Black Myth: Zhong Kui

The Anticipated Saga

Black Myth: Zhong Kui is the upcoming single-player action RPG from Chinese developer Game Science, positioned as the spiritual successor to the studio's breakout 2024 hit, Black Myth: Wukong. The game was unveiled as a surprise announcement during the finale of Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025, immediately establishing it as one of the most anticipated titles in the genre.

While it exists within the same Black Myth series, the game is a standalone entry with a completely new protagonist and narrative. It shifts its focus away from the lore of Journey to the West, which defined its predecessor, to explore a different but equally significant figure from Chinese folklore.

Mythology Reimagined: Lore and Narrative

The game's narrative is rooted in the classic Chinese folktale "Zhong Kui Banishing Evil". The protagonist is described as the "ghost-catching god who wanders between Hell and Earth," a divine figure tasked with vanquishing demons and maintaining order between the mortal and spiritual realms.

The story is expected to delve into his tragic origin: a brilliant scholar who achieved the highest marks in the imperial examinations but was denied his rightful position due to his grotesque appearance. After taking his own life in protest, he was granted a new purpose in the afterlife as the King of Ghosts.

The "Black Myth" brand is known for its mature and sometimes revisionist take on classic tales, suggesting the game may present Zhong Kui with anti-heroic undertones, exploring the complexities of a figure born from injustice and tasked with enforcing divine law.

Aesthetic & World Design

Based on the cinematic reveal trailer, Black Myth: Zhong Kui is being built with a distinct and atmospheric visual identity. The aesthetic has been described as a fusion of:

• Traditional Chinese "weird tale" horror
• Grand architecture of the Tang Dynasty
• Unexpected cyberpunk elements (particularly visible in the protagonist's mechanized armor design)

The world is depicted as a dark, mystical realm of mist-shrouded mountains and decaying, ghost-infested structures, creating an immersive atmosphere that is both beautiful and menacing.

Gameplay Expectations

Black Myth: Zhong Kui is confirmed to be a single-player action RPG, following the same business model as its predecessor. While no in-game footage has been released, gameplay is expected to evolve from the foundation laid by Wukong.

Core Mechanics

• Supernatural combat and "demon hunting"
• Progression system allowing players to develop Zhong Kui's unique abilities
• Departure from Wukong's agile, staff-based combat - players "won't be playing a monkey role this time"
• Focus on Zhong Kui's iconic demon-slaying sword and his command over ghosts
• Mechanics related to capturing or controlling spirits

Development Status

Game Science has been remarkably transparent about the project's nascent stage. At the time of its reveal, the developers candidly admitted that the game was "little more than an empty folder" and that they had "absolutely no idea" when it would be ready for release.

This highly unusual announcement strategy was not an oversight but a deliberate choice. The studio cited its "tradition to report on progress to players every 20 August," a communication schedule established during Wukong's development.

Game Information