Where Winds Meet opens Qingzhou on October 15 with recruitable locals

Version 2.3 turns east after Hidden Mountain. In its developer letter, Everstone Studio describes Qingzhou as a new region that runs from Mount Tai through plains and the Yellow River estuary to the coast.

From Mount Tai to the sea

The route starts on Mount Tai, with stone steps, old cliff inscriptions, villages, farmland, and coastal wetlands along the way. High ground doubles as a natural lookout, helping players spot settlements, paths, and hidden destinations.

A Han Dynasty tomb lies beneath the mountain. It is built for exploration with allies and contains traps, mechanical puzzles, and hostile creatures. Smaller adventures can also begin on the coast when a local points the Wanderer toward a story.

Why locals matter

The headline system is called Locals. Players can befriend villagers with different talents and invite them to travel. They are exploration companions rather than replacements for a normal party.

A silver-tongued local can handle social encounters and take part in mini-games. A sharp-eyed companion reveals missed points of interest, caves, and mechanisms. An athletic local can carry the player across a distance, dive for a catch, or force open a heavy door without a key. Choosing a companion changes how some obstacles can be solved.

A drum, three bosses, and debate as PvP

MMORPG.com reports that Qingzhou also adds the Ribbon Drum, a weapon that can knock enemies back, silence them, and buff allies. The same report names three open-world bosses: Tidewatcher, Old Raftsman, and Zhu Yinghan.

A second part is scheduled for October 29, according to the outlet. It will open Penglai Isle, introduce the Inkbound Order, and add A Duel of Wits, a card-based PvP mode where proverbs and verbal feints replace direct combat.

Where Winds Meet is free across PC, consoles, and mobile. Russian text is available, while voice-over remains limited to other languages. The update reminder is available on the Where Winds Meet page.