Where Winds Meet Unveils "Heaven’s Threshold": The Second Chapter of the Hidden Mountain Expansion Launches August 20
Explore Sky-High Peaks, Battle Ancient Automata, and Meet Us at Gamescom 2026
Hangzhou, China - August 12, 2026 - Everstone Studio and NetEase Games today announced that Where Winds Meet will launch the second chapter of its Hidden Mountain expansion, titled "Heaven’s Threshold," on August 20 (UTC). The major update takes players beyond the safety of the mountain city into high-altitude cliffside frontiers, introducing new story campaigns, massive mechanical monsters, puzzle-filled dungeons, and festive seasonal events.
Ascend Heaven’s Threshold
Following the events of the previous chapter, players leave the mountain base to scale the fog-shrouded summits of "Heaven's Threshold." By joining the community-wide "Cloudtop Ascent" building event, players will gradually unlock a vast mountain area featuring vertical exploration, dramatic drop-offs, and crumbling ancient observatories. The story deepens as a moral debate splits the ancient craftspeople: should they stay hidden from the world, or use their advanced engineering to help people in need?
Engage Dynamic Mechanical Bosses & Dungeons
The update challenges players with giant mechanical bosses and intricate puzzle environments:
Colossal World Bosses: Face the Inkpincer Scorpion and Cloud-Seizing Serpent - two giant iron beasts designed by ancient inventors. Victory requires timing strikes to hit vulnerable joints when their armor opens.
Evershift Labyrinth Dungeon: Hidden deep underground, this multi-layered maze features rotating wooden gears and traditional interlocking joints. Players must battle security constructs while adjusting the moving floorboards to find a way out.
Campaign of Mirkvale: Infiltrate a quiet, abandoned valley taken over by rogue blacksmiths. Players team up with a young boy to repair forgotten waterwheels and machinery to uncover why the industrial center fell silent.
Tactical Combat, Folklore Horror & Other New Gameplay
Combat expands with two new mystic skills: Bursting Nine, an archery technique that fires a nine-arrow volley to slow and trap groups of enemies, and World to Sword, which channels excess healing power into flying energy blades.
- Additionally, to mark China’s traditional Ghost Festival, the update introduces Reflection Temple—a solo survival mode set in an eerie, haunted mountain shrine where players must follow strict rules and uncover hidden clues to escape unpunished.
- For a change of pace, players can join Chasing with Kite, a high-speed racing mode available in both solo time-trials and online multiplayer, or try Pangolin Peddler, establishing merchant trade routes between remote villages to earn rare rewards.
Join Where Winds Meet at Gamescom 2026
Taking the momentum straight into Cologne, Germany, Where Winds Meet will also be heading to Gamescom 2026 from August 26 to 30. Fans visiting the public area can find the team at Hall 7.1, Booth B-050.
At the booth, visitors can play an exclusive hands-on demo featuring the dramatic finale of the Hidden Mountain storyline and try out the upcoming Drunken Master combat style. Beyond the game stations, players can explore the eerie "Ghostlight Market" style booth to obtain exclusive merchandise, and witness a unique "wuxia-punk" stage show featuring both human and specialized robot cosplayers blending futuristic tech with traditional martial arts aesthetics.
Answer the call of the wind and prepare to conquer the clouds—mark your calendar for August 20 and embark on your journey through the lofty peaks of Heaven's Threshold!
