Best Thrust Stance Build in Black Myth: Wukong

This guide focuses on the key aspects of creating a powerful Thrust Stance build in Black Myth: Wukong, Spells, Talents, Abilities, and Gear.

Best Thrust Stance Build Guide

The Thrust Stance in Black Myth Wukong is a great option for players looking for something with a bit more range than the default Smash Stance, without compromising the damage output. Although the Thrust Stance is limited in terms of its mobility, it offers incredible range, and also deals a ton of damage via the varied combos as well as charged-heavy attacks. Furthermore, with the Tactical Retreat skill, the Thrust Stance also offers defensive options, which can be used as a counterattack, as long as you have at least one Focus charge.

Thrust Stance is essentially the most balanced of the three options in Black Myth: Wukong. It incorporates the damaging abilities of the Smash Stance and its charged-heavy attacks, with the range of the Pillar Stance, albeit with some shortcomings. The biggest issue that might prevent you from choosing the Thrust Stance over Smash or Pillar Stances is the lack of mobility. Additionally, the thrust stance lacks the ground clearance the pillar stance provides.

Thrust Build Pros	Thrust Build Pros
Incredibly high base and counterattack damage	Compromises mobility
Offers ample range and defensive options	Doesn’t offer any defense against AOE or ground-based attacks
Works great with the varied combos	Very high Stamina cost

Thrust Stance Build Features

The following list presents all the essential Thrust Stance Build Mechanics and Features in Black Myth: Wukong:

• Spells:
  • Immobilize
  • Cloud Step
  • A Pluck of Many
  • Red Tides (Transformation Spell)
• Best Thrust Stance Talents
  • Borrowed Strength
  • Whirling Thrust
  • Deadly Dance
• Best Foundation Talents:
  • Simian Agility
  • Endurance
• Spirit: Apramana Bat
• Relic:
  • Craving Eyes (Opportune Watcher)
  • Fuming Ears (Whistling Wind)
• Curios:
  • Gold Spikeplate
  • Back Scratcher
• Gourds: Supreme Gourd

Best Spells and Talents

The best Spells for the Thrust Stance build are Immobilize, Cloud Step, and A Pluck of Many. The Spell loadout for the Thrust Sance stays roughly identical to that of the Pillar Stance build, albeit with different use cases. Where the Pillar Stance used the Spells as a bonus defensive option, in Thrust Stance, the Spells have a more active role in combat. Since the Thrust Stance lacks mobility above all, the Spells make up for that shortcoming, especially Immobilize and Cloud Step. You can also use Rock Solid instead of the Cloud Step, granted you are confident with your parry timings.

Furthermore, the Spells also work as an extension of your combos, you can initiate a light attack combo using the Thrust Stance, and before the finisher, hit the enemy with Immobilize to extend the damage window using the Thrust Stance combo finisher. The Spells also aid in skills like the varied combos as well as the Tactical Retreat, offering additional defensive options that can be converted into a counterattack almost immediately.

Lastly, there’s the A Pluck of Many, which grants you an excellent crowd control option. Additionally, suppose you upgrade the Spell and unlock the Volition talent. In that case, it will allow the Destined One’s clones to use the Thrust Stance combos, dealing a ton of damage to enemies before they disappear.

Immobilize

• Description: A control spell that, with just a gesture of the finger, can bind the enemy in place. More powerful foes may break free sooner, thus caution is advised. To ensure this spell will not be interrupted during intense combat, cast it when the opponent is exhausted, staggered, or downed.
• Spell Tree: Mysticism
• Mana Cost: 80
• Cooldown: 50 seconds
• Best Talents: Stagnation, Crash, Easy Prey

Immobilize Spell works more as a combo extender than something you can use to escape lethal attacks or AOEs. A well-timed Immbolize Spell lets you use talents like Whirling Thrust or Deadly Dance without getting interrupted. Furthermore, immobilizing an enemy is also a great way to deal damage to them, as well as build up a ton of Focus in the process. You can also use the Spread the Word perk of the Envious Tongue Relic to extend the Immobilie Spell’s effect to a group of enemies, giving you a pretty powerful crowd-control tool. Lastly, Immobilize helps a ton against some of the end-game bosses, against which initiating a Whirling Thrust can be quite challenging due to their increased agility.

Cloud Step

• Description: A mobility spell that leaves behind a decoy while allowing for quick dispersion into mist and escape. Useful for evading attacks or luring enemies into a trap. Upon returning from the mist state, an Unveiling Strike can be unleashed to catch opponents off guard.
• Spell Tree: Alteration
• Mana Cost: 30
• Cooldown: 35 seconds
• Best Talents: Gallop, Converging Clouds, Concealed Observation

Cloud Step gives you an excellent way to rack up Focus points and also deal a ton of Critical Hit Damage. You do want to invest in some Critical Hit Damage buffing Curios or armor set to further increase the effectiveness of the Spell. In addition to being an excellent offensive tool, the Cloud Step also offers a fantastic defensive option against enemy attacks. Coupled with its low Mana cost, and fast default cooldown speed, the Cloud Step is an excellent choice if you want something to rely on for a quick burst of damage.

A Pluck of Many

• Description: A duplication spell: pluck a strand, chew it, and spit it into the air to create multiple Duplicates. These agile Duplicates can fight or flee and will engage the enemy if the caster is attacked. This spell can be used to catch a breath or escape. However, the Duplicates are fragile and can be quickly destroyed if directly confronted by the enemy.
• Spell Tree: Strand
• Mana Cost: 120
• Cooldown: 120 seconds
• Best Talents: Longstrand, Synergy, Grey Hair

A Pluck of Many is equally as effective in the Thrust Stance as it is in any of the other Stances. It lets the Destined One summon clones with the same toolset and abilities as him, albeit for a very short duration. A Pluck of Many is effective when you’re overwhelmed by a boss’ attacks or a group of enemies. While it doesn’t necessarily give you any huge advantage as the clones don’t stand a chance against AOEs or multi-hit combos, they still provide enough breathing room for you to heal or buff the Destined One.

Transformation Spell – Golden Lining

For the Transformation Spell, the best choice is Golden Lining due to its increased defense, HP, and reduced Might depletion. Transformations don’t have anything to do with the Stances, as such, you’re free to choose whichever Spell you want for your build. The Red Tides Transformation is also a great choice; however, it doesn’t have as much defense as the Golden Lining, which can be an issue against some of the end-game bosses. On the flip side, Golden Lining, i.e., the Yellow Loong Transformation, relies a lot on varied combos for damage, which can be a bit harder to pull off.

Best Thrust Stance Talents

The best Stance talents for the Thrust Stance are Borrowed Strength, Whirling Thrust, Relentless, Deadly Dance, Adaptability, and Ebb and Flow. These talent upgrades add new move sets to the Thrust Stacne’s default repertoire and enhance them. The Whirling Thrust, in particular, is an incredibly powerful talent that, surprisingly enough, can be unlocked fairly early. The Thrust Stance is all about Critical Hit Damage since the varied combo, as well as the charged-heavy attack; all deal critical damage to targets.

Additionally, the Whirling Thrust is an easy way to rack up critical hits without any downtime, granted you have ample Stamina to hit enemies continuously. Lastly, the Thrust Stance also grants the Tactical Retreat skill, which is an excellent defensive/counterattack option that can be woven into regular light attack combos or even varied combos.

Best Foundation Talents

The best Foundation talents for the Thrust Stance build are Simian Agility, Endurance, Composure, and Swift Engage. While the basic moveset of the Thrust Stance is quite powerful, it works even better with a few upgrades, especially to the Stamina talent tree under Foundation. Most of the Thrust Stance skills sap a lot of Stamina, and hence having some upgrades that reduce consumption of that attribute and also buff Stamina Recovery, is essential. Additionally, you also want a few upgrades in teh Martial Arts tree to boost the light attack and the varied combo’s damage output.

Level Progression

When leveling a Thrust Build in Black Myth Wukong, concentrate on passive skills and talents and unlock Focus Attack II, III, and IV. This can be done by investing points into the Smash and Focus skills. At levels 3, 10, and 20 sparks spent, you gain another focus. This aids in overall damage and build performance but requires a heavy investment initially.

The Survival and Stamina Foundation skills are your priority at starting the game. You want anything that increases health, reduces stamina cost, or increases stamina regeneration. As you progress, look to take more Survival damage passives, which become available at level 45 or higher.

In Black Myth Wukong, progression is primarily done via leveling and collection of Sparks. Sparks are obtained via leveling, meditation spots, or through Willpower. When you defeat an enemy, you will be granted Willpower. Then, after your Willpower bar fills up, you will get a Spark Point. Finally, you can respec your Spark Points anytime during the game. This freedom will facilitate combat strategy and allow you to modify your build to exploit the boss’s weaknesses or combat style.

Level 1 – 10

Here’s a list of talents to select from levels 1 to 10 with the best Thrust Stance build in Black Myth: Wukong:

• Level 1: None
• Level 2: Borrowed Strength (Thrust Stance)
• Level 3: Exhilaration (Focus Tree)
• Level 4: Offense in Defense (Trust Stance)
• Level 5: Simian Agility (Stamina)
• Level 6: Endurance (Stamina)
• Level 7: Robust Constitution (Survival)
• Level 8: Rampant Vigor (Survival)
• Level 9: Deft Evasion (Stamina)
• Level 10: Everlasting Vigor (Stamina)

Level 11 – 20

Here’s a list of talents to select from levels 11 to 20 with the best Thrust Stance build in Black Myth: Wukong:

• Level 11: Pillar Stance
• Level 12: Whirling Thrust (Thrust Stance)
• Level 13: Swift Engage (Stamina)
• Level 14: Instinct (Focus Tree)
• Level 15: Versatility (Focus Tree)
• Level 16: Exhilaration 2 (Focus Tree)
• Level 17: Exhilaration 3 (Focus Tree)
• Level 18: Force Cascade (Thrust Stance)
• Level 19: Stagnation (Immobilize)
• Level 20: Thrust (Thrust Stance)

Level 21 – 30

Here’s a list of talents to select from levels 21 to 30 with the best Thrust Stance build in Black Myth: Wukong:

• Level 21: Gallop (Cloud Step)
• Level 22: Red Eyes (Transformation)
• Level 23: Simian Agility (Stamina)
• Level 24: Endurance (Stamina)
• Level 25: Robust Constitution (Survival)
• Level 26: Rampant Vigor (Survival)
• Level 27: Composure (Stamina)
• Level 28: Relentless (Thrust Stance)
• Level 29: Deadly Dance (Thrust Stance)
• Level 30: Quick Hand (Focus Tree)

Level 31 – 40

Here’s a list of talents to select from levels 31 to 40 with the best Thrust Stance build in Black Myth: Wukong:

• Level 31: Stagnation 2 (Immobilize)
• Level 32: Crash 2 (Immobilize)
• Level 33: Converging Clouds (Cloud Step)
• Level 34: Instinct 2 (Focus Tree)
• Level 35: Versatility 2 (Focus Tree)
• Level 36: Quick Hand 2 (Focus Tree)
• Level 37: Instinct 3 (Focus Tree)
• Level 38: Versatility 2 (Focus Tree)
• Level 39: Quick Hand 3 (Focus Tree)
• Level 40: Adaptability (Thrust Stance)

How to Play Thrust Stance

The Thrust Stance, much like the Pillar Stance, is very situational. However, if you grab a few talents for the Stance, it can be used as the primary Stance, albeit with some playstyle changes. Unlike in the Smash Stance, you cannot rely solely on your Focus-charged attacks or varied combos. Instead, in Thrust Stance, most of your damage will come from counterattacks, which you need to figure out for each enemy encounter. Furthermore, Thrust Stance, just like the Pillar Stance, is much more skill-focused and relies heavily on well-timed use of Spells. Talents like the Whirling Thrust and Adaptability rely on well-timed execution and proper use of Resolute Strike, not only to dish out damage but also to negate it.

As for defense, your primary tools are the Spells and the Qi-based abilities, i.e., Spirit and the Vessel. For the Spirit, your best choice for early to mid-game is Wandering Wight, due to its damage and passive Defense. For the end-game, the best choice is Apraman Bat, which not only deals a ton of damage but also freezes (immobilizes) enemies in place for a brief period. In terms of Vessel, the best option is the Plantain Fan, which easily eats away at an enemy’s defense and staggers them.

General tips to use the Thrust Stance build

Heavy attacks

• In Thrust Stance, the heavy attacks are best used with a fully charged Focus gauge for maximum range and damage.
• While varied combos are quite effective, the best options to deal damage are Whirling Thrust and Deadly Dance, following a Tactical Retreat.

Ranged attacks

• For ranged options using the Thrust Stance, you either need to rely on charged-heavy attacks or Tactical Retreat.
• It’s highly recommended to fully upgrade the Focus tree to obtain 4 Focus nodes, since that offers the most range, at the cost of heavily reduced mobility.

Survivability and mobility

• To circumvent the reduced mobility, the Thrust Stance heavily relies on Spells, especially Immobilize and Cloud Step.
• You can also use Tactical Retreat as an alternative to Cloud Step, but it can be a bit tricky to pull off.

Healing

• For healing, your best options are varied combos, which usually staggers and knocks back enemies quite easily.

Curios

The best Curios for the Thrust Stance build are Gold Spikeplate, Gold Sun Crow, and Jade Moon Rabbit. All these Curios offer a passive defense boost, which aids in survivability.

• Gold Spikeplate: Increases Defense and also deals moderate amounts of damage to enemies when hit.
• Gold Sun Crow: Increases damage bonus, i.e., attacks followed by Spell or Spirit ability use.
• Jade Moon Rabbit: Increases damage reduction.

Spirit Skills

The best Spirit ability for the Thrust Stance is the Apramana Bat, which deals with a ton of damage, offers much higher defense against AOE attacks, and also inflicts Frost damage. Furthermore, the Apramana Bat also freezes enemies in place for roughly 30 seconds, giving the Destined One enough time to dish out a fully-charged heavy strike using the Thrust Stance.

Relic

Below are a list of the best Relic’s in order for the Thrust Stance build:

1. Craving Eyes – Opportune Watcher (Increases Focus gained by attacks and dodges)
2. Fuming Ears – Whistling Wing (Increases attack power after a Perfect Dodge)
3. Hubris Nose – Hold Breath (Increases dodge invulnerability, makes Perfect Dodges easier)
4. Envious Tongue – Spread the Word (Casting Immbobilize affects all enemies surrounding the target)
5. Grieved Body – Divine Safeguard (Increases Four Banes resistance)
6. Freed Mind – Elegance in Simplicity (Increases light attack damage)

Gear

Gear Slot	Best Gear Item	Effect
Staff	Tri-Point Double-Edged Spear	Increases Stamina Recovery Rate, also summons a tornado that depletes the enemy’s Qi and staggers them.
Vessel	Plantain Fan	Increases Stamina Recovery Rate, also summons a tornado that depletes enemy’s Qi and staggers them.
Armor	Golden armor set	Increased Focus gain upon successful Critical Hits

Below is a list of the best staff armor and mantle for the Thrust Stance Build in Black Myth: Wukong:

• Staff: Tri-Point Double-Edged Spear – Increases damage dealt by Thrust Stance combos (Obtained after defeating Erlang Shen in Chapter 3 – Secret Area Mei-Jian Peak)
• Vessel: Plantain Fan – Deals a ton of stagger damage and depletes the enemy’s Qi, opening them for critical attacks (Automatic unlock after completing Chapter 5)
• Armor set: Golden set – Increases Focus and Qi gained upon successive Critical Hits and light attacks (Available to craft in Chapter 3)

Gourds

The best Gourd for the Thrust Stance is the Trailblazer’s Gourd, due to its primary perk of recovering the entire HP for the first sip. Alternatively, in mid to end-game sections of Black Myth: Wukong, you can also use the Supreme Gourd, which can be upgraded to carry up to 10 healing charges, enough to get you through some of the toughest encounters.

Build Summary – Best Thrust Stance Build in Black Myth: Wukong

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