The classic Chinese novel,Journey To The West, is one of the four great classic novels of Chinese Literature, responsible for influencing lots of Western Literature since it’s release in the 16th century. Within gaming, its influence is heavily felt in 2024’s smash hitBlack Myth: Wukong. The Legend of the Monkey King is on full display in the game, with plenty of boss fights along the way for the Destined One.
The game presents its own take on an action-RPG, with huge open areas to explore to search and challenging bosses to take down. The game’s difficulty became a talking point upon its release,with many players comparing it to Soulslike games, whilst others stated it was likeGod of Warwith heightened difficulty.With only one option for difficulty, it meant for many players to complete the game, they needed to level up their skills and acclimatize to the difficulty. However, for players looking to make the game more challenging, what are ways to make a playthrough as hard as possible?

7Don’t Equip Any Curios
Accessories That Buff Stats Can Be Avoided For An Extra Challenge
Curios inBlack Myth: Wukongare found from exploring the worldand are often dropped by bosses when they’ve been eliminated. They provideincremental boosts to stats within the game, with players able to equip three curios at a time.
If players are looking to make the game as hard as possible, refusing to add curios to the Destined One will not provide an attribute boost in the background. Making the challenge ofBlack Myth: Wukongharder for players to complete.
6Keep The Starting Armor At All Times
Keeping The Starting Armor Without Upgrades Provides An Added Challenge
At the start ofBlack Myth: Wukong, the Destined One begins with the default armor set. The default armor consists of a Tiger Hide Loincloth, Cotton Wristwraps, and Cotton Legwraps, providing a total of ten defense points. Throughout the game,players will discover new armor setsand have the ability toupgrade their existing armor sets at the Yin Tiger blacksmithin the Painted Realm.
The choice to keep the default armor inBlack Myth: Wukongwithout any upgrades, means players have to rely on their understanding of the games' dodge mechanics to avoid getting hit. If players are looking for a way to makeBlack Myth: Wukongas hard as possible, using the default armor will definitely increase the difficulty.
5Don’t Use Spells
Spells Expand Combat Options And Create Openings To Attack Enemies
WithinBlack Myth: Wukong,six spells are available for playersto use, with an extra spell unlocked in New Game Plus. These spells offer different ways to either protect the Destined One or take down enemies. Players are able to immobilize enemies, create a ring of fire around the Destined One, and even transform into the wind to avoid enemy attacks.
One way to make a playthrough as hard as possible is to forgo the use of these spells, instead focusing on the combat system in place, switching stances and learning enemy attack patterns to defeat them. If players are looking to make the game harder, not using spells will make the challenge harder. Or if this seems too challenging for players,playing without upgrading spellsshould still increase the difficulty level.
4Play Without Using Gourds
Gourds Are In The Destined One’s Arsenal As A Way To Heal And Provide Additional Boosts
Gourds inBlack Myth: Wukongact in a similar manner to The Flask of Crimson Tears in Elden Ring,giving players a health boost when they have their backs against the wall. Throughout the game, players can find different Gourds andupgrade them to provide additional benefits in combat.
For players looking to increase the challenge ofBlack Myth: Wukong,a Gourd-less run would make things increasingly difficult. Players would have to master the combat system within the game, as any mistakes could be easily punished.If players are looking to makeBlack Myth: Wukongas hard as possible, playing without using a Gourd is a challenging way to make it harder.
3Only Use The Willow Wood Staff
The Default Starting Weapon For The Destined One
When players first beginBlack Myth: Wukong, they are equipped with the Willow Wood Staff, providing 30 damage per attack. Over the course of the game,players can find up to 21 weapons, including those found in New Game Plus, with increased damage output.
One way players can make the game more difficult is to always use the Willow Wood Staff, withits limited damage in comparison to other weapons availablein the game, like the Spikeshaft Staff. If players want to makeBlack Myth: Wukongas hard as possible, sticking with the Willow Wood Staff is a great way to do it.
2Don’t Use Mind Cores
Mind Cores Are Found Within The Game And Provide Buffs To All Stats
Mind Cores are another way to boost the stats of the Destined One inBlack Myth: Wukong.Either found by defeating bossesor through purchasing them from Shrine Stores, they provide buffs to stats, such as maximum health, mana, and stamina.
By choosing not to use Mind Cores, players are left with the base stats for the Destined One obtained from other upgrades, but dueto the significant increases given to stats, will weaken the player as they aim to fight the big bosses present. If players are looking to increase the difficulty, not using Mind Cores will makeBlack Myth: Wukonga harder experience.
1Zero Death Run
Potentially The Hardest Challenge For Players To Complete
With the well-documented difficulty ofBlack Myth: Wukong,it’s expected that players will die, a lot. As players learn how to fully control the abilities of the Destined One, they will learn to understand attack patterns and how to effectively combat all enemies in front of them.
For players looking for the hardest challenge to complete, attempting to defeatBlack Myth: Wukongwithout dying, could provide the extra difficulty players are looking for.Having to master the combat of the game, as well as when to dodge, play defensively and ultimately choose the moment to attack, players would be forced to play cautiously to avoid death. If players are looking for the hardest playthrough ofBlack Myth: Wukong, aiming to complete the game without dying is the ultimate challenge.