Black Myth: Wukong distinguishes itself from other soulslike action RPGs with its unique transformation system. Inspired by the classic tale of Sun Wukong, a master of shapeshifting, the game’s protagonist, the Destined One, can morph into various powerful forms. Each transformation not only grants new moves and abilities but also provides a separate health bar, making tactical shifting a key to victory, especially during challenging boss fights. However, not all transformations are equal. Based on our gameplay experience, we’ve ranked them from least to most effective.
A character gearing up for battle in Black Myth: Wukong.
Azure Dust: A Rocky Start
The azure transformation in Black Myth: Wukong.
At the bottom of our list is Azure Dust, which transforms you into a hulking stone creature. Its main advantage is complete immunity to status ailments. However, these ailments are infrequent, making this benefit less valuable. In combat, Azure Dust suffers from slow movement and attack speed. The three-hit combo, while potentially powerful, is difficult to land fully. The charge attack lacks utility against bosses, but the Rockfall spell, a damaging area-of-effect slam attack, can be strategically useful for both offense and evasion.
Red Tides: A Burning Disappointment
Black Myth: Wukong transformed into a fire form.
Red Tides, the first transformation acquired, is functional but underwhelming compared to later options. As its fiery blades suggest, it inflicts the burning status effect. While burn damage can be devastating to the player, it’s surprisingly less effective when inflicted on enemies. With a limited move set consisting of a close-range combo and a dash attack, Red Tides struggles to make a significant impact.
Violet Hail: A Poisonous Gamble
The poison form in black myth wukong.
Violet Hail presents a high-risk, high-reward playstyle centered around poison. Normal attacks apply poison, while a heavy attack sacrifices your own health to imbue your sword with larvae. These larvae can be transferred to an enemy and detonated for significant damage, leaving a healing cloud. Mastering this intricate transformation requires precise timing and risk assessment.
Umbral Abyss: A Chilling Upgrade
The umbral abyss form in Black Myth.
Umbral Abyss functions as an improved version of Red Tides, focusing on frost instead of fire. All attacks apply frost, a more versatile status effect. This form offers improved range, mobility, and a standard attack that builds focus. A slow but powerful heavy attack provides substantial damage. One spell enhances attacks and dodging, while the other acts as a ranged gap-closer.
Hoarfrost: Tentacled Tactics
The destined one in a tentacle form in Black Myth.
Hoarfrost’s unique appearance is matched by its valuable ranged capabilities. Its tentacle-based attacks build focus and inflict frost. A key spell creates a large frozen area, damaging enemies within and altering basic attack functionality. This combination of ranged attacks and area control makes Hoarfrost a potent choice.
Ebon Flow: The Martial Master
A transformation spell screen in Black Myth Wukong.
Ebon Flow emphasizes pure combat prowess. Wielding a massive sword, this transformation forgoes elemental effects, focusing on aggressive attacks. The slower main attack allows for absorbing hits while dealing significant damage. A powerful but slow-charging heavy attack requires careful timing. Uniquely, Ebon Flow offers a blocking mechanic to build focus, enabling the Windwalker form for enhanced dodging and attack range.
Azure Dome: The Undisputed Champion
Two shadowy figures in combat in black myth wukong.
Azure Dome reigns supreme as the most potent transformation. Immune to shock and poison, it also absorbs frost and scorch damage to become even stronger. Trading staff attacks for punches and leaps, Azure Dome uniquely retains access to spells. This combination of immunities, absorption, and spell access makes Azure Dome exceptionally powerful.
