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At first glance, Black Myth: Wukong might seem like a usual souls-like game with only a few new gimmicks. However, it is more than that. It takes less than an hour to realize this action-adventure game is full of surprises, intriguing combat mechanics, a lot of exploration, and other shenanigans that, while fun, might overwhelm players. Assuming this is your first rodeo in a game such as this, you might struggle for a bit. Luckily, we’ve prepared a starter guide to make your first hours in Black Myth: Wukong smoother.
Controls and HUD
While many might feel Black Myth: Wukong leans into a soulslike style of gameplay, it’s more akin to Stellar Blade in terms of combat, linearity, and exploration. However, that doesn’t mean the game is easy. There are systems on top of other systems and some features that might confuse players. So, let’s start breaking down the basics, such as controls and HUD elements.
Controller Inputs
- L2/LT: Staff Spin (Deflect Projectiles when unlocked)
- L1/LB: Use Gourd (Heal)
- R2/RT + D-Pad: Use Items
- R2/RT + Action Buttons: Use Spells
- R1/RB: Sprint
- Directional Buttons: Change Stance
- Left Stick: Move (Sprint when pressed)
- Right Stick: Move Camera (Lock-on when pressed)
- Triangle/Y: Heavy Attack
- Square/X: Light Attack
- Cross/A: Jump
- Circle/B: Dodge
Keyboard & Mouse Inputs
- 1-4: Use Spells
- Q: Use Items
- WASD: Move
- Shift: Spring
- CTRL: Jump
- Space: Dodge
- Z: Smash Stance
- C: Thrust Stance
- X: Pillar Stance
- V: Staff Spin
- R: Heal
- E: Interact
- Left Click: Light Attack
- Right Click: Heavy Attack
- MMB: Lock-On
HUD Elements
Black Myth: Wukong has a dynamic HUD that will only appear during combat or when performing certain actions, but we’ve included what every symbol and section means in this starter guide, too.
- On-Hand Items (You must equip them through your inventory first)
- HP, Mana, Stamina, and Gourd Bar: This area shows how many uses you have left in your Gourd as well as your basic attributes.
- Spells (Must equip them through a Shrine)
- Focus Points: The white circle will fill up once you have a focus point. You can spend Focus Points when performing heavy attacks or combos.
Shrines and Their Functions
One of the most important things you should familiarize yourself with during your Black Myth: Wukong journey is Shrines. These places serve not only as a resting place for you to recover HP, Gourd charges, and respawn enemies but also serve as a store, a way to respec your talents and even craft items. Throughout your game, you’ll encounter many of them, and once you see one, you should interact with it so it saves as a checkpoint should you meet your demise. Below is an explanation of each function inside these Shrines:
- Rest: Restores your HP, Gourd uses, and respawns all minor enemies on the map. Mini-bosses and bosses do not respawn.
- Travel: Allows you to travel to other Shrines you’ve discovered. Since the game doesn’t have a map, remember to memorize the name of the Shrine you’re at.
- Self-Advance: This option has two more sub-options: Set Spells and Reignite the Sparks. The first one will allow you to set your active spells in combat. The second is the “respec” function, which you can use as often as you want at no cost.
- Craft: Later in the game, you’ll unlock options to craft armor and other items.
- Store: You can purchase on-hand items here and sell any unwanted items.
When possible, always use a Shrine to sell any valuable item to obtain currency to buy consumables and check if you can craft any new piece of armor.
What Talents Should You Get First
Ideally, you should be around level 10 or 12 when you face the third boss of the starting area (more on that later). However, since there are many talents to pick, we’ve chosen the ones we think are the best for a level 12 starting build:
- Foundation:
- Endurance: 1 Spark
- Simian Agility: 2 Sparks
- Everlasting Vigor: 1 Spark
- Robust Constitution: 3 Sparks
- Staff Stances:
- Exhilaration: 1 Spark
- Force Unbound: 1 Spark
- Resolute Counterflow: 1 Spark
- Mysticism:
- Crash: 2 Sparks
This starter build, at least for the three first bosses, should be more than enough to help you. The real difficult boss is the first one, and the other two are quite easy to defeat, so you shouldn’t worry much about respeccing or anything similar.
Beating the First Three Bosses
As soon as Black Myth: Wukong gives you the reins, you can guide the protagonist through the starter area toward any of the first two bosses and then face the first big baddie. Here is the path we recommend:
- Guangzhi:
- You can find this boss after crossing the first bridge and going through the Torii-like gates. It will attack with a flaming dual-blade, which inflicts the Scorch status effect. The fight isn’t too challenging, as Guangzhi’s attacks are easy to dodge. If you get scorched, roll twice to put the fire out. Also, facing this boss first is ideal, as you’ll unlock transformations once you beat it.
- Wandering Wight:
- We have a guide for Wandering Wight here, but as a general rule, Immobilize it first, hit it with a full combo, and then run away to let it do its AoE attacks.
- Lingxuzi:
- This boss has erratic movements and a lot of reach, but we have a guide for this encounter as well. You can read it if you want tips on this fight.
Also, before you face Lingxuzi, craft the first armor set at the Shrine outside the temple, which will provide you with more defense and other bonuses.
Continuing Your Journey
Black Myth: Wukong is quite linear, but that doesn’t mean the starter guide won’t help. The first couple of hours can be challenging due to the abovementioned bosses and unknown mechanics. However, the game’s first chapter is pretty straightforward and shouldn’t take long to beat. Still, we have a few beginner tips you should keep in mind:
- Grab as many materials as possible to craft new armor.
- Experiment with all transformations until you find an adequate one for your playstyle.
- Don’t be afraid of respeccing often; it is free.
- If you see a hidden path, follow it; you might find a secret boss.
- Stick to the Smash Stance for the game’s first chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Myth: Wukong Multi-player?
As of the time of writing, Black Myth: Wukong is a complete single-player experience with no plans for multi-player support so far.
Will Black Myth: Wukong Have PvP?
The game is focused on the single-player mode and has left out any online or co-op options.
Is Black Myth: Wukong on Xbox?
As of now, it isn’t. The game is only available on PC and PS5.
Does Black Myth: Wukong Have Difficulty Modes?
There is no option to change the difficulty of the game or enemies.
Can You Have Multiple Save Files in Black Myth: Wukong?
You can save more separate game file slots.
What Are the System Requirements for Black Myth: Wukong?
- Minimum:
- OS: Windows 10 or Higher
- Processor: 2.3 GHz Quad Core Processor
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: GTX 1060 6GB VRAM
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 9 GB available space
- Recommended:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 5 5500
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT / INTEL Arc A750
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 130 GB available space
- Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device
How To Beat Lingxuzi in Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong: How To Defeat the Wandering Wight
How To Complete Chen Loong Quest in Black Myth: Wukong
How To Increase Your HP and Gourd Uses in Black Myth: Wukong
Can You Parry in Black Myth: Wukong? Answered
How To Use Resolute Counterflow in Black Myth: Wukong
How To Absorb Spirits in Black Myth: Wukong
How to Get (& Use) Silk in Black Myth: Wukong
How To Get Black Myth: Wukong DLC Items
Does Black Myth: Wukong Have a Difficulty Setting?
Black Myth: Wukong is now available on PlayStation 5 and PC.
