Taking down the Stone Vanguard in Black Myth: Wukong is a rite of passage for players pushing through Chapter 2. This hulking yaoguai king stands between the Destined One and one of the two key items needed to unlock the massive gate in the Valley of Despair, alongside the Tiger Vanguard. While Yellow Wind Ridge offers plenty of detours and optional bosses, the Stone Vanguard is widely considered the easier of the two mandatory vanguards. That said, it is no cakewalk—this rocky brute can hit like a truck and knows how to weaponize the terrain. Here is a full breakdown of how to prepare, survive, and ultimately grind the Stone Vanguard into dust.
Where to Find the Stone Vanguard and How to Prepare
Players can locate the Stone Vanguard in the Fright Cliff area of Yellow Wind Ridge. The closest checkpoint is the Rockrest Flat shrine, so make sure to activate it before marching into the fight. Preparation is half the battle. By this point in Chapter 2, crafters should have access to the Ebongold armour set and the Twin Serpent Staff. If Will is running low—and it often does—selling spare pieces of gold at the shrine shop is a quick fix. Players can also farm nearby minor yaoguai, rest at the shrine, rinse and repeat until they have the materials and currency they need.
On the skill side, unlocking the Thrust Stance via Spark Points is a smart play. This stance's extended range makes it incredibly useful against the Stone Vanguard's bulky frame. Equipping the Wandering Wight spirit is another solid choice because it offers a passive defence boost that can soak up some of the boss's heavier hits. With the right gear and a clear head, the Destined One can walk into this fight with a fighting chance.
Stone Vanguard Boss Strategy: Don't Get Greedy
The biggest mistake players make is assuming the Stone Vanguard is slow and lumbering. It may look like a four-legged stone beast with stubby legs and massive, sharp arms, but it can close distance alarmingly fast. The arms are its primary weapons, and while the swings and slams are fairly telegraphed for a perfect dodge, the real danger comes after the physical blow. The Stone Vanguard frequently follows up its melee attacks with area-of-effect (AOE) earth spikes that erupt from the ground.
The sneak attack pattern is easy to fall for: players dodge the initial slam, think they have a free opening, and start wailing on the boss only to get impaled by the spike burst. The tell is subtle—when the Stone Vanguard raises its arms high before a slam, those arms start to glow. That glow is the signal to back off or use Cloud Step to warp behind the creature. However, the AOE is not entirely frontal; a portion of the damage zone extends behind it, too. The safest approach is to wait until the spikes fully trigger before committing to a combo. It will not always chain an AOE after every attack, but it is far better to be patient than to get punished for greed.
The Thrust Stance heavy attack is a standout tool for this fight. Its natural range allows players to deal damage from a safer distance without having to rush back into melee range after every dodge. If players have built up two Focus Points, spending both on a heavy thrust not only lands a massive hit but also temporarily staggers the Stone Vanguard. That stagger window is perfect for stacking extra damage and rebuilding focus.
Players who hang too far back should watch for the boss's rock-throwing attack. These projectiles are slow and easy to sidestep, but they put pressure on ranged spell users. The better plan is to let the Stone Vanguard come to you. Cloud Step is best saved for the boss's leaping slam, which covers a surprising amount of ground. Since Cloud Step has a cooldown and Mana is limited, do not waste it on minor threats.
Another attack to respect is the rock minion summon. The Stone Vanguard will poke its arms into the ground and summon smaller stone creatures that hop toward the player. These minions shatter on impact, but the real danger is that the boss itself often leaps right behind them. Players who dodge the minions but fail to spot the boss's follow-up are in for a world of hurt. Immobilize can be a lifesaver here, freezing the Stone Vanguard mid-attack for a few free hits. Just avoid using Immobilize when the boss is already airborne—freezing it in mid-air can leave players out of reach and waste the spell.
Below is a quick reference for the Stone Vanguard's key attacks and the best responses:
| Attack | Description | Recommended Response |
|---|---|---|
| Arm Slam + AOE Spikes | Raises glowing arms, slams down, then triggers earth spikes in front and slightly behind. | Back off or Cloud Step behind; wait for spikes to finish before attacking. |
| Rock Throw | Hurls rocks from a distance. | Sidestep or dodge; close the gap when safe. |
| Leaping Slam | Leaps across the arena to crash down. | Use Cloud Step or perfect dodge; do not stand still. |
| Rock Minion Summon | Spawns small stone minions, then charges in behind them. | Dodge minions and keep eyes on the boss; use Immobilize if needed. |
| Basic Arm Swing | Quick melee swing with one arm. | Perfect dodge to build Focus Points. |
One minor but frustrating detail is the targeting. The Stone Vanguard props its body up on its arms, which raises its core above the player's normal strike zone. When locked on and attacking from the front, players sometimes swing at empty space instead of connecting with the arms or body. This is another reason the Thrust Stance shines: its vertical and extended hitbox helps land hits where regular slashes miss.
Perfect dodges are the engine of this fight. Every perfect dodge builds Focus Points quickly, and those points can be converted into heavy thrust attacks that stagger the boss and create even more openings. Once players settle into this rhythm—dodge the AOE, punish with thrust, rebuild focus—the Stone Vanguard becomes far less intimidating.
Stone Vanguard Rewards and What to Do Next
Defeating the Stone Vanguard grants 1,652 XP, which is usually enough to level the Destined One and earn an extra Spark Point. Players also receive 1,350 Will and three Silk. More importantly, the boss drops the Sterness of Stone, a key item required to access certain areas in Yellow Wind Ridge, along with a Mind Core that can be used for upgrades later in the game.
After the fight, returning to any shrine unlocks the Galeguard armour set for crafting. If players have enough Will and materials, crafting this set will significantly boost their defence for the next challenge. The natural next step is the Tiger Vanguard, the other yaoguai king holding a key item. With the Stone Vanguard reduced to rubble, players can approach that fight with sharper reflexes, better gear, and a well-earned confidence boost. Just remember: in Black Myth: Wukong, every victory is a lesson. The Stone Vanguard teaches patience, spacing, and the value of a well-timed dodge—lessons that will serve the Destined One well in the battles to come.