So, you’ve entered the lair of Erlang, the divine embodiment of “Why did I even start this game?” Black Myth: Wukong is no stranger to challenging bosses, but Erlang takes the cake—and probably smashes it with his spear. Fear not, brave monkey! This guide is your secret weapon to conquering Erlang’s frustrating phases, absurd combos, and that defense bar which might as well come with a taunting laugh track.
Let’s gear up and prepare to slap some divinity back to the celestial realm where it belongs.
Erlang’s Defense Bar: Why? Just Why?
Because being a godly warrior wasn’t annoying enough, Erlang comes equipped with a defense bar. This glowing annoyance sits smugly above his health, laughing at your attacks until you learn how to chip it down. When it’s active, Erlang can parry your attacks, making every misstep feel like an audition for failure.
Breaking the Almighty Defense Bar:
- Light & Heavy Attacks Combo: You’ll need to get creative with your hits. Start with three light attacks to keep him busy, then follow up with a heavy attack to really hammer home the message. Rinse and repeat until that bar starts crumbling.
- Spirit Sidekicks: Spirits like Nona and Earth Wolf are like having backup dancers who also know kung fu. They deal consistent damage to the defense bar and even disrupt Erlang’s relentless combos.
- The Plantain Fan Vessel: Think of this as your divine eraser. The Plantain Fan can obliterate Erlang’s defense bar in one go. However, timing is everything—use it only after you’ve already whittled down most of the bar to maximize its effectiveness.
When the Defense Bar Resets
Here’s the kicker: at certain health thresholds (notably at 25%), Erlang’s defense bar resets. That’s right—all your hard work is undone in an instant. This means you’ll need to stay aggressive and chip it down again while dodging like your life depends on it (because it does).
- Azor Dust Transformation: If you’ve unlocked this ability, it’s a game-changer. It allows you to keep up the pressure, even when Erlang’s bar resets. Use it to land critical hits during those brief windows of vulnerability.
Phase 1: Spear Combos and Aerial Shenanigans
Erlang kicks off the fight with his trusty spear, showcasing a mix of close-range combos and ranged attacks that scream, “Get good or get out.” Understanding his attack patterns here is crucial, as many of them will carry over into later phases.
Dodging Spear Combos:
- Timing Is Key: Watch for the light pulse above his spear—this is your cue to dodge. Think of it as a neon sign saying, “Move now, or prepare to eat dirt.”
- Counterattacks: After dodging, you’ll have a brief window to land a few quick hits. Make them count, but don’t get greedy—Erlang’s recovery time is faster than you’d expect.
Dealing with Ranged Attacks:
- Projectile Madness: Erlang loves throwing his spear like he’s auditioning for an Olympic javelin team. Dodge right as the spear flashes to avoid becoming a kebab.
- Defensive Moves: Equip abilities like the staff spin to deflect or nullify projectiles. It’s not just practical—it’s stylish.
Phase 2: Enter the Axe of Destruction
Once you’ve managed to survive Phase 1 (congratulations, by the way), Erlang decides it’s time to switch things up. He trades his spear for an axe and unleashes a new set of moves designed to test your patience and your dodge reflexes.
Ground Slams and Axe Charges:
- Ground Slams: When Erlang raises his axe, he’s about to smash the ground with all the subtlety of a meteor. Roll backward to avoid the initial slam, then be ready for a potential follow-up attack.
- Axe Charges: These are quick and brutal. Pay attention to his wind-up animations and dodge sideways to stay out of harm’s way.
Aerial Axe Attacks:
- Stay Mobile: Erlang’s aerial axe moves are devastating if you’re caught off guard. Jumping backward or to the side can give you the breathing room you need to plan your next move.
Adapting to New Combos:
- Combo Transitions: Erlang doesn’t just stick to one weapon. His axe combos often transition seamlessly into his spear techniques. Keep your wits about you and stay flexible in your approach.
Phase 3: The “All-In” Phase
In the final phase, Erlang combines everything he’s learned from torturing you so far. He wields multiple weapons, spams laser beams, and unleashes sword barrages that feel like a bad day in bullet hell.
Laser Beam Attacks:
- Dodge Like a Pro: Erlang’s laser beams are fast and unforgiving. Anticipate the direction and dodge early to avoid getting fried.
- Use the Staff Spin: This ability can help you negate some of the damage from the beams, giving you a much-needed breather.
Merged Weapon Combos:
- Pattern Recognition: By this point, you should have a good grasp of Erlang’s patterns. Look for tells in his movements to anticipate the next attack.
- Light Attacks Between Dodges: Stay aggressive but cautious. Use light attacks to chip away at his health without leaving yourself vulnerable.
Optimal Build: Because Your Setup Matters
A good build can mean the difference between victory and a rage-quit. Here are some recommendations to give you the edge:
Armor Sets:
- G Guard Set: This versatile armor extends your dodge time, making it perfect for evading Erlang’s relentless attacks.
- Mythical Four-Piece Set: With enhanced dodge capabilities, this set is a lifesaver during tight moments.
- Golden Set: Prioritize this if you’re relying heavily on the Plantain Fan Vessel. Faster recharge means more opportunities to break Erlang’s defenses.
Weapons and Spirits:
- Jingu Bang: A powerhouse weapon with excellent damage output. Pair it with quick attacks to keep Erlang on his toes.
- Plantain Fan Vessel: Your go-to tool for erasing Erlang’s defense bar.
- Nona Spirit: Consistent damage and combo disruption make Nona an invaluable ally.
Skill Tree Investments:
- Immobilize Tree: Focus on skills that allow you to stun or immobilize Erlang. This creates openings for high-damage attacks.
- Smash Stance: Balances offense and defense, especially effective in the early phases of the fight.
- Cloud Step: Increased mobility can be a lifesaver during critical moments.
- Transformation Skills: Boosting your transformation abilities gives you an edge against Erlang’s unpredictable combos.
Final Thoughts: Erlang, the Drama Queen of Bosses
Beating Erlang isn’t just about spamming attacks and hoping for the best. It’s a test of patience, strategy, and adaptability. Here are some final tips to help you triumph:
- Stay Aggressive: Don’t let Erlang’s resets discourage you. Each attack brings you closer to victory.
- Learn His Patterns: The more you fight him, the better you’ll become at predicting his moves.
- Experiment with Builds: Don’t be afraid to try different weapons, spirits, and skills to find what works best for you.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Erlang might feel impossible at first, but with persistence and a little humor, you’ll send this sacred divinity packing. Now go forth, Wukong, and show Erlang why monkeys are the real kings of the battlefield!
Leave a Reply