Leaving a sect in Where Winds Meet is not a simple menu decision. The game enforces that choice through the Severance Trials, a structured set of challenges designed to test whether you’re ready to walk your own path.
If you’re planning to go sect-less or switch sects, here’s a complete breakdown of how these trials work, how to prepare, and what you gain from completing them.
What severance trials are and why they exist
Severance Trials represent the final test imposed by your sect before cutting all formal ties. Lore-wise, they’re framed as a judgment of your strength and resolve. Mechanically, they prevent players from freely hopping between sects without consequence.
You’re expected to prove mastery over the techniques, disciplines, and combat fundamentals you learned while affiliated. The trials do not advance the main story directly, but they are a required progression gate if you want full freedom afterward.
How to unlock severance trials
Severance Trials unlock immediately after you initiate the Leave Sect option by choosing to 'betray master' from your sect interface or through the relevant NPC dialogue.
Once triggered, your sect status becomes “Pending Severance” or "Sectless."
You cannot cancel the process once the trials are active.
Where severance trials take place
Severance Trials occur in a dedicated instance combat arena, like the Perception Forest for the Silver Needle Sect, tied to your former sect’s philosophy. While the exact visual theme differs slightly by sect, the structure is the same: a controlled arena with no external interference, mounts, or companions.
You enter alone, relying entirely on your build and execution. You can be pulled into the Trial at any time in the gameplay, irrespective of where you are.
How to complete severance trials
Here is a simple way to complete the severance trials in Where Winds Meet:
You will be teleported to the marked Severance Trial location, here Perception Forest. Once inside, you cannot change gear or skills.
You’ll face multiple enemy waves modeled after sect disciples and internal guardians. Each wave emphasizes different mechanics such as stamina pressure, parries, or crowd control.
Focus on survival rather than speed; there is no time limit.
You can pick gear and martial arts in this arena to improve your chances of survival.
Miasma keeps on expanding through the area, so make sure you stay in the safe zone.
You can challenge other players in the arena who are present at the moment.
This increases your combat skills and drops martial arts. You can see the win streak at the top of the screen.
The last encounter is a one-on-one duel against a high-ranking sect examiner or NPCs. We faced the Bare-faced Monk in the Perception Forest.
Screen recording by: NerdsChalk
This enemy often mirrors your own weapon type and combat style, forcing clean execution rather than brute force.
Defeating the NPC gives you a victory card, however you still are required to survive all Miasma waves, without getting killed, to actually finish the trial in victory.
After victory or defeat in PvP duels or NPC encounters, a confirmation prompt appears. Accepting it permanently removes your sect affiliation and finalizes the process.
Combat difficulty and scaling explained
Severance Trials scale dynamically based on:
- Your character level
- Martial proficiency
- Equipped weapon rarity
Because of this scaling, over-leveling does not trivialize the trials. Clean dodges, proper stamina management, and understanding enemy patterns matter more than raw stats.
Can you rejoin a sect after severance trials
Yes, but not immediately. After completing Severance Trials:
- You must rebuild your reputation from scratch
- Some sects impose cooldown periods
- Previously unlocked sect ranks do not carry over
Severance Trials are Where Winds Meet’s way of making independence feel earned. They’re not about grinding rewards, but about proving mastery and commitment to your chosen path. If you prepare thoughtfully and respect the combat systems, the trials become a satisfying milestone rather than a frustrating roadblock. Let us know in the comments what you think of Severance Trials and how it was for you!
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