In Black Myth: Wukong, the vast array of abilities available for upgrade can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the game allows you to experiment freely, offering the option to respec at any Shrine without any cost. However, understanding which abilities are the most beneficial at different stages of the game can help streamline your journey. This guide highlights the best abilities to unlock in the early, mid, and late game.
Best Early Game Abilities
The early stages of Black Myth: Wukong—particularly during the first chapter at Black Wind Mountain—are crucial for establishing a strong foundation. As you unlock various systems and get a feel for the gameplay, you may wonder where to allocate your skill points. While individual playstyles vary, the following abilities have proven to be exceptionally useful during this phase.
Stamina: Simian Agility and Deft Evasion
Located under the Foundations tab, Simian Agility and Deft Evasion are two of the most vital abilities to prioritize. Simian Agility reduces the Stamina cost for dodging, while Deft Evasion enhances the flexibility and agility of each dodge. Given that dodging is your primary defensive tool in Black Myth: Wukong, investing in these abilities (and this entire tree) should be a top priority.
Immobilization: Crash
Immobilization is the first spell you’ll unlock and is arguably one of the most valuable. This spell temporarily freezes enemies in place—including bosses—allowing you to land free hits or retreat to heal. The Crash ability, found on the left side of the Immobilization tree, increases the damage dealt to immobilized targets. Maxing out this ability early on will significantly boost your combat effectiveness.
Smash Stance Abilities and Exhilaration
Unlocking abilities within the Staff Stances tab is crucial as it grants you Focus Points at specific milestones. For instance, after unlocking three abilities, you’ll gain three Focus Points, which are essential for executing powerful attacks. Start by unlocking two Smash Stance abilities and one level of Exhilaration to maximize your early-game damage output.
Transformations: Evergreen
Transformations are powerful assets that allow you to take on the form of various creatures. Early in Chapter 1, you’ll unlock Red Tides, which is particularly effective against bosses. Transformations come with their own health gauge, enabling you to deal damage without risking your own health. The Evergreen ability, which reduces the decay of Might, is worth investing in to extend your time in transformed states.
Survival: Robust Constitution and Rampant Vigor
When in doubt, investing in Robust Constitution and Rampant Vigor is always a safe bet. These abilities increase your max HP and Stamina, two crucial stats that can significantly enhance your survivability. If you find yourself struggling, consider focusing more on these, but prioritize the abilities mentioned above first.
Progressing Beyond Chapter 1
As you advance to Levels 15-20 and beyond, continue to enhance your dodge capabilities within the Stamina tree, as well as further upgrades on the left side of the Immobilization tree. Keep improving your Staff Stances, particularly Smash Stance, to accumulate more Focus Points—an invaluable resource throughout the game.