Stuck on a puzzle asking you to bow in Where Winds Meet? You’re not alone. Many players waste precious time searching through emote menus, only to find nothing works. The secret lies in a special interaction that’s simpler than you think.
Table of Contents
What Is the Bow Action?
Bowing in Where Winds Meet is a contextual action performed on grass mats, often required to complete puzzles and quests that promise valuable rewards. Unlike standard emotes, you can’t trigger it anywhere—it requires a specific object.
Where Winds Meet Reference: Bow Controls
| Platform | Interact Button | Location Required |
|---|---|---|
| PC | F Key | Grass Mat (Liangxi) |
| PlayStation 5 | R2 Button | Grass Mat (Liangxi) |
| Xbox | RT Button | Grass Mat (Liangxi) |
Step-by-Step: How to Perform a Bow
Walk over to the grass mat until you see a prompt saying “Bow,” then press the interact key to start the action. Here’s the complete process:
- Locate the Grass Mat – Look for a straw-colored rectangular mat near statues, shrines, or altars
- Position Your Character – Walk directly onto the mat
- Wait for the Prompt – A “Bow” indicator will appear on-screen
- Press Interact – Hit F (PC) or R2 (PS5) when prompted
- Complete the Animation – A progress bar fills as your character performs the bow
Pro Tip: Some puzzles require bowing three times on the same mat, so you’ll need to retrigger the prompt multiple times.
Echoes in the Shrine Quest Solution
The most common place players encounter the bow mechanic is during the Volume II – Echoes in the Shrine exploration quest. You need to perform the bow action three times on the grass mat in front of the large statue to make it move. After each successful bow, wait for the prompt to reappear before repeating the action.
Why Can’t I Find It in My Emotes?
This is the most confusing part! The bow isn’t in your gesture menu because it’s an environmental interaction, not a character emote. Think of it like opening a chest or reading a scroll—it only works when the right object is nearby.
For more martial arts combat strategies, check out our Where Winds Meet combat guide and learn how to master archery for maximum effectiveness.
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem: No prompt appears
Solution: Adjust your position—you need to stand directly on the mat facing the correct direction
Problem: Progress bar interrupted
Solution: Stay still until the animation completes; moving cancels the bow
Problem: Quest won’t complete after bowing
Solution: Most shrine puzzles need 2-3 bows, not just one
For official game updates and mechanics, visit the Where Winds Meet Fextralife Wiki.
FAQs
Q: Can I unlock the bow as a permanent emote?
No, bowing remains a location-specific interaction throughout the game. You’ll always need to find a grass mat to perform it.
Q: Where else will I need to use the bow?
Beyond shrine puzzles, various exploration quests and hidden treasure locations require bowing for respect. Keep an eye out for grass mats whenever a scroll mentions “showing reverence” or “paying respects.”
