Video Games · Article
Black Myth: Wukong: The Monkey King Gets His Due
Black Myth: Wukong took a 16th-century Chinese novel and turned it into one of the best-selling action games of recent years. Two years on, it is worth asking why it landed so hard.
The setup
Developed by the Chinese studio Game Science, Black Myth: Wukong is an action role-playing game loosely based on Journey to the West. You play the Destined One, a monkey warrior who sets out to recover the relics of the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong. It launched in August 2024 on PC and PlayStation 5, and the Xbox Series X|S version followed about a year later.
Why it works
The first thing people noticed was how it looks. Reviewers praised its art direction and its detailed character models, and the game turns mountains, temples and mythic monsters into places you want to stop and study. The second was the combat. Critics described it as fast and reactive, with resource management layered on top, and one reviewer said it blends the intensity of Sekiro with the accessibility of a modern action RPG.
The bosses carry the game. They are varied and memorable, and many of them come straight out of the source myth, so the story gets told through fights as much as through cutscenes. Polygon singled out the narrative and its cultural themes.
Where it falls short
Reviews were not all praise. Several critics flagged technical issues and balance problems at launch. IGN pointed to weak localization and a lack of direction when exploring, and said the story leans heavily on knowing Journey to the West already. Game Rant gave it a lower score, citing uneven level design and combat options that may wear thin before the end. At launch it held an 82 on Metacritic.
The numbers
Sales told a different story from the nitpicks. The game reportedly sold 10 million copies within three days of release. More recent reports put it past 30 million, which would mean it got there in under two years, faster than Elden Ring, which took more than three. Over half of those sales reportedly came from outside China, and the game won Game of the Year at the Steam Awards 2024.
What comes next
Game Science has announced Black Myth: Zhong Kui, which is not a direct sequel. In August 2026 the studio showed a 15-minute gameplay trailer. The studio has also said the Monkey King's story isn't finished, so more Wukong may follow.
Sources: Digital Citizen, Press-Start, Push Square, God is a Geek.