Man-in-Stone Guide: How to Find and Defeat the Man-in-Stone Quest
August 31, 2024Beating the Man-in-Stone quest in Black Myth: Wukong grants you the spell of the powerful Azure Dust.
Black Myth: Wukong is full of hidden quests and secret characters, and one of the more intriguing optional encounters in Chapter 2 is with the Man-in-Stone. This unique questline not only offers a fascinating detour from the main storyline but also rewards you with a powerful spell that can turn the tide in battle. Here’s everything you need to know about the Man-in-Stone, from where to find him to how to claim your reward.
Table of Contents
Who Is the Man-in-Stone?
The Man-in-Stone is an optional character you can encounter in Chapter 2 of Black Myth: Wukong. Trapped within a stone crevice in the Fright Cliff, this mysterious figure offers you a quest that’s as deceptive as it is rewarding. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to miss this encounter, but doing so would mean losing out on a valuable spell that could greatly enhance your combat abilities.
Where to Find the Man-in-Stone
To begin the Man-in-Stone questline, you’ll need to locate him in the Fright Cliff area. Specifically, he’s found in a small crevice to the right of the Squall Hideout, hidden beneath a large ruin. This area is somewhat tucked away, so players who aren’t actively exploring every nook and cranny might overlook it. However, for those keen on uncovering every secret the game has to offer, this side quest is a must.
The Questline: Retrieving the Stone Essence
Once you’ve found the Man-in-Stone, he’ll ask you to retrieve a Stone Essence from the Mother of Stones, a formidable foe located in a large cave tunnel nearby. This part of the quest is fairly straightforward: head to the left of the Squall Hideout and delve into the cave to find and defeat the Mother of Stones. Once you’ve claimed the Stone Essence, return to the Man-in-Stone to complete his request.
However, things aren’t quite as simple as they seem. After handing over the Stone Essence, the Man-in-Stone reveals his true nature by mocking you for being gullible. It turns out, he’s not as friendly as he first appeared, and this realization sets the stage for the boss fight that follows.
The Boss Fight: Man-in-Stone
Despite the buildup, the Man-in-Stone is more of a pushover than a real challenge. He has a boss health bar, but his attacks and defences are no more formidable than those of a regular Pinstone enemy. To defeat him, simply immobilize him, rack up Focus Points, and deliver a charged strike to take him down. The fight is over almost as quickly as it begins, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Claiming Your Reward: The Azure Dust Transformation Spell
After defeating the Man-in-Stone, he will quickly plead for mercy and burrow back into the ground, allowing you to re-harvest the Stone Essence. However, this time the Stone Essence transforms into the Azure Dust Transformation Spell—a powerful ability that lets you command the slow yet sturdy power of the Rock Guai in battle.
This spell is particularly useful for players who prefer a more defensive playstyle, as the Rock Guai form allows you to absorb more damage while building up Might. Once your Might bar is full, you can unleash a devastating Rockfall attack, making this spell a valuable addition to your arsenal, especially in tougher battles later in the game.
Why the Man-in-Stone Questline Is Worth Your Time
While the Man-in-Stone questline is optional, it’s one of the more rewarding side quests in Black Myth: Wukong. The Azure Dust Transformation Spell provides a unique advantage in combat, and the quest itself adds depth to the game’s lore and world-building. Additionally, the Man-in-Stone encounter is a prime example of the game’s ability to blend humour and challenge, offering a light-hearted yet engaging experience for players willing to explore off the beaten path.
Final Thoughts
The Man-in-Stone questline in Black Myth: Wukong is a perfect example of the game’s rich, layered content that rewards exploration and curiosity. By taking the time to help this trapped figure—and then defeat him when he turns against you—you gain a powerful tool that can be pivotal in your journey through the game. Whether you’re a completionist aiming to uncover every secret or just looking for an edge in battle, the Man-in-Stone is an encounter you won’t want to miss.
So, next time you’re wandering through the Fright Cliff area, be sure to keep an eye out for that hidden crevice. It just might hold the key to your next great adventure.