Few games released this year have managed to be as universally captivating among gamers as Black Myth: Wukong. Unless you’ve been hiding away in a secluded mountain shrine, you’ve probably heard all about the game before evening diving in for yourself.
But despite the game’s immense popularity, many secrets remain to be uncovered. While Black Myth: Wukong boasts a rich in-game journal reminiscent of ancient scrolls filled with cryptic knowledge and insights, it still encourages players to embark on their own journey of discovery.
However, if you’re like me, you’ll want to be fully prepared for your journey, which is why I’m here. So, without further ado, here are some secrets and insights that Black Myth: Wukong doesn’t reveal to get you started on your way.
Keepers Shrines Will Keep Expanding
The Keeper Shrines are sacred havens throughout the game, but they’re more than mere resting places. As your journey unfolds, the number of these shrines will grow, each expanding in purpose.
Beyond offering solace, these shrines become gateways to ancient wisdom, allowing players to purchase items depending on their location and the ability to craft Weapons and Armor.
Defeating a particular boss often yields rare materials, unlocking new crafting secrets you won’t see until you return to the Shrine to rest. This can apply to both Gear and Weapons. Later on, you’ll even be able to craft Medicines.
Remember, the wares of the Keeper Shrines are bound to the chapter, with offerings shared across all shrines in the same chapter. But be vigilant, for in the next chapter, the spirits may alter their gifts.
The only exception to the rule is the shrines in various secret areas. These shrines don’t share the same wares and instead have a unique offering just for them.
Obtain Eternal Blessings with Celestial Medicines
Upon entering the second chapter and besting the lightning frog spirit in the tranquil waters deep within the canyon, you shall encounter a mystical figure, the Xu Hound, who will impart the sacred art of medicine crafting upon you.
At first, your knowledge will be limited to creating Mortal Medicines—potions of fleeting power prepared at the Keeper Shrines. However, you will meet Xu Hound again as you descend to the Cellar Keeper’s Shrine beneath the Crouching Tiger Temple. Here, he will bestow upon you the revered ability to craft Celestial Medicines.
Celestial Medicines permanently boost different stats, such as health, mana, stamina, and even specific Bane resistances.
You must gather Mind Cores, sacred relics of great power, to create these potent medicines. However, know that the spirits are merciful, and you may return all Mind Cores at any time, undoing your choices.
Beware, Not All Treasures Are What They Seem
As you traverse the sacred lands, gathering everything you possibly can is wise. These materials are vital for crafting Medicines, Armor, and Weapons – everything you need to Git Dud.
However, heed this warning: not all items are what they seem.
Sometimes, you may find an enemy lurking within while plucking a flower or harvesting a mushroom. Be prepared because in a case like this, you’ll need to slay the ground-emerging enemy to claim the item.
After a while, your foraging efforts may yield more than expected. After harvesting a material enough times, you may discover rare blessings, such as a Soak for your Gourd or Seeds to harvest more plants.
Engage with Wandering Spirits (NPCs)
As you journey through the world of Black Myth: Wukong, you will encounter many wandering spirits, each with their own stories and wisdom. It is wise to speak with them, for these conversations hold the power to shape your path. Ignoring or neglecting their quests could mean missing out on vital items and crafting knowledge.
Seek out these spirits early, and you might unlock the ability to enhance your Gourd’s healing powers, craft potent Medicines, and more.
Most of the NPCs you’ll encounter will remain in the area where you find them, meaning you’ll need to return to speak to them if they provide a service like selling goods or upgrading your Gourd.
Effortlessly Reset Your Skills
Want to change your approach or find yourself bogged down with skills that no longer serve you? Well, it couldn’t be easier to renew your path. When you visit a Keeper’s Shrine, navigate to the Self-Advance menu and select Reignite the Sparks.
Now, you’ll be able to reclaim all your Sparks and redistribute them as you desire, without any cost. If you prefer, you can also reset individual skills, allowing you to adjust only those that no longer align with your journey.
It’s also worth noting that after defeating a chapter’s boss and earning one of the Six Relics of the Great Sage, you’ll have the opportunity to awaken a powerful passive talent. This talent can also be reset in the Reignite the Sparks Menu; just remember to select the proper tab for Relics.
Seek Foes with Blue Auras
As you journey through the lands, you may encounter enemies surrounded by a bright blue aura.
These foes are special, and when defeated, they release spirits that you can collect and wield in battle, offering you strength in times of need.
Meditating bestows Skill Points
Within each sacred region, hidden Meditation Spots await your discovery. Every time you pause to meditate in these serene places, the spirits will grant you Sparks – tokens of wisdom and skill.
This means that if you want to master your abilities quickly, it’s worth seeking out each Meditation Spot and embracing its tranquillity.
There are hidden paths to Photo Mode
The lower-left corner of your pause menu contains a secret—a way to enter Photo Mode and capture the essence of your journey.
However, in a game like Black Myth Wukong, you don’t always have time to hit pause first, then open Photo Mode, etc.
But what the game doesn’t tell you is that while wandering the world, you just need to hold down the right trigger and press the button listed in the menu to go straight into Photo Mode during gameplay without breaking the flow of your adventure.
And so, we’ve come to the end of my guide to the essential wisdom you need before you embark on your journey into Black Myth: Wukong.
But the path is vast and full of secrets – what insights do you have that are not yet shared here? Share your knowledge in the comments, and together, let us craft the ultimate source of guidance for all new travellers.