Black Myth Wukong: How to parry
Here's how to parry with both Rock Solid and Resolute Counterflow
Wondering if you can parry in Black Myth: Wukong? Unlike other Soulslike games, Black Myth: Wukong doesn't give you a standard parry action from the get-go, and instead emphasises rolling and dodging rather than blocking opponent attacks. Parry equivalents do exist within the game, however - most notably in the form of spells and talents.
Read on, and we'll tell you everything you need to know to parry in Black Myth: Wukong.
How to parry in Black Myth: Wukong
You can parry in Black Myth: Wukong via the Rock Solid spell and the Resolute Counterflow talent. Rock Solid is given to the Destined One as a reward for defeating Tiger Vanguard, a mandatory boss in Chapter 2 of Black Myth: Wukong, and Resolute Counterstrike is one of the talents of the Smash Stance.
Out of these two options, Rock Solid acts more like the traditional parry that you might find in other Soulslikes, albeit with a cooldown. Resolute Counterflow, meanwhile, is more of a counter manoeuvre, or mid-attack parry, that requires a Focus Point to use.
How to use Rock Solid in Black Myth: Wukong
Rock Solid is an Alteration spell, which means it's assigned to the same slot as Cloud Step. When equipped, you should use Rock Solid in the same way as you might parry in other games by activating it right before an enemy hits you. A successful parry will deflect a hit, unleash a clanging sound, and display yellow sparks on the screen. Enemies will also be staggered and susceptible to staff strikes.
Timing is key if you want to use Rock Solid well, though if you've played Black Myth: Wukong up to this point and defeated Tiger Vanguard, you should be fairly decent at getting perfect dodges by now. Apply the same pinpoint timing to Rock Solid and soon you'll be parrying foes left and right.
Since Rock Solid and Cloud Step occupy the same slot, it's worth mentioning that I've found Cloud Step more useful than Rock Solid in most situations, as it gives you a chance to heal and escape lengthy boss combos without worrying about pinpoint timing. That said, if you're accustomed to parrying in other Soulslike games and would prefer to maintain your attack combos, Rock Solid might be up your alley.
How to get Rock Solid in Black Myth: Wukong
Defeating Tiger Vanguard grants you Rock Solid as a reward. Tiger Vanguard can be found near the "Temple Entrance" Keeper's Shrine outside Crouching Tiger Temple, which you'll naturally run into over the course of your Chapter 2 playthrough, and he's one of the toughest bosses you've faced thus far, with deadly claw combos, ground pounds, sword thrusts, and a tricky second phase that sees him disappearing and rushing at you from unknown angles. Partway through the battle, you'll see him parrying your attack by hardening his body, which is a preview of what you'll get after you beat him.
Beating Tiger Vanguard requires patience, a keen eye for his combos, and lots and lots of practice. We recommend wearing the Serpentscale armor set during the fight. This set slowly replenishes low health and reduces stamina cost while in water, which comes in handy especially considering that this fight takes place in a huge arena full of blood.
Rock Solid upgrades in Black Myth: Wukong
Once you've got Rock Solid, you can upgrade it in the Self-Advancement menu with the following talents:
- Rapid Return: (1 Spark) Rock Solid can be cancelled at will.
- Rock Mastery: (1 Spark) Moderately reduces the cooldown of Rock Solid.
- Nick of Time: (1 Spark) Grants a considerable amount of Focus upon a successful deflection.
- Ironclad: (1 Spark) Grants damage reduction for a short duration after a deflection with Rock Solid.
- Upper Hand: (1 Spark) Increases the damage of the Light Attack Starter succeeding a successful deflection.
- Bold Venture: (2 Sparks) Recovers a considerable amount of Mana upon a successful deflection. The deflection window narrows upon awakening this talent.
How to use Resolute Counterflow in Black Myth: Wukong
You can use Resolute Counterflow right at the beginning of Black Myth: Wukong, as it's one of the first talents available on the Smash Stance skill tree. Mastering it, however, requires practice, especially as its description on the skill tree is confusing.
In order to use Resolute Counterflow, you need to do the following:
- Press the Heavy Attack button during a Light Attack Combo right as an enemy is about to attack you. This is called Resolute Strike.
- Have at least one Focus Point.
If you successfully pull this off, the screen will flash red as the Destined One's Resolute Strike cancels out the enemy's attack in a powerful counter that will stagger most regular foes and some bosses. Black Myth: Wukong's skill tree description describes this move as a way to "see through" incoming enemy attacks and nullify their damage, which is oddly worded. But don't get too puzzled - simply think of this as a counter/parry that requires Focus Points.
It's vital to note that this move won't work on all boss attacks. But if you want to make the most of Resolute Counterflow, I highly recommend that you grab the next upgrade in the skill tree - Skyfall Strike, which lets you execute a downward strike if you perform another Heavy Attack immediately after a successful Resolute Strike. You'll need at least two Focus Points in your arsenal in order to use Skyfall Strike.
That's all you need to know about parrying in Black Myth: Wukong - now get out there and use that staff to deflect some blows! If you're facing difficulties when it comes to the tough yaoguai kings in your path, take a look at our guide to all bosses in Black Myth: Wukong. To upgrade your arsenal, see our guides to unlocking additional curio slots and upgrading armor. Finally, our guide to all Keeper's Shrine locations will help you track save points on your lengthy quest.