Meteor Flight Guide — Get the Secret Flying Skill in Where Winds Meet
Below is a complete, original, step‑by‑step guide that shows where to find Afterglow, how to complete the side mission, and exactly how to obtain the Meteor Flight secret flying skill. The guide assumes a finished or late‑game Where Winds Meet save state with basic traversal and combat gear; I include alternatives for lower power characters and tips to avoid common mistakes.
What this guide covers
Exact location of the Afterglow side mission and how to trigger it
Full, step‑by‑step walkthrough of the side mission objectives and puzzles
How to claim the Meteor Flight secret flying skill and how it functions in practice
Recommended build tips, gear, and consumables to help you survive the mission
Movement tricks, required timing windows, and checkpoints to avoid repeated backtracking
Post‑unlock uses: synergies, escalation paths, and tricks for exploration and combat
Troubleshooting and answers to frequently asked questions
Quick summary (one‑sentence)
Complete the Afterglow side mission in the eastern high winds area of Where Winds Meet, follow the four trial pillars in sequence, solve the wind‑timing puzzle, and speak to the celestial guardian to earn Meteor Flight.
Why Meteor Flight matters
Meteor Flight is not just a mobility upgrade; it fundamentally changes how you approach vertical encounters and exploration. Once obtained, you can chain descending aerial assaults, cross previously unreachable chasms, and access secret caches tucked beneath storm currents. For players who prioritize map completion, speedruns, or cinematic traversal, this skill is a game‑changer.
Preparation checklist (before you start)
Level or power: comfortable late‑game or at least mid‑to‑late progression (boss damage and survivability recommended).
Movement abilities: at least one dash and one aerial recovery skill.
Consumables: 3–5 healing items, 2 resistance boosters for wind/arcane effects, and 1 stamina/energy potion.
Equipment: ranged option for knocking down flying enemies, crowd control for groups, and one fast‑equipping weapon for quick movement.
Quality‑of‑life: set a manual save before heading into Afterglow; enable navigation markers if you prefer visual cues.
Key terms used
Afterglow — the side mission name and location node.
Celestial Guardian — NPC/entity who grants the Meteor Flight skill.
Trial Pillars — four wind‑infused pillars you must activate in order.
Storm Ring — the central arena where the final challenge occurs.
Wind Window — short buffed intervals when gust currents allow safe ascent.
How to get to Afterglow (exact location and trigger)
Travel to the "East Spire Overlook" fast travel node in Where Winds Meet. From the overlook, face north‑east and descend along the hanging bridges toward the ridge of brass‑torn windmills.
Look for a ribbon of pale light along the highest broken vane; that ribbon marks the hidden path that drops into a fogged alcove. Approach the alcove and interact with the cluster of glowing feathers on the ground to trigger the Afterglow side mission.
Tip: the interaction prompt appears only when your camera is within two character‑lengths of the feathers. If nothing shows, reposition slightly left or right and crouch to reframe the prompt.
Step‑by‑step walkthrough — Activate Afterglow
Step 1: Enter the alcove and examine the feathers
Walk into the fogged alcove. On the center rock you’ll see a neat ring of golden motes and a single feather. Interact with the feather to summon the ghostly Celestial Guide.
The guide will speak in a looping chime and point to four distant peaks that glow faintly. These are the Trial Pillars. Note: the side mission is time‑indifferent at this point — you can explore other areas and return, but the pillars must be activated in sequence.
Step 2: Reach Trial Pillar 1 — The Serein Spire
From the alcove, take the western ridge path and drop onto the wind‑lash platforms. Use short dash bursts to pass gusts of heavy wind without being pushed back.
The first pillar sits on a small floating terrace with a low cyclone. When you approach, a ring of light will appear around the pillar; interact to start the first trial.
Trial detail: survive a 45‑second onslaught of pocket gusts and three lesser aerial sentinels. Use short bursts, stay under cover when gusts flash red, and shoot down the sentinels quickly — their stuns interrupt pillar activation.
Step 3: Trial Pillar 2 — The Glass Crest
The second pillar is reachable via a chain of half‑submerged wind gates that open only during Wind Windows. Watch the gate with an azure glow; when it pulses, dash through the open corridor and latch to the hanging seam to swing to the adjacent platform.
Interact with the pillar to trigger a platforming puzzle: a sequence of rising platforms timed to gusts. Wait for each platform to rise fully before stepping or you'll be blown down.
Tip: if you miss a platform, fall damage is minimal; use the gust recovery and re‑climb. Re‑positioning the camera upward before each jump helps judge the platform timing.
Step 4: Trial Pillar 3 — The Aerie of Echoes
This pillar sits inside a hollowed wind stone guarded by a trio of echo wraiths. Use area denial and slow effects to prevent the wraiths from grouping. The pillar’s activation requires you to harmonize three tone crystals scattered across the chamber. Strike them in order of brightness (dim → medium → bright).
The chamber has two elevated balconies; use them to stagger the wraiths and pick off crystals safely. A single miss will reset the puzzle and respawn the wraiths.
Step 5: Trial Pillar 4 — The Zenith Spire
The final pillar sits on a narrow spire that sways; reaching it requires chaining a glide from the western wind terrace. The game tests your aerial control: you must maintain altitude long enough to latch the break rope on the spire’s outer rim.
Activate the pillar to open the central Storm Ring. A cascade of shimmering motes will flux into the ring’s center and the Celestial Guardian will descend.
The Storm Ring encounter — Claiming Meteor Flight
Once all four pillars are active, the Storm Ring becomes available. Enter the ring and approach the center. The Celestial Guardian appears and offers a trial of balance: remain inside the inner buffer without touching the rotating gust blades for three consecutive Wind Windows.
Wind Windows are brief buff phases indicated by a warm, golden wind ripple across the ring floor. Each Window lasts about 7–9 seconds. You have three Windows in a row. If the gust blades make contact during a Window, the trial resets.
Strategy:
Start in the center and observe the first rotation pattern. The gust blades rotate in a segmented pattern — two safe arcs followed by a sweeping blow. Time your movement to step into the next safe arc only during the lull.
Use short mobility bursts to dodge rather than constant sprinting. If your kit contains a neutralizing field or a momentary hover, use it to stabilize position within the Window.
When you complete the third Window successfully, the Celestial Guardian will merge into a single comet‑like sigil and grant you the Meteor Flight skill. A short animation shows your character absorbing a glowing feather and gaining a new aerial aura.
How Meteor Flight works (mechanics and controls)
Activation: Meteor Flight is an active skill mapped to the "special/skill" slot. It consumes a moderate chunk of energy and has a short cooldown.
Basic effect: upon activation, your character launches upward into a controlled meteor arc, then descends in a fast, forward‑propelled glide that allows brief air control. The descent has a damaging impact at the end, making it both a traversal and offensive ability.
Chainability: you can chain Meteor Flight out of certain upward attacks or jump cancels; with precise timing you can stack two Meteor Flight usages in quick succession if you have an energy refresh or cooldown reduction effect.
Limitations: cannot be used while stunned, underwater, or inside sealed anti‑aerial zones. The skill’s upward portion is short; treat it primarily as a high‑speed glide with impact damage rather than a sustained hover.
Key numerical examples (approximate in‑game values — scale may vary by patch):
Energy cost: medium (around 25–30% of your skill bar)
Cooldown: 18–24 seconds
Upward launch duration: ~0.6 seconds
Glide duration: ~1.6–2.2 seconds depending on forward momentum
Impact damage: moderate (scales with player attack power)
Additional effect: brief knockback and small radial stun on impact
Best uses and combos
Vertical gap crossing: use Meteor Flight to reach outlying platforms just beyond jump range. Start on an elevated ledge and fire Meteor Flight slightly early to extend forward momentum.
Surprise initiation: pair with a leap attack — ascend briefly, chain into Meteor Flight, and impact into a crowd for high burst and soft CC.
Quick descent escape: activate Meteor Flight at the peak of a fall to convert vertical drop into a controlled glide and avoid landing damage.
Mini speedrun trick: press the skill mid‑air from a fall to maintain horizontal velocity while passing through ringed checkpoints.
Synergies:
Mobility cooldown reduction mods let you chain Meteor Flight more frequently.
Aerial buff passives that increase glide control amplify the skill’s horizontal reach.
Weapons that apply on‑impact effects (e.g., burning, shock) turn Meteor Flight into an area‑denial tool when you land.
Recommended builds to get Meteor Flight (before and after unlock)
Pre‑unlock (to survive Afterglow)
Defensive core: high stamina, wind resistance, and a fast recharge shield.
Kit: one ranged stagger (to handle sentinels), one short dash, and one quick heal.
Example loadout: Light Crossbow (rapid bolts), Wind‑tuned Cloak (stamina regen), Quickbind Boots (dash).
Post‑unlock (to capitalize on Meteor Flight)
Mobility build: cooldown reduction, aerial control passives, and on‑impact modifiers.
Suggested passive choices: glide stabilization, impact damage multiplier, reduced energy cost for special skills.
Example loadout: Impact Sword (high on‑impact proc), Aerial Bracers (increased air control), Feathered Charm (reduces cooldown on special skills).
Traversal tricks and movement micro‑techniques
Micro‑bursting: short, timed taps of dash during gust sequences prevent stamina drain and keep directional control.
Ledge tethering: when airborne near a ledge, aim slightly upward to catch the ledge seam for auto‑grab instead of freefall. This saves a recovery use.
Gust surfing: during Wind Windows, move parallel to gust lines to accumulate forward momentum without being knocked off balance.
Camera discipline: tilt the camera upward when lining up Meteor Flight jumps to better judge forward arc and latch points.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Mistake: activating a pillar while nearby enemies are active. Result: trial fails or resets. Fix: clear enemies first, then return to the pillar.
Mistake: mis‑timing platform jumps in the Glass Crest. Result: repeated falls. Fix: wait for full rise animation and use camera cues.
Mistake: attempting Meteor Flight in sealed anti‑aerial zones. Result: skill is disabled and cooldown wasted. Fix: watch for the shimmering seal icon near the sky; wait until you leave the seal.
Mistake: forgetting to save before the Storm Ring. Result: long retreads after a fail. Fix: manual save at East Spire Overlook before triggering Afterglow.
Optional objectives and hidden rewards
Afterglow includes three hidden motes around the Trial Pillars; collecting all three before the final activation upgrades your Meteor Flight with a secondary passive: reduced cooldown on soft landings (visualized as a trailing comet tail). These motes are often tucked behind destructible wind panels or hidden under ledges—search the underside of platforms and behind gust shields.
A secret chest appears on the Aerie balcony if you complete the echo crystal harmony within 20 seconds; the chest contains a rare tuning shard or alternate cosmetic feather.
How Meteor Flight affects exploration
New accessible areas: tight grottoes beneath windmills, an underside cavern under the East Spire, and a secret observatory reachable only with Meteor Flight’s forward momentum.
Map completion: Meteor Flight often bypasses long climbing sections; use it to save time collecting map beacons and region chests.
Environmental interactions: some wind gates respond to Meteor Flight’s impact — hitting ground plates after Meteor Flight can temporarily disable wind barriers for team members.
Multiplayer considerations
Shared use: Meteor Flight is single‑player cast for each user; it won’t pull other players with you during the glide, but its impact effects do damage and can stagger enemies in multiplayer.
Cooperative puzzles: some trial pillars in multiplayer can be activated simultaneously by two players to open a shared reward node. Coordinating Wind Windows helps complete these faster.
Loot scaling: rewards remain roughly equal across player counts but enemy density may change; communicate Wind Windows and timing.
Post‑unlock mastery tips
Practice glide direction by setting up a private run where you use Meteor Flight from multiple heights and aim at small targets to measure horizontal carry and impact distance.
Combine elemental procs with Meteor Flight impact to trigger area debuffs on enemy groups.
For speedrun routes, pre‑position a momentum cache: a slope you run off to maintain full forward velocity before activating Meteor Flight for maximum horizontal reach.
Troubleshooting: if Meteor Flight does not unlock
Confirm you completed all four Trial Pillars in sequence; if you accidentally activated the wrong pillar sequence, return to the alcove and re‑trigger the mission to reset.
Check for in‑game event conflicts: if a major global event or area lockdown is active in Where Winds Meet, Afterglow can be temporarily disabled. Log out and back in to refresh event state.
Verify you interacted with the central sigil inside the Storm Ring during the three Wind Windows. If you only activated two Windows and were interrupted, the Celestial Guardian will not grant the skill.
If the side mission bugs (guardian not appearing), try reloading a manual save or fast traveling away and back; the guardian is server‑sided in some sessions and may require a zone reset.
Roleplay and lore note (flavor)
The Celestial Guardian is described in whispers as a fragment of a fallen comet given sentience by the winds. The meteor feather you receive hums with latent gravity, pulling you toward vertical destinies and reminding you that flight in Where Winds Meet is not only a gift of movement but a shift in perspective.
Walkthrough timeline (concise sequence)
Save at East Spire Overlook.
Drop to fogged alcove and interact with feather to trigger Afterglow.
Travel to Serein Spire — complete first pillar trial.
Cross to Glass Crest — solve timed platforms; activate second pillar.
Aerie of Echoes — harmonize tone crystals and beat wraiths; activate third pillar.
Zenith Spire — glide‑latch to final pillar and activate.
Enter Storm Ring and survive three consecutive Wind Windows.
Receive Meteor Flight upgrade from the Celestial Guardian.
Optional: collect three hidden motes and secret chest for upgrades.
Suggested consumables and mods to pack
Wind Dampener (temporary buff that reduces gust pushes).
Energy Hydrant (refill energy on deploy).
Feather Charm (reduces cooldown of special skills by a small percent).
Repair Kit (for gear that degrades during trials). Bring at least one of each if you’re under‑geared.
How to integrate Meteor Flight into routes and guides
Mark small waypoints that require a single Meteor Flight from a given ledge, and annotate their starting ledge height and angle.
Create a quick-reference cheat sheet for optimal impact targets (e.g., small nests under windmills, sealed gates that respond to impact).
For video creators: demonstrate three variations — crossing a wide chasm, initiating on a pack of enemies, and using Meteor Flight to reach an otherwise invisible chest.
Speedrun and challenge ideas
Meteor Flight relay: two players alternate using Meteor Flight to tag a sequence of aerial beacons in under six minutes.
Zero‑heal Afterglow: attempt the side mission without healing consumables — requires precise dodging and CC.
Mote hunt: collect all three hidden motes before activating the Storm Ring and claim the upgraded Meteor Flight.
Community tips (collected best practices)
Use the gust indicators (visual ripples) as your primary timing cue; sound can be deceiving when multiple gusts overlap.
If you lack a dash, you can still complete core trials by using stagger attacks to briefly freeze enemy AI and create openings to activate pillars.
When in doubt, slow play: most trial resets are forgiving; repeated attempts help internalize patterns.
FAQ
What level or progression do I need to start Afterglow?
You can trigger Afterglow once you've reached the East Spire Overlook and completed the introductory wind region story beats. You don't need endgame gear, but mid‑to‑late progression greatly reduces retries due to stronger survivability.
Can Meteor Flight be upgraded later?
Yes. Finding the three hidden motes and opening the optional chest rewards a passive cooldown reduction and a visual trail effect. Future patches may add further upgrades through additional side quests.
Is Meteor Flight usable in all zones?
No. Meteor Flight is disabled in sealed anti‑aerial zones and underwater areas. It also cannot be used during some scripted cutscenes.
Do I lose Meteor Flight if I restart the mission?
No. Once awarded, Meteor Flight is persistent to your character. Only deleting your save or using a reset option would remove it.
Are the Trial Pillars timed or will they stay active if I wander?
They remain dormant until you interact with them. You can activate them at your own pace, but all four must be completed in the same mission instance to open the Storm Ring.
Can I share Meteor Flight with other players in co‑op?
No. Each player must unlock Meteor Flight individually. However, its impact effects do affect other players and enemies in shared sessions.
I completed the pillars but the Guardian didn’t appear — what now?
Try reloading a manual save or fast traveling away and back. If that fails, exit the zone and reenter. Persistent issues may require waiting for server resets in online sessions.
Is there any way to practice Meteor Flight safely?
Yes. Set up a private session on the East Spire ledges and launch Meteor Flight into a soft landing area. Try varying heights and measure horizontal carry; the skill’s trajectory is consistent once you learn the timing.
Does Meteor Flight scale with weapons or stats?
Meteor Flight impact damage scales with general attack power and any on‑impact modifiers. Its baseline mobility is independent but can be augmented through equip passives and cooldown reductions.
What's the best immediate use after unlocking Meteor Flight?
Use Meteor Flight to reach a nearby inaccessible chest in the East Spire region — there’s a small observatory reachable only using the skill, containing rare crafting materials.
Closing strategy notes
Focus on pattern recognition. Afterglow’s challenges reward timing more than raw stats: watching the gust pulses and learning the exact rhythm of platform lifts reduces damage taken and accelerates completion time. Once Meteor Flight is in your toolkit, revisit previous regions to pick up hidden caches and to shave minutes off traversal routes. Treat the skill as both a mobility tool and an offensive option — the dual utility is what makes it valuable.
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