Erudition is an Exploration Stat in Where Winds Meet that can block your progress if you ignore it. You’ll usually notice it when you finally loot a valuable piece of gear, try to equip it, and see the “Cannot equip, Erudition required” message. It means you can’t equip the item unless you have the required Erudition amount for it. Unlike combat stats, it can be earned from specific world activities, and once you know what to do, it’s easy. Here’s how Erudition works in Where Winds Meet and how you can increase it.
Where Winds Meet Erudition Stat Explained
Erudition is an Exploration Attribute that doesn’t increase damage, defense, or survivability in fights. Instead, it works around combat and roleplay mechanics. The maximum need for Erudition is gear requirements and exploration skills. Many armor and accessories are locked behind Erudition requirements. If you don’t meet the number, the item can’t be worn. Some Exploration Skills also ask for this Attribute, alongside other stats and a Total Aspiration level.
Erudition matters for more than gear, though. It plays its parts in crime and illness mechanics, too. If you want to intimidate NPCs or lower illness damage as a healer, you’ll need enough of it to unlock the right skills.
When you see the “Cannot equip, Erudition required”, the current Erudition stat is too low for the item to equip. Every gear’s menu shows the required number mentioned next to the ‘Erudition required’ text. You can check the Attribute sources from the character sheet. Move over the stat or open the Exploration Skills menu to see which activities grant it.
How to Raise Erudition in Where Winds Meet
You can get Erudition from two main exploration activities: Meow Meow treasure challenges and Universal Harmony butterfly trails.
Meow Meow Treasure Challenges
Meow Meow challenges are the best way to build Erudition stat. They’re short, quick puzzles or side activities found across the world and are marked with cat-paw icons on the map. Travel to the marked location, interact with the small cat to trigger a challenge. Once completed, you will earn the Erudition stat and a few other rewards for the challenge.
Universal Harmony (Yellow Butterfly Trails)
Universal Harmony can give you more Erudition than the Meow Meow challenge. Walk into the swarm of glowing yellow butterflies and let them move ahead of you. Following them, you will walk a short path, sometimes across rooftops, often through ruins or forest clearings, and stop when butterflies settle at one glowing spot. Head to the lighting and interact with the “Universal Harmony” prompt to receive the rewards, including the Erudition stat. Red butterflies won’t offer this Attribute, so don’t go after them.
