Black Myth: Wukong Beginner’s Guide#

Getting Started#

The moment you start the game, you are dropped straight into Chapter 1, “Black Wind Mountain”. There is no traditional character creation screen — you take control of the Destined One and set off right away. In the opening hours, the most important thing is to get comfortable with the basic controls and the rhythm of combat, so don’t rush into fights with strong enemies.

Core control tips

• Light Attacks are your most basic source of damage and can be chained into multi-hit combos
• Heavy Attacks deal huge damage once charged and are the key to taking down elite enemies
• Dodge rolls have invincibility frames
• Transformations (the 72 Transformations) are one of your most important survival tools

Essential Checklist#

Here is what you should complete during the early game — every item on this list will noticeably improve your experience:

Combat in Black Myth: Wukong revolves around the staff stance system

Core Mechanics at a Glance#

Staff stances

Gourd and healing

Your Gourd is your only healing tool and its uses are limited. Resting at a Keeper’s Shrine refills it fully. Upgrading the Gourd increases both its charges and the amount it heals.

Spirit system

Defeating certain elite enemies grants you their Spirit. Once equipped, a Spirit lets you use its special skill, and it also provides a passive bonus.

Recommended Leveling Path#

As a new player, allocate your skill points in roughly this order of priority:

The recommended skill point order for the early game:

Common Beginner Mistakes#

1. Ignoring exploration

Many players stick to the main path and miss a huge amount of hidden items and side quests. Every fork is worth exploring — corners, spots behind waterfalls, and cliff edges may all hide something good.

2. Never upgrading the Gourd

Your Gourd is your most important survival tool. If the game feels too hard, go collect Luojia Fragrant Vines and upgrade it first.

3. Using only one stance

Smash, Pillar, and Thrust stances each shine in different situations. Switching flexibly based on the enemy type is what separates advanced players from beginners. Relying on a single stance will leave you helpless against certain enemies.

4. Tanking hits

Dodge rolling is the key to survival — don’t get greedy with attacks. Watch enemy animations and strike during the gaps between their attacks.

5. Forgetting to use Transformations

Transformations (the 72 Transformations) are not just visual flair. They are extremely practical in combat, especially against tough enemies.

Keeper’s Shrine Functions Explained#

Advanced Combat Tips#

Once you are comfortable with the basics, these techniques will raise your combat efficiency:

Perfect dodge

Roll just as an enemy attack is about to land to trigger a perfect dodge — time slows down briefly, giving you extra room to counterattack.

Heavy Attack timing

Don’t charge your Heavy Attack during an enemy’s combo gaps. Instead, start charging the moment the enemy is staggered or finishes an attack. Charging can be interrupted mid-way, so pick safe windows.

Using the environment

Pay attention to the terrain where you fight. Some enemies can be lured toward cliff edges or traps. Using the terrain to your advantage can dramatically lower the difficulty of a fight.

Getting Ready for What’s Next#

After the early game, you will face stronger enemies and more complex combat mechanics. Make sure you:

• Have upgraded your Gourd at least 2 times
• Can switch between at least two staff stances
• Have collected at least 3 Spirits
• Have finished exploring the main parts of Black Wind Mountain
• Know the timing of a perfect dodge

This groundwork sets you up for the challenges of Chapter 2, “Yellow Wind Ridge”. Its enemies are stronger and the terrain more intricate, so thorough preparation is the only reliable way through.

Recommended Early Gear Route#

The best route to gear up during the early game:

Medicine and Consumables#

Medical resources are limited in the early game, so using them wisely matters:

Resource Management Tips#

• Don’t spend all your Will at once — keep some for upgrading weapons at the blacksmith
• Prioritize crafting high-tier recovery items from herbs; low-tier ones are not worth much
• Don’t collect the same Spirit over and over — variety matters more
• Save and rest at every Keeper’s Shrine you come across; it is the safest strategy

Chapter 1 Map and Key Locations#

Black Wind Mountain may be a tutorial chapter, but its exploration content is rich. Pay special attention to these spots:

FAQ#

Not enough Will in the early game?#

Prioritize the repeatable side quests near Keeper’s Shrines — each one pays a steady amount of Will. Also, keep an eye out for the golden “Gold Bean” materials while exploring; they can be traded for items with merchants. Buying expensive gear from merchants early on is not recommended — the value is poor.

Where do I find Gourd upgrade materials?#

Luojia Fragrant Vines are scattered across the whole chapter. The most common sources are elite enemy drops and hidden areas. Collect at least 3 Luojia Fragrant Vines early to upgrade your Gourd — it makes a noticeable difference to your sustain.

What do I lose when I die?#

Death penalties in Black Myth: Wukong are fairly forgiving — you respawn at the nearest checkpoint (the Keeper’s Shrine), and items and Spirits you have already obtained are never lost. Only unfinished event progress may need to be redone. So there is no need to worry too much about dying.

How do I know if I’m ready for a boss?#

Before challenging the Black Wind King, aim to meet these conditions: Gourd upgraded at least 1 time, mastery of the charged Smash Stance attack, and Rejuvenation and Antidote Pellets in your bag. If it still feels too hard, explore side content first to level up and improve your gear.

Further Reading#

Once you are familiar with Chapter 1, dive deeper with these guides:

Related links

• Full walkthrough
• Controls and settings
• FAQ
• Chapter overview
• Story and lore