Overview
Black Myth: Zhong Kui runs on Unreal Engine 5, the same engine used for Black Myth: Wukong. Game Science has stated the game will feature new visual technology and improvements, though specifics have not been shared.
What Wukong demonstrated
Black Myth: Wukong was one of the more technically impressive UE5 titles at its 2024 launch. It used Nanite for detailed geometry, Lumen for global illumination, and featured dense environments with complex particle effects. The game ran at high visual fidelity on PC and PlayStation 5, though it demanded significant hardware. It received the Golden Joystick Award for Best Visual Design in 2024.
Improvements in Zhong Kui
The Chinese New Year 2026 video provided the best look at Zhong Kui's technical capabilities. The six-minute in-engine footage showed:
Fluid physics Detailed liquid simulation during cooking sequences, with realistic viscosity and splashing of broths and sauces.
Particle effects Dust clouds, chopped vegetable debris, steam, and ambient particles rendered with high density.
Material rendering Varied surfaces (metal cookware, organic ingredients, fabric, stone) with distinct material properties.
Creature design Complex mythological creatures with varied body types and detailed animations.
Fur rendering The Gamescom trailer's tiger had wet, matted fur with individual strand detail.
Dynamic lighting
Both trailers emphasized atmospheric lighting: the rain-soaked town in the Gamescom teaser and the firelit feast in the New Year video. Feng Ji's promise of "new technology" alongside new gameplay suggests the team is actively developing new rendering and simulation features, not just reusing the Wukong pipeline.