How to Defeat the Tiger Vanguard in Black Myth: Wukong

In Black Myth: Wukong, every boss fight is an unforgettable challenge, and the Tiger Vanguard stands out as one of the toughest encounters in Chapter 2. Found in the depths of the Crouching Tiger Temple, this powerful Yaoguai King boss will test your skills, patience, and strategy. For anyone hoping to proceed through the game’s Yellow Wind Ridge, defeating the Tiger Vanguard is non-negotiable, as you’ll need one of the key items in his possession to unlock the doors that lead to the final boss.

This guide will provide all the tips and strategies you need to take down the Tiger Vanguard, ensuring you leave the battlefield victorious with the much-coveted rewards.

Where to Find the Tiger Vanguard

The Tiger Vanguard is a required boss, meaning players must defeat him to advance to the Chapter 2 end boss. You can find the Tiger Vanguard inside the Crouching Tiger Temple, located at the far end of the Sandgate Village. After defeating the King of Flowing Sands, make your way through the Valley of Despair to locate the temple, where this intimidating foe awaits.

Why This Fight Is Essential

Aside from being a critical boss to progress in Black Myth: Wukong, the Tiger Vanguard drops several valuable rewards:

• Rock Solid Spell: This ability will allow you to perform a parry that negates an incoming attack, opening your enemy up to a devastating counterstrike.
• Keeness of Tiger: A key item necessary to unlock doors within Yellow Wind Ridge.
• Mind Core x1, Silk x3: Essential crafting materials to help you survive future encounters​.

Tiger Vanguard Boss Fight: What to Expect

The Tiger Vanguard’s fight is notably different from the other Vanguard bosses like the Stone Vanguard. While the Stone Vanguard relies on slow, powerful slams, the Tiger Vanguard is the opposite, attacking with speed, agility, and devastating martial arts moves. His fight is relentless, requiring you to be at the top of your game.

Phase 1: Martial Arts Mastery

In the initial phase, the Tiger Vanguard mostly relies on his fists, using a variety of martial arts moves that include:

• Flying Punch: He strafes quickly to the side before launching into a flying punch. Dodge at the right moment to avoid taking damage, and use the recovery window to land some quick attacks.
• Two-Punch Strikes: The Tiger Vanguard often employs two different two-punch combos. One involves an uppercut followed by a downward slam, which leaves him briefly vulnerable. The second combo features a right hook and a delayed forward punch, followed by a leg sweep, making it difficult to counter​.

Phase 2: More Aggressive Combos

As the battle progresses, the Tiger Vanguard becomes more dangerous, incorporating unpredictable leaps and high-speed attacks:

• Leaping Fist Slam: He may yell while crouching before charging forward and leaping into the air for a devastating fist slam. Dodging this attack is crucial, as failing to do so can result in massive damage​.
• Sword Attacks: Although the Tiger Vanguard relies primarily on his fists at the beginning, he unsheathes his sword as the fight goes on. When the sword comes out, his attacks hit harder and faster, requiring precise dodges to survive. One of his most dangerous attacks is when he puts two fingers in front of his face and charges up a powerful slash that sends out a projectile​.

Phase 3: Turning to Stone

The Tiger Vanguard has one more trick up his sleeve: the ability to turn to stone. At the start, this move is designed to bait you into attacking, but it’s better to wait and charge up a powerful hit for when he comes out of this form. Later, he uses this stone form to dash around the arena, so keep an eye out for blood splashes that indicate where he’ll strike next​.

Winning Strategies for the Tiger Vanguard

Given the relentless speed and precision of the Tiger Vanguard’s attacks, you’ll need to employ a few key strategies to emerge victorious.

Utilize Immobilize and Thrust Stance: Using Immobilize during the Tiger Vanguard’s combos can create a window for you to land a counterattack without getting caught in his follow-up strikes. Additionally, the Thrust Stance allows you to attack from a distance, giving you some breathing room when things get too hectic.

Time Your Dodges Wisely: Most of the Tiger Vanguard’s attacks are fast and cover a wide range, meaning you’ll need to master the timing of your dodges. Dodging too early will result in getting caught by his follow-up attacks, so it’s important to stay calm and wait for the right moment.

Transformation Spells: The new Azure Dust transformation spell is a great option for this fight. Although the Tiger Vanguard’s agility makes him tough to hit, the extra durability provided by the transformation spell will help you withstand some of his attacks.

Avoid the Sword’s Projectiles: Once the Tiger Vanguard unsheathes his sword, he gains the ability to send out projectile slashes that can decimate your health bar. Pay close attention to his stance, especially when he places his fingers in front of his face, as this signals the incoming projectile attack. This is your opportunity to dodge and land a few hits while he’s recovering​.

Post-Battle Rewards and Their Significance

After defeating the Tiger Vanguard, you’ll receive several critical rewards:

• Rock Solid Spell: This parry ability will significantly improve your defensive capabilities, allowing you to negate an incoming attack and open up enemies for a powerful counterattack.
• Keeness of Tiger: This key item, paired with the Sterness of Stone, will allow you to open the big stone doors that lead to the final boss of the chapter​.

In addition to these items, you’ll also receive crafting materials like Silk x3 and a Mind Core to improve your gear. These rewards are essential for surviving the tougher challenges that await later in the game.