Black Myth: Wukong is a video game that tells the story of a monkey who seeks to claim the title of Monkey King (or Wukong). The narrative follows a seemingly nameless protagonist who embarks on a quest to collect the six “Senses of the Great Sage” while learning the powers and abilities of the original Wukong. The game’s progression leads players to uncover the deeper layers of Wukong’s legendary powers while confronting a divine destiny linked to ancient celestial forces.
Set after the events of the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, the game explores a redeemed Wukong who is once again targeted by the celestial army. Wukong, now defeated by the mighty Erlang Shen, is slain and sealed within a rock atop a mountain. Centuries later, the game shifts focus to a new character known as “The Destined One,” a monkey who learns about Wukong’s past and seeks to inherit his powers. The protagonist’s journey involves acquiring the six senses, eventually culminating in a final confrontation with Wukong.
The Bad Ending
The game has a default ending, known as the Bad Ending, where the Destined One defeats Wukong and absorbs his essence. However, the Golden Headband, which is crucial to Wukong’s subjugation, is not transferred to the new protagonist. Instead, the headband falls to the ground and is picked up by the elder monkey who places it on the Destined One’s head. The game ends with the protagonist being trapped in a state of stasis, seemingly sealing their fate as Wukong’s successor, leaving players confused about the purpose of this sequence.
Black Myth: Wukong (Photo: Game Science)The Golden Headband plays a significant role in the game’s narrative and is central to Wukong’s story. In the original Journey to the West, this headband was used by Buddha to subdue Wukong and prevent him from defying the heavens. In the game’s True Ending, the headband’s purpose becomes clear—it ensures that neither Wukong nor his successor can challenge the heavenly kingdom. The elder monkey’s role in placing the headband suggests a deeper connection to celestial forces, ensuring that Wukong’s legacy is kept in check.
The True Ending and Wukong’s Plan
To unlock the True Ending, players must complete a series of tasks, including fighting Erlang Shen in a secret chapter. The fight ends with Erlang Shen not being slain, but rather releasing black smoke from his third eye, which unlocks a hidden power within the Destined One. Afterward, the player faces Wukong again in a climactic battle. In this ending, Wukong’s true plan unfolds—he orchestrated the Destined One’s rise, knowing that a new monkey would need to inherit his powers and remove the Golden Headband in order to challenge the celestial forces.
The True Ending hints at Wukong’s resurrection, albeit not as the same monkey but as one who possesses his memories, powers, and ambitions. This suggests that the story of Wukong is far from over and could lead to future installments. The game may explore new characters and conflicts, including the potential return of other mythological figures such as Erlang Shen or Sha Wujing, a missing companion from the original Journey to the West. Wukong’s narrative sets the stage for larger-scale battles against the heavens, reminiscent of God of War-like confrontations.
