Everstone Studio has announced that Version 1.8 of its free-to-play Wuxia open-world ARPG, Where Winds Meet, titled “Companions Make Home,” is set to go live on June 25 (UTC). The update brings two of the game’s most requested features — a Homestead system and interactive pet companions, along with a series of limited-time events running throughout the version cycle.

The heart of this update is the Homestead system, which sends players back to the lands of Qinghe to rebuild “Blissful Retreat,” a village with personal significance as the place where their character grew up. The village is now in ruins, and players are tasked with bringing it back to life. This involves recruiting local villagers as estate workers and taking on a range of management activities such as building inns, rebuilding porcelain kilns, brewing wine, farming, and trading. Completing homestead activities earns exclusive currency that can be spent in the Homestead Shop, where players can pick up free rewards including the Summer’s Blush outfit.

A creative feature called Beyond Artistry is also on the way, though it won’t arrive until July. It will let players design their own residences and share them with others in the community.

On the companion side, cats and geese are joining the game as interactive pets with dynamic behaviors. These animals react to weather and in-game events, and players can dress them up and interact with them. Three cats — Maverick, Scar, and Pudding will be available from day one, with Goldie the goose arriving in the update’s second week. Building a bond with these companions unlocks custom outfits, emotes, interactive actions, and an exclusive “Cute Master” player title through the Companion Shop. A dedicated pet battle system is also listed as a feature currently in development for a future update.

As for the event lineup, Version 1.8 kicks off with Martial Path Domain on June 25, a 20-floor challenge mode built for five-player teams at Level 60 and above. Difficulty scales as players climb higher, and top-ranking players can earn exclusive Hero Titles alongside currency and materials. Also launching on June 25 is Tomb Raiders, a PvPvE casual mode where event points can be traded for high-value items and a rare purple mount.

On July 3, Phantom Thief Goose takes over, putting players in the role of “Goose Bo” to infiltrate Heaven’s Pier using goose-themed combat moves like honking, pecking, and stealth attacks. Then on July 10, the second edition of Jianghu Martial Games rolls in with three fast-paced mini-games offering the limited-time Dangling Carrot outfit and other exclusive cosmetics as rewards.