Black Myth: Wukong might not officially wear the 'soulslike' label, but let's be real – it packs a punch that'd make any FromSoftware veteran sweat. With no minimap to guide you, no quest markers to hold your hand, and enemies that hit like runaway freight trains, this journey to the west can feel like climbing Mount Everest barefoot. 🏔️ But don't toss that controller just yet! Whether you're stuck on a brutal boss or lost in labyrinthine levels, these nine game-changing strategies will turn frustration into triumph.

9️⃣ Focus on One Stance Tree

You've got three combat stances – Smash, Pillar, and Thrust – but trying to master all three is like juggling watermelons on a tightrope. 🍉 Truth is, each stance tree offers enough upgrades to max out your focus meter solo. While they might seem similar to Ghost of Tsushima's stance system at first glance, Wukong's versions play nice with all enemy types. Pick your favorite and pour every resource into it, ignoring the other two entirely. The skills and buffs don't overlap anyway, so specialization is key to building a devastating combat rhythm.

People Also Ask: Can you respec stance choices later? Absolutely! As you'll see in Tip #8, the game lets you tweak individual skills.

8️⃣ Respec Individual Skills

Unlike most games in the genre that force full skill tree resets, Wukong offers surgical precision. Head to any Keeper's Shrine, select "Self-Advance," then choose "Reignite The Sparks." Instead of the nuclear "Reset All Sparks" option, just highlight any skill and tap that left gamepad button to refund it individually. No more agonizing over early-game choices – this feature lets you fine-tune your build with the finesse of a bonsai artist.

7️⃣ Running Past Enemies Works Wonders

"But isn't that cheating?" you might ask. Nah, think of it as tactical repositioning! Unless you're farming materials, there's zero shame in sprinting past grunts, especially in areas you've already cleared. The Pilgrim's Garb armor turns this into an art form – boosting sprint speed, building attack damage while running, and even refilling focus at higher upgrades. Before you know it, you'll be deleting blockers with stylish one-hit KOs.

6️⃣ Exhaust All NPC Dialogue

Wondering why that Treasure Hunter quest won't trigger? Here's the scoop: NPCs often hold back crucial info until you've drained their dialogue well completely dry. 🗣️ Keep talking until they start repeating lines – it's the game's subtle way of saying "nothing more to see here." Much like FromSoftware titles, quest progression hides behind what seems like casual chatter. Miss this step, and you might skip entire story arcs!

5️⃣ Hunt Chapter Secret Areas

Every chapter (yes, even Chapter 6 kinda-sorta) hides a secret zone packed with unique bosses, loot, and shrines. These aren't just Easter eggs – we're talking endgame-tier rewards! Unlocking them requires completing specific quest chains per chapter. While we can't spill all beans here, know that Chapter 3's secret area holds particular significance... but more on that later.

People Also Ask: How many secret areas exist? Five full zones plus Chapter 6's bonus arena.

4️⃣ Upgrade Armor at Zodiac Village

Don't sleep on Chen Loong's quest in Chapter 3's Bitter Lake! Completing it unlocks Zodiac Village – your VIP pass to merchants. Here, blacksmith Yin Tiger waits to hammer your armor into legendary status. Beyond upgrades, you can craft gear, sell materials, or even spar. It's the game's social hub disguised as a quaint village, and missing it is like ordering a burger without the patty.

3️⃣ Embrace New Game Plus

That 100% completion itch? Scratch it across multiple runs. Certain gear sets like the Bull King's Shan Wen Armor demand more materials than one playthrough provides. Relics work similarly – first run lets you pick one perk per chapter, but subsequent clears gift extras until you unlock them all. Consider NG+ not as repetition, but as discovering hidden story layers.

2️⃣ Shrine Shops Rotate Stock

Think all shrines offer the same goodies? Think again! Their inventories shift based on location and chapter, stocking rare materials like Mind Core and Celestial Ribbon in specific zones. NG+ amplifies this with premium offerings. Pro tip: bookmark shrines in new areas – their stock refreshes could save hours of farming.

1️⃣ Unlock the True Ending

Defeating the final boss isn't the finish line! When prompted to "start a new cycle," choose "continue journey" instead. You'll reset to pre-boss with one mission: conquer ALL secret areas (especially Chapter 3's Mount Mei). What awaits? Let's just say... the game's crown jewel boss battle and an ending that recontextualizes everything. It's the ultimate payoff for thorough explorers.

People Also Ask: Can you access the true ending solo? Yes, but it demands completing every secret area quest first.

So there you have it – nine lifelines for navigating Wukong's beautiful brutality. Remember that controller you nearly threw? It's now your wand for weaving combat poetry. These tips transform overwhelming odds into calculated victories, proving even the steepest mountain becomes climbable... one well-timed dodge at a time. 😉