NetEase’s free-to-play open world action-RPG Where Winds Meet has surpassed nine million players, marking a notable milestone for the new IP. The studio reported that the game crossed two million players within its first 24 hours after its November 15 release. Its initial week also delivered a peak of 251,008 concurrent players on Steam, signaling consistent early interest.
Positioning Among Major Free-to-Play Launches
Although the game’s growth has been impressive, its early numbers are not yet on the scale of the largest free-to-play debuts. Genshin Impact exceeded 10 million pre-registrations before its launch, and Apex Legends reached more than 25 million players in its first week following its surprise release. Even with these comparisons, Where Winds Meet is demonstrating a steady trajectory, especially for a new franchise rooted in Chinese history and mythology.
A Foundation for Long-Term Growth
Industry observers note that the game’s early adoption gives NetEase a strong baseline for future development. Its mix of open world exploration, action-RPG systems and historical themes has helped it establish a foothold as interest in the genre continues to grow.
As the team releases updates and expands content, Where Winds Meet is positioned to build on its initial success while engaging a broader global audience. Its presence within ongoing conversations around evolving game ecosystems, including web3-adjacent features, may further influence its long-term direction.
Source: Niko Partners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Where Winds Meet?
Where Winds Meet is a free-to-play open world action-RPG developed by NetEase. It features exploration, combat and narrative elements inspired by Chinese history and mythology.
How many players has Where Winds Meet reached?
NetEase reports that the game has surpassed nine million players since its launch.
When did Where Winds Meet release?
The game debuted on November 15, reaching over two million players within its first 24 hours.
How does its launch compare to other free-to-play titles?
While successful, its early numbers are lower than major launches such as Genshin Impact and Apex Legends, which achieved larger player counts during their initial release periods.
Is Where Winds Meet available on Steam?
Yes. The game recorded a peak of 251,008 concurrent Steam players in its first week.
Is Where Winds Meet connected to web3?
The game has been included in broader discussions about emerging web3-adjacent features in the industry, but NetEase has not positioned it explicitly as a web3 title.
What can players expect next?
NetEase is expected to continue releasing updates and content expansions as the game’s player base grows.
