1. What is Black Myth: Wukong about?
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG inspired by the Chinese novel Journey to the West. You play as the Destined One, a monkey warrior seeking to revive Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, by collecting six relics across a mythical world. It features fast-paced combat, boss battles, and Chinese mythology.
2. What type of game is it?
It’s a single-player action RPG with Soulslike elements, such as challenging combat and exploration, but it’s not a pure Soulslike. It emphasizes linear levels, boss fights, and transformation abilities, built on Unreal Engine 5.
3. Is it based on Journey to the West?
Yes, it draws heavily from Journey to the West, reinterpreting characters like Sun Wukong and settings like Mount Huaguo, but it’s not a direct retelling. It adds original lore and a darker narrative.
4. Who developed it?
Game Science, a Chinese studio, developed Black Myth: Wukong. It’s not an indie game but a high-budget (AAA) title, often called China’s first major AAA release.
5. What platforms is it available on?
It’s available on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store) and PS5. An Xbox Series X/S version is delayed due to optimization issues, with no confirmed release date. It’s not on PS4, Nintendo Switch, or Mac.
6. When was it released?
It launched on August 20, 2024, for PC and PS5.
7. How much does it cost?
The standard edition costs ~$60 USD on PC and PS5. The Digital Deluxe Edition is ~$80, including cosmetics, a digital soundtrack, and in-game items like the Bronzecloud Staff.
8. Is there a physical copy?
No physical copy is available as of April 2025. It’s digital-only on PS5 and PC, though Game Science has hinted at a potential physical release later.
9. What is the Deluxe Edition, and is it worth it?
The Deluxe Edition includes cosmetic items (Trailblazer’s Scarlet Gourd, Chosen Tin Staff), a digital artbook, and soundtrack. It’s worth it for fans wanting extra content, but the standard edition offers the full game experience.
10. Is it on Game Pass or PS Plus?
No, it’s not on Xbox Game Pass, PS Plus, or GeForce Now. You must purchase it outright.
11. Why is it not on Xbox yet?
The Xbox release is delayed due to technical optimization challenges for Series X/S. Game Science is working on it, but no release date is confirmed. It’s not an Xbox One title.
12. Is it open-world?
No, it’s not open-world. It features linear, interconnected levels across six chapters, with some exploration within each area.
13. How big is the game (storage size)?
It requires ~100–130 GB on PC (SSD recommended) and ~100 GB on PS5, due to high-quality assets and Unreal Engine 5.
14. Is it a Soulslike game?
It has Soulslike elements (tough bosses, stamina-based combat), but it’s more action-oriented, with a focus on combos, transformations, and a linear structure. It’s less punishing than pure Soulslikes like Dark Souls.
15. Does it have a good story?
The story is engaging, blending mythology with a mysterious narrative about Sun Wukong’s legacy. It’s delivered through cutscenes, NPC dialogue, and environmental storytelling, though some find it less intricate than Elden Ring.
16. Why is it so popular?
Its popularity stems from stunning visuals, fluid combat, cultural significance (rooted in Chinese mythology), and being a landmark Chinese AAA game. It sold over 18 million copies by late 2024.
17. Was it nominated for Game of the Year?
Yes, it was nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024 but lost to Astro Bot. It won awards for Best Action Game and Best Visuals.
18. Is it controversial?
Some controversies arose from early reports of Game Science’s workplace culture and alleged demands on streamers to avoid certain topics (e.g., politics). These claims were debated, but the game itself faced no major backlash for its content.
Gameplay and Mechanics
19. Why is there no map?
The game intentionally omits a map to encourage exploration and immersion, similar to some Soulslikes. Levels are linear with clear paths, and shrines (checkpoints) help orient players.
20. How long is the game?
- Main story: ~30–40 hours.
- 100% completion (all bosses, collectibles): ~50–70 hours.
- Each of the six chapters takes ~5–10 hours, with Chapter 3 being the longest and Chapter 6 the shortest.
21. How many chapters and bosses are there?
- Chapters: 6.
- Bosses: Over 80, including ~30 main bosses and 50+ optional/secret bosses. Chapter 1 has ~10 bosses, while later chapters have more.
22. Is it hard compared to Elden Ring?
It’s challenging but generally easier than Elden Ring. Bosses require pattern recognition, but the game offers more forgiving mechanics (e.g., multiple healing gourds, transformations). Elden Ring has a steeper learning curve due to its open-world complexity and punishing mechanics.
23. Does it have difficulty settings?
No, there’s no difficulty setting or easy mode. Difficulty is fixed, but upgrades, transformations, and spirits can make fights easier.
24. How do you save the game?
It autosaves at shrines (checkpoints) and after key events. There’s no manual save option, and only one save file is supported per playthrough.
25. Can you have multiple saves?
No, the game supports only one active save per account. You can’t create multiple save files without using separate accounts or manual backups (PC only).
26. Does it have New Game Plus (NG+)?
Yes, NG+ is available after completing the game. It increases enemy difficulty, retains your upgrades, and allows pursuing different endings.
27. How many endings are there?
There are three endings:
- Normal Ending: Complete the main story.
- True Ending: Requires collecting all six relics and defeating secret bosses (e.g., Erlang Shen).
- Secret Ending: Involves specific actions tied to hidden quests (e.g., Purple Cloud Mountain).
To get the true ending, defeat all secret bosses and complete key side quests before the final boss.
28. What is Will, and how do you farm it?
Will is the game’s currency, used for upgrades and crafting. Farm it by:
- Defeating enemies (bosses drop more).
- Opening chests and breaking objects.
- Selling unused items at Xu Dog’s shop.
Focus on optional bosses and high-density enemy areas (e.g., Chapter 2’s Sandfall) for efficient farming.
29. What is Might, Qi, and Mana?
- Might: A resource for spirit transformations, filled by defeating enemies or using specific items.
- Qi: Used for special moves (e.g., Resolute Strike). It builds through combat.
- Mana: Powers spells (e.g., Immobilize). Regenerate it by attacking, dodging, or using soaks (see below).
30. How do you increase Mana?
- Upgrade the Mana stat via sparks (skill points) at shrines.
- Equip armor or curios that boost Mana regeneration.
- Use soaks in your gourd to restore Mana during combat.
31. What are Focus Points, and how do you use them?
Focus Points are earned through attacks and perfect dodges, filling a meter (blue bar). Spend them on heavy attacks or special moves (e.g., Smash Stance combos) by holding the attack button. Upgrades can increase Focus capacity.
32. What are Guidance and Evanescence?
- Guidance: Collectible items (e.g., Buddha’s Eyes) that unlock secrets or progress quests. They often guide you to hidden areas or NPCs.
- Evanescence: A rare resource dropped by certain enemies, used for crafting high-tier items.
33. What is a Talent Level?
Talent Level refers to your character’s overall power, increased by spending sparks on skill trees (e.g., Stance, Spells). There’s no traditional level cap, but sparks become harder to earn in NG+.
34. How do you transform, and how do you turn into a cicada?
- Transformations: Use spirit skills (absorbed from defeated enemies) to transform into creatures like a wolf or cicada. Activate them with the spirit button when the Might meter is full.
- Cicada Transformation: Obtained by defeating the Elder Jinchi boss in Chapter 1 (Guanyin Temple). Equip it at a shrine and activate it to turn into a golden cicada for evasion or exploration.
35. What are Soaks, and how do you use them?
Soaks are consumable items equipped to your gourd (healing flask) to add effects like Mana restoration, poison resistance, or extra healing. Craft them at Xu Dog’s shop or find them in chests. Equip them via the inventory menu and use the gourd to apply the soak’s effect.
36. How do you block or parry?
- Block: There’s no dedicated block button. Use dodges (light or perfect) to avoid damage.
- Parry: The Rock Solid spell (unlocked early) acts as a parry, deflecting attacks if timed correctly. Upgrade it for better timing windows.
37. How do you heal?
Drink from the gourd (default 4 charges, rechargeable at shrines). Upgrade the gourd at Xu Dog’s shop to increase charges or healing potency.
38. What are Gourds, and which is the best?
Gourds are your healing flasks, each with unique stats (charges, healing amount). The Immortal Gourd (found in Chapter 5) is considered the best due to its high charges and Mana restoration. Upgrade gourds with Rice Cocoons at Xu Dog’s.
39. What is a Kasaya?
A Kasaya is a type of armor (robe) in the game, offering defensive stats and bonuses (e.g., Mana regeneration). Craft or find them and equip them via the inventory.
40. How do you upgrade armor and weapons?
- Armor: Craft or upgrade armor at the Blacksmith (Zodiac Village, accessible after Chapter 2) using materials like Silk, Yarn, or Fine Gold Thread. Some armor can’t be upgraded but can be swapped for better sets.
- Weapons: Upgrade staffs (e.g., Wukong’s Staff) at the Blacksmith with materials like Kun Steel or Refined Iron Sand. The Jingubang (Chapter 6) is the ultimate staff, unlocked via the true ending.
41. How do you get Silk, Yarn, and other materials?
- Silk (Chapter 1): Dropped by enemies (e.g., Yaoguai) in Black Wind Mountain or found in chests near shrines. Farm in areas like Bamboo Grove.
- Yarn: Common in Chapter 2, dropped by enemies or looted from Sandfall.
- Fine Gold Thread: Rare, found in Chapters 4–5 from elite enemies or chests.
- Kun Steel: Dropped by bosses (e.g., Stone Vanguard, Chapter 2) or found in Chapter 3’s snowfields.
- Refined Iron Sand: Common in Chapter 2’s Fright Cliff, looted from chests or enemies.
- Rice Cocoons: Scattered across chapters, often near shrines or hidden paths (e.g., Chapter 3’s Pagoda Realm).
42. How do you get specific items (e.g., Wind Tamer, Celestial Ribbon, Long Scales)?
- Wind Tamer: Defeat the Black Wind King (Chapter 1 boss) to unlock this vessel, which enhances dodge and damage.
- Celestial Ribbon: Found in Chapter 4’s secret area (Purple Cloud Mountain) after completing the Venom Daoist quest.
- Long Scales: Dropped by the Red Loong boss (Chapter 1 secret boss, requires the Loong Scales key from Chapter 2).
43. How do you get the Wukong Stance and Staff?
- Wukong Stance: Unlocked in Chapter 6 after collecting all relics and defeating key bosses. It combines Smash, Pillar, and Thrust stances.
- Wukong’s Staff (Jingubang): Obtained in Chapter 6 by completing the true ending path, crafted at the Blacksmith with rare materials.
44. How do you get the Spear?
The Chui Jian Spear is crafted in Chapter 3 after defeating the Captain Wise-Voice boss and collecting its materials (e.g., Kun Steel). Visit the Blacksmith to forge it.
45. What is the Great Pagoda, and what do you do there?
The Great Pagoda (Chapter 3) is a hub for viewing memories and accessing secret areas like Purple Cloud Mountain. Complete quests (e.g., ringing three bells in Chapter 1) to unlock its portals. It’s also tied to the secret ending.
46. How do you get the Sixth Relic?
The Sixth Relic is obtained in Chapter 6 by defeating the final boss (Great Sage’s Broken Shell) on the true ending path, which requires defeating all secret bosses and collecting prior relics.
47. Can you revisit chapters or go back to Chapter 1?
You can’t freely revisit chapters during a playthrough. After completing a chapter, you progress to the next. To replay Chapter 1, start NG+ or use a new save file.
48. What do the bells do?
Ringing three bells in Chapter 1 (found in Black Wind Mountain, Bamboo Grove, and Marsh of White Mist) unlocks a secret boss (Elder Jinchi) and progresses the quest for the true ending.
49. How do you craft medicine or potions?
Craft medicines (e.g., healing pellets, antidotes) at Xu Dog’s shop (Chapter 2 onward) using materials like Licorice or Celestial Pellets. Equip them to your gourd or use them directly from the inventory.
50. What is Compatibility Mode?
Compatibility Mode on PC reduces graphical demands for lower-end systems, sacrificing visual fidelity for smoother performance. It’s toggled in the game’s settings.
Bosses and Combat
51. How do you beat the Black Bear Guai (Chapter 1)?
- Dodge its heavy slams and fire attacks.
- Use Immobilize to freeze it and deal burst damage.
- Stay mobile to avoid its charge.
- Equip the Wind Tamer vessel for extra damage.
Upgrade your staff and health beforehand.
52. How do you beat the White-Clad Noble (Chapter 1)?
- Phase 1: Dodge his fast combos and counter after his triple thrust. Use Immobilize to interrupt.
- Phase 2: Avoid water-based attacks and his leap. Stay aggressive with Smash Stance.
- Perfect dodges build Focus for heavy attacks.
Craft healing pellets at a shrine if needed.
53. How do you beat the Wandering Wight (Chapter 1)?
- Stay behind it to avoid its headbutt and shockwave.
- Dodge its ground slam and counter with light attacks.
- Use Rock Solid to parry its charge.
- Upgrade stamina for longer combos.
54. How do you find and beat the Mad Tiger (Chapter 2)?
- Location: In Sandgate Village, enter the well after obtaining the Tiger Tally from the Tiger Vanguard boss.
- Strategy: Dodge its claw swipes and leap attacks. Use the Pluck of Many (clones) to distract it. Stay aggressive to stagger it. Equip poison-resistant soaks.
55. How do you beat Erlang Shen (secret boss)?
- Found in Chapter 6 (true ending path).
- Dodge his multi-hit combos and lightning attacks.
- Use the Wukong Stance for versatility.
- Save Immobilize for his second phase, when he summons clones.
- Equip high-defense armor (e.g., Bull King’s Set).
56. Why are there so many bosses?
The game emphasizes boss battles to reflect Journey to the West’s episodic monster encounters. Over 80 bosses add variety, challenge, and replayability, with many being optional for exploration rewards.
Technical and Accessibility
57. Can my PC run it?
Minimum Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 6基本信息：6GB RAM
- Storage: 100–130 GB
- OS: Windows 10/11
Recommended Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 / AMD RX 5700 XT
- RAM: 16GB
An SSD is highly recommended. A GTX 1660 Super or RTX 3050 can run it at low settings (30–40 FPS). Check your PC’s compatibility on Steam or Epic Games Store.
58. Does it support ultrawide monitors?
Yes, it supports ultrawide resolutions (e.g., 21:9) on PC, with adjustable FOV settings for a wider view.
59. Can you play with a keyboard and mouse or controller?
Both are supported:
- Controller: Preferred for precise movement and combos, especially on PS5. Xbox or DualSense controllers work well.
- Keyboard and Mouse: Viable on PC, with customizable keybinds, but less intuitive for dodging and combos.
Controller is generally recommended for a smoother experience.
60. Does it run on Steam Deck?
Yes, it’s Steam Deck Verified, running at 30–40 FPS on medium-low settings. Adjust graphics (e.g., lower shadows) for better performance. An SSD is required.
61. Can it run at 4K 60 FPS on PS5?
Yes, the PS5 runs it at 4K (dynamic resolution) with a 60 FPS performance mode or a 30 FPS quality mode with enhanced visuals. Ray tracing is supported in quality mode.
62. Does it have HDR?
Yes, HDR is supported on PS5 and compatible PC monitors, enhancing color depth and contrast.
63. Why is the game in Chinese, and how do you change the language?
The default language may be Chinese if your system’s region is set to China. Change it to English via:
- PS5: Settings > Game Language > English.
- PC: Steam/Epic > Game Properties > Language > English.
English dub and subtitles are available.
Multiplayer, DLC, and Future Content
64. Is there multiplayer or co-op?
No, it’s strictly single-player. There’s no co-op or multiplayer mode.
65. Will there be DLC or a sequel?
Game Science has hinted at potential DLC, possibly adding new bosses or areas, but no official confirmation exists as of April 2025. A sequel is likely given the game’s success (18M+ copies sold), but it’s not announced.
66. Will it go on sale?
It may go on sale during major Steam or PS Store events (e.g., Black Friday, Lunar New Year 2026). No discounts have been significant yet due to its popularity.
Piracy and Redemption Issues
67. Has it been cracked or pirated?
As of April 2025, no verified crack exists. The game uses Denuvo DRM on PC, which has deterred piracy attempts. Avoid unofficial downloads, as they may contain malware.
68. Does it use Denuvo?
Yes, the PC version uses Denuvo DRM to prevent piracy. This requires an online connection for initial activation but allows offline play afterward.
69. Why can’t I redeem my copy?
Redemption issues (e.g., Amazon or NVIDIA bundle purchases) may stem from:
- Invalid or used codes: Contact the retailer (Amazon, NVIDIA) for a replacement.
- Region locks: Ensure the code matches your platform’s region.
- Platform errors: Redeem via Steam/Epic/PS Store correctly (e.g., PS5 > Store > Redeem Code).
Check your email or retailer account for the code and verify it’s for the correct platform.
70. How do you get it for free?
There’s no legal way to get it free. NVIDIA offered it as a bundle with certain GPU purchases (e.g., RTX 4070) until late 2024. Avoid scams promising free copies.
Miscellaneous
71. Is it worth buying?
Yes, if you enjoy action RPGs, challenging combat, or Chinese mythology. It’s praised for visuals, gameplay, and cultural depth (9/10 on Steam, 81/100 Metacritic). Less appealing if you dislike linear games or tough bosses.
72. How many people bought it?
Over 18 million copies were sold by December 2024, making it one of 2024’s best-selling games.
73. What is the age rating?
It’s rated M (Mature 17+) in the US and PEGI 16 in Europe for violence and moderate gore. There’s no nudity or sexual content.
74. Does it have a demo?
No demo is available. You must purchase the full game to play.
75. What is the Great Sage in the game?
The Great Sage is Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. You play as the Destined One, tasked with reviving him by collecting relics.
76. Is Buddha or Nezha in the game?
- Buddha: Referenced in lore (e.g., Buddha’s Eyes) but not a physical character.
- Nezha: Appears as a boss in Chapter 4, reimagined as a fiery deity.
77. What do you play after beating it?
Try:
- Elden Ring or Sekiro for Soulslike challenges.
- God of War Ragnarök for action and mythology.
- Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty for Chinese-inspired combat.
