This article will serve as a detailed guide, instructing you on how to “parry” in Black Myth: Wukong. We will not only explore the skills and spells that allow you to do this, but also delve into the timing, tactics, and tips to truly master this ultimate defensive art. Get ready, because together we will explore two main paths to becoming the “parry king”: Rock Solid and Resolute Counterflow. Our goal is clear, to guide you from A-Z, from unlocking them to performing “supernatural” parries and making your enemies “cry out in anguish”.
Unlocking Rock Solid: The Tiger’s Challenge
To obtain Rock Solid, you will face a significant challenge: defeating the boss Tiger Vanguard in Chapter 2. This boss is located in the Crouching Tiger Temple, near the Temple Entrance Shrine. Rock Solid is an Alteration spell, allowing the Destined One to turn into stone in an instant, stunning enemies who dare to attack you.
Tiger Vanguard Battle Tactics
- Suggested Equipment: Consider wearing the Serpentscale armor set. This armor set has the ability to heal you when you are low on health and reduces stamina consumption when in water, extremely useful in this battle.
- Caution: Tiger Vanguard is extremely agile and dangerous with combos of claw attacks, ground stomps, and continuous sword thrusts. Especially in stage 2, he will become more “illusory,” disappearing and attacking you from unexpected angles.
- Tip: Pay attention when Tiger Vanguard turns to stone; this is a sign that he is using the Rock Solid move. Quickly retreat to avoid his counterattack.
Using Rock Solid: “Turning to Stone” at the Right Moment
After “conquering” the Tiger Vanguard, you will officially possess Rock Solid. Now it’s time to “gear up” and practice! To use Rock Solid, you need to go to the Keeper’s Shrine, select the Self-Advance section, and then choose Set Spells. Replace Cloud Step with Rock Solid.
Activation
- If you are playing on PS5, press the R2 + Triangle button combination.
- If you are playing on PC with a Controller, press the RB + Y button combination.
- If you are playing on PC with a Keyboard, press the 2 key.
Timing: This is the key factor! Activate Rock Solid just before the enemy’s attack hits you.
Recognition Sign: When you successfully “parry,” there will be golden sparks, accompanied by a distinctive “ching” sound.
Effectiveness: Weaker enemies will be stunned immediately, opening up opportunities for you to unleash powerful counterattacks.
Limitations: Unfortunately, Rock Solid is not a “magic spell” that blocks all attacks. Some special attacks from bosses, or from strong enemies, cannot be blocked. And, you are not able to stun all enemies.
Upgrading Rock Solid: Turning Stone into Diamond
Rock Solid doesn’t stop there. You can completely “upgrade” it, turning it into an even more powerful defensive tool.
Skill Tree: After obtaining Rock Solid, in the Self-Advancement menu, you will see the Rock Solid skill tree appear next to Cloud Step.
Upgrade Skills
- Rapid Return (1 Spark): Allows you to cancel the Rock Solid state at any time.
- Rock Mastery (1 Spark): Reduces the cooldown of Rock Solid.
- Nick of Time (1 Spark): Restores a significant amount of Focus (energy) when you successfully “parry.”
- Ironclad (1 Spark): Reduces damage taken for a short period after “parrying.”
- Upper Hand (1 Spark): Increases the damage of Light Attacks immediately after “parrying.”
- Bold Venture (2 Sparks): Restores a significant amount of Mana when successfully “parrying,” but narrows the time “window” for you to accurately “parry.”
Suggested Combo: To optimize effectiveness, try combining Rock Mastery, Ironclad, and Bold Venture. With this combo, you will be able to use Rock Solid more frequently, reduce damage taken, and restore Mana quickly.
Resolute Counterflow
If Rock Solid resembles a traditional parry, then Resolute Counterflow is a unique “variation,” a powerful “counterattack within an attack” skill.
Unlocking: Hidden Power
The interesting point of Resolute Counterflow is that you don’t need to struggle to find it or defeat bosses to obtain it. This skill is located right in the Smash Stance skill tree, and you can learn it from the very beginning of the game.
Using Resolute Counterflow: The “Art” of Subtlety
To perform Resolute Counterflow, you need:
- Perform a chain of Light Attacks.
- Just as the enemy is about to attack you, press the Heavy Attack button. This action is called Resolute Strike. Make sure you have at least one Focus point.
- Effectiveness: If you execute it correctly, the screen will flash a red streak, and your character will block the enemy’s attack, simultaneously stunning them.
Explanation
The in-game description can be a bit confusing: “see through incoming enemy attacks and nullify their damage.”
Simple explanation: This is a special type of “counter/parry” that requires you to have Focus Points and precise timing. Important Note: Not all boss attacks can be stopped by Resolute Counterflow.
Tips
- The precise moment to press Heavy Attack is just as the enemy’s attack is about to hit you. Focus on observing the enemy’s movements, especially when they swing their weapons or tense up.
- Not every attack can be “parried” with Resolute Counterflow. Experiment with different types of enemies and attacks to find the “truth.”
Upgrade Skyfall Strike
If you want to add another blow after a successful Resolute Strike, learn Skyfall Strike.
Immediately after performing Resolute Strike, press Heavy Attack again. Your character will unleash a powerful downward strike.
Requirement: At least 2 Focus points.
Congratulations on reaching the end of your journey to explore the art of “parrying” in Black Myth: Wukong! Now, you have in your hands the important knowledge about Rock Solid and Resolute Counterflow – two powerful “weapons” that will help you not only survive, but also “master the game” in the dangerous world of Black Myth: Wukong.
But don’t forget, theory is just the beginning. To truly become a parry master, you need to practice, practice, and practice some more. Experiment with different types of enemies, different situations, and find the “parry” style that suits you best.
Don’t be afraid to “try and fail.” Every time you “get beaten” is a valuable lesson. Remember, even the most experienced gamers were once “newbies.” The important thing is that you don’t give up, and always explore and learn.
If you want to learn more about Black Myth: Wukong, don’t forget to explore our other guides on bosses, how to upgrade equipment, and the locations of Keeper’s Shrines.