The enigmatic Skandha items in Black Myth: Wukong are scattered throughout the game, their purpose shrouded in mystery. Described as once being “hidden inside Buddha’s head,” these collectibles offer a unique reward for those persistent enough to find them. This guide will reveal the locations of all five Skandha items, detailing where to find them and how to use them to unlock a secret boss encounter and ultimately claim a powerful reward. Be warned, minor spoilers lie ahead.
A player runs towards a Skandha statue head.
Locating the Five Skandha
Four of the Skandha items are required to trigger a hidden boss fight later in the game, which in turn rewards you with the fifth. Collecting all five allows you to craft a valuable pill offering permanent stat upgrades. Here’s a breakdown of each Skandha’s location, organized by chapter:
Chapter 1: The Skandha of Form
The first Skandha is easily acquired early in Chapter 1. Locate the area where you battle the Bullguard. Just opposite this area, you’ll find a clearing. Watch for a mandrill monkey fleeing from a statue head—this serves as a recurring visual cue for Skandha locations throughout Black Myth: Wukong. The first Skandha is nearby.
Chapter 2: The Skandha of Feeling
The Shigandang boss in Chapter 2.
Chapter 2’s Skandha of Feeling is obtained by defeating the secret boss, Shigandang. However, this boss only appears after collecting all six Buddha’s Eyeballs. Refer to our dedicated Buddha’s Eyeballs guide for assistance with this task.
Chapter 3: The Skandha of Thought
The player approaches a Skandha statue head.
Venture to the Valley of Ecstasy: Mindfulness Cliff in Chapter 3. Beyond the shrine and a wooden walkway lies the Non-White boss. As you cross the walkway, look down to spot a fallen pillar. Descend onto it and follow the path, which eventually leads to a chest containing the Fiery Gourd flask. Continue past the chest to find the statue head and the Skandha of Thought.
Chapter 4: The Skandha of Choice
The player runs towards a statue head.
Progress through Chapter 4’s main path until after a significant boss encounter in the Purifying Spring. Cross the bog and search the far-left corner before ascending the steps. As you approach, the mandrill will flee, revealing the Skandha of Choice.
Chapter 6: The Skandha of Consciousness and the Giant Shigandang
The player faces off against a Giant Shigandang mountain golem.
Once you have the first four Skandha items, proceed to Chapter 6 where you’ll acquire the Somersault Cloud spell. Fly north across the valley, past the resting golem boss by the cliffside. A narrow gorge through the mountains leads to a desert area with a massive rock formation at its center. With the four Skandha in your possession, this rock formation will awaken as the Giant Shigandang.
Defeating the Giant Shigandang
The player jumps above shockwaves created by the Giant Shigandang
This colossal boss boasts significant health and devastating attacks. Maintain a safe distance and anticipate its ground slams, jumping over the resulting shockwaves. Attack when its fists are positioned in front. Repeat this strategy until victorious. Climb the Giant Shigandang’s arm after its defeat to receive the final Skandha of Consciousness from the mandrill.
Claiming Your Reward: The Five Skandhas Pill
The player accepts an offer from the Xu Dog NPC.
With all five Skandha, fast travel to the Painted Realm hub and speak with the Xu Dog, the medicine vendor. Choose the dialogue option “Show the Five Skandhas,” followed by “Make the Five Skandhas Pill.” This pill permanently enhances several attributes, and you’ll also unlock “The Five Skandhas” achievement.
