Black Myth: Wukong New Game Plus in 2026: What Carries Over and Changes

Completing Black Myth: Wukong for the first time is a milestone, but it is not the final stop. The action RPG from Game Science is built for repeat runs, and New Game Plus remains a central part of its endgame in 2026. Why would players stop after one cycle when a second journey offers tougher enemies, retained progression, and fresh rewards? The answer, for many, is simple: they would not.

New Game Plus, often shortened to NG+, allows players to carry over certain collectibles and unlockables into a second playthrough. The trade-off is a higher difficulty level than the initial run. This means the Destined One does not start from zero. Instead, players return with much of their hard-earned power intact, ready to master the combat system even further.

How does a player unlock NG+? The requirement is straightforward. Players must complete all six chapters of the base game. After the credits roll and the main story is finished, the option to begin a new cycle appears. From the main menu, selecting 'Enter a New Cycle' starts the NG+ run from the top of the game. If a player prefers a completely normal new game instead, they can choose 'New Journey' rather than NG+. That distinction matters, because only 'Enter a New Cycle' preserves progression.

What exactly carries over? The list is generous. According to the game's rules, players keep:

• Unlocked skills

• Character level

• Armor, including upgrades, and weapons

• Spells, including upgrades

• Curios

• Vessels

• Relics

These retained elements give NG+ its appeal. A player who spent dozens of hours leveling up, upgrading armor, and learning spell rotations can step back into the opening areas with a powerful build. The character level does not reset. Unlocked skills remain available. Weapons and armor stay in the inventory. Spells keep their upgrades. Curios, vessels, and relics also carry forward.

However, not everything survives the transition. Players must say goodbye to other collected items. These missing items include any consumables they purchased and all the crafting materials picked up throughout the previous game. That means stockpiles of herbs, ores, and other resources do not follow the player into the new cycle. This design choice forces players to engage with the world again, gathering materials and making new decisions about crafting and consumption.

Does NG+ only increase difficulty? No. It also introduces several changes. The known new features include:

• New craftable weapons

• Armor upgradeable through Shrines

• A Freed Mind Relic granted

These additions give veterans reasons to return beyond a simple difficulty bump. New craftable weapons expand build options. Armor upgrades at Shrines provide another progression path. The Freed Mind Relic is a special reward that can alter how players approach combat. For completionists, NG+ is also the route to earn all possible achievements in the game. A second playthrough can clean up missed trophies and unlock everything the title has to offer.

In 2026, the core structure of Black Myth: Wukong's NG+ remains relevant for new and returning players. The game has aged into a modern action RPG staple, and its cycle system still rewards mastery. Players who rush through the first run may find NG+ overwhelming, while those who prepare carefully can dominate. The key is to enter the new cycle with a clear plan. Before starting, players should spend leftover resources, finalize their preferred build, and understand which items will disappear.

Is NG+ necessary? Not for everyone. Some players are satisfied after one ending. But for those who want to push combat skills further, collect every achievement, or test upgraded spells and weapons against stronger foes, NG+ is the definitive next step. The journey through the six chapters may be over, but the cycle has just begun. With retained skills, levels, gear, and spells, the second run is less about survival and more about mastery. That is why Black Myth: Wukong's New Game Plus continues to matter in 2026.

Industry analysis is available through Forbes - Games, and it helps frame why systems like Black Myth: Wukong’s New Game Plus stay relevant well after launch: replay loops extend engagement by letting players re-enter the campaign with retained progression while chasing higher difficulty, build experimentation, and completion goals that effectively turn a single-story action RPG into a longer-term mastery track.