Where Winds Meet Difficulty Settings: Which to Choose?

Choose Legend difficulty at character creation for exclusive badges, but know you can't return after lowering it.

In the sprawling martial arts epic Where Winds Meet, your journey's intensity hinges on a single, early decision: which difficulty to select. With options like Story, Recommended, Expert, and the elusive Legend, the choice can be daunting. But fret not, for we've dissected each setting to help you pick the perfect challenge level for your playstyle.

The Crucial Choice: Legend or Not?

At the heart of the difficulty debate lies Legend mode, a tantalizing option available only during character creation. This exclusivity makes it a missable choice, as once you've started your adventure, you cannot switch to Legend later. The game offers no way to delete your character, so if you skip Legend initially, you'd need a fresh account to experience it.

Legend mode is tailor-made for veterans craving a Soulslike thrill. It pits you against the toughest combat the game has to offer, with enemies that hit harder and possess greater resilience. The parry-assist features that aid you in lower difficulties are disabled, demanding precise timing and mastery of the combat system.

But the rewards are equally enticing. Each boss vanquished in Legend mode earns you a unique badge, a mark of honor visible to all. Collecting every badge by completing the entire game on Legend is a prestigious challenge that many aspire to.

However, Legend is not for the faint-hearted. If you find the going too tough, you can lower the difficulty to Story, Recommended, or Expert at any time via the settings menu. But beware: once you step down, there's no going back. The path to Legend is one-way.

Breaking Down the Difficulty Levels

Beyond Legend, the game offers three other settings: Story, Recommended, and Expert. These are freely switchable at any point, allowing you to tailor the challenge on the fly. The core differences revolve around the presence of time stops and assist detection. As you ascend the difficulty ladder, enemies become more formidable, boasting higher health and dealing increased damage.

Story mode is the most forgiving, designed for those who wish to immerse themselves in the narrative without undue combat stress. It offers generous assist features and reduced enemy aggression, letting you savor the world and its tales.

Recommended strikes a balance, providing a standard action-RPG experience. It's the default choice for most players, offering a fair challenge that tests your skills without being overly punishing. The assist features are present but less pronounced than in Story.

Expert cranks up the heat, appealing to seasoned players who crave a tougher fight. Enemies are more aggressive and durable, and the assist features are minimal. This mode demands a solid grasp of the combat mechanics and strategic use of your abilities.

For those wondering about a Hardcore mode, it has not yet been released. As of September 2026, there's no official word on its arrival, but players eagerly await any announcements. So, for now, Expert is the pinnacle of difficulty for those who missed the Legend boat.

How to Change Difficulty

Switching between Story, Recommended, and Expert is a breeze. Simply open the menu, head to Settings, and navigate to the Game section. There, you'll find the Combat Difficulty option, allowing you to adjust the setting to your current preference. This flexibility is a godsend, letting you adapt to challenging sections or breeze through when you're short on time.

However, remember that Legend remains immutable once you've lowered it. So, if you're eyeing those exclusive badges, ensure you're committed before making the switch.

A Trophy Hunter's Delight

If you're a completionist chasing the Platinum trophy, you'll be pleased to know that no trophies are tied to your chosen difficulty. As of the game's release, there are no difficulty-specific achievements, meaning you can pursue the Platinum on any setting. This removes the pressure to tackle Legend solely for trophy purposes, allowing you to choose based on your desired challenge level.

The Final Verdict

So, which difficulty should you choose? The answer hinges on your appetite for challenge and your desire for exclusive rewards. If you're a veteran seeking the ultimate test and the prestige of Legend badges, select Legend at character creation. You can always fall back to easier modes if the going gets too tough, but remember, that decision is irreversible.

For newcomers or those prioritizing story, Story mode offers a relaxed introduction. Most players will find Recommended a satisfying middle ground, while Expert provides a meaty challenge for those who've mastered the basics.

Ultimately, the beauty of Where Winds Meet lies in its flexibility. With the ability to switch between three difficulties at will, you're never locked into a frustrating experience. So, weigh your options, embrace the challenge, and may your martial arts journey be legendary.

Short Takeaway: Choose Legend at creation for exclusive badges, but know that lowering it is final. For others, you can freely adjust between Story, Recommended, and Expert anytime.