After conquering the initial terror of the first major boss in the long-awaited Black Myth: Wukong, players won't have much time to rest before encountering another formidable challenge: Guangmou. This serpent-summoning boss, lurking deep within the tranquil yet treacherous Bamboo Grove, presents a combat puzzle that's fundamentally different from anything faced before, including Lingxuzi. His reliance on magical projectiles and summoned minions demands a complete shift in strategy. But fear not, brave Pilgrim! With the right preparation and knowledge of his patterns, this snake charmer can be sent packing, bringing you one step closer to your ultimate goal. So, how exactly do you crack this scaled menace?
🗺️ Location: Finding Guangmou in the Bamboo Grove
Your journey to this duel begins from the Snake Trail checkpoint, which is accessed by traveling through the Back Hills. The path to his arena, thankfully, is not the most grueling boss run in the game. You'll encounter a handful of Poison Lizards and skeletal lizard foes, but the beauty of it is—most of these can be skillfully dodged and bypassed if you're in a hurry to face the main event. Simply sprint through the open forest section, keep an eye out for a stone staircase on your right, and ascend. At the top awaits Guangmou, ready to begin the fight the moment you step into his domain.
⚔️ Preparation: Gearing Up for a Magical Duel
Given that Guangmou is often encountered shortly after Lingxuzi, your general preparation might already be sufficient. However, if you feel underpowered, here are some key upgrades to prioritize. Think of it as tuning your Pilgrim for a different kind of dance.
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Craft the Pilgrim's Armor Set: This reliable armor set, craftable at any checkpoint Shrine, offers a solid balance of defense and mobility.
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Spark Awakening - Stamina Focus: Guangmou's fight is a marathon of dodging. Consider awakening any Sparks that increase your maximum stamina or improve stamina regeneration.
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Increase Engage Distance: Closing gaps quickly is crucial. Upgrades that let you cover more ground with your dodge or sprint can be a lifesaver.
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Boost Immobilization Spells: This is your secret weapon. Prioritize increasing the damage and duration of your immobilization spells. A well-timed cast can create the perfect opening.
🐍 The Battle: Decoding Guangmou's Moveset
Unlike the brute force of previous foes, Guangmou is a master of ranged and area-control magic. Physical attacks are secondary; his true power lies in spells and summons. Let's break down his deadly repertoire.
1. Opening Gambit - The Blue Fireball
The fight typically kicks off with Guangmou hurling slow-moving blue fireballs. The trick? Don't dodge backwards. Instead, dodge forward and towards him, slipping underneath the projectiles. This aggressive maneuver not only avoids damage but also positions you perfectly for a few quick strikes right at the start. Follow up immediately with your upgraded Immobilization Spell to lock him down and unleash a punishing combo. Executing this perfectly can shred a quarter of his health bar in the opening seconds!
2. The Ultimate Threat - Army of Snakes
When pressured, Guangmou will reveal his ace: summoning an army of spectral snakes from the ground. This is his most dangerous phase. The snakes will fire a barrage of poison projectiles that both deal damage on hit and rapidly build up your poison status. What should you do? Forget about attacking Guangmou here. Immediately lock off from the boss and focus entirely on evasion. Spam your dodge, keep moving erratically, and try to keep as many snakes in your peripheral vision as possible to anticipate their shots. Surviving this storm is the top priority.
3. Secondary Spells - Leaves and Breath
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Tracking Leaf Attack: Guangmou can launch a blue, homing projectile that explodes into a wide gust of leaves. The counter is simple: never stop moving while it's chasing you. Constant lateral motion will cause it to miss.
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Poison Breath: A close-range cone attack directly in front of him. It inflicts massive poison build-up. The solution? Get behind him! As he rears back for the breath, dodge through or around to his back. Not only will you avoid all damage, but you'll also get a safe window to counter-attack.
4. General Strategy & Mindset
Guangmou will cycle through these attacks. The golden rule is: be hyper-aggressive when the snakes are not present. He loves to teleport away to create distance, and he's far more dangerous when you're far away. The moment his snake summons disappear, close the gap immediately. Stick to him, punish his spellcasting recoveries, and use your immobilization spell to create your own openings. Patience during the snake phase and relentless pressure during the downtime is the key to victory.
🎁 Rewards: The Spoils of Victory
Emerging victorious against the snake charmer yields rich rewards that make the struggle worthwhile:
| Reward | Quantity/Name | Use/Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Will | 521 | Primary currency for upgrades and purchases. |
| Yarn | 2 | Crafting material for various items and upgrades. |
| Blood of the Iron Bull | 1 | A key material likely used for high-tier crafting or quests. |
| Guangmou (Spirit) | 1 | The Crown Jewel Reward. |
The true prize is the Guangmou Spirit. This new ability allows you to channel Guangmou's power, summoning your own army of spectral snakes to bombard enemies with venomous projectiles. It's a powerful tool for crowd control and turning the tables on future foes. After the battle, a path forward opens. Head up the hill, ring the awaiting bell, and prepare to venture into the next hauntingly beautiful and dangerous region: The Marsh of White Mist. Your journey to revive the Great Sage continues!