How Long is Black Myth Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong is one of the most anticipated action RPGs in recent years, blending stunning visuals, challenging combat, and deep storytelling. The renowned Chinese tale Journey to the West served as inspiration. As excitement around the game grows, many players are asking a simple but essential question: how long is black myth wukong

Whether you’re a casual gamer who just wants to experience the main storyline or a completionist aiming to uncover every secret and achievement, knowing the expected playtime can help you plan your Journey. In this guide, we’ll break down the average length of Black Myth: Wukong, covering the main Story, side quests, and full completion, while also comparing it to similar Soulslike titles.

Understanding the Scope of Black Myth: Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong is a linear action RPG with Soulslike elements, set in a semi-open world divided into six distinct chapters. Each chapter offers a mix of main story quests, challenging boss fights, and optional content like side quests, hidden areas, and collectables. Unlike sprawling open-world titles like Elden Ring, Wukong strikes a balance between linearity and exploration, allowing players to venture off the beaten path without overwhelming them with an excessively vast map.

The Game’s length varies based on how you approach it. Are you a speedrunner focused solely on the main narrative? A casual player who enjoys some exploration? Or a completionist determined to uncover every secret? Below, we’ll explore the estimated playtimes for different playstyles, backed by insights from reputable sources like HowLongToBeat, GamesRadar+, and PC Gamer, while providing a detailed breakdown to help you plan your Journey.

Main Story Playthrough: 20–30 Hours

If your goal is to experience the core narrative of Black Myth: Wukong following the Journey of the Destined One through its six chapters, a main story playthrough typically takes 20–30 hours. This estimate assumes you focus primarily on the main quests, engage minimally with side content, and have some familiarity with action RPGs or Soulslike mechanics.

What to Expect in a Main Story Run

• Core Narrative Focus: You’ll follow the critical path, tackling mandatory bosses and progressing through the Story without delving into optional areas or quests. The Game’s six chapters, Black Wind Mountain, Yellow Wind Ridge, The New West, The Webbed Hollow, Flaming Mountains, and Mount Huagou, each take roughly 3–5 hours if you stick to the main objectives.
• Boss Fights: Wukong features numerous boss encounters, some of which can be challenging, especially for players new to the genre. However, the Game is designed to be more forgiving than traditional Soulslikes, with fewer punishing mechanics and more accessible checkpoints (shrines). A skilled player might spend 30–60 minutes per major boss, while others may need multiple attempts, adding to the total time.
• Minimal Exploration: By skipping side quests, optional bosses, and hidden areas, you’ll bypass much of the Game’s optional content, which significantly reduces playtime. For example, secret areas like those unlocked by ringing bells in Chapter 1 can be ignored to save time.

Sources and Estimates

According to HowLongToBeat, focusing on the main objectives takes about 38 hours on average. However, experienced players can complete it in as little as 20–25 hours if they’re efficient with boss fights and navigation. Other sources, like Charlie INTEL and GameWitted, suggest a slightly shorter main story length of 15–25 hours, particularly for players who rush through without dying frequently. However, these lower estimates are based on early previews or leaks, and hands-on reviews from outlets like PC Gamer align more closely with 25–30 hours for a focused playthrough, accounting for the Game’s pacing and occasional navigation challenges.how long to beat black myth wukong

Tips for a Main Story Run

• Prioritise Combat Skills: Invest in abilities that enhance your damage output and survivability, such as stamina management and dodge-focused skills, to breeze through boss fights.
• Use Shrines Wisely: Shrines act as checkpoints for fast travel and upgrades. Regularly return to them to level up and avoid losing progress.
• Avoid Distractions: Skip optional paths and NPCs offering side quests to stay on track. For example, ignore the Man-in-Stone quest in Chapter 2 to save time.

Standard Playthrough: 30–40 Hours

For most players, a standard playthrough that balances the main Story with some exploration and side content is the sweet spot, taking 30–40 hours. This approach allows you to enjoy the Game’s rich world, engage with some optional bosses and side quests, and experience a more complete version of Black Myth: Wukong without committing to every collectable or secret.

What to Expect in a Standard Playthrough

• Main Story + Side Content: You’ll complete the main quests while tackling some optional bosses, side quests (like the Man-in-Stone or Boar quests), and exploring semi-hidden areas. These activities add depth to the Story and provide rewards like upgraded gear or skills.
• Exploration: The Game’s semi-open levels encourage exploration, with branching paths, hidden chests, and secret areas. For instance, ringing bells in Chapter 1 unlocks a secret location, adding an hour or two to your playtime. Chapters like The New West (Chapter 3) are exceptionally expansive,  black myth wukong how many chapters with multiple sub-areas that can extend playtime if explored thoroughly.
• Boss Challenges: Optional bosses are often more demanding than story-required ones, increasing playtime if you struggle or spend time upgrading your character. The Game’s combat pacing means regular enemies pose little threat, but bosses can still demand practice and strategy.

Sources and Estimates

GamesRadar+ and VideoGamer estimate a standard playthrough at 30–35 hours, assuming you engage with a mix of primary and side content. Game8 suggests 35–40 hours for a full story playthrough, including time spent on optional bosses and moderate exploration. HowLongToBeat reports an average of 49 hours for “Main + Extras,” but this includes players who explore more thoroughly, so a standard run typically falls closer to 30–40 hours for most.

Tips for a Standard Playthrough

• Balance Exploration and Progress: Explore each chapter’s main areas, but avoid getting lost in every nook and cranny. Use online guides to find key side quests, like the Fox quest, for rewarding content without wasting time.
• Upgrade Strategically: Focus on upgrading weapons and abilities that suit your playstyle, such as staff combos or spirit transformations, to handle both Story and optional bosses efficiently.
• Learn Boss Patterns: Spend time learning boss attack patterns, is black myth wukong open world  especially for optional fights like Yellow Wind Sage, to minimise retries and keep your playtime manageable.

Completionist Playthrough: 40–67 Hours

For players who want to see everything Black Myth: Wukong has to offer, every boss, collectable, secret, and achievement, a completionist run can take 40–67 hours,  Black Myth with some players reporting up to 100 hours for an exhaustive playthrough. This approach involves scouring every chapter for hidden content, defeating all optional bosses, and unlocking all trophies or achievements.

What to Expect in a Completionist Run

• All Content: You’ll tackle every side quest, defeat all optional bosses (including challenging ones like Erlang or the Four Heavenly Kings), collect every item (e.g., Buddha’s Eyeballs), and uncover all secret areas. This includes obscure side quests and hidden collectables that require thorough exploration or backtracking.
• Extended Chapters: Some chapters, like Chapter 3’s The New West, have multiple endings or branching paths that extend playtime. Backtracking to previous areas for missed items or upgrades also adds hours.
• Challenging Fights: Optional bosses and secret areas often feature the Game’s toughest challenges, requiring multiple attempts and potentially forcing you to grind for upgrades or resources like Will and Sparks.
• New Game Plus: After completing the Game, New Game Plus mode allows you to replay with carried-over skills and gear against more formidable enemies,  black myth wukong chapters  potentially adding 20–30 hours for a second playthrough.

Sources and Estimates

HowLongToBeat reports an average of 68 hours for a completionist run, with some players taking up to 111 hours for 100% completion. GamesRadar+ and GameWitted suggest 40–50+ hours, while ExitLag estimates 40+ hours for a completionist run, noting that hidden content and tough bosses significantly extend playtime. How Long to Beat Assassin’s Creed Shadows  PC Gamer notes that thorough exploration and obscure side quests can push the total closer to 40 hours. Still, players aiming for every achievement may exceed 50–67 hours, is black myth wukong hard  especially if they struggle with navigation or combat.

Tips for a Completionist Run

• Use Guides: Leverage online resources like IGN’s Black Myth: Wukong guide or Game8’s walkthroughs to locate hidden collectables, secret areas, and missable content like the Purple Seal Doors or Buddha’s Eyeballs.
• Master Combat: Invest in a versatile skill build to handle the Game’s most challenging bosses. Spirit transformations and stance changes can make even the most difficult fights more manageable.
• Backtrack Strategically: Revisit earlier chapters after unlocking new abilities or checkpoints to access previously inaccessible areas. For example, Chapter 1’s secret area requires specific actions to unlock.
• Plan for New Game Plus: If you’re aiming for 100% completion, consider New Game Plus to tackle remaining achievements or collectables with upgraded gear.

Factors That Influence Playtime

The following variables may impact how long it takes to finish Black Myth: Wukong, regardless of your playstyle:

• Player Skill Level: Experienced Soulslike players will progress faster through combat and navigation, potentially shaving hours off their playtime. Newer players may spend more time learning mechanics or retrying boss fights.
• Exploration Habits: The Game rewards exploration with hidden items, Exclusive Access: Unveiling The Best Pixel Piece Private Server Codes  lore, and bosses, but thorough exploration can double your playtime compared to a linear run.
• Difficulty of Bosses: While Wukong is less punishing than traditional Soulslikes, some bosses (especially optional ones) can be time-consuming if you struggle with their patterns.
• Navigation Skills: The Game’s semi-open levels can be disorienting, and poor navigation may lead to wasted time, as noted by PC Gamer’s reviewer, who lost hours due to a bad sense of direction.
• Side Content Engagement: Engaging with side quests, optional bosses, and secrets significantly extends playtime, especially for completionists.

Chapter Breakdown and Pacing

Black Myth: There are six chapters in Wukong. With unique environments, bosses, and challenges. Here’s a rough estimate of how long each chapter might take in a standard playthrough (30–40 hours total):

• Chapter 1: Black Wind Mountain (4–6 hours): A relatively straightforward chapter with a secret area unlocked by ringing bells.
• Chapter 2: Yellow Wind Ridge (4–6 hours): Introduces more complex exploration and optional bosses like Yellow Wind Sage.
• Chapter 3: The New West (6–8 hours): One of the longest chapters, with multiple sub-areas and branching paths.
• Chapter 4: The Webbed Hollow (4–6 hours): Focuses on tighter, Everything You Need To Know About The New Fortnite Season  more linear areas but includes challenging optional content.
• Chapter 5: Flaming Mountains (4–6 hours): Features intense boss fights and moderate exploration.
• Chapter 6: Mount Huagou (3–5 hours): The final chapter, with a focus on concluding the Story and facing the final boss.

These estimates assume a standard playthrough with some exploration. Completionists may spend 1–2 hours more per chapter, while leading story runners can cut these times by 1–2 hours.

New Game Plus and Replayability

Once you complete Black Myth: Wukong, you can dive into New Game Plus, which carries over your skills and gear while increasing enemy difficulty. This mode can add 20–30 hours to your total playtime, depending on how much you replay. While individual chapters can’t be replayed, you can revisit areas within a playthrough to collect missed items, making New Game Plus ideal for completionists or those seeking a more formidable challenge.

Is Black Myth: Wukong Worth the Time?

At 20–67 hours (or more with New Game Plus), Black Myth: Wukong offers a substantial experience that accommodates a variety of players. Its length is comparable to other action RPGs like God of War (20–40 hours) or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (30–70 hours), making it a worthwhile investment for fans of the genre. The Game’s stunning visuals, engaging combat, and rich mythology ensure that every hour spent feels rewarding, whether you’re rushing through the Story or scouring every corner for secrets.

Why It’s Worth Playing

• Immersive Story: Rooted in Chinese mythology, the narrative is both epic and accessible, with moments of reflection that balance the intense action.
• Polished Combat: The Game’s combat is fluid and rewarding, blending Soulslike challenge with more forgiving mechanics.
• Exploration Rewards: Hidden areas, optional bosses, Unleashing The Power Of Arceus X: A Deep Dive Into The Ultimate Pokem  and collectables add depth and replayability, making exploration feel meaningful.
• Visual Spectacle: From lush forests to fiery mountains, the Game’s environments are a visual treat, encouraging you to take your time.

Conclusion

So, how long is Black Myth: Wukong? A main story playthrough takes 20–30 hours, a standard playthrough with some exploration clocks in at 30–40 hours, and a completionist run ranges from 40–67 hours, with some players pushing past 100 hours for total mastery. Your playtime will depend on your skill level, exploration habits, and willingness to tackle optional content. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated completionist, Black Myth: Wukong offers a rich, rewarding experience that justifies its runtime.

To make the most of your Journey, decide your playstyle early, use guides for obscure content, and embrace the Game’s challenging yet accessible mechanics. For more tips, check out IGN’s Black Myth: Wukong guides or Game8’s walkthroughs to navigate its world efficiently. Now, grab your staff, channel the Destined One, and dive into this mythical adventure!

FAQ

How long does it take to beat the central Story of Black Myth: Wukong?

On average, players can expect the main Story to take around 20–30 hours, depending on skill level and playstyle.

How many hours does it take to 100% complete the game?

For completionists aiming to finish all side quests, defeat hidden bosses, and collect every item, a complete run may take 40–60+ hours.

Is Black Myth: Wukong longer than Sekiro or Elden Ring?

It’s similar in length to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, but shorter than massive open-world games like Elden Ring.

Does the difficulty affect how long the game takes?

Yes. Players new to Soulslike combat may take longer due to challenging bosses and mechanics, while experienced players may finish faster.

Is there replay value after completing the game once?

Definitely. With multiple playstyles, hidden content, and the possibility of trying new builds, Black Myth: Wukong encourages replayability.