How to Beat the Ferocious Tiger’s Acolyte in Black Myth: Wukong

In Black Myth: Wukong, players face a wide array of formidable bosses, each offering unique challenges. One such enemy is the Tiger’s Acolyte, an optional miniboss found in Chapter 2. While it’s possible to progress in the game without fighting him, taking on this battle yields significant rewards that are worth the risk. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding and defeating the Tiger’s Acolyte in Black Myth: Wukong.

Where to Find the Tiger’s Acolyte in Black Myth: Wukong

The Tiger’s Acolyte resides in the Yellow Wind Formation, a high-altitude area accessible after progressing through Chapter 2’s Yellow Wind Ridge. As a hidden boss, he is easy to miss unless you specifically search for him. To locate him, players must travel beyond the Crouching Tiger Temple and head toward the Windrest Hamlet. Continue across the Windrest Bridge and past the Windrest Bridge Shrine, where the final bridge will lead you to the formidable foe. This isolated area allows for an intense battle free from other distractions.

Why You Should Take On This Optional Boss

Defeating the Tiger’s Acolyte is not mandatory to finish Black Myth: Wukong, but doing so brings several perks. His defeat will grant you the following rewards:

• Tiger’s Acolyte Spirit: Absorbing his spirit provides powerful combat abilities.
• Old-Rattle Drum: This curious item is essential for unlocking another secret boss in the Yellow Wind Ridge.
• Valuable Materials: Silk, Yarn, and additional experience points (758 XP and 779 Will) can boost your progression.

Understanding the Tiger’s Acolyte’s Attack Patterns

The Tiger’s Acolyte is a challenging opponent due to his unpredictable attacks. His battle style combines fierce sword strikes with lightning-fast claw swipes, making it difficult for players to anticipate his next move. Let’s break down his main attacks:

1. Leaping Attacks: He often starts the fight by leaping forward with a dual sword and claw strike. Dodge to the side to avoid both the initial leap and the follow-up slash.
2. Vertical Slash: After a leap, if he pivots to face away from you, prepare for a vertical overhand swing. This attack has a significant range, and players should dodge backwards to avoid it.
3. Surprise Vault: The Tiger’s Acolyte has an attack where he vaults at you from a distance with little warning, delivering a powerful sword strike. This move can be devastating, so dodging is crucial.
4. Ground Slam: When he leaps into the air, prepare for a ground slam that will knock you back if you aren’t fast enough to evade. Even Rock Solid defensive moves may leave you vulnerable here, so use dodging as your primary defence.
5. Claw Combos: In addition to sword attacks, the Acolyte uses rapid claw strikes. One of his signature moves involves holding his claw behind him before rushing forward with a slash. This combo is followed by a leg stomp and a rolling slash.
6. Sword Strikes: When wielding his sword, he can execute a rapid stab that is difficult to dodge without using a defensive manoeuvre like the Pillar Stance. This move elevates you out of harm’s way while setting up for a counterattack.

Effective Strategies for Defeating the Tiger’s Acolyte

Due to his unpredictability and speed, players must maintain a balance between offence and defence when battling the Tiger’s Acolyte. Here are some effective strategies to increase your chances of victory:

1. Use Immobilize: When the Acolyte begins charging his attacks, using Immobilize can interrupt his momentum. This can create a brief window where you can strike back without fear of retaliation.
2. Master Dodging: His attacks are rapid, and some have a broad reach, meaning dodging must be precise. Side dodges work best for most attacks, especially when he’s performing a leaping strike or claw combo.
3. Utilize Transformation Spells: If you find yourself struggling, transformation spells like Red Tides or Azure Dust can provide an additional layer of defence and offensive strength. Red Tides allow for rapid strikes that match his agility, while Azure Dust offers durability in prolonged engagements.
4. Be Patient with Combos: The Tiger’s Acolyte’s attack chains are long, and he often retreats or prepares for another charge after each one. Don’t rush to counter after every attack; instead, wait for an opening in his combo, such as after his powerful ground slam or claw rush.
5. Avoid His Final Combo: One of the most dangerous moments in the battle occurs when he launches into a full combo using both his sword and claws. It begins with a kick and three spinning sword slashes, followed by a claw swipe and an upward sword strike. If you time it right, you can stagger him at the end of this combo, creating an opening to deal significant damage.

Post-Battle Rewards and Secrets

Upon defeating the Tiger’s Acolyte, you’ll receive not only his spirit but also the Old-Rattle Drum, a critical item for unlocking additional content. This drum allows you to communicate with a child’s spirit scattered around Yellow Wind Ridge, leading to even more secrets and bosses. Collecting the Silk, Yarn, and experience points can also help you level up and prepare for future challenges​.