waste a lot of time trying to scavenge materials in the overworld. Plus, the store items get refreshed weekly, so you will always find something new to help you craft the required items for progression.
Use Jades on Skills
Jade is a form of in-game currency that is extremely valuable and rare to get. While you do get the option to use Jade for the gacha system and unlock new character cosmetics, there is a better use for it. Speak to the NPC near your home to check their shop. They will trade unique skills in exchange for Jade, which is worth a lot more.
Join a Guild
Joining a Guild will help you earn money and Jade, and also unlock dungeons for material farming. Each week, your guild will give you a salary, and you will also find new dungeons to explore. The guild base will supply crafting workbenches, too. Use them to craft consumables and gear here. Also, the guild store offers more materials, so if you need something, do check out the store to get the items.
Best Weapon Combo
You need to strike a balance between offense and defense, and the best way to do that is to have the fan and sword combo. The fan supplies healing and ranged attacks, while the sword deals with fast melee attacks. Pair this up with the Toad Stance Mystic Arts to power up your attacks. This will help take care of any early game enemies, and also work well against smaller bosses.
Getting the Best Gear
Like Nioh and Khazan, Where Winds Meet gives you passive bonuses on full gear sets. Mixing gear pieces, even if a couple of them are of higher rarity, may not yield the same results as using a completed gear set. Also, do not spend your upgrade materials on blue-tier gear, but rather get a completed purple gear set and upgrade that instead.
Farm Chests
After hitting level 10, you should focus on finding as many hidden chests. Not only will they supply rare materials, but you will also get a higher chance of obtaining unique gear and XP. Of course, this shouldn’t be your primary goal, but once you get the chance, go around and locate hidden chests for rare and free loot.
Keep a Lookout for Ear Icons
While exploring, you will occasionally get an ear icon flashing on your screen. Also, keep an eye out for butterflies. Like in Ghost of Tsushima / Yotei, these often lead you to key encounters and NPCs. Completing these special quests will unlock hidden loot, helping you get high-rarity materials or skills.
Focus on Efficient Travel
Unlock mounts early in the game to help travel longer distances much faster, which saves time. You will also get to unlock several mobility skills, such as gliding and running on water, and unlocking those will make traveling the vast open world much easier.
Learn the Map
Your map will give you various insights on enemy locations, important loot, quests, and even fast travel points. Even if you haven’t discovered the entirety of the map, checking the overview will give you insights on where the nearest bonfire or waypoint is.
Some important icons to look out for are:
- Campfires for unlocking the region
- Waystones for fast travel
- Kasa icons for unique longer quests with bosses
- Tall towers for enemy outposts
- Book icons, either opened or closed, will supply resources or unlock unique skills
- Ignore the skull icon during early game, as these signify World Bosses.
Where Winds Meet might seem to have a lot to take in, but with these tips, you are sure to progress the game quickly and more efficiently.
