Where Winds Meet: Get a Horse & Master the Open World
The sprawling, dynamic world of Where Winds Meet beckons with ancient secrets, towering mountains, and hidden valleys. This ambitious Wuxia RPG throws you into a breathtaking vision of ancient China, where legendary martial arts and myth intertwine. To truly conquer this vast landscape, however, you’ll need more than just your own two feet. A trusty steed is not just a luxury; it’s an essential tool for every wandering hero.
While the game offers incredible freedom, it doesn't hold your hand when it comes to acquiring your first mount. If you're eager to gallop across the plains and leave enemies in your dust, this guide will show you the fastest way to get a horse and explain why it's a critical step in your journey.
How to Get Your First Horse in Where Winds Meet
The quickest and most direct path to obtaining your first mount is tied directly to the game's main story progression. You won't have to save up a large sum of money or search for a hidden vendor. Instead, you can secure a loyal companion very early in your adventure, shortly after completing the initial prologue and entering the open world.
The key is a specific introductory quest called "A Horse Neighs in the Forest." Follow these simple steps to complete it and earn your horse:
- Progress Through the Prologue: First, you must complete the game's opening tutorial section. This will introduce you to the core mechanics of combat, movement, and the world itself.
- Arrive at Heaven's Pier: Once you have the freedom to explore, your main questline will guide you to one of the first major settlements, a bustling area known as Heaven's Pier.
- Find Uncle Zhou: Upon arriving at Heaven's Pier, you need to locate a specific non-player character (NPC) named Uncle Zhou. The main quest marker will likely lead you directly to him or into his immediate vicinity. He is the catalyst for getting your mount.
- Accept and Complete the Quest: Speak with Uncle Zhou to begin the quest "A Horse Neighs in the Forest." The objectives are straightforward and designed to be completed quickly. You will be tasked with a simple mission related to a nearby horse, which serves as a small tutorial for interacting with mounts.
- Claim Your Reward: After you successfully complete the objectives given by Uncle Zhou, he will reward you for your help. This reward is your very first horse, a reliable steed that will serve you well as you begin your true exploration of the world.
This entire process can be completed within minutes of reaching Heaven's Pier, making it an essential first step for any new player looking to maximize their travel efficiency from the very beginning.
All Known Ways of Getting a Horse
While the initial story quest provides your first mount, it likely won't be your last. As a massive open-world RPG, Where Winds Meet is expected to offer several avenues for acquiring new and potentially better horses. As you progress, keep an eye out for these other potential methods.
- Purchasing from Stables: Major cities and towns will almost certainly feature stables or horse traders. Here, you will likely be able to spend your hard-earned in-game currency to purchase mounts with different appearances, speeds, and stamina levels. Saving up for a superior horse could be a worthwhile long-term goal.
- Rewards from Other Quests: The world is filled with side quests and hidden stories. It is highly probable that completing certain optional questlines or helping specific characters will also reward you with a unique or high-quality mount as a token of their gratitude.
- Taming Wild Horses: Many open-world games with a focus on nature and exploration include a taming mechanic. It's possible that you may be able to find and tame wild horses roaming the countryside. This could involve a mini-game where you must carefully approach and soothe the animal to earn its trust.
Why Your Mount is Essential in Where Winds Meet
Getting a horse isn't just about convenience; it fundamentally changes how you interact with the game world. Your mount is one of the most important assets you can have for several key reasons.
- Unmatched Traversal Speed: The most immediate benefit is speed. Galloping on horseback is significantly faster than running, allowing you to cover vast distances, escape from dangerous encounters, and travel between quest objectives with incredible efficiency.
- Effortless Exploration: With a horse, you can venture further off the beaten path without the journey feeling like a chore. This mobility encourages exploration, helping you discover hidden locations, rare resources, and secret points of interest that you might otherwise miss.
- Potential for Mounted Combat: The Wuxia genre is famous for its dynamic action, and mounted combat is a staple. Having a horse may unlock the ability to fight enemies while on the move, using weapons like spears or bows to gain a significant tactical advantage against foes on the ground.
- Possible Inventory Expansion: In many RPGs, a horse's saddlebags can serve as extra inventory space. While not yet confirmed, this would be an invaluable feature for carrying more loot, crafting materials, and supplies on long journeys.
Where Winds Meet: Horse FAQ
Q: How soon can you really get a horse?
A: You can get your first horse extremely early in the game. As soon as you finish the prologue and reach the Heaven's Pier area, you can complete the "A Horse Neighs in the Forest" quest to get your mount.
Q: Can you customize your horse in Where Winds Meet?
A: Details on mount customization are still emerging. However, many modern RPGs allow players to change equipment like saddles, bridles, or other cosmetic tack. It's a highly requested feature that would allow players to personalize their trusted companion.
Q: Can your horse be defeated in combat?
A: In most games featuring mounts, horses can be injured or temporarily knocked down in a fight, but they are rarely killed permanently. You will likely need to dismount and wait for it to recover or use a special item to heal it. This prevents players from easily losing such a valuable asset.