Introduction

So, you’ve heard all the buzz about Black Myth: Wukong, but you’re not really sure what the fuss is about? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! This game is diving into some seriously deep Chinese mythology, and if you’re new to the story of Sun Wukong (aka the Monkey King), it might all feel a bit overwhelming. But that’s where this guide comes in. We’re breaking down all the cool backstory and lore so you can jump into the game fully prepped and ready to go. Let’s get started!

When diving into Black Myth: Wukong, it is essential to understand its deep roots in Chinese mythology, particularly the classic tale of Journey to the West(西游记). Think of it like knowing about The Lord of the Rings before playing a game based on Middle-earth. Here’s what you need to know to fully appreciate the rich cultural and narrative background of this highly anticipated game.

Into to Journey to the West

Just picture it! If Journey to the West were as famous in China as The Odyssey is in the West, it would be incredible! This wonderful novel was written in the 16th century by Wu Cheng’en (吴承恩). It’s a cornerstone of Chinese literature, just like Beowulf or King Arthur are in the West. It’s an epic adventure that blends mythology, religion, and fantasy. It follows a monk named Tang Sanzang (唐三藏) and his three disciples, including the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong (孙悟空), on a quest to retrieve sacred Buddhist texts.

Journey to the West is so much more than just a fantasy adventure! It’s brimming with themes that touch the heart and soul of people everywhere, like the desire for redemption, the battle between good and evil, and the longing for enlightenment. If you’re familiar with stories like Paradise Lost or Dante’s Divine Comedy, where characters go on profound spiritual journeys, then you’ll absolutely love the philosophical underpinnings of Sun Wukong’s adventures!

The original novel blends Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements to create a spiritual and moral framework that gently guides the characters. In Black Myth: Wukong (黑神话:悟空), you’ll find these themes popping up as you meet all kinds of gods, demons, and mythical beings who’ll test not just your combat skills but also your understanding of right and wrong.

In essence, Black Myth: Wukong (黑神话：悟空) is not just a retelling of an old story, but an exploration of Wukong’s legacy. The Havoc in Heaven serves as a powerful narrative backdrop, reminding players of the Monkey King’s incredible strength and his ultimate journey toward wisdom and redemption.

Who is Sun Wukong

To truly understand Sun Wukong (孙悟空), the legendary Monkey King, one must dive into his most iconic and rebellious adventure—the Havoc in Heaven (大闹天宫). This episode is central to Wukong’s mythos and showcases his audacity, immense power, and eventual humbling, which all contribute to his complex character.

Imagine a figure as mischievous as Loki and as strong as Hercules, but with the cunning of Odysseus. Sun Wukong is all of these and more. The story of his rebellion begins with his origins as a stone monkey born from a mystical rock. After gaining extraordinary abilities—like the ability to transform into 72 different beings and a magical staff that can change size at his will—Wukong becomes the self-proclaimed “Great Sage Equal to Heaven” (齐天大圣).

Wukong is feeling pretty great these days! He’s feeling pretty invincible, and a bit dissatisfied with his position within the celestial bureaucracy. When he is assigned a lowly role as keeper of the heavenly stables, he is really quite upset. This leads him to openly challenge the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝), the supreme ruler of Heaven. It’s a bit like a mortal trying to overthrow Zeus in Greek mythology!

Wukong’s rebellion is absolutely amazing! He easily defeats the armies of Heaven, disrupts the celestial order, and even manages to consume the Peaches of Immortality (蟠桃), which makes him even harder to kill. The Jade Emperor, in a state of desperation to regain control, calls upon Buddha (如来佛) for assistance. Buddha then playfully challenges Wukong to escape from his palm – a challenge that Wukong, in his usual confident way, accepts. Even though Wukong has incredible powers, Buddha still manages to trick him and put him in jail under a mountain (五指山) for 500 years. This marks the end of his rebellion and the beginning of his path to redemption.

In Black Myth: Wukong (黑神话：悟空), the narrative draws heavily from the events of the Havoc in Heaven (大闹天宫). The game explores Wukong’s past, including his defiance against the heavens, and how these events shape his journey in the game. Players will likely encounter references to Wukong’s earlier life and the consequences of his rebellion.(To put it bluntly, you want to revive the Wukong) If you rush to the end, you might end up with a disappointing conclusion. But don’t fret! There are eighty-one challenges woven throughout the scriptures, and as long as you reach the final outcome, you’ll find yourself back in the cycle of reincarnation. By carefully exploring the map and overcoming these eighty-one trials on your quest for the scriptures, you’ll gain a richer understanding of the Great Sage and their teachings. This insight will empower you to carry on their legacy! It seems to convey a vital message: life is not just about the highlights; it’s about the journey itself.

Please first watch Episode 1 to Episode 4

Key Characters

Journey to the West (西游记) features a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own unique traits, backgrounds, and roles in the story. Here’s an introduction to the main characters:

Sun Wukong is the most lovable character in Journey to the West and arguably the most recognised figure in Chinese folklore. He’s a strong, clever, and spirited character with a big heart and a deep sense of loyalty.

Let me tell you a little bit about where this wonderful character came from! Sun Wukong was born from a magical stone on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit. He’s a quick learner and shows off his amazing abilities right away. He’s got martial arts down pat and has even achieved immortality in a bunch of different ways. One of his tricks is the 72 transformations (七十二变), which let him change shape whenever he wants.

Let me tell you a little bit about this wonderful character!
Character Traits: Wukong is known for his playful, mischievous nature and his rebellious spirit, especially in the story of Havoc in Heaven (大闹天宫), where he playfully challenges the gods and claims the title “Great Sage Equal to Heaven” (齐天大圣). Even though he has a rebellious streak, he eventually becomes a devoted protector of the monk Tang Sanzang on their journey to obtain sacred Buddhist scriptures.

Weapon: His favourite weapon is the Ruyi Jingu Bang (如意金箍棒), a magical staff that can change its size at will, from a tiny needle to a huge pillar, and is said to weigh several tons!

Tang Sanzang, also known as Tripitaka or Xuanzang, is the central human character and the leader of the pilgrimage to the West.

  • Background: Tang Sanzang is a devout Buddhist monk chosen by the Emperor of China to travel to India (referred to as the Western Regions) to retrieve sacred scriptures. His character is inspired by the historical monk Xuanzang, who made a similar journey in the 7th century.
  • Character Traits: Tang Sanzang embodies compassion, wisdom, and patience. He is often depicted as the moral compass of the group, though his naivety sometimes leads to trouble. Unlike his disciples, Tang Sanzang is a mortal, and his vulnerability to demons, who wish to consume his flesh to gain immortality, adds tension to their journey.
  • Role in the Journey: He represents the ideal Buddhist, striving for spiritual enlightenment and the spread of Buddhist teachings. His journey is not just a physical one but also a spiritual quest for purity and understanding.

The White Dragon Horse is the steed of Tang Sanzang, but he was originally a dragon prince.

  • Origins: The White Dragon Horse is the transformed son of the Dragon King of the West Sea. After being punished for setting fire to his father’s palace, he is given the chance to atone by serving Tang Sanzang on his journey.
  • Role in the Journey: As Tang Sanzang’s mount, the White Dragon Horse plays a supportive role, transporting the monk across the vast distances of their journey. He is often overlooked as a character, but his background as a dragon prince adds a layer of nobility and sacrifice to his role.

Zhu Bajie, also known as Pigsy, is the second disciple of Tang Sanzang and provides lots of laughter throughout the journey.

Let me tell you a little bit about where this lovely character came from. Zhu Bajie was originally a celestial being, Marshal Tianpeng (天蓬元帅), who was sadly banished to the mortal realm. He was transformed into a half-man, half-pig creature as a punishment for behaving inappropriately in Heaven.

Let me tell you a little bit about this lovable character!
Character Traits: Pigsy is a bit of a lazy, greedy, gluttonous soul, which often leads to some pretty funny situations! Even though he has his flaws, he is really loyal to Tang Sanzang and helps the group a lot, especially in battle, where he is really strong.

Weapon: He has a nine-toothed rake (九齿钉耙) which is both a weapon and a tool. This shows that he is both a warrior and a more grounded, earthy character.

Sha Wujing, also known as Sandy or Sha Monk, is the third disciple and the most serious and disciplined of the group.

  • Origins: Like Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing was once a celestial general. After accidentally breaking a valuable vase belonging to the Jade Emperor, he was exiled to Earth and transformed into a river demon.
  • Character Traits: Sandy is known for his calm demeanor and loyalty. He is the least complex and least flawed of the disciples, often serving as the mediator during conflicts within the group. His steadfastness and dedication to Tang Sanzang make him a valuable member of the team.
  • Weapon: He carries a magic wooden staff (降妖宝杖), which he uses effectively in combat, particularly against river demons and water spirits.

GPU Requirements

For Black Myth: Wukong, the GPU requirements are fairly demanding, as expected for a modern AAA title that uses Unreal Engine 5 with high-end graphics features. Here’s what you need to know about the GPU requirements:

GPU Model Recommended Resolution Performance Test 95% Rate
4090 Ray Tracing 4K 58
4080/4080S Ray Tracing 2K 55
4090 4K -
4080/4080S 4K 62
4080/4080S 2K 68
4070Ti Super 2K Estimated 61
4070Super 4K Estimated 63
4070Super 2K Estimated 66
4070/3080 4K 59
4070/3080 2K 62
4060Ti/3070 2K 61
4060/3060Ti G6X 2K 63
2060 2K Initial test
1060 6G 1080P 55
7900XTX 4K 65
6750GRE 10G 2K 70
RX580 8G 1080P Higher than 1060
780M iGPU 1080P 45

Source: Geekerwan(a more detailed version)

Conclusion

Welcome to the world of Black Myth Wukong and good luck. I bet it’s a completely different style of game from what you usually play, and I recommend playing it if you get the chance!

Some useful links:
https://flingtrainer.com/trainer/black-myth-wukong-trainer/
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlackMythWukong/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2358720/

Cover source:
https://www.heishenhua.com

Some views are derived from the Internet.