When Black Myth: Wukong launched last year, everyone compared it to Elden Ring – the open world, the brutal bosses. But after 100+ hours as the Destined One, I realized its soul lives in the stance system. Those three combat styles aren't just moves; they're personalities. Pillar makes you a stone fortress, Thrust turns you into a wasp with a spear, and Smash? Well, let's just say it turns boss fights into high-stakes poker matches where I always went all-in. My journey through these stances felt less like playing a game and more like learning three martial arts from a grumpy, divine monkey sensei.
Pillar Stance: Becoming the Immovable Mountain
Man, using Pillar Stance for the first time was like discovering cheat codes! Perched atop my staff like some zen warrior, I watched enemies flail uselessly below. That damage reduction? Chef's kiss. I'd sip virtual tea while charging a heavy attack that hit like a freight train – BOOM – sending goblins flying like confetti.
But here's the kicker: it's not braindead tanking. Early on, I got cocky against the Ironhide Rhino boss. Thought I could pillar-camp indefinitely. Wrong! That beast drained my stamina bar faster than my phone battery, sending me tumbling. Learned the hard way: Pillar's golden against mobs but risky against heavy hitters. My optimized setup:
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Max stamina gear (Ring of Fire is mandatory)
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Heavy attack damage boosters
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Patience – lots of it
Honestly? There's something spiritual about becoming an unmovable monument while chaos erupts around you. But man, it looks ridiculous – like doing ballet on a telephone pole!
Thrust Stance: The Art of Not Getting Hit
If Pillar's a fortress, Thrust is a hit-and-run sports car. That Tactical Retreat ability saved my hide more times than I count – zip in, poke a boss three times, woosh back to safety. Felt like I was teasing tigers with a very pointy stick.
My favorite combo? Cloud Step into charged heavy attacks. Dance around building Focus, then BAM – unleash a four-point strike that makes enemies stagger like drunk pandas. But oh boy, the downsides:
| Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|
| Amazing kiting | Terrible against rushers |
| Safe Focus building | Drawn-out battles |
| Roll-counter combos | Requires surgical precision |
That time against the Lightning Leopard? Pure agony. Thing closed distances faster than my ex taking half my stuff. Taught me Thrust isn't about winning fast – it's about winning without a scratch. Mostly.
Smash Stance: All Gas, No Brakes
This became my main squeeze. Why cautiously defend when you can parry death itself with Resolute Counterflow? Landing that perfect timing feels like catching lightning in a bottle – phase through claws, then SMASH back with glowing staff fury. The risk-reward ratio? Off the charts.
But lemme tell ya, the learning curve is brutal. I died more to mistimed counters than actual bosses. That Resolute Counterflow only blocks one hit – try it mid-combo and you're monkey pancake. My build essentials:
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Spellbinder for mana-to-damage conversion
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Rock Solid spell synergy
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Adrenaline (the real-life kind)
When it clicks though? Pure magic. Took down the Flame Tyrant in 90 seconds flat, heart pounding like a drum solo. Not for the faint-hearted, but holy moly, the glory!
Wukong Stance: The Mythical Cherry on Top
Okay, full disclosure – I haven't unlocked this beast. Three true endings? In this economy? But seeing videos of that golden nimbus form...man. It's like watching Bruce Lee channel a hurricane.
That temporary god-mode reminds me of childhood power fantasies – unstoppable for sixty glorious seconds. Maybe someday I'll grind those endings. Maybe.
A year later, these stances still define my replays. Pillar for when I want to feel unshakeable, Thrust for tactical ballet, Smash for adrenaline junkie moments. They transform combat from button-mashing into a conversation with enemies – each stance saying something different.
So here's my take: stop comparing Wukong to other games. Its genius is in letting you choose how you want to suffer. Whether you turtle, dance, or go berserk...just grab that staff and find your style. The journey's painful, glorious, and uniquely yours. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a third true ending to chase...wish me luck!