What is Black Myth Wukong based on?

Black Myth: Wukong is making some big waves, becoming the second most-played game on Steam and boasting 96 percent positive reviews on the platform. But it has real-life roots, so here’s everything you need to know.

Black Myth Wukong story explained

Black Myth: Wukong features a unique storyline heavily inspired by Chinese folklore, mythology, and the Buddhist religion. However, it primarily draws from one medieval Chinese novel, Journey to the West, in which the game’s eponymous character, Sun Wukong, appears and stars prominently. Players only briefly control the Monkey King and instead play as a possible physical reincarnation of his seeking to resurrect Wukong after he gets killed and splits into relics for transgressing against the Celestial court.

The game itself also seemingly takes place after the events of the novel, with some of the characters even claiming they went on a journey to the “New West,” which could mean another significant and magical pilgrimage took place while Sun Wukong was still alive in the game’s universe. Even so, the similarities are striking, with yaoguais and dragons and all sorts of mystical creatures and places appearing in the title, giving it a vibe close to the novel.

We can safely say the game is heavily influenced by (if not based upon) the novel, though a clear line needs to be drawn. Black Myth: Wukong is entirely its own thing. While drawing significantly from real-life sources, it still has a unique and new storyline created by the masterminds at Game Science. It’s a genuine homage to Chinese history and culture, which makes sense since the developer hails from China. The game’s success is also heavily fueled by Chinese players who are happy to embark on a familiar yet fresh and exciting journey to the West.