Hardest Bosses In Black Myth: Wukong

Key Takeaways

• Black Myth: Wukong has challenging bosses, optional and unavoidable, testing players’ skills and determination.
• Develop strategies for each boss encounter, utilize equipment, skills, and consumables for success.
• Final bosses like The Great Sage’s Broken Shell and Erlang Shen offer the toughest challenges, requiring full dedication.

No matter how you slice it, Black Myth: Wukong is a challenging action game with no difficulty settings, and while many bosses can be defeated on the first or second attempt by seasoned action RPG players, others are far more punishing. Some encounters require players to spend hours studying boss attack patterns, finding openings, and honing their reflexes. Careful attention must also be given to equipment, active skills, and consumables to increase the odds of success.

The game is filled with difficult bosses, a fact that becomes evident early on when players face the Wandering Wight in the first hour. Luckily, many of Black Myth: Wukong‘s toughest bosses are optional, allowing players to return to them at any time. However, the final stretch of the game presents some of the most brutal and unavoidable boss fights that will test the skills of even the most determined players. Only by facing these challenges head-on can the Destined One emerge victorious.

Updated November 30, 2024 by Vlad Mazanko: Black Myth: Wukong offers no shortage of challenging bosses for action fans, each with diverse movesets and subtle weaknesses that demand careful study. This updated list includes more optional and mandatory bosses that will truly test players’ skills and determination.

15 The Wandering Wight

Spirit

• Location: Chapter One, Forest of Wolves
• Nearest Shrine: Outside the Forest
• Optional: Yes
• Two Phase: No

More of an honorable mention than a truly tough fight, the Wandering Wight spirit has already gained notoriety among players who never expected the game’s early bosses to be so challenging. While Wandering Wight’s attacks are generally slow and well-telegraphed, making it seem like an easy target, it hits incredibly hard and can kill the Destined One in just a couple of strikes. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that players have limited access to spells, skills, and gear at this point, which explains why this early boss fight has sparked so much frustration.

However, players aren’t required to defeat Wandering Wight immediately after encountering it. It’s an optional boss that doesn’t offer any significant rewards if defeated too early. Only when players acquire the ability to absorb spirits later in Chapter One does it become worth revisiting Wandering Wight, defeating it, and claiming its spirit.

14 Black Loong

Yaoguai King

• Location: Chapter Two, Fright Cliff – Hidden Loong Cavern
• Nearest Shrine: Rockrest Flat Shrine
• Optional: Yes
• Two Phase: No

Black Loong isn’t the most dangerous of all secret Loong bosses players can face by collecting Loong Scales in Chapter Two, but it stands out for one particularly nasty combat trick. Wielding two massive thunder maces, this boss unleashes a devastating rhythm-based shock attack multiple times during the fight. The attack creates waves of energy that are difficult to dodge and must be avoided by jumping over them. The challenge lies in the attack’s duration; a single mistake can cause the player’s character to be stunned, leaving them vulnerable to successive waves. This can result in instant death if caught in the chain.

To counter this, players can use the arena’s environment to their advantage. Several large boulders scattered around the area can be climbed during the combo to avoid taking damage entirely. However, this requires careful planning — Black Loong’s regular mace attacks can shatter these boulders if he gets too close. To ensure they remain intact for the critical moments, players should try to keep the boss as far away from the boulders as possible early in the fight.

13 Cyan Loong

Yaoguai King

• Location: Chapter Three, Bitter Lake
• Nearest Shrine: Turtle Island
• Optional: Yes
• Two Phase: No

Another member of the secret Loong boss family, Cyan Loong, can be encountered during Chapter Three on Turtle Island, just a short distance from the mandatory Kang-Jin Star boss fight. While not as grueling as Yellow Loong, Cyan Loong can still be a formidable foe thanks to his fast and varied moveset. His long, quick sword swings and thunderbolt-infused grab attacks are particularly challenging, often overwhelming players who don’t stay on their toes. Like many bosses, Cyan Loong employs leaping attacks that allow him to close the gap rapidly and deliver high-damage strikes. The best strategy is to stay mobile, dodging his assaults and countering from behind. Players should remain wary of his tail attack, though it’s well-telegraphed and less damaging than his other moves.

When Cyan Loong’s health drops to about a third, he powers up, charging his sword with electricity. This grants him increased damage and additional attack patterns, making the final phase of the fight especially dangerous. It’s crucial to save powerful spells or transformations for this phase to avoid losing momentum and progress.

12 Captain Wise-Voice

Yaoguai King

• Location: Chapter Three, Pagoda Realm
• Nearest Shrine: Mani Wheel Shrine
• Optional: No
• Two Phase: No

Spectacular in design and intimidating in combat, Captain Wise-Voice stands out as one of the most challenging encounters in Black Myth: Wukong. With an enormous health pool, this boss fight is a true test of endurance, pushing players to maintain focus and adaptability over a prolonged battle. Right from the start, Captain Wise-Voice makes his presence known with a devastating laser beam attack that’s difficult to dodge, setting the tone for the encounter. As one of the few large-sized bosses, he presents unique challenges, with awkward camera angles and hitboxes located primarily on his legs, complicating the process of dealing consistent damage. Adding to the difficulty are his wide-reaching AOE slams, which can easily overwhelm and kill an unprepared player. Survival depends on maintaining mobility and staying aware of his attack patterns.

The most effective strategy against Captain Wise-Voice is to focus on aggressive damage output. Aiming to stagger him is crucial; once he falls, players can capitalize by unleashing their strongest abilities on his exposed, vulnerable head. Timing and precision are key to preventing this battle from dragging out longer than necessary, as an extended fight increases the risk of mistakes.

11 Emerald-Armed Mantis

Yaoguai Chief

• Location: Chapter Six, Foothills
• Nearest Shrine: Mantis-Catching Swamp
• Optional: No
• Two Phase: No

The Emerald-Armed Mantis stands out as one of the most unique and challenging boss fights in Black Myth: Wukong, leaving a lasting impression not just for its difficulty but also for its bizarre setting. This mandatory battle takes place during Chapter Six, inside the stomach of Zhu Bajie, Wukong’s loyal ally, as players are shrunken down to retrieve a piece of Wukong’s legendary armaments.

Despite its small size, this insect-like foe packs an incredible punch. Armed with razor-sharp hand blades, the mantis is fast-moving and launches deadly combos that can decimate even well-equipped players in just a few missed dodges. Its aggressive attack patterns demand careful observation and precise timing to avoid instant defeat, making this battle one of the most dangerous in the game. Thankfully, the Emerald-Armed Mantis has a relatively modest health pool. Players should focus on high damage output and take advantage of brief openings to quickly bring this relentless foe down before its punishing combos spiral out of control.

10 Kang-Jin Star

Yaoguai King

• Location: Chapter Three, Bitter Lake
• Nearest Shrine: Turtle Island
• Optional: No
• Two Phase: No

Kang-Jin Loong, the massive dragon encountered at the start of Chapter Three, is already a formidable opponent, but it pales in comparison to Kang-Jin Star, the human form of the same beast. This encounter is a relentless test of skill, featuring a boss that is fast, agile, and unpredictable. Kang-Jin Star teleports frequently, alters his form mid-fight, and wields devastating thunder-based attacks capable of wiping out players who aren’t prepared.

To stand a chance, players should prioritize bolstering their shock resistance and defense, as taking extra lightning damage can quickly overwhelm them. Equipping gear or buffs that reduce shock damage is critical to surviving this battle. One option is to use the Azure Dust transformation during the fight to mitigate damage, though it comes with the trade-off of less offensive power due to Kang-Jin Star’s incredible speed and mobility. Once players manage to overcome this electrifying foe, the reward is well worth the effort: access to crafting the Kang-Jin Staff, an exceptional mid-game weapon that remains a top-tier choice throughout Chapters Three and Four.

9 Whiteclad Noble

Character

• Location: Chapter One, Bamboo Grove
• Nearest Shrine: Marsh of White Mist
• Optional: No
• Two Phase: Yes

Whiteclad Noble, on the other hand, serves as the first real test for many players in Black Myth: Wukong. This mandatory boss in Chapter One is a rare encounter in that it features two full phases with separate health bars. After the initial warm-up phase, Whiteclad Noble reveals its true form, becoming even more aggressive.

The primary challenge of this fight is Whiteclad Noble’s incredibly fast movement and lightning-quick attacks, which players may not be fully accustomed to at this early stage of the game. Whiteclad Noble relentlessly pressures the player, rapidly closing the distance to strike and retreating before players can counterattack. Success in this fight requires patience and making the most of the Destined One’s abilities, particularly mastering the perfect dodge.

8 Tiger Vanguard

Yaoguai King

• Location: Chapter Two, Crouching Tiger Temple
• Nearest Shrine: Temple Entrance
• Optional: No
• Two Phase: No

In Black Myth: Wukong, players will encounter several Tiger Yaoguais, each a formidable foe, but Tiger Vanguard stands out as perhaps the most aggressive and dangerous. He presents a significant challenge in Chapter Two, where players face him in a blood-filled arena. Tiger Vanguard wields the Rock Solid spell, allowing him to deflect the player’s heavy attacks effectively, leaving them vulnerable to counters. With a large health pool, the battle tends to drag on longer than many players anticipate.

However, the most dangerous move in Tiger Vanguard’s arsenal is a blazing-fast sword strike from behind that can one-shot the Destined One, especially if players haven’t invested in increasing their health. Avoiding this attack is crucial — players should either use the Immobilize spell to interrupt him or transform immediately when Tiger Vanguard places his hand on the sword’s hilt, signaling the incoming strike.

7 Yin Tiger

Character

• Location: Chapter Three, Zodiac Village
• Nearest Shrine: Village Entrance
• Optional: Yes
• Two Phase: No

Yin Tiger’s difficulty is entirely dependent on when players choose to challenge him, as he’s an optional boss in Zodiac Village, where he serves as the blacksmith. If players face him later in the game, Yin Tiger is less of a threat. But those seeking the ultimate test of their combat skills can confront him as soon as they unlock Zodiac Village in Chapter Three.

As Yin Tiger himself says, “The Zodiac Deities never hold back,” and players should be prepared to face the full brunt of his enormous blade. When challenged early, Yin Tiger hits like a truck and moves with surprising speed and agility. Worse yet, he is immune to the Immobilize spell, a favorite tactic of many players. Therefore, it may be wise to challenge him later, once players have unlocked the Spell Binder ability.

6 Yellow Wind Sage

Yaoguai King

• Location: Chapter Two, Yellow Wind Formation
• Nearest Shrine: Wind Seal Gate
• Optional: No
• Two Phase: No

Yellow Wind Sage is the final boss of Chapter Two, and for many players, this Yaoguai King proves even tougher than the Tiger Vanguard encountered earlier. Yellow Wind Sage comes with a massive health bar, wide-reaching spear swings, and several AOE-staggering moves. One of his more insidious tactics is his ability to vaporize and strike from concealment, often hiding within dust storms and launching surprise attacks.

Throughout the fight, Yellow Wind Sage frequently switches stances, altering his attack patterns based on whether he is holding the giant head or not. Adding to the challenge, he can summon the giant sand bug spirit Fuban, dealing massive damage if players haven’t perfected their dodging skills.

5 Hundred-Eyed Daoist Master

Yaoguai King

• Location: Chapter Four, Temple of the Yellow Flower
• Nearest Shrine: Court of Illumination
• Optional: No
• Two Phase: Yes (single HP bar)

The Hundred-eyed Daoist Master, the final boss of Chapter Four, is a truly menacing opponent that demands strategic thinking. Although the Destined One receives some help from the Spider Sisters during the fight, reducing the Daoist Master’s health in subsequent attempts, players must still endure a dangerous, multi-phase battle. It’s crucial to conserve Mana for the right moments.

At around one-third health, the Hundred-Eyed Daoist Master enters his second phase, signaled by a cutscene where he devours his sword. In this phase, he gains access to more deadly attacks, including a lightning-infused ground strike that deals significant damage. Making matters worse, the Immobilize spell has little effect on him, complicating things further for the Destined One.

4 Yellow Loong

Yaoguai King

• Location: Chapter Four, Webbed Hollow
• Nearest Shrine: Relief of the Fallen Loong
• Optional: Yes
• Two Phase: No

Yellow Loong is a secret Loong boss that players can only encounter after defeating all other secret Loong bosses in previous chapters. As with most optional bosses, it is not advisable to engage as soon as it becomes available. This fight is one of the hardest in Black Myth: Wukong and offers some of the best rewards. Defeating Yellow Loong grants players his transformation form, along with rare and valuable crafting resources, one of the best curios in the game, the Golden Carp, as well as the option of crafting the powerful Golden Loong Staff.

However, the battle is not easy. Yellow Loong is incredibly fast and aggressive, capable of parrying and deflecting the Destined One’s heavy attacks. He deals substantial thunder damage and executes very long attack combos that players must constantly evade. There is a way to simplify the fight by using a charged heavy attack from the Thrust stance as Yellow Loong approaches. However, this tactic may not be suitable for players who want to tackle this challenging boss without relying on exploits.

3 The Scorpionlord

Yaoguai King

• Location: Chapter Four, Purple Cloud Mountain (Secret Area)
• Nearest Shrine: Bounds of Deity’s Abode
• Optional: Yes
• Two Phase: No

The Scorpionlord is found in the secret area of Chapter Four and is, apart from the two final bosses, the hardest boss in Black Myth: Wukong. The Scorpionlord is extremely aggressive, unleashing a relentless barrage of powerful attacks with his tail and claws. His attacks leave pools of poison on the ground, slowing the Destined One and making him vulnerable. Additionally, the Scorpionlord’s long attack combos have impressive reach, and he has several dangerous grab attacks that can quickly defeat the Destined One.

It is advisable to defeat the Scorpionlord before proceeding to the final boss of that area, the Duskveil. This is because The Scorpionlord drops an item needed to craft Fuban’s chest armor. If players reach the Duskveil’s arena before defeating the Scorpionlord, he will appear there, engage in battle with the Duskveil, and die in the process, leaving players without the chance to obtain the reward.

2 The Great Sage’s Broken Shell

Character, Default Final Boss

• Location: Chapter Six, Birthstone
• Nearest Shrine: Heart of Birthstone
• Optional: No
• Two Phase: Yes

The final boss for Black Myth: Wukong‘s default ending is the second most challenging fight in the game. Players must battle the The Great Sage’s Broken Shell through two full phases. The first phase is relatively straightforward, so it’s advisable to conserve spells, mana, and gourd sips for the much more difficult second phase.

In the second phase, the difficulty ramps up significantly. The Great Sage’s Broken Shell not only has access to all the abilities that the Destined One possesses — such as A Pluck of Many, Ring of Fire, and Immobilize — but his staff attacks also have extended reach and deal substantial damage. The boss employs tricky tactics like perfect dodging with exploding decoys, teleporting to avoid heavy charged attacks, and using grabs that inflict significant damage with their unavoidable animations. One particularly frustrating tactic is when this cheeky monkey Immobilizes the Destined One during healing, only to sip from the player’s gourd himself. The nerve!

1 Erlang Shen, The Sacred Divinity

Character, Secret Final Boss

• Location: Chapter Three, Mount Mei (Secret area unlocking via Great Pagoda)
• Nearest Shrine: Mei-Jian Peak
• Optional: Yes
• Two Phase: Yes

Utilizing the classic technique, Black Myth: Wukong’s true final boss is a throwback to the game’s prologue, where players briefly fought him as Wukong himself. Now, the Destined One can face off against Erlang Shen, the Sacred Divinity, by unlocking the secret area in the Great Pagoda (Chapter Three) and confronting him at Mount Mei. This secret final battle is undoubtedly the toughest in the game and requires full dedication from players.

This climactic confrontation features several full phases and many surprises that players may prefer to discover on their own. The most challenging aspect of fighting the Sacred Divinity is that the Destined One can barely land hits, as Erlang has a special deflecting bar that has to be taken down repeatedly to deal damage and is immune to most spells. While the Spell Binder may be useful, it is crucial to learn Erlang’s extensive attack combos and seize opportunities to land quick hits in between.