Summary
Black Myth: Wukongis filled with secret areas for players to discover. From mini-dungeons to temples, many of which host some of the most peculiar bosses in the game, there is plenty for players to find off the beaten path inBlack Myth: Wukong. One secret area, the Zodiac Village, is highly unlike the rest, in that it provides players with a peaceful escape from the game’s otherwise demanding and frequently frustrating gameplay loop. The Zodiac Village acts as a hub for the game’s NPCs and comes with a couple of cozy features to boot. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite live up to its potential, especially inBlack Myth: Wukong, where an extended respite is a hot commodity.
Once players reach the North Shore of Bitter Island in Chapter 3 ofBlack Myth: Wukong, they’ll be given the chance to battle an NPC by the name of Chen Loong. Once he is defeated, he will direct players to Xu Dog inYellow Wind Ridgewhere they can talk to him to receive a Special-made Bone-strengthening Pellet. Finally, upon delivering the item to Chen, he will give the Destined One the Ruyi Scroll, and he will be immediately transported to the Zodiac Village in the Painted Realm. Here, players can perform a variety of functions all in one place, including upgrading their armor beyond what is normally allowed, all in the bubble of tranquility the area provides. However, such a cozy place deserves more than it currently offers, and future updates could improve it.
How Black Myth: Wukong’s Zodiac Village Could Be Improved in Future Updates
Black Myth: Wukong’s Zodiac Village Could Use Some Cozy Customization Options
While it might seem a bit strange to incorporate features similar to a cozy game inBlack Myth: Wukong, the Zodiac Village has too much potential as a cozy experience to simply let it slide by. The Zodiac Village is already a thoroughly relaxing zone, providing players with the opportunity to plant and harvest any seeds they find, grow some ofBlack Myth: Wukong’s unique Spirits, converse with the various NPCs normally found in other places throughout the world, and even upgrade their armor beyond what is possible at a Keeper’s Shrine. Despite possessing several amenities, however, it falls just shy of its potential as a place for the Destined One’s repose.
One way the Zodiac Village could be transformed into a cozy mini-game is by allowing players to customize the appearance and function of it. For example, perhaps players could purchase decorations that already have preset locations in the village, like lanterns for the small hut whereChen Loongresides or a small pond in the open space near Yin Tiger for the Destined One to fish in. The option to add background music to the Zodiac Village would also make it feel all the more personal, especially considering the area currently doesn’t have any background music at all.
Being able to change the time of day would also be a great way for players to set the mood in the Zodiac Village.
Rare NPCs Could Visit the Zodiac Village on a Regular Schedule
Another wayBlack Myth: Wukongcould spice up its Zodiac Village is by allowing regular visits from rare NPCs, each offering unique gear items players couldn’t get otherwise. This would help the game maintain its player count by keeping players coming back regularly to check out each NPC’s wares. It would also provide an excuse to add more armor sets toBlack Myth: Wukong, thereby reinforcing the fact that it needs a transmog feature. The Zodiac Village just has far too much potential for it to continue to only be what it is currently. As Game Science has committed to adding DLC barringBlack Myth: Wukong’s success, this is one of the first things that should receive an update.
