Upgrading your stats in Black Myth Wukong can give you a significant advantage as you progress through the game, but did you know there’s a secret vendor who can help you maximize your potential? This guide will walk you through the hidden method of upgrading your character’s stats using Mind Cores, show you where to find the elusive vendor, and even reveal a farming method to collect these valuable resources early in the game.
Why do you need Mind Cores in Black Myth Wukong?
In the vast and mystical world of Black Myth Wukong, upgrading your character’s stats is essential for survival.
While most players focus on using Sparks for upgrades, there’s a hidden method involving Mind Cores that can permanently boost your stats like health, mana, stamina, and defense.
This secret technique is unlocked by interacting with a mysterious NPC known as Xu Dog, a cunning fox with a penchant for helping those who help him.
This guide will not only show you how to find Xu Dog and unlock his services, but also provide a reliable farming method to collect Mind Cores early in the game.
Whether you’re struggling with tough enemies or simply looking to maximize your character’s potential, this guide is your key to mastering the art of stat upgrades in Black Myth Wukong.
Secret Vendor Location: Unlocking Xu Dog Services
To unlock the ability to upgrade your stats using Mind Cores, you must first locate Xu Dog, a Secret Hidden NPC (fox) who offers this unique service.
Step 1: Finding Xu Dog
- Location: Xu Dog can be found hiding under a bridge in Sandgate Village. To reach him, travel to the village entrance shrine and follow the path that leads to the bridge.
- Task: After locating Xu Dog, he will ask you to defeat a frog boss named Lang Li Guhh Baw. This boss is not too challenging once you learn his attack patterns, so take him down and return to Xu Dog. This frog boss can be found in a pond.
- Reward: Upon defeating Lang Li, Xu Dog will reward you and then disappear, but don’t worry—this is part of the process.
Step 2: Reuniting with Xu Dog at the Crouching Tiger Temple
- Progression: Continue playing the game until you reach the Tiger Temple in Chapter 2.
- Shrine Location: Head to the temple entrance shrine, where you will have to face and defeat the Tiger Vanguard, an intense but rewarding fight.
- Secret Path: After defeating the Tiger Vanguard, use the Keeness of Tiger on the statue at the top of the stairs to unlock a secret path in the blood pool. Follow this path, overcoming any enemies in your way, until you reach the Crouching Tiger Temple Seller Shrine.
- Xu Dog’s Return: At this shrine, you’ll find a furnace-like structure. Approach it, and Xu Dog will reappear, ready to offer his services.
Also check out: Black Myth Wukong Infinite Stamina Build – Best Highest Damage (DMG) Scaling Early Build
Upgrading Stats with Mind Cores
Now that you’ve found Xu Dog again, you can start upgrading your character’s stats using Mind Cores. Here’s how it works:
- Services Offered: Xu Dog allows you to exchange Mind Cores for permanent upgrades to your health, mana, stamina, defense, and more. Additionally, he can craft medicine and other helpful items.
- Mind Core Refund: If you change your mind, you can refund the Mind Cores you’ve used. However, this might come at a cost, and you may not get back all the resources spent.
Best Early Game Mind Core Farming Location
Upgrading your stats requires a steady supply of Mind Cores, and there’s an effective early game farm to help you gather them quickly.
Step 1: Travel to Bamboo Grove Snake Trail Shrine
- Location: Start at the Bamboo Grove Snake Trail Shrine.
- First Enemy: Run up the stairs, where you’ll encounter a snake-like enemy. Defeat it to earn 171+ Will and a chance to drop a Mind Core.
Step 2: Clear the Area
- Second Enemy: After defeating the first enemy, return to the bridge and jump down to find another snake enemy below. Take it out for more Will and another shot at a Mind Core.
- Third Enemy: Follow the path to the next snake enemy, who is surrounded by weaker enemies. Focus on the snake enemy for the best rewards.
- Final Enemy: Continue slightly forward, then turn left into the trees to find the final snake enemy. Defeat it for additional Will and Mind Cores.
Step 3: Reset and Repeat
- Efficiency Tip: Use the Incense Trail Talisman to fast travel back to the shrine after clearing the area, allowing you to repeat the run quickly and efficiently. Each run should take about 1-2 minutes, yielding a minimum of 700 Will and a good chance of earning Mind Cores.
Also check out: Black Myth Wukong Strongest Early Weapons and Items Guide – Best Early Armor and Curios
Conclusion
Mastering the art of stat upgrades in Black Myth Wukong is crucial for any player looking to dominate the game’s toughest challenges. By unlocking Xu Dog’s hidden vendor services and farming Mind Cores early on, you can ensure your character is always at its peak performance. Whether you’re boosting your health, mana, or defense, these upgrades will give you the edge you need to take on whatever the game throws at you. Don’t miss out on this powerful method—seek out Xu Dog, farm those Mind Cores, and take your character to the next level.
