Black Myth: Wukong — Zhong Kui Boss Guide
Updated for launch week.
Who is Zhong Kui?
Zhong Kui (鍾馗) is a legendary demon queller in Chinese folklore. He is typically portrayed with a scholarly robe, a fierce gaze, and a heavy sword. In literature he hunts ghosts not for cruelty, but to restore balance. That contrast — wrathful form, protective role — is central to how the boss is framed in Black Myth: Wukong.
Move Set & Mechanics
- Ghost Bind: summons phantoms that tether the player. Roll twice or jump into a safe gap.
- Cleaving Arc: a slow horizontal slash with lingering hitbox; punish only if you are behind him.
- Righteous Stamp: three-step stomp; third hit has a shockwave. Time your dodge on the second.
- Seal of Exorcism (Phase 2): marks the arena with talisman lines. Stand between lines to avoid the detonation.
Strategy TL;DR
- Bait Cleaving Arc, circle to his back, two hits max, disengage.
- Keep mid-range; too close triggers fast jabs, too far invites phantoms.
- Save burst for after Seal of Exorcism when he briefly kneels.
- Fire-imbued weapons overperform; consider a burn talisman.
Build Suggestions
Lean into stamina and burn uptime. If you prefer parry play, note the delayed timing on Cleaving Arc; don’t parry the phantom tethers — roll them.
Mythology Nuggets (Why it Feels Right)
The fight’s rhythm echoes folk opera depictions: loud openings, sudden pauses, then decisive strokes. The talisman lines resemble fuscripts used in ritual exorcism. Understanding this isn’t required, but it helps the encounter feel coherent rather than random difficulty spikes.
Loot & Lore
- Demon-Queller’s Edge: higher fire scaling, modest stagger.
- Torn Talisman: minor resistance to phantom bind.
FAQ
Is Zhong Kui optional? In most routes he is mandatory; some skips exist but cost resources.
Best summon? Any spirit with burn application; avoid fragile glass cannons — phantoms shred them.
If you found this useful, share the guide and check other essays on Zhong Kui’s mythology and game design crossovers.