One of the major barriers to entry inBlack Myth: Wukongis the difficulty of the boss fights, such as Shingadang in Chapter 2, or the main antagonist and final boss, Erlang Shen. With thenew features in December’s patch update,it isn’t out of the question for future updates to include even more features or tweaks. While adding maps to the game seemed like a universally welcomed addition among players, adding difficulty settings would certainly be more divisive.
While there have been no announcements about including difficulty settings as a patch in the future, it’s worth considering the impact this might have on the player experience and whether it would ultimately improve or detract fromBlack Myth: Wukong. On the one hand, adjustments to difficulty would allow more leniency, possibly bringing in a wider audience originally deterred by difficult bosses. On the other hand, thechallenge ofBlack Myth: Wukongforces players to learn the game mechanics and experiment with effective combinations.
Black Myth: Wukong Can Be More Difficult Than It Needs To Be
Challenging Bosses Are Divisive For New Players
Depending on the player,Black Myth: Wukongcan be much more challenging than it needs to be, aseach boss requires a slightly different strategyand can be extremely frustrating if under-leveled. It’s important to gather as much experience as possible throughout the Destined One’s journey.
Black Myth: Wukong’sdifficulty might turn some players off from the game, but this same feature might be what keeps other players engaged
If players have not allocated Spark points properly or developed a particular skill enough, they will be at a serious disadvantage against the major bosses in each Chapter. To add to this difficulty,challenging secret bosses are hiddenaround every corner and can be very tough, especially on the first playthrough.
All New Features Added In The Black Myth: Wukong Patch Update (December 2024)
The recent Black Myth: Wukong patch introduces new gameplay features, including Challenges, a map, new armor, and new music library functions.
However, compared to games with similar combat styles such asSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Rise of Ronin, orElden Ring, the bosses inBlack Myth: Wukongdo not feel quite as insurmountable. Gaining experience to prepare for tougher bosses is less tedious.
Black Myth: Wukong’sdifficulty might turn some players off from the game, butthis same feature might be what keeps other players engaged.Arguably, adding difficulty settings would defeat the purpose of the boss-rush style of gameplay and would make Spark investment less impactful on the Destined One’s abilities.
Pros Of Adding Difficulty Settings In Black Myth: Wukong
Difficulty Settings Would Make Black Myth: Wukong More Approachable
Adding difficulty settings would remove a barrier of entry for new players who don’t have the time and/or patience to take on bosses multiple times in order to learn the move set for each one. Ultimately, it would makecompleting the game much easier and manageable for a larger audience.
On the flip-side, it would add a layer of additional challenge with a higher difficulty setting than what exists now (i.e. some form of “nightmare” mode). Creating an easier mode for casual players or for those only interested in the narrative would also enable more players to experience the story in its entirety.
All New Rare Treasures Included In Black Myth: Wukong’s Latest Patch (December 2024)
Black Myth: Wukong’s new patch, released in December 2024, includes rare treasures and rewards for completing challenges in the two new modes.
Both higher and lower difficulty settings would be a net gain and makeBlack Myth: Wukongmore approachable. Easier bosses equate to a more enjoyable, inviting gameplay experience with lower stress, and would enable players to set the game down for a time without feeling like they need to re-learn everything when they pick it back up again. Alternatively, pushing the difficulty beyond what it is now wouldadd an entirely new layer of excitement for veterans and pros.This would add even further challenge to the new Gauntlet of Legends and Return of Rivals game modes as well.
Cons Of Adding Difficulty Settings In Black Myth: Wukong
Easier Modes Would Make Learning Gameplay Mechanics Less Important
Despite these benefits difficulty settings might bring, there are quite a few drawbacks that relate primarily to the core gameplay design. The difficulty inBlack Myth: Wukongis tied directly to teaching players how to utilize each of the mechanics, from staff stances to spells to Gourds, and more.
Every item or piece of equipment that players come across gives the Destined One a slight advantage, and when used in consort, these can be extremely overpowered. This is especially true if the player has leveled up adequately and invested Spark points strategically. The right combination of stance, gear, spells, and buffs make boss encounters easier.
All Black Myth: Wukong New Game Plus Weapons, Ranked
There are five weapons worth a close look in Black Myth: Wukong’s New Game Plus, including the Stormflash Loong and Adept Spine-Shooting Fuban.
Adding difficulty settings would result in players not needing to learn the intricacies of the skill system, allowing them to ignore Spark investment or treat it more carelessly. The core gameplay inBlack Myth: Wukongis directly tied to the importance of learning the game’s mechanics, so doing away with that difficulty would certainly detract from the intended experience in some way.
It doesn’t seem likeBlack Myth: Wukonghas any plans in the near future to release a difficulty setting patch update. However, it’s worth considering the pros and cons of this feature, and whether it would ultimately improve or detract from theBlack Myth: Wukongexperience.
