Where Winds Meet devs surprised by global success of free Soulslike game

Where Winds Meet has attracted nine million players in two weeks, surprising developers at Everstone Studio

Developers of Where Winds Meet have expressed surprise at the game’s popularity outside of China, following its global release.

The free-to-play Soulslike has reached nine million players in just two weeks and set a Steam peak of 251,008 concurrent users on November 23 2025. The title also secured a place on Dexerto’s Best Games of the Year list alongside Clair Obscur and Hades 2.

Created by Everstone Studio, Where Winds Meet combines freeform exploration with high-flying martial arts movement, mythic storytelling, and a social ecosystem. Players can sprint across water, glide through the air, parry in Sekiro-style duels, and explore a sprawling representation of ancient China.

Lead Producer Beralt Lyu told FRVR that the team expected some interest but was unprepared for the scale of the response. “We hoped it would find its audience, the players who would love the freedom and mystery we tried to create,” Lyu said. “But nine million players in two weeks… that number has honestly blown all our internal expectations out of the water.”

The surge in popularity has also changed the atmosphere at the China-based studio. Lyu said the team is enjoying a mix of pride and excitement. “Seeing years of hard work resonate with so many people is a feeling like no other,” he added.

He noted that watching players share combat clips, discuss lore, and demonstrate mastery of the game’s martial arts online has been both motivating and humbling.

Looking ahead, Everstone Studio plans to release a new region covering nearly a third of Kaifeng on December 11, followed by the launch of the mobile version on December 12, enabling players to experience the game on the go.