What to know

  • After reaching a level cap, you cannot gain further XP until you complete the associated Breakthrough Challenge.
  • Some breakthroughs require a cooldown period (up to 24 hours) before you can attempt them again, reflecting a meditation period in cultivation.
  • The game stores XP earned beyond your level cap, releasing it gradually after you complete breakthrough challenges.
  • Use the cooldown time for weapon mastery, gear enhancement, resource gathering, and exploration to prepare for the next breakthrough.

In Where Winds Meet, your character's level progression is paced by a unique Breakthrough system inspired by wuxia cultivation themes. Instead of continuous leveling, you must complete Breakthrough Challenges every 5 to 10 levels to raise your level cap. The first Breakthrough Challenge is available to level 15. These challenges test your combat skills in timed arena battles where you defeat waves of enemies, ensuring you're ready for tougher encounters ahead.

Screenshot by: NerdsChalk

How to do a Breakthrough Challenge

Step 1

Open the in-game menu and navigate to the Solo Mode Level panel.

Screenshot by: NerdsChalk
Step 2

Select the Breakthrough button when available to start the challenge.

Screenshot by: NerdsChalk
Step 3

Complete the Breakthrough Challenge by defeating all enemies within the time limit. Successfully finishing it increases your level cap, enabling further progression.

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Screen recording by: NerdsChalk

Benefits of a Breakthrough Leveling System

Alternative to Traditional XP Grinding

The Breakthrough Leveling System offers a fresh approach compared to standard XP farming, making each level gained feel more meaningful.

Skill-Based Challenges

Each breakthrough challenge tests your skills, combat abilities, and strategy, ensuring progression is earned rather than automatic.

Cooldowns and Reflection

Cooldown periods (up to 24 hours) act as a “meditation” phase, encouraging patience and reflection.

Productive Downtime

During cooldowns, you can upgrade gear, practice weapon skills, or explore the world, turning downtime into productive and engaging gameplay.

Meaningful Milestones

Breakthroughs serve as true milestones rather than arbitrary level gates, giving a sense of accomplishment and preparing you for tougher challenges.

Strategic Progression

Focusing on main campaign progression, regular gear upgrades, and smart use of cooldowns ensures smoother and more immersive advancement.

Balanced Gameplay

The system balances challenge, pacing, and story, rewarding skill mastery and thoughtful planning over mindless XP farming.

Overall, this system balances challenge, pacing, and story, rewarding skill mastery and thoughtful planning over mindless XP farming.

We hope this guide cleared up everything you needed. Drop your feedback, suggestions, or questions in the comments below—we actively check them and will be happy to assist further whenever required.