How to Beat the Mad Tiger Mini-Boss Fight in Black Myth: Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong offers some of the most intense and unique boss battles in modern gaming, but few are as tricky as the Mad Tiger mini-boss. This fight, found in Chapter 2, stands out for its challenge, requiring players to have precise timing, quick reflexes, and strategic use of their abilities. If you’re struggling with how to beat the Mad Tiger, this guide will give you all the tips and strategies you need to succeed.

Understanding the Mad Tiger’s Attack Patterns

The Mad Tiger is no ordinary miniboss. Though he lacks a sword, his fists and claws are more than enough to keep you on your toes throughout the battle. Here are some of his key attacks you’ll need to watch for:

1. Leaping Slash – The fight opens with the Mad Tiger leaping toward you for a single powerful strike. Dodge this and immediately retaliate while he recovers.
2. Feinting Uppercut – One of his trickier moves, the Mad Tiger will leap to one side and perform an uppercut before quickly changing direction for a downward slam. Stay sharp and dodge the final blow.
3. Aerial Twist Attack – Similar to his brother, the Tiger Vanguard, the Mad Tiger can leap into the air, twisting his body before crashing down with a head slam. This attack provides a good opening, as the recovery time is longer than other moves. Dodge at the right moment, and retaliate during his stagger.
4. Roar Attack – After dealing damage, the Mad Tiger may roar, signalling a powerful set of follow-up moves. His roar damages you and can cause rocks to fall from the ceiling, forcing you to stay on the move.
5. Rage Mode – After roaring, the Mad Tiger can enter a rage-filled state, unleashing relentless combos, including leaps, slams, and even a deadly projectile. This is one of the most dangerous phases of the fight, requiring careful dodging and stamina management.

Effective Dodging and Timing

One of the key aspects of surviving the Mad Tiger fight is mastering the art of dodging. Many of his attacks come with delayed slams or combo extensions, so dodging too early will result in you getting hit. Use the following tips to improve your dodging strategy:

• Delay Your Dodges: The Mad Tiger frequently pauses between his attacks. Wait for the final motion of his swings before dodging to avoid unnecessary damage.
• Use Cloud Step: If you’re finding it difficult to dodge consecutively, use Cloud Step to create distance. This ability allows you to reposition and avoid his long combos.
• Time Your Rock Solid Deflection: While Rock Solid deflections can help, they are best saved for when the Mad Tiger finishes a big attack. Trying to deflect his full combos is risky, so save it for isolated swings like his wide claw swipes.

Best Gear and Abilities for the Fight

To stand a chance against the Mad Tiger, you’ll want to make sure you’re fully prepared with the right gear and abilities:

1. Medicine Stockpile: Before the fight, ensure you’re stocked with medicines that boost your damage output and reduce incoming damage. The Mad Tiger can be a long fight, so keeping your health up is essential.
2. Rock Solid Ability: While it won’t stagger the Mad Tiger, using Rock Solid at key moments can prevent significant damage from his attacks. Focus on deflecting his finishing swings or combo enders to avoid being overwhelmed.
3. Azure Dust Transformation: If you’re taking too much damage during his rage-filled combos, use the Azure Dust Transformation. This ability soaks up damage from his hardest-hitting attacks and gives you a chance to retaliate with charged heavy strikes.
4. Immobilizing Ability: The Mad Tiger’s most dangerous attacks come when he’s leaping around the arena. Immobilizing him with charged hits or special abilities can stagger him, giving you a much-needed opening to deal damage without retaliation.

Beware of His Secret Grab

One of the deadliest moves of the Mad Tiger is his secret grab attack. After being staggered, the Mad Tiger can perform a sneaky grab as he rises. This move is fast and, if you don’t dodge, will send you into the air before slamming you into the ground repeatedly—often leading to instant death if your health isn’t full.

When you stagger him, keep your distance and watch for his sudden leap. Time your dodge as he lands to avoid being grabbed, as this could end the fight instantly.

Staggering the Mad Tiger

Finding opportunities to stagger the Mad Tiger is crucial for gaining the upper hand. Charged heavy strikes are your best bet, especially after dodging his big attacks like the aerial slam or after his long combos. If you manage to stagger him, rush in with your strongest moves to deal maximum damage while he’s vulnerable.

While Rock Solid won’t always stop him, using it alongside heavy strikes can sometimes interrupt his more extended combos, giving you valuable time to recover and strike back.

The Final Moments of the Fight

As the fight drags on and the Mad Tiger’s health drops, he becomes even more aggressive, launching into relentless combos that can seem endless. This is the most dangerous phase of the fight, and it’s crucial to stay focused:

• Watch for His Roar: The Mad Tiger’s roar is not only an auditory cue for more powerful attacks, but it also signals when rocks will begin falling from the ceiling. Keep an eye on your surroundings and be ready to dodge incoming debris.
• Keep Up the Pressure: Even though the Mad Tiger’s attacks are faster and more aggressive, don’t back down. Use every opportunity to stagger him, especially after he finishes a long combo or crash-lands from his leaping attacks.

The Mad Tiger mini-boss in Black Myth: Wukong is one of the most challenging encounters you’ll face in the early chapters. His relentless attacks, tricky combos, and powerful grabs make this fight a true test of skill and patience. But with the right strategies—learning his attack patterns, mastering dodging, and using the best abilities—you can bring the Mad Tiger down and claim victory and rewards including the Mad Tiger Spirit, Blood of the Iron Bull, Yaoguai Core x1, Stone Spirit x1, 1102 Experience, 1023 Will, Plaguebane Gourd (in chest).

Be prepared for a tough battle, and don’t get discouraged if it takes several tries. With practice, patience, and persistence, you’ll eventually stand victorious over the Mad Tiger.

Read our guide on where to find the Mad Tiger.