Black Myth: Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong is an excellent action-RPG that offers a good amount of variety in leveling, itemization, and upgrading skills, spells, spirits, and transformations. Players can opt for an aggressive, high-damage combat style or focus on maximizing survivability to withstand even the toughest enemies the game throws at them. Defense in the game is a core stat that reduces the damage taken by the player's character.

Black Myth: Wukong – Best Defensive Spells

Black Myth: Wukong comes with seven combat spells, but their defensive prowess depends on their mana cost, upgrade features, and scope of usability.

For those looking to bolster their Defense, the game provides plenty of tools. By carefully selecting equipment, as well as utilizing passive bonuses from skills, perks, and other gear, players can achieve impressive Defense ratings, often exceeding 500 by the end of their first playthrough. Below are some of the best methods and items for boosting Defense in Black Myth: Wukong.

1 Craft And Equip Mythical Armor Sets

Max Total Defense Bonus: 400+

Unsurprisingly, equipping Mythical-quality armor sets is the best way to significantly boost Defense in Black Myth: Wukong. In addition to unique effects and set bonuses, every armor piece provides a Defense stat that can be upgraded at the Yin Tiger blacksmith. Some armor sets can already be crafted or found at Mythical quality, offering maximum Defense to the wearer.

The top armor sets for boosting Defense are the Monkey King Set and the Bull King Set. However, the Bull King Set can only be fully crafted after completing the New Game Plus cycle. Another great option is the Fortune's Favor Set, found in Chapter Six. Its special set bonus increases Defense for every new Great Sage's Talent (relic talents) that players unlock, although its full benefits are only evident toward the end of a New Game Plus playthrough.

2 Trade Mind Cores For Celestial Medicine

Max Total Defense Bonus: 90

A highly effective way to permanently increase the Destined One's Defense is by crafting defensive Celestial Medicine (Celestial Pills) at Xu Dog. This mechanic is introduced in Chapter Two, and Xu Dog later becomes accessible in the game's hub, Zodiac Village, starting from Chapter Three.

Black Myth Wukong Every Chapter Ranked From Worst To Best

Black Myth: Wukong - All Chapters, Ranked From Worst To Best

Black Myth: Wukong features six large chapters, each offering unique locations, bosses, and hidden areas. Here's how they rank within the game.

The defensive pills, known as No-Mind Medicament, each boost Defense by five points permanently. Players can craft up to 18 pills throughout the game, resulting in a total bonus of 90 Defense points. Each pill requires one Mind Core and a small amount of Will, resources that are relatively easy to acquire and farm in Black Myth: Wukong.

3 Level Up Passive Survival Skills

Max Total Defense Bonus: 60

Another reliable way to boost the Defense stat in Black Myth: Wukong is by leveling up passive survivability skills. The most useful is the Rough Skin passive skill, which grants a 10-point Defense increase per rank (each rank costs two skill points).

With six ranks in total, fully leveling up Rough Skin provides a permanent 60-point Defense boost. The best thing is that players can prioritize upgrading this skill early on, allowing them to max it out before reaching the midpoint of Chapter Two.

4 Equip Up To Three Defensive Curios

Max Total Defense Bonus: 60+

Curios in Black Myth: Wukong function like talismans or amulets, offering various passive bonuses to the Destined One. Initially, players can equip two curios, but later in the game, this can be expanded to three.

Black Myth Wukong Best Weapon For Critical Hit Damage

Black Myth: Wukong – Weapons With Best Critical Hit Chance

Black Myth: Wukong features 21 unique weapons to collect, and here are some of the best for critical damage builds.

Among the many curios available, the best for increasing Defense are the Waterward Orb, Gold Spikeplate, and Agate Jar. Equipping all three together provides a total Defense bonus of over 60, although the Waterward Orb's effect is only active when players are in water. This strategy can be especially useful when facing bosses that deal high damage (like the Great Sage's Broken Shell), offering a crucial defensive edge.

5 Use Specific Staves That Boost Defense

Max Total Defense Bonus: 40

Surprisingly, certain weapons in Black Myth: Wukong can also provide a significant Defense boost. While this may not be a game-changer for most players who favor a defensive playstyle, there are two craftable staves that offer passive Defense bonuses: the Cloud-Patterned Stone Staff and its upgraded version, the Staff of Blazing Karma.

In addition to solid Attack stats, these staves grant a bonus of 30 to 40 points to Defense, which can be quite beneficial. For players seeking the ultimate tank build, using the Staff of Blazing Karma is a viable option. However, players should remember that there are far more powerful staves available for offensive play, which might still be worth considering even for those focusing on Defense.

6 Equip Spirits For Passive Defensive Bonuses

Max Total Defense: 30

Lastly, the game's spirit mechanic can also be leveraged by players aiming for higher Defense stats. Equipping spirits grants various passive bonuses, and some rare spirits can greatly enhance Defense.

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Black Myth: Wukong - Every Secret Area & How To Reach Them

There are a total of 8 secret areas in Black Myth: Wukong; here is how to reach each one.

One of the best is the Wandering Wight spirit, obtainable early in the game by defeating the notorious Wandering Wight optional boss in Chapter One. Equipping this Epic spirit provides a constant 30-point Defense boost, comparable to the bonuses from the defensive staves or curios in the game.