How Long to Beat Black Myth: Wukong? Story and 100%

Beating the story of Black Myth: Wukong takes about 26 hours, according to players on IGDB. If you dig into secret areas and take on optional bosses, plan on about 44 hours, and about 68 hours for 100%. Your skill level makes a huge difference here: some bosses can hold you up for a whole evening.

Main story only: about 26 hours

Black Myth: Wukong, from Game Science, draws on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. You play the Destined One, a staff-wielding monkey, through mostly linear levels broken up by wider areas. Bosses are the heart of the game: there are loads of them, and each has its own moves to learn.

About 26 hours is the average for a straight run. If you're comfortable with tough action games, you'll be quicker. If you're new to the genre, leave some margin: a few bosses take a lot of attempts.

With side content: about 44 hours

The game hides plenty off the main path: secret areas, optional bosses and quiet questlines that unlock new transformations or spells. About 44 hours lets you see a good share of it. It's also how you reach some of the best fights in the game.

Some secrets are very well hidden and can change what you see at the end. No spoilers, but exploring really pays off.

100% completion: about 68 hours

100% means finding and beating everything, often across more than one playthrough thanks to New Game Plus. About 68 hours is a solid commitment, but fair for a game of this size. Best for players who loved the combat and want every transformation.

How many evenings that is

At 2 hours an evening, the story is about 13 evenings, three to four weeks at a few nights a week. With secrets, it goes up to about 22 evenings. 100% takes about 34 evenings, several months of relaxed play.

Practical tip: stop after a boss rather than halfway through an area. Shrines act as save points, and coming back to a fresh challenge is more motivating.

Tips to go faster (or play smarter)

Learn to dodge at the right moment, it's your main defense. Use Immobilize to freeze an enemy and land a few free hits. Upgrade your gourd as soon as you can, it's your healing. And don't be afraid to come back later to a boss that's too hard: you get stronger by exploring.

Worth doing even in a hurry: the hidden areas in the early chapters and the bosses that unlock new transformations. If you enjoy this kind of challenge, check out our soulslike picks and how long to beat Sekiro.

Verdict

Black Myth: Wukong wraps up in about 26 hours on a straight run, but it deserves the full 44. Spectacular, tough and packed with bosses, it's best enjoyed over a month or two. For more challenges on this level, also see games like Elden Ring.

FAQ

How long does it take to beat Black Myth: Wukong?

According to players on IGDB, expect about 26 hours for the main story, about 44 hours exploring secret areas and optional bosses, and about 68 hours for 100%, often with a New Game Plus run along the way.

Is Black Myth: Wukong a soulslike?

It borrows several elements: tough bosses, dodging and rest points that respawn enemies. But it's more linear, more cinematic and less punishing, with less lost when you die. It's often described as an action game inspired by the genre.

Do I need to know Journey to the West?

No. The game draws on the novel and its characters, but you can follow it without any background. You'll just catch a few extra references if you've met Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, somewhere before.