Black Myth: Wukong was one of 2024’s most talked-about titles. Developed by Game Science, the action RPG launched in August for PS5 and PC, instantly pulling in attention with its visual flair and tough-but-fair combat. The game sold over 20 million copies in a month and has nearly 850,000 user reviews on Steam, maintaining an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating. Now, Xbox Series X and S players will finally be able to play it on August 20, with all post-launch content included from day one.
Core Gameplay and Combat in Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong focuses on fast-paced combat, precise dodging, and using a single staff weapon across various enemy encounters. Players journey through fantastical regions, taking down bosses while managing combos, spells, and transformations.
The combat system is built around three stances:
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Smash: short range, mobile heavy attacks.
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Pillar: defensive, lets Wukong climb the staff for aerial strikes.
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Thrust: long-range attacks with the best reach.
Each stance includes a skill tree and access to a Focus system, where landing light attacks builds up energy for stronger heavy moves. There are also four schools of magic: Mysticism, Alteration, Strand, and Transformations. These include turning to stone to parry or summoning clones.
Transformations are unlocked by defeating certain bosses. They allow Wukong to temporarily assume their form, spending “Might” while active. Spirit Skills, separate from transformations, offer short-burst attacks or buffs and use different upgrade materials.
Exploration, Side Content, and Progression
The world of Wukong isn’t open world, but it offers branching paths, side quests, and hidden areas in each chapter. The game begins in the linear Black Wind Mountain, then expands with options and detours. Optional areas offer better gear or hidden bosses, and side quests can affect the main story direction.
Armor sets and weapons bring different passive effects, and most gear can be crafted. These bonuses range from increasing damage with certain stances to enabling healing while sprinting.
Post-launch improvements added quality-of-life features like the Jourier’s Chart, a map item that helps players track their location. This directly addressed one of the most common criticisms at launch—difficulty navigating the world.
Boss Rematches and Gauntlet Modes
Boss fights are the main attraction. Wukong features dozens of them, each with unique moves, personality, and presentation. A new feature called Return of Rivals allows players to rematch cleared bosses. It offers three difficulty levels and becomes available after defeating the boss once.
Gauntlet of Legends, meanwhile, is a boss rush mode with different challenges and rewards. Completing gauntlets yields materials and items, and optional curses make encounters harder by disabling healing, increasing dodge costs, and more.
Xbox Enhancements and Performance Expectations
The Xbox version of Black Myth: Wukong was delayed partly for technical reasons related to the Series S. Game Science confirmed this in their FAQ, noting that meeting their internal quality standards “was no easy feat.” However, they also stated that the task was completed smoothly within the first year of launch.
Though resolution specs haven’t been confirmed, the Microsoft Store listing confirms 60 frames per second on both Series X and S. Players can expect the full post-launch content suite—including Return of Rivals, Gauntlet of Legends, and world maps—at launch.
Length, Replayability, and New Game Plus
According to HowLongToBeat.com, the average playthrough of the main story takes about 38 to 39 hours. Completing most of the side content increases this to around 48 hours. For those chasing 100% completion, the game can stretch to 67 hours or more.
New Game Plus adds extra challenges, allowing players to carry over gear and unlock new abilities while facing tougher enemies.
