Black Myth Wukong Beginners’ Guide: 7 Tips Every New Player Needs [CNET]

Quit monkeying around and get serious.

Quit monkeying around and get serious.

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

This fantastical adventure can be a tough nut to crack. Its multiple systems, enemies and mechanics can prove challenging, especially for new players both to the genre and Black Myth: Wukong. That’s where we come in. To help you get you started, we’ve gathered some of the most useful beginners’ tips we could find so you can start your journey (to the west) off on the right foot. 

Death isn’t the end

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

Gain strength from your staff and stances

Your staff is your primary weapon, and you’ll be able to shift to different stances to switch to other playstyles. As you progress, you’ll unlock stances like the aggressive Smash stance and the defensive Thrust stance. Each stance offers unique advantages, which lets you tailor your approach to different combat scenarios and bosses. Mastering the ability to switch stances quickly and on the fly and string together combos will let you respond more effectively to enemy attacks. It’ll become second nature after your first few hours of the game, but only if you focus on learning. 

Let the glowing embers guide you

Getting around in Black Myth: Wukong can be frustrating, as there’s not a traditional map. But there’s a unique navigation aid in the form of glowing embers, much like the light pointing out from Sites of Grace save points in Elden Ring. These paths lead you to important locations, such as Keeper’s Shrines, where you’ll find much-needed 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 may be so you have a chance at unlocking everything the game has to offer. 

Use Keeper’s Shrines and Talent Points to better yourself

The aforementioned Keeper’s Shrines are vital to yourself, as they let you do the following:

• Rest to replenish health and resources
• Travel between discovered shrines
• Brew and Craft to earn items and upgrades

You can also use the Self-Advance option while at Keeper’s Shrines as well to allocate your Talent Points into the skills and perks that the game deems most important, which can take much of the guesswork out of improving your kit. 

Seek out Meditation Spots 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 that come with no strings attached. Find these areas, usually somewhere off the beaten path and denoted by a modest pyre with a burning flame, and meditate (no fight necessary) for a quick and easy way to earn additional skills and better refine your character. 

Find enemy patterns and dodge accordingly

Like other Souls games, it’s very helpful to pay close attention to enemy attack patterns. Understanding their moves will help you anticipate attacks and find openings for counterattacks, as well as get the timing down to become more proficient at dodging. Perfectly timed dodges avoid damage and give you additional opportunities to score big damage against 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 cakewalk. 

Mix and match flasks for tasty combinations

The game’s flask system lets you create powerful item combinations that restore health and provide buffs, kind of similar to Elden Ring’s wondrous flask item. Experiment with different drinks and soaks to find a mix that works well with your personal playstyle. You may end up with an edge over particularly difficult battles or encounters, so look out for buffs and healing that better prepare you for challenging portions of your journey. If you’re stymied by a particularly tough boss, a new flask combination could even the odds — or blunt the boss’ edge enough for you to finish them off.