Combat

What we know

No gameplay footage for Black Myth: Zhong Kui has been released. Everything below is based on official statements from Game Science and analysis of the source mythology.

Official statements

CEO Feng Ji has said the game will have "a new hero, new gameplay, new visuals, new technology, and a new story." He wants to "break from fixed formulas and start from scratch." The emphasis on "new gameplay" signals that Zhong Kui will not play like a reskinned Wukong. Game Science has separately mentioned "innovative combat combined with traditional martial arts."

Weapons

Zhong Kui is traditionally associated with two weapons: a Dipper Sword (七星剑) engraved with the Big Dipper constellation, and a folding fan with a red bat perched on its tip. This dual-weapon setup is a major departure from Wukong's single staff. It could mean weapon-switching mechanics, stance systems, or complementary movesets.

The fan is not a joke weapon. Fan martial arts (Shan Zi Gong) have a long history in Chinese combat traditions, associated with scholarly warriors. The sword itself has seven core techniques in the Zhong Kui Sword martial form: Gou (Hook), Liao (Lifting), Ci (Thrusting), Kai (Opening), Yan (Covering), Jia (Framing), and Bai (Swinging). Paired with a heavy sword, the fan's speed and finesse could define combat rhythm.

Supernatural abilities

Zhong Kui commands 80,000 ghosts. The Gamescom trailer showed small goblin attendants following him. These could function as summonable abilities or combat companions. His role as a ghost hunter also opens the door to Taoist exorcism mechanics. Taoist priests use a rich toolkit in demon-catching rituals: ritual swords, talismans (符, fu) inscribed with celestial script, coin swords made from 108 copper coins strung on red thread, holy water bowls, command tokens, and ritual flags representing the Five Elements.

The Song-era Thunder Rites (雷法) tradition (which claims the power to summon wind and thunder to subdue demons) could translate into spectacular supernatural attacks. Where Wukong's transformations let him become different creatures, Zhong Kui might capture and command defeated enemies, or use Taoist rituals as combat techniques.

Monster hunting and cooking

Feng Ji hinted after the Chinese New Year 2026 video that "future gameplay may combine monster hunting with cooking." The video showed supernatural creatures being prepared as ingredients in an elaborate feast. Game Science stressed the video was non-canon, but the hint is specific enough to suggest a crafting or resource system tied to defeated enemies.

Comparison with Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong's combat centered on a single weapon (the staff) with three stances (Smash, Pillar, Thrust), transformation abilities, and a spirit system. Zhong Kui's different mythology suggests a fundamentally different approach: