Game Science (Digital), PM Studios (Physical Distribution - select regions/editions)
Bethesda Softworks
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Soulslike
Action RPG, Open World, Sci-Fi, Space Exploration
Engine
Unreal Engine 5
Creation Engine 2
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Ratings & Price
Content Rating
T (Teen 13+) - ESRB Descriptors: Blood and gore, L
Mature 17+
Avg. User Rating
4.0 / 5.0
3.7 / 5.0
Current Price (USD)
$59.99
$69.99
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Key Specs
Quick Highlights
Perspective: Third-Person
Multiplayer: Single-player Only
Setting: Ancient China, Journey to the West Mythology
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows (PC - Steam, Epic Games Store), Xbox Series X/S (TBA), GeForce Now
Initial Release (PS5, PC): 2024-08-20
Unique Feature: Based on 'Journey to the West', stunning UE5 visuals, deep combat with staff stances, spells, and transformations, challenging Soulslike boss battles.
Setting: The Settled Systems (Approx. 50 light-years around Sol), Year 2330
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
Unique Feature: Extensive Spaceship Customization & Combat, Over 1000 Explorable Planets, Deep Character Creation & Skill System, Outpost Building, 'NASA-Punk' Aesthetic.
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Gameplay & Mechanics
Companions/Followers
None (Primarily Solo): The game focuses on the Destined One's solo journey. While you might interact with NPCs or summon temporary allies through spells (like 'A Pluck of Many'), there are no persistent, controllable companions in the traditional RPG sense.
Constellation Members (Sarah, Sam, Andreja, Barrett): Core companions who can follow the player, participate in combat, carry gear, and have unique dialogue and personal quests. Each has a set of skills that provide bonuses to the player or their ship when assigned as active companion or crew. Romance options are available with these four.
Human
Vasco: A loyal robot companion available early. Provides combat support and significant ship-based skill bonuses (Aneutronic Fusion, Shield Systems, EM Weapon Systems). Cannot be romanced.
Robot (Constellation Expeditionary Model)
Hirable Crew Members: Numerous NPCs can be hired from bars and spaceports across the Settled Systems to serve as crew on the player's ship or at outposts. Each has a unique set of skills (e.g., Piloting, Weapon Systems, Outpost Engineering, Gastronomy) that provide passive bonuses when assigned to relevant posts. Some named recruitable characters have more personality than generic hires.
Human (Various Backgrounds)
Adoring Fan (Trait-based): If the 'Hero Worshipped' trait is chosen during character creation, this overzealous NPC will randomly appear and offer to join the player's crew. He is enthusiastic, provides gifts, and has combat skills, but his constant adoration can be a humorous annoyance.
Human
Key Collectibles
Meditation Spots: Specific locations in the game world where the Destined One can meditate to gain skill points, used for unlocking or upgrading abilities in the skill trees.
Curios: Equippable accessory items found throughout the world or as rewards. They provide passive buffs, resistances, or unique gameplay effects. Example: Wind Chimes (Deluxe Edition).
Gourd Upgrades / Ingredients: Items related to customizing and enhancing the healing gourd, allowing players to choose different types of concoctions for health recovery or other temporary buffs. Ingredients for crafting these are likely found via exploration and defeating enemies.
Celestial Medicines / Attribute Enhancers: Rare consumables or items that permanently increase the Destined One's core attributes like health, mana (for spells), or stamina (Focus Points for staff techniques).
Relics: Key story items or powerful artifacts collected after major boss fights or chapter completions, potentially granting significant passive bonuses or unlocking new progression paths. The main quest involves collecting relics tied to Sun Wukong.
Lore Items / Story Fragments: Objects, scrolls, or environmental details that provide deeper insights into the game's narrative, the mythology of the world, and the backstories of characters and enemies.
Snow Globes (Earth Landmarks): Unique snow globes depicting famous landmarks from Old Earth (e.g., Empire State Building, Pyramids, London Shard). Finding them often requires reading specific books or notes that provide clues to their location across various planets.
Skill Magazines (Constellation Guides, Grunt Issue, Kryx's Journal, etc.): Magazines found throughout the Settled Systems. Each one picked up for the first time provides a permanent small buff to a specific skill or character stat (e.g., +5% pistol damage, better prices, increased carry capacity).
Antique Earth Relics: Various trinkets and items from Old Earth (e.g., antique guns, baseballs, vinyl records) that can be found and sold for credits or kept as mementos. Some are tied to specific points of interest or minor quests.
Unique Weapons & Armor Pieces: Named legendary items with unique appearances, stats, and powerful pre-set enchantments. Found as rewards for completing difficult quests, defeating powerful enemies, or hidden in high-level areas or locked containers.
Slates (Audio Logs & Notes): Data slates containing text logs, audio recordings, or notes that provide lore, backstory, environmental storytelling, or clues to quests and hidden items. Found extensively throughout all locations.
Key Themes
Chinese Mythology
Journey to the West
Martial Arts
Transformation
Buddhism
Taoism
Moral Ambiguity
Nature & Mysticism
Fate vs. Free Will
Illusion vs. Reality
Folklore
Space Exploration
Discovery
Sci-Fi
The Future of Humanity
Mystery
Faction Politics
Colonization
Adventure
Hope
Existential Questions
Artifacts
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Combat & Gear
Weapons Overview
The Staff (As-You-Will Cudgel / Ruyi Jingu Bang inspired): Primary Melee (Versatile Staff)
The main weapon of the Destined One, a magical staff that can extend, shrink, and is used in conjunction with various combat stances (Smash, Pillar, Thrust). Its mastery is central to combat, allowing for a wide range of attacks, parries, and special moves.
Bronzecloud Staff: Weapon (Staff Variant)
An exclusive staff weapon included in the Digital Deluxe Edition. Likely offers a unique appearance and potentially different starting stats or properties.
When transformed into various creatures or powerful beings, the Destined One gains access to their unique attacks and abilities, which serve as temporary 'weapons' or combat styles (e.g., a large demon's claws, a fire-breathing creature's breath).
Wide variety of conventional firearms using physical ammunition. Includes pistols (Eon, Sidestar), rifles (Grendel, Beowulf, Lawgiver), shotguns (Coachman, Pacifier), and heavy weapons. Can be modified extensively for different ammo types, barrels, stocks, sights, etc.
Energy Weapons (Laser Pistols, Laser Rifles): Firearm (Directed Energy)
Weapons firing laser beams, effective against robots and some enemy types. Includes pistols (Equinox, Solstice) and rifles. Use energy cells as ammunition. Modifiable.
Electromagnetic (EM) Weapons (EM Pistols, EM Rifles): Non-Lethal Firearm (Stunning/Disabling)
Weapons designed to incapacitate targets by dealing EM damage, draining their 'stun' meter rather than health. Useful for non-lethal takedowns or capturing ships. Includes Novalight pistol, Novablast Disruptor rifle.
High-tech weapons that deal both energy and physical damage simultaneously. Very effective against a wide range of targets. Includes Va'ruun Inflictor, Big Bang, Magshear, MagSniper. Uses specialized particle ammunition.
Various bladed and blunt weapons for close-quarters combat. Damage and speed vary by type. Some unique melee weapons have special properties.
Explosives (Grenades, Mines): Throwable/Deployable (Area of Effect)
Includes Frag Grenades, Incendiary Grenades, Impact Grenades, various types of Mines. Used for area denial, crowd control, or dealing heavy damage.
Unique & Legendary Weapons: Varied (Named Special Versions)
Special named versions of standard weapons with unique appearances and pre-set powerful enchantments (e.g., increased damage, elemental effects, special properties). Found as quest rewards, loot from powerful enemies, or in specific locations.
Armor / Gear Sets
Folk Opera Armor Set: A cosmetic armor set included in the Digital Deluxe Edition, consisting of the Folk Opera Mask, Folk Opera Almsgiving Armor, Folk Opera Leather Bracers, and Folk Opera Buskins. Provides a distinct visual style.
Various Equipment Pieces: Players can equip different pieces of gear that likely influence stats such as defense, resistances, or provide passive bonuses. The game features distinct slots for equipment like masks, armor, bracers, and buskins.
Spacesuits: The primary protective gear. Provides physical, energy, and EM damage resistance, as well as protection against environmental hazards (thermal, corrosive, airborne, radiation). Spacesuits have various stats, mod slots, mass, and value. Tiered from common to legendary with special perks.
Packs (Boost Packs): Equipped alongside spacesuits. Provide additional damage resistances and environmental protection. Crucially, they enable boosted jumps and short bursts of flight (jetpack functionality), essential for traversal. Can be modded for different boost types and stats. Tiered.
Helmets: Complete the spacesuit ensemble. Offer damage resistances and environmental protection, particularly for airborne hazards. Can be modded. Tiered.
Apparel (Underneath Spacesuit): Clothing items worn under the spacesuit when in hazardous environments, or as standalone outfits in safe, breathable locations (cities, ships, outposts). Apparel items can offer minor stat boosts (e.g., +persuasion chance, +O2 capacity) or perks. Huge variety of styles.
Armor Tiers & Quality (Common, Calibrated, Refined, Advanced, Superior / Legendary Perks): Spacesuits, Packs, and Helmets come in different quality tiers (e.g., Common, Calibrated, Refined, Advanced, Superior for base stats) and can also have up to three legendary perks (e.g., Chameleon, Incendiary, Sentinel) that provide powerful passive effects.
Outfits/Customization
Folk Opera Outfit: A full cosmetic outfit included in the Digital Deluxe Edition, comprising a Mask, Almsgiving Armor, Leather Bracers, and Buskins. Offers a unique traditional opera-inspired aesthetic.
Default Attire (The Destined One): The primary appearance of the player character. It's likely that other armor pieces or outfits can be found or crafted in the game, affecting both appearance and stats, though extensive cosmetic customization beyond distinct sets isn't confirmed as a major feature.
Apparel Sets (Outfits): Various complete outfits that can be worn in breathable environments (cities, ships, outposts). These range from casual wear (street clothes, corpo attire) to faction uniforms (UC SysDef, Freestar Ranger, Ryujin) and specialized clothing (miner gear, scientist outfits). Some provide minor perks or stat boosts.
Individual Apparel Pieces: While not as granular as some games, players can often find individual pieces like hats, glasses, or specific clothing items that can be mixed, though the primary 'armor' system revolves around the Spacesuit/Pack/Helmet combination.
Spacesuit Visuals: Different spacesuits, helmets, and packs have unique visual designs, reflecting their origin (e.g., UC Marine, Freestar Militia, Constellation, Pirate, Ecliptic Mercenary) or manufacturer. Players often choose these for their stats and perks, but aesthetics also play a role.
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Progression & Upgrades
Skills & Progression
N/A
Player progression uses a skill system divided into five trees: Physical, Social, Combat, Science, and Tech. Each skill has multiple ranks that are unlocked by spending skill points (earned by leveling up) and then completing in-game challenges related to that skill. Research projects at workbenches unlock new crafting recipes for weapon mods, suit/pack/helmet mods, outpost components, and chems/food. Powers, akin to space magic, are unlocked by finding and interacting with alien temples.
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World & Exploration
World & Level Design
Black Myth: Wukong is not an open-world game but features large, distinct levels divided into chapters, each with its own environmental theme (e.g., forests, deserts, snowy mountains). While levels offer branching paths and exploration, the overall progression is more linear, comparable in structure to games like Sekiro. The game does not provide a traditional player map, encouraging environmental observation. Fast travel is available via 'Keeper's Shrines' (checkpoints).
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Playable Vehicles
None (Traversal by Foot/Abilities)
Traversal in Black Myth: Wukong is primarily on foot, supplemented by the Destined One's acrobatic abilities, dodges, and potentially spells like 'Cloud Step'. There are no player-controlled vehicles in the traditional sense.
Player Starships (Various Manufacturers & Classes): Customizable Spacecraft (Primary Vehicle)
The player's primary means of interstellar travel, combat, and mobile base. Ships come in various classes (A, B, C - determining module compatibility and reactor power) from manufacturers like Stroud-Eklund, Deimos, Nova Galactic, Taiyo Astroneering, HopeTech. Can be heavily customized with different weapons (lasers, ballistics, missiles, particle beams, EM), shields, engines, grav drives, reactors, cargo holds, hab modules, and cosmetic parts. Can be stolen, bought, or awarded.
Boost Pack (Jetpack): Personal Traversal Gear
Equipped as part of the 'Pack' armor slot. Allows for boosted jumps, short bursts of flight, and maneuvering in low-gravity environments. Different types of boost packs offer varying thrust, duration, and control.
Ground Traversal (On Foot): Player Locomotion
Primary means of exploring planetary surfaces. Player movement includes walking, running, sprinting (uses O2), jumping, and using the boost pack. There are no player-controlled ground vehicles like rovers or bikes in the base game for planetary exploration.
Enemy/NPC Starships: AI Controlled Spacecraft
Various starships piloted by factions (UC, Freestar, Crimson Fleet, Spacers, Ecliptic, Va'ruun), traders, and civilians. Encountered in space for combat, piracy, or peaceful interactions.
Notable Fauna/Mounts
N/A
Ashta (Akila): Canid-like Predator
Hostile Apex Predator on Akila, resembles a wolf/hyena hybrid.
Terrormorph: Apex Xenomorph
Extremely Hostile, Powerful, and Feared Alien Creature, central to a major faction questline.
Predatory creatures found on many planets, ranging from pack hunters to solitary apex threats. Their aggression and abilities vary widely.
Floating Gas Bags / Filter Critters (Generic Procedural Aerial/Aquatic Fauna): Various Procedurally Generated Aerial/Aquatic Life
Creatures found flying in atmospheres or swimming in bodies of water on different planets. Some may be passive, others defensive.
Unique Handcrafted Creatures (Planet Specific): Various Named Species
Specific, named alien creatures found on handcrafted planets or involved in quests, with unique designs and behaviors (e.g., Kreet Stalker, Sirens of Titan).
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Story & Characters
Main Characters
The Destined One: Protagonist / Monkey Warrior
The main playable character, a skilled monkey warrior on a quest to uncover the truth behind the legend of Sun Wukong and the events of 'Journey to the West'. Wields a magical staff and can master various spells and transformations.
Sun Wukong (The Monkey King / Great Sage Equal to Heaven): Central Lore Figure / Legendary Hero
The iconic protagonist of 'Journey to the West'. In Black Myth: Wukong, his legend is central to the plot, and the Destined One's journey is deeply intertwined with Wukong's past and fate.
Erlang Shen (Yang Jian): Antagonist / Major Boss / Celestial General
A powerful deity from Chinese mythology, known for his third eye and formidable combat prowess. Appears as a major antagonist and challenging boss fight in the game.
Bull Demon King (Niu Mowang): Antagonist / Major Boss / Demon Lord
A powerful demon lord from 'Journey to the West', an old acquaintance turned adversary of Sun Wukong. Features as a significant boss with his own domain and storyline.
Red Boy (Hong Hai'er): Antagonist / Major Boss / Fire-wielding Demon
The son of the Bull Demon King and Princess Iron Fan, known for his mastery of Samadhi Fire. Appears as a challenging boss with a storyline connected to his parents.
Various Yaoguai (Demons & Monsters): Enemies / Bosses
A diverse bestiary of demons, monsters, and spirits (Yaoguai) drawn from Chinese folklore and 'Journey to the West', each with unique designs, abilities, and backstories. They serve as common enemies and challenging boss encounters.
Zhu Bajie (Pigsy - Mentioned/Implied): Supporting Character (from lore)
One of Sun Wukong's companions in 'Journey to the West'. While his direct prominent role in the game's plot for the 'Destined One' is less clear than Wukong's, he is a key figure from the source material.
Player Character ('The Captain' / 'Dusty'): Protagonist / Member of Constellation
A customizable character (appearance, background, traits) who starts as a miner for Argos Extractors. After touching a mysterious alien artifact, they experience visions and are recruited into Constellation, an organization of explorers seeking to unravel the universe's greatest mysteries.
Sarah Morgan: Ally / Companion / Chair of Constellation
The dedicated and composed leader of Constellation. A former UC Navy officer and navigator, she is driven by exploration and the pursuit of knowledge. One of the first main companions available.
Sam Coe: Ally / Companion / Constellation Member
A former Freestar Ranger and descendant of Solomon Coe, the founder of Akila City. He's an adventurous space cowboy type, accompanied by his young daughter, Cora Coe. Offers piloting and rifle certification skills.
Andreja: Ally / Companion / Constellation Member
A mysterious Constellation operative with a shadowy past and connections to House Va'ruun. She is pragmatic, skilled in stealth, particle beams, and has a guarded personality. Offers stealth and particle weapons skills.
Barrett: Ally / Companion / Constellation Member
An adventurous and eccentric Constellation scientist and explorer who first encounters the player at Argos Extractors. Known for his witty banter and engineering skills. Offers starship engineering and particle beam weapon skills.
Vasco: Ally / Companion / Constellation Robot
A modified expeditionary robot belonging to Constellation, one of the earliest companions. Loyal and capable, providing combat support and ship system bonuses. Offers Aneutronic Fusion, Shield Systems, and EM Weapon Systems skills for the ship.
The Hunter: Antagonist / Starborn
A powerful and relentless Starborn who believes in a 'survival of the fittest' approach to acquiring artifacts and reaching the Unity. Serves as a recurring, formidable antagonist.
The Emissary: Antagonist/Neutral Figure / Starborn
Another powerful Starborn who represents a more ordered or controlled approach to the Unity and the artifacts, often clashing with The Hunter and the player. Their identity is a key reveal.
Walter Stroud: Ally / Financier of Constellation
The co-owner of Stroud-Eklund, one of the major starship manufacturers, and the primary financial backer of Constellation. A pragmatic businessman with a keen interest in their discoveries.
Vladimir Sall: Ally / Constellation Member / Former Crimson Fleet Pirate
Resides on 'The Eye,' Constellation's space station. He helps locate temples and artifacts and has a colorful past as a pirate.
Leader of UC SysDef, dedicated to eradicating the Crimson Fleet. The player can choose to work with him or against him during the Crimson Fleet questline.
Delgado (Crimson Fleet): Faction Leader / Potential Ally or Antagonist
Leader of the Crimson Fleet pirates. The player can choose to infiltrate or genuinely join his faction.
Example Missions
The Destined One's Journey (Main Campaign)
A chapter-based main storyline where the player, as the Destined One, ventures through various mythical locations to uncover the truth behind Sun Wukong's legend and collect powerful relics. This involves navigating challenging environments, solving light puzzles, and defeating numerous enemies and powerful bosses inspired by 'Journey to the West'.
Yaoguai Hunts / Boss Battles
Confronting and defeating a wide array of Yaoguai (demons/monsters), including over 70-80 distinct boss encounters. Each boss typically has multiple phases and unique attack patterns, requiring strategic use of stances, spells, and transformations. Defeating them often yields new abilities (Spirit Skills) or key items.
Exploration and Secret Finding
Traversing large, detailed levels to discover hidden paths, optional boss fights, collectibles (like Meditation Spots, Curios, Gourds), lore entries, and upgrade materials. The game encourages thorough exploration of its distinct environments.
Mastering Abilities and Transformations
Acquiring and upgrading a variety of spells, staff stances, and transformation abilities. Certain encounters or environmental challenges may require specific abilities or transformations to overcome, encouraging experimentation and mastery of the available toolkit.
Main Questline (Constellation & The Artifacts)
A series of core story missions following the player's journey with Constellation to find and understand mysterious alien artifacts, leading to encounters with the Starborn and revelations about the universe and the Unity. This questline culminates in a major decision impacting the player's progression into New Game Plus.
Extensive, multi-part storylines associated with the major factions in the Settled Systems. Players can choose to join one or more of these factions (though some choices may have consequences for others). Each offers unique missions, characters, rewards, and moral dilemmas (e.g., UC Vanguard involves fighting Terrormorphs; Freestar Rangers act as space western lawmen; Ryujin Industries focuses on corporate espionage; Crimson Fleet involves piracy and a choice to betray or fully join them).
Companion Quests
Personal quests related to the four main Constellation companions (Sarah, Sam, Andreja, Barrett). Completing these deepens the relationship with the companion, reveals their backstory, and can lead to romance or commitment.
Side Missions (Activities & Miscellaneous Quests)
A vast number of smaller, optional quests found by exploring cities, settlements, space stations, or by overhearing conversations and reading slates. These range from simple fetch quests to more involved local stories, bounty hunting, or resolving minor conflicts.
Outpost Establishment & Resource Management
Missions or self-directed objectives related to building and managing outposts for resource extraction (mining minerals, harvesting flora/fauna, generating power) and crafting. This includes setting up cargo links between outposts.
Ship Combat & Bounty Hunting (Mission Board)
Engaging in space combat against pirates, spacers, or faction enemies. Players can take on bounty hunting missions from mission boards to track down and eliminate or capture wanted ships and individuals.
Planetary Survey & Exploration
Fully surveying planets by scanning all their unique flora, fauna, resources, and discovering all planetary traits. Survey data can be sold for credits. Exploration can also lead to finding hidden points of interest, caves, abandoned facilities, and unique encounters.
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Multiplayer
Multiplayer Details
Black Myth: Wukong is a single-player action RPG. There are no official multiplayer modes in the base game. A third-party multiplayer mod (WukongMP) has been developed by the community, offering unofficial PvP and planned co-op.
Starfield is a single-player only experience. It does not feature any cooperative or competitive multiplayer modes.
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Editions & DLC
Available Editions
Available editions include: Digital Standard Edition ($59.99 USD), Digital Deluxe Edition ($69.99 USD - includes base game, Bronzecloud Staff weapon, Folk Opera Mask, Folk Opera Almsgiving Armor, Folk Opera Leather Bracers, Folk Opera Buskins, Wind Chimes curio, and selected digital soundtrack). Physical Deluxe Edition (PC, $169 USD) and Collector's Edition (PC, $399 USD - includes a 40cm Wukong figurine) have also been available, though primarily for PC and potentially with regional limitations. Pre-order bonus was the Trailblazer's Scarlet Gourd.
Available in Standard Edition, Premium Edition (included 'Shattered Space' story expansion upon release, Constellation Skin Pack, digital artbook & soundtrack, and 5 days early access), and the Constellation Edition (physical collector's edition with a SteelBook display case, Constellation patch, Chronomark watch & case, credit stick with game code, and all Premium Edition digital content).
Post-Launch Content / DLC
An expansion for Black Myth: Wukong is reportedly in development. The game has received post-launch patches for performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features like DLSS 4.0 support and additional language options (e.g., Thai).
The first major story expansion, 'Shattered Space,' is confirmed and included in the Premium/Constellation Editions, expected in Fall 2024. Bethesda has also stated plans for ongoing support with new content, features, and official mod support (Creations).
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Black Myth: Wukong? A: Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG based on the classic Chinese novel 'Journey to the West'. Players control the 'Destined One,' a monkey warrior, and embark on a quest to uncover hidden truths, battling formidable foes using staff combat, spells, and transformations.
Q: When was Black Myth: Wukong released? A: Black Myth: Wukong was released on August 20, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and Windows (PC). The Xbox Series X/S version is planned for a later date.
Q: What platforms is Black Myth: Wukong available on? A: Currently, it's available on PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store). An Xbox Series X/S version is expected later. It's also playable via GeForce Now.
Q: What is the gameplay like in Black Myth: Wukong? A: It's a challenging Soulslike action RPG with a focus on third-person melee combat using a staff. Gameplay involves mastering different stances, utilizing a variety of spells, and transforming into powerful creatures or defeated enemies. It requires precise timing for attacks, dodges, and parries ('Rock Solid' spell).
Q: Is Black Myth: Wukong an open-world game? A: No, it is not a fully open-world game. It features large, distinct levels organized into chapters. While these levels offer exploration and branching paths, the overall structure is more linear. There is no traditional in-game map provided to the player.
Q: Is Black Myth: Wukong single-player or multiplayer? A: Black Myth: Wukong is a single-player only experience for the base game. There are no official multiplayer modes.
Q: What is the story based on? A: The story is deeply rooted in the 16th-century Chinese novel 'Journey to the West,' one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. It draws heavily from its characters, mythology, and themes.
Q: How many planets are in Starfield? A: Starfield features over 1,000 planets and moons across approximately 100 star systems that players can explore.
Q: Is Starfield a direct sequel to Fallout or Elder Scrolls? A: No, Starfield is a completely new intellectual property (IP) from Bethesda Game Studios, set in its own unique universe, distinct from their Fallout and The Elder Scrolls series.
Q: Can I fly my spaceship seamlessly from space to planet surfaces? A: While you can fly in space and select landing spots on planets from orbit, the transition from space to being on the planet surface (and vice-versa) involves a short loading screen/cutscene. You cannot manually pilot your ship through a planet's atmosphere down to the ground in a seamless manner like in some other space games.
Q: Is there base building in Starfield? A: Yes, players can establish and build Outposts on many planets and moons. These outposts can be used for resource extraction, crafting, storage, and as player homes. They can be customized with various modules, defenses, and crew assignments.
Q: How does spaceship customization work? A: Starfield features an extensive ship builder. Players can buy pre-built ships or heavily customize existing ones by adding, removing, and modifying various modules like cockpits, engines, weapons, shields, cargo holds, habs (living quarters), and structural components. Ships can also be painted and decorated.
Q: Are there aliens to interact with besides hostile creatures? A: The game focuses on human factions and the mystery of alien artifacts. While there is abundant alien flora and fauna, and enigmatic precursor alien technology, there are no sentient, spacefaring alien civilizations to interact with in the traditional sense (like in Mass Effect) within the base game, aside from the Starborn.
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Technical Details
Graphics & Visual Fidelity
Developed using Unreal Engine 5, Black Myth: Wukong is acclaimed for its stunning visual fidelity, highly detailed character models (especially fur rendering), breathtaking environments inspired by Chinese landscapes and art, realistic particle effects, and advanced lighting. It supports modern graphical technologies like NVIDIA DLSS and ray tracing (though ray tracing might be more optimized in post-launch patches).
Developed on Creation Engine 2, Starfield showcases Bethesda's 'NASA-Punk' art style, blending realistic near-future technology with rugged, functional designs. It features detailed planetary surfaces, diverse biomes, impressive lighting (especially in space and during sunrises/sets on planets), and detailed character/ship models. The scale of the universe and seamless transitions from space to planet (with a loading screen) are key visual aspects.
Audio & Soundtrack
The game features a rich soundtrack that blends traditional Chinese instrumentation with epic orchestral scores to create an atmospheric and immersive audio experience complementing the mythology and intense combat. Voice acting is available in Chinese (Mandarin) and English.
Original score composed by Inon Zur, featuring sweeping orchestral themes that evoke a sense of wonder, exploration, and epic adventure. Music is dynamic and adapts to gameplay situations. Sound design focuses on realistic weapon effects, spaceship sounds (engines, grav jumps, combat), and diverse alien creature vocalizations and environmental ambiances.
User Interface (UI/UX)
Features a clean and immersive UI typical of Soulslike action RPGs, focusing on combat information such as health, stamina (Focus), mana, equipped spells/abilities, and enemy status. Contextual prompts appear for interactions and special moves. No persistent mini-map is provided.
Features a clean, sci-fi 'NASA-Punk' aesthetic HUD displaying health, oxygen, ammo, and a compass. Menus for inventory (grid-based), skills, ship management, starmap, and missions are navigated through a wrist-mounted device interface. Scanning mode highlights resources, flora, fauna, and points of interest.
Accessibility Options
Specific accessibility options include customizable controls and support for various upscaling technologies (DLSS, FSR, XeSS) which can help players with performance. Further details on comprehensive accessibility features (e.g., advanced subtitle options, colorblind modes, gameplay modifiers) would require in-game review.
Includes options for subtitle customization (size, background, speaker names), control remapping (PC), adjustable text size, aim assist toggle, options to change hold-to-activate to a toggle, large menu fonts, and various gameplay settings to tweak difficulty and visual effects like motion blur and film grain.
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset, likely with FSR/DLSS Quality)(High Preset (FSR/DLSS Quality often needed for 60 FPS))
CPU: Recommended desktop CPU for 1080p at 60 FPS.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated mid-range to high-end laptop CPUs due to CPU intensity.
GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for 1080p at 60 FPS on High, often with upscaling.
GPU (Laptop): Estimated performance-focused laptop GPUs. 8GB VRAM is crucial.
RAM: 16GB RAM strongly recommended.
Storage: NVMe SSD strongly recommended.
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memoryCPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X or Intel Core i5-10600K
developer_boardGPU: AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (16GB) or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 (8GB) / RTX 3060 Ti (8GB)
laptop_macCPU (L): AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / Intel Core i7-11800H equivalent or better. **Modern Ryzen 7/9 HS/HX series or Intel Core i7/i9 H/HX series are ideal.**
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Mobile (8GB, High TGP) / RTX 4060 Mobile (8GB, High TGP) or AMD Radeon RX 6700M/6800S. **An RTX 3070 Ti Mobile or RTX 4070 Mobile would offer a more consistent 60 FPS+ at 1080p High.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 125 GB NVMe SSD
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (Target: 1080p, High settings, ~60 FPS, potentially with upscaling)(High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS on 'Quality' or 'Balanced') likely beneficial for stable 60 FPS.)
CPU: Recommended desktop CPU for a balanced experience.
CPU (Laptop): Provides a solid CPU foundation for 1080p High settings and can handle higher framerates without significant bottlenecking. Good thermal performance is key.
GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for 1080p High.
GPU (Laptop): Targets a consistent ~60 FPS at 1080p High settings. **Higher TGP variants are critical for the RTX 3060 Laptop to achieve this.** 8GB VRAM (as on RTX 4060 Laptop or RX 6600M/6700M) is strongly preferred for this tier to handle higher texture settings and future demands. Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS on 'Quality' or 'Balanced') is highly recommended to maintain smooth framerates and visual fidelity.
RAM: 16GB RAM recommended, ensure it's in a fast dual-channel configuration.
Storage: An SSD is essential at this tier. An NVMe SSD will offer the best loading times and asset streaming.
memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 5 5500
developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 (6GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8GB) or INTEL Arc A750 (8GB)
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop (6GB, crucial to have 90-115W+ TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop (8GB, most TGP variants perform well); OR AMD Radeon RX 6600M (8GB), AMD Radeon RX 6700M (10GB), AMD Radeon RX 7600S/7700S. For 1440p at Medium settings, these GPUs with aggressive upscaling are a starting point.
CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for 1080p at lower settings.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU equivalent. Game is very CPU heavy.
GPU: Minimum desktop GPU for 1080p at lower settings.
GPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop GPUs. 6GB+ VRAM highly recommended even at 1080p.
RAM: Minimum RAM requirement.
Storage: SSD is mandatory.
—
memoryCPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K
developer_boardGPU: AMD Radeon RX 5700 (8GB) or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti (8GB)
laptop_macCPU (L): AMD Ryzen 5 4600H / Intel Core i5-10500H equivalent or better. **A Ryzen 5 5600H / i5-11400H would be a more realistic minimum due to CPU demands.**
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile (6GB) / RTX 3050 Ti Mobile (4GB, High TGP) or AMD Radeon RX 6600M. **An RTX 3060 Mobile or RTX 4050 Mobile (High TGP) is strongly advised for a more stable 1080p Low/Medium experience.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 125 GB SSD
1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (Target: 1080p, Low settings, ~30-60 FPS with upscaling)(Low Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS on 'Performance' or 'Balanced') strongly recommended.)
CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for baseline playability.
CPU (Laptop): Ensures the CPU isn't a major bottleneck for the minimum-tier GPU at 1080p. Focus on sustained clock speeds and adequate cooling for the laptop chassis.
GPU: Minimum desktop GPU for 1080p Low.
GPU (Laptop): Targets ~30-60 FPS at 1080p Low settings. **Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS on 'Performance' or 'Balanced') will be essential for a smoother and more consistent experience.** 6GB VRAM is highly recommended as 4GB VRAM cards (like some GTX 1650 Mobile variants or lower-end RX 6500M) will face significant limitations with textures, stability, and may not provide an acceptable experience. Performance heavily depends on the specific laptop's TGP and cooling effectiveness.
RAM: Minimum RAM requirement, dual channel configuration is critical for performance.
Storage: HDD is technically possible at minimum, but an SSD is very strongly recommended for significantly better loading times and overall game fluidity.
laptop_macCPU (L): AMD Ryzen 7 6800HS/HX / Intel Core i7-12700H or better. **Modern Ryzen 9 HS/HX series or Intel Core i9 H/HX series are optimal.**
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Mobile (10GB/16GB, High TGP) / RTX 4070 Mobile (8GB, High TGP) or AMD Radeon RX 6800M/6850M XT. **An RTX 3080 Ti Mobile or RTX 4080 Mobile (12GB+) would provide a much smoother 1440p High/Ultra experience.**
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Mobile (12GB, Max TGP) / RTX 4090 Mobile (16GB, Max TGP). **Even the RTX 4090 Mobile will rely heavily on DLSS (Performance/Ultra Performance) for 4K High settings at ~60FPS. A hypothetical next-gen flagship (e.g., RTX 5080/5090 Mobile or AMD equivalent) would be targeted for a more comfortable native 4K experience or higher framerates with advanced features. (Highly Speculative)**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 125 GB NVMe SSD
save Overall Storage
Spec: 130 GB available space (SSD Recommended, NVMe SSD for Ultra/Optimal Experience) Note: An SSD is highly recommended for good loading times, reduced texture pop-in, and smoother overall gameplay. For Ultra settings or the best possible experience, an NVMe SSD is preferable due to higher bandwidth. Type: NVMe
Spec: 125 GB available space (SSD Required). Note: An NVMe SSD is strongly recommended for the best experience due to asset streaming and load times. Type: SSD
desktop_windows Operating System
Spec: Windows 10 64-bit or newer (Latest Update) Explanation: 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 with the latest service packs and updates is required.
Spec: Windows 10 version 21H1 (10.0.19043) or Windows 11 Explanation: 64-bit Windows 10 (specified version or newer) or Windows 11 required.
gamepad DirectX Version
N/A
Spec: DirectX 12 Explanation: DirectX 12 API is required.
info_outline Other Game Notes
Official PC system requirements for 'Black Myth: Wukong'. Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, driver versions, and in-game settings. An SSD is strongly recommended for optimal performance. DLSS/FSR/XeSS are supported and recommended for higher settings or resolutions.
Laptop Performance Note: Black Myth: Wukong is a graphically demanding title. Achieving a smooth and visually appealing experience on a laptop requires a powerful, modern gaming laptop. Laptop GPUs, even those sharing a model name with desktop counterparts (e.g., 'RTX 4070'), typically operate at lower power levels (TGP - Total Graphics Power) and are subject to chassis thermal constraints, resulting in different performance. The details below provide estimated laptop component tiers, but **actual performance can vary significantly based on the specific laptop model's TGP, cooling solution, CPU, RAM, and even software configuration (e.g., performance modes, drivers).** It is crucial to research reviews of specific laptop models if you are targeting optimal performance in this game.
Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P Impact: The Total Graphics Power (TGP) allocated to a laptop GPU is a primary determinant of its performance. For example, an RTX 3060 Laptop GPU can range from 60W to 115W+, with higher wattages delivering substantially more power. Always aim for laptops specifying higher TGP values for their GPUs if Black Myth: Wukong is a priority. Check manufacturer specifications and reviews.
Laptop Consideration: Advanced Cooling Thermals: Sustained high performance generates significant heat. Laptops with advanced cooling systems (e.g., vapor chambers, multiple heat pipes, high-airflow fans, liquid metal anointment) are better equipped to prevent thermal throttling, which can severely reduce framerates during long gaming sessions. Ensure good airflow around the laptop and consider a cooling pad.
Laptop Consideration: C P U Performance Sustain: While the GPU is often the main bottleneck, a capable CPU (e.g., Intel Core H/HX series, AMD Ryzen HS/HX series from recent generations) that can maintain its boost clocks without significant power or thermal throttling is essential to feed the GPU frames efficiently, especially in a game with complex AI and potentially CPU-intensive physics or world streaming.
Laptop Consideration: R A M Configuration Speed: Beyond capacity (16GB minimum, 32GB recommended for higher settings), ensure the RAM is running in a dual-channel configuration. RAM speed (e.g., DDR4-3200MHz vs DDR5-4800MHz+ or higher) can also provide noticeable performance benefits in CPU-bound scenarios or for overall system responsiveness and reduced stuttering.
Laptop Consideration: Display Panel G P U Pairing: Consider the laptop's display resolution (1080p, 1440p, 4K) and refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz+). A high-refresh-rate panel is desirable for smoother motion, but the GPU must be powerful enough to drive frames at that rate at your desired settings. A GPU suitable for 1080p might struggle significantly at 1440p native resolution on a laptop without aggressive upscaling.
Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: Laptops equipped with a MUX switch or supporting NVIDIA Advanced Optimus allow the dedicated GPU to connect directly to the internal display, bypassing the integrated graphics. This can provide a significant performance uplift (typically 5-15%, sometimes more in certain titles) by reducing latency and ensuring the dGPU's full potential is utilized.
Laptop Consideration: Driver Updates O S Optimization: Always use the latest official GPU drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel for optimal performance, bug fixes, and game-specific profiles. Ensure Windows is updated and configured for gaming performance (e.g., Game Mode enabled, appropriate power plans selected, background applications minimized).
Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS. Utilizing these upscaling technologies is highly recommended across all tiers, especially on laptops, to achieve target framerates while maintaining good visual quality, particularly at resolutions above 1080p or when enabling demanding features like Ray Tracing.
Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Effects Quality, Anti-Aliasing, Ray Tracing settings (if applicable), and Foliage/View Distance significantly impact performance. Fine-tuning these settings in conjunction with upscaling is key to a good experience.
Game Name: Black Myth: Wukong
Official system requirements from Bethesda. Performance can vary significantly depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game, and background applications. An SSD is MANDATORY. The game is known to be CPU intensive.
Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs may work if their performance is comparable, but TGP (Total Graphics Power) and cooling are extremely critical for this demanding title. **Starfield is a very graphically and CPU intensive game; high-end laptop hardware is required for enjoyable experiences, especially at higher resolutions/settings. Upscaling is highly recommended.**
Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better, as Starfield is CPU-bound in many scenarios.
Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM (DDR5 preferred) significantly benefits performance.
Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.
Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 2 (FSR 2). NVIDIA DLSS support was added via official patch; DLSS 3 Frame Generation is also supported if your GPU allows. Intel XeSS may be available via mod or future update.
Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Shadow Quality, Volumetric Lighting, Crowd Density, GTAO Quality, Grass Quality, Motion Blur, and Dynamic Resolution (if not using fixed FSR/DLSS percentages) heavily impact performance. Render Resolution Scale is the primary tool for performance tuning.
Game Name: Starfield
build Optimization Details
Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS. Utilizing these upscaling technologies is highly recommended across all tiers, especially on laptops, to achieve target framerates while maintaining good visual quality, particularly at resolutions above 1080p or when enabling demanding features like Ray Tracing.
Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Effects Quality, Anti-Aliasing, Ray Tracing settings (if applicable), and Foliage/View Distance significantly impact performance. Fine-tuning these settings in conjunction with upscaling is key to a good experience.
Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 2 (FSR 2). NVIDIA DLSS support was added via official patch; DLSS 3 Frame Generation is also supported if your GPU allows. Intel XeSS may be available via mod or future update.
Key Settings Impact: Shadow Quality, Volumetric Lighting, Crowd Density, GTAO Quality, Grass Quality, Motion Blur, and Dynamic Resolution (if not using fixed FSR/DLSS percentages) heavily impact performance. Render Resolution Scale is the primary tool for performance tuning.
laptop Laptop Considerations
G P U T G P Impact: The Total Graphics Power (TGP) allocated to a laptop GPU is a primary determinant of its performance. For example, an RTX 3060 Laptop GPU can range from 60W to 115W+, with higher wattages delivering substantially more power. Always aim for laptops specifying higher TGP values for their GPUs if Black Myth: Wukong is a priority. Check manufacturer specifications and reviews.
Advanced Cooling Thermals: Sustained high performance generates significant heat. Laptops with advanced cooling systems (e.g., vapor chambers, multiple heat pipes, high-airflow fans, liquid metal anointment) are better equipped to prevent thermal throttling, which can severely reduce framerates during long gaming sessions. Ensure good airflow around the laptop and consider a cooling pad.
C P U Performance Sustain: While the GPU is often the main bottleneck, a capable CPU (e.g., Intel Core H/HX series, AMD Ryzen HS/HX series from recent generations) that can maintain its boost clocks without significant power or thermal throttling is essential to feed the GPU frames efficiently, especially in a game with complex AI and potentially CPU-intensive physics or world streaming.
R A M Configuration Speed: Beyond capacity (16GB minimum, 32GB recommended for higher settings), ensure the RAM is running in a dual-channel configuration. RAM speed (e.g., DDR4-3200MHz vs DDR5-4800MHz+ or higher) can also provide noticeable performance benefits in CPU-bound scenarios or for overall system responsiveness and reduced stuttering.
Display Panel G P U Pairing: Consider the laptop's display resolution (1080p, 1440p, 4K) and refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz+). A high-refresh-rate panel is desirable for smoother motion, but the GPU must be powerful enough to drive frames at that rate at your desired settings. A GPU suitable for 1080p might struggle significantly at 1440p native resolution on a laptop without aggressive upscaling.
M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: Laptops equipped with a MUX switch or supporting NVIDIA Advanced Optimus allow the dedicated GPU to connect directly to the internal display, bypassing the integrated graphics. This can provide a significant performance uplift (typically 5-15%, sometimes more in certain titles) by reducing latency and ensuring the dGPU's full potential is utilized.
Driver Updates O S Optimization: Always use the latest official GPU drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel for optimal performance, bug fixes, and game-specific profiles. Ensure Windows is updated and configured for gaming performance (e.g., Game Mode enabled, appropriate power plans selected, background applications minimized).
G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better, as Starfield is CPU-bound in many scenarios.
R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM (DDR5 preferred) significantly benefits performance.
M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.
info_outline
Laptop recommendations are estimates based on available component benchmarks and game requirements.
Actual performance may vary depending on settings, drivers, cooling, power limits, etc.
Prices and availability subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.