Gamers worldwide have been asking one pivotal question since the release of Game Science's action RPG masterpiece: how hard is Black Myth: Wukong? As we move into 2025, with many players having thoroughly experienced the journey of the Destined One, we can now provide a comprehensive analysis of the game's challenge level.
Black Myth: Wukong sits in an interesting middle ground when it comes to difficulty. Unlike many contemporary action RPGs, it doesn't offer selectable difficulty options, presenting instead a carefully balanced experience that's accessible without being overly punishing.
Comparing to Other Action RPGs
Many players initially feared Black Myth: Wukong would follow the brutal difficulty path of FromSoftware titles like Sekiro or Dark Souls. However, the consensus among the community is that while challenging, it's considerably more forgiving than those games.
As one player aptly described it: "It's pretty forgiving, for starters you don't lose any XP when you die." This fundamental difference from soulslike games removes much of the frustration associated with the genre.
Another player compared it to "God of War on Normal difficulty," though opinions vary, with some finding it "right between a normal/hard difficulty." The variance in perception highlights how subjective difficulty can be based on individual playstyles and experience levels.
The Learning Curve
Black Myth: Wukong's difficulty curve is interestingly structured. Many players report that:
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Chapter 1 feels relatively balanced
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Chapter 2 ramps up the challenge significantly
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Later chapters become more manageable as players unlock more abilities
The game rewards those who take time to explore and level up. As one experienced player noted: "If you only rush bosses it can be hard, but if you explore the chapters it gets easier."
The combat system centers around dodging rather than parrying, which might present an adjustment period for players coming from parry-focused games like Sekiro or Stellar Blade. "I prefer parrying over dodging and Black Myth only really has dodging (thus far at least)," mentioned one player who found the transition challenging.
Boss Encounters and Enemy Design
Black Myth: Wukong has been described by some as a "boss fight after a boss fight game," particularly in the earlier chapters. These encounters represent the game's most substantial challenges.
"Bosses - if you can get down the dodging and make good use of your magic - they are much easier than Rise of the Ronin your first time through," explained a player who completed multiple playthroughs. The magic system indeed provides significant advantages when utilized effectively.
Standard enemies vary in difficulty, with some falling after just "3-5 hits" while others might "take a good 20 hits" - creating a dynamic combat experience throughout the journey.
Strategic Depth
What makes Black Myth: Wukong particularly interesting is how it rewards strategic play. The various transformation abilities, magic spells, and combat stances offer multiple approaches to challenges.
"Pluck of many + immobilize are your best friends," advised one late-game player, highlighting how specific ability combinations can significantly reduce difficulty.
The Verdict on Black Myth: Wukong's Difficulty
So, how hard is Black Myth: Wukong? The answer lies somewhere between challenging and accessible. It demands attention to combat mechanics and enemy patterns without the punishing death penalties of hardcore soulslikes.
For veterans of action RPGs, it presents a satisfying but conquerable challenge. For newcomers to the genre, it offers a more approachable entry point than FromSoftware titles while still requiring skill development and patience.
As we continue through 2025, Game Science may yet introduce difficulty options in future updates, but the current balanced approach has been largely well-received by the gaming community.
Whether you're returning home from work wanting to "drink a beer as I smack stuff around" or seeking a genuine test of your action game prowess, Black Myth: Wukong offers an experience that can satisfy both appetites - challenging enough to engage, forgiving enough to enjoy.