A recent Reddit post has fans rethinking Erlang’s role in Black Myth: Wukong, suggesting his redemption began long before players realized.

Black Myth: Wukong‘s epic opening scene is a masterclass in how to hook players from the get-go. The fierce battle between Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen sets the stage for the game’s intricate narrative, leaving fans hungry for more. But as players delve deeper into the lore, they’re uncovering hidden truths that are turning everything we thought we knew about this confrontation on its head.

Erlang, the Sacred Divinity. | Image Credit: Game Science

Recent discussions among the Black Myth: Wukong community have shed new light on Erlang’s role in the story, suggesting that his actions may have been misunderstood from the very beginning. It’s a revelation that’s causing players to rethink everything they thought they knew about the game’s story.

The Moment That Sparked a Thousand Theories

In Black Myth: Wukong‘s prologue, there’s a moment that left players scratching their heads: when Sun Wukong transforms into a bird and attempts to take the fight to the woods, only to be stopped by the sudden appearance of the Golden Hoop, a powerful artifact that binds him to the Celestial Court.

It’s an event that sparked a flurry of speculation about the true nature of Erlang and Wukong’s relationship:

But leave it to the clever minds of Reddit to come up with a compelling explanation. One particularly insightful comment draws from the original Journey to the West tale and paints Erlang in a whole new light:

This comment suggests that Erlang’s actions, which at first seem antagonistic, were actually part of a larger plan to free the king of monkeys from the control of the Heavenly Palace. By killing Sun Wukong and preserving his memories, Erlang set in motion a chain of events that would lead to the rise of The Destined One—the player character who has the potential to finally break free from the cycle of control.

The Destined One’s Trial in Black Myth: Wukong

Erlang is the game’s hardest secret boss. | Image Credit: Game Science

But if Erlang was actually on Sun Wukong’s side all along, why do players have to fight him as the game’s most challenging boss? Another comment by the same Redditor in the thread provides some insight:

It’s a theory that recontextualizes the entire fight, transforming it from a simple boss battle into a pivotal moment in the game’s narrative. By defeating Erlang, The Destined One proves himself worthy of carrying on Sun Wukong’s legacy—and potentially, of taking the fight to the Celestial Court itself.

This casts the entire game in a new light and has fans eagerly speculating about what the future might hold for the series. With rumors of a potential DLC on the horizon, the stage is set for an epic showdown between The Destined One and the forces of heaven. And if Erlang’s true role is any indication, players can expect plenty more surprises and hidden depths to be revealed along the way.

What other secrets do you think the game’s story holds? Have you faced off against Erlang in battle, and if so, how did you fare? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below!