Ahead of chapter 2 of the Hexi expansion coming to Where Winds Meet, developer Everstone Studio has revealed details about what players can expect from the major update. In a long post, the studio has also noted that some in-game features will be temporarily unavailable during the rolling release of the update.
Headlining chapter 2 will be the new zone, Liangzhou, which players can access on completion of the Hexi Campaign – Whitecrown Fortress quest. The area has been described as “a refreshing frontier landscape” thanks to its snow and a “city shaped like a jade cup”. The atmosphere of the area is also noted as being “entirely different” when compared to Jade Gate Pass.
On wrapping up pre-requisites, players can access the Lost Chapter: Ten Through the Pass to unlock Liangzhou. There are also new collectibles to find—Liangzhou poems—which can be used to gain rewards from the Gilt-Fin Collection, including things like Echo Jade, and Recipe – Snowy Stone Lantern, among other things.
The introduction of a new zone also brings with it a new chapter to the main story. Players can access the new chapter, dubbed Hexi Main Chapter – A Lonely Moon Over Chang’an, after having reached level 14 and completing Hexi Main Chapter: The Burlap Sack. The story will revolve around a young musician who, after being on a poignant journey, finds his home of Chang’an feels unfamiliar.
The update will also bring Chapter 3 of the main story, dubbed Paper Moon, which will revolve around a shared longing for Chang’an. Rewards include Accessory – Paper Moon and Inscription – Observe Freedom, among other things.
There are also plenty of side quests to take on, like volumes 4 and 5 of the Jianghu Legacy series, and Death of the Governor, which revolves around an old mansion “shrouded in wind and snow”, complete with a mysterious conspiracy surrounding it. A brand new World Boss will be roaming the realm of Liangzhou—the Moongazing Maiden—which rewards Helm – Swaying Jade Osmanthus, and Accessory – Verdant Sonata as rewards for the first time you beat it. Subsequent attempts through the Sword Forge Challenges in the Trial interface will offer even more rewards.
Two more world bosses—the Everdeer and the Pocketrupt Circus—will join the Moongazing Maiden in offering players intense challenges. Much like other world bosses, these two will also offer unique rewards on your first victory against them, along with cosmetic rewards on subsequent attempts. As for end-game content, hitting level 86 and having a group ready will allow you to take on Bloodstained Sands.
For players looking forward to expanding their wardrobe, the new Raging Tides sect can be joined at level 10 and gives you access to new appearance sets and decorations, among other things. A new martial art—Stonesplit – Strength—can be learned, giving players access to the Phalanxbane Blade and Snowparting Blade moves.
Those looking for non-combat challenges can partake in the Landlords mode of Wandering Paths—a new three-player card game. The only requirements are reaching level 32 and completing the Kaifeng Main Chapter: New Arrival in Kaifeng – Begin the Journey quest.
Where Winds Meet is a free-to-play game available on PC, PS5, Android and iOS. For more details, check out our thoughts on its Hexi expansion so far.
