NetEase Games announces Qingzhou expansion for Where Winds Meet

NetEase Games and Everstone Studio have announced that the wuxia-inspired open-world action RPG, Where Winds Meet, will introduce its first themed region, Qingzhou, on October 15.

The expansion features diverse landscapes, including mountainous terrain and coastal areas inspired by Confucian philosophy. Exploration begins in Eastern Peak, near the meeting point of the Yellow River and the ocean. A second phase of the update will unlock the misty island of Penglai on October 29, featuring seaside academies and new narrative content.

New gameplay elements include the Inkbound Order, a sect that prioritizes debate, art, and music over traditional combat. This introduces ‘A Duel of Wits,’ a card-based PvP mode where players use wit to reduce an opponent's composure rather than health. Additionally, a new weapon type called ‘Wuya Gu’ will be added, blending traditional court dance with martial arts through ribbon attacks and drum rhythms. The update also introduces three new world bosses: the Tide Watcher, the Old Raftsman, and Zhu Yinghan.