Introduction
Where Winds Meet offers multiple difficulty settings to accommodate different player skill levels and preferences. Unlike many games, difficulty in Where Winds Meet affects combat challenge but NOT loot quality - meaning you can enjoy the story on easier settings without missing out on rewards.
This guide will help you choose the right difficulty for your playstyle.
Source: Based on information from ProGameGuides - Where Winds Meet Beginner’s Guide.
All Difficulty Modes Overview
Where Winds Meet features four difficulty settings, with three available at launch and the fourth coming in a future update:
- Story (Easy Mode) - ✅ Available Now
- Recommended (Normal Mode) - ✅ Available Now
- Desperate (Hard Mode) - ✅ Available Now
- Hardcore (Roguelike) - ⏳ Coming Later
Key Difficulty Facts
Before diving into each mode, understand these critical points:
✅ What Difficulty DOES Affect:
- Enemy health pools
- Enemy damage output
- Overall combat challenge
- Special badges for hard mode completion
❌ What Difficulty DOES NOT Affect:
- Loot quality - Same drops on all difficulties
- Loot quantity - Same amount of rewards
- Gameplay mechanics - Core systems identical
- Story content - No locked content
- Progression speed - XP gains are the same
This means: You can play on Easy/Story mode and get the exact same rewards as Hard mode players. The only difference is the challenge level and bragging rights.
Difficulty #1: Story Mode (Easy)
What It Is
Story Mode is designed for players who want to focus on the narrative and exploration rather than challenging combat.
Features
✅ Easier Combat - Enemies have less health
✅ Reduced Damage - You take less damage
✅ Auto-Counter Available - Parry assist feature
✅ More Forgiving - Mistakes are less punishing
✅ Same Rewards - Identical loot to harder modes
Auto-Counter (Parry Assist)
Exclusive to Story and Recommended modes, this feature:
- Automatically performs counter-attacks (parries)
- Helps you learn combat timing
- Makes combat much more accessible
- Can be toggled on/off
Note: Auto-counter is NOT available on Desperate or Hardcore modes.
Who Should Choose Story Mode
✅ First-time players new to action RPGs
✅ Story-focused players who want narrative over challenge
✅ Casual gamers with limited gaming time
✅ Explorers who want to enjoy the world
✅ Anyone who just wants a relaxed experience
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enjoy story without frustration
- Learn mechanics at your own pace
- Auto-counter helps master timing
- Same rewards as harder modes
Cons:
- May feel too easy for experienced players
- Less sense of accomplishment
- Combat can become trivial
Difficulty #2: Recommended Mode (Normal)
What It Is
Recommended Mode is the standard balanced experience intended for most players. It offers challenge without being punishing.
Features
✅ Balanced Challenge - Not too easy, not too hard
✅ Standard Numbers - Base enemy stats
✅ Auto-Counter Available - Optional parry assist
✅ Intended Experience - Developer’s vision
✅ Same Rewards - Identical loot to other modes
Who Should Choose Recommended Mode
✅ Most players - The default choice
✅ Action RPG veterans with moderate experience
✅ Balanced preference - Want challenge but not punishment
✅ First playthrough - Recommended starting point
✅ Learning players - Can still use auto-counter if needed
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Designed as the intended experience
- Good challenge level
- Can use auto-counter if struggling
- Satisfying without being frustrating
Cons:
- May still be too easy for hardcore gamers
- Not as much achievement feeling
Difficulty #3: Desperate Mode (Hard)
What It Is
Desperate Mode is for experienced action RPG players who want a serious challenge and are confident in their skills.
Features
⚔️ Significantly Harder - Much higher enemy stats
⚔️ More Enemy Damage - Mistakes are costly
⚔️ Higher Enemy Health - Longer fights
⚔️ NO Auto-Counter - Manual parrying required
⚔️ Special Badge - Proof of hard mode boss kills
⚔️ Same Loot - Rewards identical to easier modes
The Special Badge
The ONLY exclusive reward for Desperate mode is:
A special badge that shows you’ve defeated specific bosses on the highest available difficulty level.
This is purely cosmetic and for bragging rights. You don’t get better loot.
Who Should Choose Desperate Mode
✅ Souls-like veterans - Used to difficult games
✅ Skilled action RPG players - Confident in mechanics
✅ Challenge seekers - Want the game to fight back
✅ Badge collectors - Want the special achievement
✅ Second playthrough - After beating on lower difficulty
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- True test of skill
- Satisfying victories
- Exclusive badge for bosses
- More engaging combat
Cons:
- Can be frustrating
- Longer fights
- No auto-counter help
- Still same loot as Easy mode
Difficulty #4: Hardcore Mode (Roguelike) - Coming Soon
What It Is
Hardcore Mode is a roguelike permadeath mode coming in a future update. It’s for the most dedicated and skilled players only.
Known Features
💀 Permadeath - Die once, character is gone
💀 Permanent Loss - Lose that character forever
💀 Ultimate Challenge - Hardest difficulty
💀 Roguelike Elements - Classic roguelike experience
⏳ Not Yet Available - Coming in future update
⚠️ Warning
As stated in the official information:
You should only attempt this difficulty if you’re 100% confident in your skills and knowledge of the game.
Permadeath means:
- One death = character deleted
- All progress on that character lost
- Cannot be revived or recovered
- Start completely over
Who Should Attempt Hardcore Mode
⚠️ Only for:
- Extremely skilled players
- Those who’ve beaten the game multiple times
- Roguelike enthusiasts
- Players seeking ultimate challenge
- Those okay with losing everything
❌ NOT for:
- First-time players
- Anyone still learning
- Players who get frustrated easily
- Those who value progress over challenge
Expected Release
Currently unavailable - will be added in a future update. No specific date announced yet.
Difficulty Comparison Table
| Feature | Story | Recommended | Desperate | Hardcore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enemy Health | Low | Medium | High | Very High |
| Enemy Damage | Low | Medium | High | Very High |
| Auto-Counter | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Loot Quality | Same | Same | Same | TBD |
| Special Badge | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | TBD |
| Permadeath | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Recommended For | New Players | Most Players | Veterans | Experts Only |
| Availability | ✅ Now | ✅ Now | ✅ Now | ⏳ Later |
Can You Change Difficulty?
Yes! You can change difficulty at any time during your playthrough.
How to Change
- Open Settings menu
- Navigate to Difficulty options
- Select your new difficulty
- Changes take effect immediately
No Penalties
There are no penalties for changing difficulty:
- ✅ Can switch as often as you want
- ✅ No locked achievements or content
- ✅ Same rewards regardless
- ✅ Progress is not affected
Recommended Approach
Smart Strategy:
- Start on Recommended (Normal)
- If too easy → Switch to Desperate
- If too hard → Switch to Story
- Adjust until you find your sweet spot
Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Choosing Your First Difficulty
For Brand New Players
Recommendation: Story Mode (Easy)
Why:
- Learn combat without pressure
- Use auto-counter to understand parry timing
- Focus on story and exploration
- Can always increase later
For Action RPG Veterans
Recommendation: Recommended Mode (Normal)
Why:
- Balanced challenge
- Still have auto-counter option
- Designed experience
- Not too easy or hard
For Souls-Like Veterans
Recommendation: Desperate Mode (Hard)
Why:
- You’re used to difficulty
- No auto-counter is fine
- Want the challenge
- Earn those badges
For Cautious Optimizers
Recommendation: Recommended Mode → Adjust
Why:
- Test the waters first
- Easy to change if wrong
- Find your personal sweet spot
- No commitment required
The Loot Myth - Debunked
Common Misconception
Many players believe: “Higher difficulty = better loot”
The Truth
ALL difficulties give EXACTLY THE SAME LOOT.
As confirmed by ProGameGuides:
In terms of loot and gameplay mechanics, all currently available difficulty levels are identical.
What This Means
- Play on Story mode → Get same gear as Desperate
- Play on Desperate → No extra loot vs. Story
- Only difference → Challenge level + badge
Choose difficulty based on fun, not rewards.
Tips for Each Difficulty
Story Mode Tips
✅ Use auto-counter to learn timing patterns
✅ Focus on exploration and side content
✅ Experiment with different weapons
✅ Enjoy the story without stress
Recommended Mode Tips
✅ Toggle auto-counter only when needed
✅ Practice manual parrying
✅ Learn enemy patterns
✅ Good balance for learning
Desperate Mode Tips
✅ Master parry timing before attempting
✅ Learn all enemy attack patterns
✅ Upgrade gear consistently
✅ Use best weapons for each situation
✅ Don’t rush - play smart
Frequently Asked Questions
Does difficulty affect XP gain?
No, XP is the same across all difficulties.
Will I get better weapons on hard mode?
No, weapon drops are identical on all difficulties.
Can I get achievements on Easy mode?
Yes, all achievements (except the Desperate boss badge) are available on any difficulty.
Should I play on hard mode for better rewards?
No need - rewards are the same. Play on the difficulty you find fun.
When should I try Hardcore mode?
Only after you’ve beaten the game at least once and feel 100% confident. Permadeath is permanent.
Can I change difficulty during a boss fight?
No, you must change between combat encounters.
Do my friends need the same difficulty in co-op?
Game adjusts to party leader’s difficulty setting in multiplayer.
Final Recommendations
Absolute Beginners
Start: Story Mode
Reason: Learn without frustration
Later: Increase when comfortable
Most Players
Start: Recommended Mode
Reason: Intended balanced experience
Adjust: As needed based on feel
Experienced Gamers
Start: Desperate Mode
Reason: You want the challenge
Adjust: Rarely needed
Everyone
Remember:
- You can change anytime
- Same loot on all difficulties
- Choose for fun, not rewards
- No wrong answer
Conclusion
Where Winds Meet’s difficulty system is player-friendly and fair:
- ✅ Change anytime without penalty
- ✅ Same rewards regardless of difficulty
- ✅ Auto-counter helps learning
- ✅ Something for everyone
The best difficulty is the one you enjoy most. Don’t feel pressured to play on hard mode for better loot - because there isn’t any. Play for the challenge you find satisfying, and have fun!
Source: ProGameGuides - Where Winds Meet Beginner’s Guide
Last Updated: November 17, 2025
Game Version: 1.0 (Global Launch)
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