Black Myth: Wukong is a game that draws heavily from Journey to the West, one of China’s most famous literary works. With its deep lore and multiple endings, players are treated to a variety of conclusions depending on their choices and completion of specific tasks. In this guide, we’ll break down the primary endings as well as the coveted secret ending, explaining what they mean for the character of Sun Wukong and the future of the in-game world.
Spoilers ahead!
Main Story Ending: “Incomplete Reincarnation”
In the standard route, players will likely encounter the “Incomplete Reincarnation” ending. This ending is achieved by playing through the game without delving into the various secret areas or collecting all the necessary relics.
After defeating the final boss, which is a fractured version of the once-powerful Sun Wukong (known as the Great Sage’s Broken Shell), the protagonist—the Destined One—takes possession of Wukong’s crown. However, this ending portrays a somewhat bleak resolution: the Destined One becomes tied to the same fate as Wukong, imprisoned within the magical stone that once housed the legendary Monkey King’s spirit. This ending leaves the player with the sense that although the battle has been won, true freedom remains elusive.
Alternate Ending: “Erlang Shen & The Four Heavenly Kings”
For those who venture beyond the main story and explore hidden areas, another ending can be unlocked. This path sees the player facing and defeating Erlang Shen, a deity and general of heaven, along with the Four Heavenly Kings, who represent the guardians of the cardinal directions in Buddhist mythology.
This ending is achieved by completing various side tasks, including acquiring relics, clearing secret areas, and revisiting the Great Pagoda. After defeating these powerful bosses, the player is left with the sense that they’ve overcome some of the toughest challenges the game has to offer. However, much like the “Incomplete Reincarnation” ending, this path still doesn’t provide a full resolution to Sun Wukong’s story, leaving some narrative threads unresolved.
True Ending: “Havoc in Heaven”
The true, hidden ending of Black Myth: Wukong is the most rewarding and brings the game full circle, tying back to the original Journey to the West lore. To achieve this ending, you’ll need to complete all secret areas, collect all of Wukong’s relics, and defeat the final boss after completing the Erlang Shen and Four Heavenly Kings battles.
In this ending, after defeating the final boss once more, a cutscene plays showing the Destined One about to don Wukong’s crown. However, instead of the previous, more solemn sequence, the screen flashes, and a colorful animated scene follows. This sequence depicts the legendary journey of Sun Wukong and his companions, including Tang Sanzang, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing. The final moments of the cutscene show Sun Wukong preparing to assault the Celestial Palace, which directly ties into the prologue of the game.
This ending is the most satisfying, as it hints at a continuation of Wukong’s rebellious nature and his legendary battles against the heavens. It also nods to the larger mythos of Journey to the West, suggesting that the narrative of the game may continue in future installments or DLC.
Unlocking the Secret Ending: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to access the true ending:
Complete Secret Areas: Throughout the game, there are several hidden areas that must be explored. These include the Ancient Guanyin Temple (Chapter 1), Kingdom of Sahali (Chapter 2), Purple Cloud Mountain (Chapter 4), and Bishui Cave (Chapter 5). Clearing these locations is key to unlocking the final steps.
Acquire Wukong’s Relics: In Chapter 6, you must collect the Monkey King’s armor and weapon, including the legendary Jingubang staff.
Defeat Optional Bosses: You’ll need to defeat secret bosses, including Erlang Shen and the Four Heavenly Kings. Each boss presents unique challenges, and some players compare these encounters to battles in Dark Souls or Elden Ring in terms of difficulty.
Return to the Great Pagoda: Once these tasks are complete, return to the Great Pagoda. A hidden mural will appear, triggering a cutscene that leads to the Mount Mei area.
Final Boss Battle: After completing the required battles and tasks, you’ll face the final boss again. Defeat him to trigger the secret ending cutscene.
What Does the True Ending Mean?
The “Havoc in Heaven” ending is a clear nod to Sun Wukong’s most famous mythological act—his rebellion against the heavens. By choosing this path, the game suggests that the Destined One, now imbued with Wukong’s power, will continue the Monkey King’s mission to challenge the divine order. This aligns with the central themes of Journey to the West, where Wukong is often portrayed as a figure who defies authority and seeks to carve out his own destiny.
The colorful cutscene at the end serves as a celebration of these themes, showing not only Wukong’s legendary exploits but also his enduring spirit of rebellion and resistance. For fans of the original story, this ending provides a satisfying conclusion while leaving room for future adventures.
Conclusion
Black Myth: Wukong offers multiple endings that reflect different aspects of Sun Wukong’s story and the player’s journey. Whether you settle for the somber “Incomplete Reincarnation” or unlock the thrilling “Havoc in Heaven” ending, each path offers a unique take on Wukong’s fate. For those willing to dig deeper into the game’s world and lore, the true ending is a rewarding conclusion that ties back to the legendary tale of the Monkey King and his defiance of the heavens.
