Yes, Black Myth: Wukong is worth playing in 2026 if you enjoy spectacular boss fights, a striking take on Chinese mythology and a fully finished single-player game with no live-service extras. It is now on PS5, PC and Xbox Series X|S, has kept receiving fixes since launch and is one of the most awarded action games of the decade.

It is not for everyone, though. The difficulty is fixed, the levels are fairly linear and there is no traditional map. Below we cover what the game is, where to buy it, and who will love it or bounce off. Prices and platform details were checked in November 2026.

Official Black Myth: Wukong screenshot of a battle against a giant enemy
Boss battles are the heart of Black Myth: Wukong. Image: Game Science

What is Black Myth: Wukong?

Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG from Chinese studio Game Science, inspired by the classic novel Journey to the West. You play the Destined One, a monkey warrior who fights gods, demons and spirits across six chapters while uncovering the truth behind the legend of Sun Wukong.

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Combat revolves around the staff, three stances, magic spells and transformations into defeated enemies. It borrows ideas from soulslikes, such as rest points and tough bosses, but it is faster and more cinematic, with a stronger focus on dodging than blocking.

The game was a phenomenon at launch in August 2024: Game Science sold more than 10 million copies in three days. It later won Best Action Game and the Players' Voice award at The Game Awards 2024, Ultimate Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards 2024 and Game of the Year at the 2024 Steam Awards.

Black Myth: Wukong platforms, price and editions

  • PS5: out since August 20, 2024. The official PlayStation page lists it as PS5 Pro Enhanced, with offline play and Remote Play.
  • PC: available on Steam and other stores since the same day.
  • Xbox Series X|S: arrived on August 20, 2025, exactly one year later.

The standard edition has an official price of $59.99 in the U.S. (checked November 2026), and a Deluxe Edition with extra digital items is also sold. The game has been discounted in store sales since mid-2025, so it is worth checking for a deal. There is no Nintendo Switch 2 version.

Voice acting is in Chinese and English, and on-screen text supports many languages, including Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, French, German and Japanese. Many players recommend the Chinese audio with subtitles for the most authentic experience.

Official Black Myth: Wukong screenshot of a temple environment
Each chapter draws on a different region and set of myths from Journey to the West. Image: Game Science

What makes Black Myth: Wukong worth it

  • Boss design: the roster of bosses is huge and varied, from giant beasts to duels with other mythic warriors.
  • Art and setting: few games portray Chinese temples, forests and myths with this level of detail.
  • A complete package: no microtransactions, no online requirement and no battle pass. You buy it once and get the whole game.
  • Post-launch polish: Game Science kept releasing fixes, including a January 2026 patch that addressed PC upscaling, PS5 performance-mode tearing and several crashes.

Common complaints to know before you buy

The game has no difficulty settings, so some bosses can be a wall for newcomers. Levels are mostly linear, with invisible boundaries that frustrate players expecting open-world freedom, and there is no in-game map to guide you. Story moments can also be cryptic if you do not know Journey to the West.

None of these is a deal-breaker for genre fans, but if you want a relaxed adventure or a sprawling open world, there are better choices.

Tips for your first hours in Black Myth: Wukong

  1. Learn to dodge first. Most early deaths come from greedy attacks. A well-timed dodge is your main defensive tool.
  2. Try all three stances. Each one changes how heavy attacks work, and switching to the one that fits a boss can make a fight much easier.
  3. Use your spells and transformations. Immobilize-style spells and spirit summons are not optional extras; they are built into the boss design.
  4. Explore side paths. Optional areas hide extra bosses, upgrade materials and some of the best fights in the game.
  5. Step away from a wall. If a boss blocks you, go back, level up, upgrade gear and return. There is no shame in it, and it is often the intended solution.
Official Black Myth: Wukong screenshot of the Destined One facing an enemy
Dodging, stances and spells matter more than blocking. Image: Game Science

Who should play Black Myth: Wukong (and who should skip it)

Play it if you enjoyed Sekiro, God of War or Phantom Blade Zero, you like learning boss patterns, or you want a big, finished single-player game with no extra purchases.

Skip it if you need an easy mode, prefer open-world exploration or mainly play co-op or online games.

FAQ

Is there Black Myth: Wukong DLC?

No expansion has been officially announced as of November 2026. Game Science's next project is a new game, Black Myth: Zhong Kui, revealed at Gamescom in August 2025 without a release date.

Is Black Myth: Wukong multiplayer?

No. It is a single-player game and can be played fully offline.

Is it a soulslike?

Partly. It shares the challenge and checkpoint structure, but it is more linear and action-focused. If you want more options, see our best soulslike games, the record launch of Phantom Blade Zero and our list of the best PS5 games.