General Information
Black Myth: Zhong Kui Wiki • Updated September 1, 2026
Black Myth: Zhong Kui (黑神话：钟馗) is an upcoming action role-playing game (ARPG) developed and published by Chinese studio Game Science. Built on Unreal Engine 5.5, it is the second major installment in the Black Myth series following the global blockbuster Black Myth: Wukong.
In this dark oriental mythic adventure, players take control of Zhong Kui (钟馗), the legendary Tang Dynasty scholar and Taoist “King of Ghosts”, wielding the Seven-Star Demon-Slaying Sword and spiritual talismans to pacify the 84,000 demons of the 18 Courts of Hell.
Game Overview
| Developer: | Game Science |
| Publisher: | Game Science |
| Engine: | Unreal Engine 5.5 |
| Genre: | Action RPG / Souls-like |
| Platforms: | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S |
| Release Window: | 2026 – 2027 (TBA) |
Who is Zhong Kui? (Mythological Origins)
According to Chinese historical folklore recorded in the Tang and Song dynasties, Zhong Kui was a brilliant scholar from Zhongnan Mountain who traveled to Chang’an to take the Imperial Examinations. Despite scoring top marks, Emperor Dezong stripped him of his title due to his fierce, unpolished appearance. In grief and defiance, Zhong Kui struck his head on the palace steps.
Recognizing his immense righteousness and tragic injustice, the Jade Emperor bestowed upon him the title of Grand Demon Vanquisher (赐福镇宅圣君). Later, when Emperor Xuanzong was plagued by ghosts in a fever dream, Zhong Kui appeared in his dream, captured the demon, and devoured it whole, establishing him as China’s eternal guardian against all evil spirits.
Gameplay Evolution: How It Differs From Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong
- • Staff Stances (Smash, Pillar, Thrust)
- • Transformations into defeated Yaoguai
- • Cloud Somersault & Mysticism Spells
- • Journey to the West Mythology
Black Myth: Zhong Kui
- • Seven-Star Sword Stances (Slashing & Cleave)
- • Taoist Talisman Seals (Cinnabar & Thunder)
- • Nether Gourd Soul Absorption
- • 18 Courts of Hell & Taoist Underworld
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Black Myth: Zhong Kui a direct sequel or a standalone story?
It is a standalone mythology game set in the same shared “Black Myth Universe” created by Game Science, focusing on an entirely new protagonist, combat system, and underworld storyline.
Q: What engine is Black Myth: Zhong Kui built on?
The game utilizes Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5.5, featuring full Path Tracing, Nanite geometry, and Lumen global illumination for hyper-realistic ghost lighting and underworld fog.