Surely you’re familiar with “farming” monsters and gathering materials in Black Myth: Wukong. But have you ever “pulled up” a… boss by mistake? Old Ginseng Guai is just such a case. Hiding in the form of a harmless ginseng plant, this Yaoguai Chief is an optional challenge in Chapter 3, but the rewards are anything but “optional.” This article will guide you on how to find, deal with, and “harvest” this tough old ginseng, along with useful tips so you don’t “fall over” when you accidentally pull up a boss. I’ve “taken a beating” quite a bit from him before finding the secret, so you can rest assured following this!
Location and Recommended Loadout
To “meet” Old Ginseng Guai, you need to go to the Valley of Ecstasy area in Chapter 3. More specifically, find the Towers of Karma Keeper’s Shrine. From the Shrine, go back the way you came (the opposite direction of the stairs you took down to reach the Shrine). Don’t follow the main path through the Forest of Felicity; look for smaller paths on the side opposite the direction you entered this area. Follow the path, and you will reach a smaller area with many Aged Ginseng plants growing around. There it is! Old Ginseng Guai is “disguised” as a ginseng plant right in the center of this area.
Knowing the enemy and knowing yourself, in a hundred battles you will have a hundred victories. To “deal with” this old ginseng, you need to prepare the following:
- Antimiasma Powder: Extremely important. He will “gift” you with a continuous poison effect, so bring plenty of this medicine. The medicine will help you detoxify immediately and increase your poison resistance for a short time.
- Thrust Stance: This is one of the best stances to deal with Old Ginseng Guai. The attacks from Thrust Stance are fast, strong, and have a long range, allowing you to attack continuously while maintaining a safe distance.
- Red Tides transformation: If you can transform into Red Tides, take advantage of it to deal additional burning damage to him. This is a critical weakness of Old Ginseng Guai.
- Pillar Stance: As mentioned above, this skill will help you completely avoid the Root Burst attack.
- If you have equipment that increases poison resistance, bring it.
Old Ginseng Guai Boss Fight and Guide
True to his name, he is a… giant ginseng plant, slow-moving but extremely tanky and with very powerful attacks. He will use his roots to attack, along with an annoying poison effect.
Double Slam: He raises his two “arms” (actually roots) high, slams them down. Then, he will swing his arms and slam again, accompanied by roots emerging from the ground. Move back when you see him raise his arms. Dodge to the side when he swings his arms a second time. Beware of the roots that emerge!
Two Hits Into Slam: He throws a straight punch, kicks once, then uses his shoulder to forcefully shove you. Dodge continuously to the sides. The shoulder shove has a fairly wide range.
Root Burst: This is his most annoying move. He turns, plants his left “hand” into the ground, causing poisonous roots to spread throughout the area. After a short period of time, the roots will explode and summon several smaller Ginsenglings to “gang up” on you. Run as far away as possible when you see him turn and plant his hand into the ground. If you have the Pillar Stance skill, use it immediately to completely avoid this attack (remember to watch your stamina).
Ensnaring Root: He plants his right “hand” into the ground, launching roots towards you. If hit, you will be rooted and unable to move. Move continuously when you see him plant his right hand down. These roots have a fairly long range, so don’t stand still.
Weaknesses
- Slow: He moves and attacks very slowly, so you have plenty of time to react.
- Fear of fire: Fire-based attacks, especially the Burn effect, will deal additional damage to him.
- Easily distracted: He will be “busy” with the Ginsenglings if you don’t kill them.
After “laboriously” defeating Old Ginseng Guai, you will receive the Millennium Ginseng Seed – give this seed to Chen Loong, he will grow it into Millennium Ginseng and Aged Ginseng; and the Old Ginseng Guai Spirit. And at the stone table nearby, you will find Jade Essence – a Drink that allows you to recover mana alongside health when using Ground.
Old Ginseng Guai, while not a particularly “tough” boss, is an interesting challenge and provides valuable rewards in Black Myth: Wukong. By mastering his location, attacks, weaknesses, and preparing sufficient items and skills, you can “harvest” this old ginseng with ease.
Good luck and have fun “farming” bosses! If you have any questions, or want to share your experience, please leave a comment below! And don’t forget to explore other guides about Black Myth: Wukong on our page.