Black Myth Wukong Beginner's Guide: 7 Tips Every New Player Needs

Black Myth: Wukong is a challenging adventure inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, the same one that spawned the legendary Dragon Ball anime series and even games like Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. Combining classic RPG mechanics with Soulslike elements, the new Black Myth: Wukong invites players to take on the role of the Destined One, an ape-like protagonist who wields a staff in combat.

This fantasy adventure can be a bit of a puzzle. Its multiple systems, enemies, and mechanics can be difficult to solve, especially for players new to the genre and Black Myth: Wukong. That’s where we come in. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of the most helpful beginner tips we could find so you can start your journey (westward) off on the right foot.

Death is not the end

Unlike many traditional Soulslike games where dying can mean losing valuable resources, this game allows you to keep all of your in-game currency and items after you die. This means you can focus on mastering the combat mechanics and learning from each enemy encounter without a series of frustrating setbacks. You can view each battle as an opportunity to learn how to play better without the constant threat of losing your progress hanging over your head.

Draw strength from your staff and postures

Your staff is your primary weapon, and you can switch stances to accommodate different playstyles. As you progress, you’ll unlock stances like the aggressive Smash stance and the defensive Thrust stance. Each stance offers unique advantages, allowing you to adapt your approach to different battle scenarios and bosses. Mastering the ability to quickly switch stances on the fly and chain together combos will allow you to respond more effectively to enemy attacks. It’ll become second nature after your first few hours of play, but only if you focus on learning.

Let yourself be guided by the glowing embers

Getting around Black Myth: Wukong can be frustrating, as there’s no traditional map. But there is a unique navigational aid in the form of glowing embers, much like the light that points to save points in Elden Ring’s Grace Sites. These paths lead you to important locations, like Guardian Shrines, where you’ll find vital checkpoints and more. You’ll also want to pay close attention to these embers to find side quests, collectibles, and secret areas. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for them wherever you are for a chance to unlock everything the game has to offer.

Use Guardian Shrines and Talent Points to upgrade yourself

The aforementioned Guardian Shrines are essential for yourself, as they allow you to do the following:

• Rest to replenish your health and resources
• Journey between the discovered sanctuaries
• Brew and craft to earn items and upgrades

You can also use the auto-advance option while in Guardian Shrines to allocate your talent points to the skills and perks the game deems most important, which can take a lot of the guesswork out of improving your kit.

Seek out meditation locations when possible

Meditation spots are scattered throughout the game and offer more than just a place to rest and reflect. They grant free skill points without any commitment. Find these areas, usually off the beaten path and marked by a modest pyre with a burning flame, and meditate (no combat required) to quickly and easily gain additional skills and level up your character.

Find enemy patterns and dodge them accordingly

As in other Souls games, it pays to pay close attention to enemy attack patterns. Understanding their movements will help you anticipate attacks and find openings for counterattacks, as well as mastering timing to become more proficient at dodging. Perfectly timed dodges avoid damage and give you additional opportunities to deal major damage to enemies. Practice your timing to master this strategy, which can turn the tide of battle in your favor. You never know when learning simple dodges can turn a difficult encounter into a walk in the park.

Mix and match bottles for tasty combinations

The game’s flask system lets you create powerful combinations of items that restore health and provide buffs, much like Elden Ring’s wonderful flask item. Experiment with different drinks and dips to find a mix that works well with your personal playstyle. You might find yourself with an advantage in particularly difficult battles or encounters, so look for buffs and heals that better prepare you for the tough parts of your journey. If you’re stuck with a particularly tough boss, a new flask combination might even the odds—or lessen the boss’s advantage enough that you can finish it off.