In Chapter Two ofBlack Myth: Wukong, the Destined One finds themselves in Sandgate Village. However, navigating this desert area is frustratingly difficult, not just because of the archers but also due to the many bosses surrounding the area’s first Keeper’s Shrine.

One of these is the Earth Wolf, and while an optional miniboss, defeating it is necessary to gain its Spirit. Whether it’s an oversized rat or a wolf is hard to tell, but that’s the least of your worries, as the Earth Wolf has a few tricks up its sleeve. However, you’ve also got some neat tricks from Chapter One that will help you one up on it.

The Destined One facing the Earth Wolf and a Rat Soldier in Black Myth: Wukong.

How To Find The Earth Wolf

To reach the Earth Wolf, you’ll need to take the long route, as thisoptional boss’s arena is hiddenopposite the locked gatefrom theVillage Entrance Keeper’s Shrine.

This meansheading east of the gateandkeeping close to the village wallswhile surviving a gauntlet of arrows until you find anopening in the wall.

The Destined One opening a shortcut to the Earth Wolf boss in Black Myth: Wukong.

Once through, you’ll find yourself on theother side of the locked gate, where theEarth Wolf patrolsthe boss arena.

Here, you’ll also encounter theHorse Guai NPC, tied to a shrine’s pillar. ensure to speak with him, either before or after the boss fight, toprogress his questlineand work toward theUrge Unfulfilled trophy.

The various Spirits of the Destined One, including Guangmou in Black Myth: Wukong.

Earth Wolf Attack Patterns

As expected, the Earth Wolf relies on a series ofbitingandmauling combos, and, of course, the best recourse for the Destined One is tomaster the dodge timingsfor these attacks.

How To Counter

Leaping Strike

This is the beast’s opener. Itjumps towards the Destined Oneandstrikes with its clawbefore rolling on its back.

Best avoided with adodge roll to the sideswhen the claw is about to strike.

The Curios menu showing different Curios in Black Myth: Wukong.

Headbutt

The Earth Wolfcharges forward, aiming to hit the Destined One with apowerful headbutt.

Gain some distance first anddodge to the sideswhen it is about to swing its head.

The Staff Stances skill tree in Black Myth: Wukong

Grab Attack

The Earth Wolf releases anorange aurabeforepouncing to catch the Destined One. If itgrabs you, it willtoss you into the airand thenmaul you with its mouthfor tons of damage.

The Earth Wolfcreates some distancebefore executing this move. Theorange aura is your cueto anticipate its pounce, which can easily beavoided with a dodge.

The Earth Wolf immobilized by the Destined One’s spell in Black Myth: Wukong.

Rear Kick

It will consistently resort to this move when youface its backside,kickingthe Destined One with itshind legs.

Expect this move to come when you’re behind it, anddodge roll to the sideto avoid its legs.

Snakes and the Destined One attacking the Earth Wolf boss in Black Myth: Wukong.

Area Of Effect Howl

This is the Earth Wolf’s onlyarea-clearing attack, where it lets out a roar. Thedamage is negligibleif the Destined One gets caught in it.

If the roar catches you, it’s not a major concern; however, you’ll know the Earth Wolf is about to use this move when it performs aswirling backstep. Use this opportunity to run away and avoid the attack.

The Earth Wolf releasing an orange aura in Black Myth: Wukong.

Basic Combo

The Earth Wolf’sbites and scratchesare itsbread and butter. This combo usually consists oftwo successive attacks. If the Earth Wolf performs the scratch combo while standing on its hind legs, it may end upfalling on its back.

The Earth Wolf’s basic attacks can be easily avoided withsimple dodge rolls, but you should alwaysexpect a second strikeafter the first. When the Earth Wolf falls on its back, keep your distance as itfrantically flails its limbs, which can still deal damage to you.

The Destined One absorbing the Earth Wolf’s Spirit into their Gourd in Black Myth: Wukong.

These are all the Earth Wolf’s moves you can expect. However, this beast appears to have aleech effect, where itrecovers a tiny fractionof its health when it bites the Destined One.

How To Beat The Earth Wolf

Earth Wolf Boss Preparations

Before you do anything to engage the Earth Wolf boss in battle, you should follow thesegeneral tipstoprepare effectivelyagainst it.

First thing first, you shouldopen up the locked gate. You canunlock it from the boss arena, and it’ll save you fromtaking the long wayto the boss andavoiding enemiesagain. If you take the long way around, theenemies you encounter may also enter the boss arena, and you’ll have more than the boss on your mind to deal with.

The Destined One transforms into the Earth Wolf and charges forward in Black Myth Wukong.

From Chapter One’s Black Wind Mountain, you’ll haveamassed a bunch of helpful Spirits. While theWandering Wightis powerful, and we all love him, we recommend switching toGuangmouand his snakesfor this fight. The Earth Wolf is susceptible to thePoison Bane, making this Spirit particularly effective.

Skip on consumingattack buffing Pelletsfor this encounter; they are best reserved for more challenging bosses later in the Yellow Wind Ridge region.

As for your Curios, consider equippingBack ScratcherandCat Eye Beads. These will give you the extra stamina needed tostay aggressiveanddodge effectivelywhile increasing your chances oflanding critical hits.

In Black Myth: Wukong,you can respec as many times as you wantwithout any trade-off. If you still need to unlock it, take the time toreset your Sparksand learn theThrust StanceandSkyfall Strikeunder Smash Stance. Feel free to spend the rest of the Sparks as needed.

TheEarth Wolf isn’t tough, but with said preparations, this boss fight will start feeling like a breeze.

Earth Wolf Boss Easy Strategy

At the start of the fight, you shouldclose the distance quicklyto prevent the beast from resorting to its leaping strike opener, which it’ll likely do if youtarry around. Get the jump on it to land thefirst hit, anduse yourImmobilizespellto safely deal some initial damage.

When Immobilize wears off,activate yourCloud Stepspellto strike theEarth Wolfwith a powerful hit, then summonGuangmou’s snakes to inflict the Poison Bane. Immediately, follow this up bytransforming into Guangzhifor a powerful burst of fire damage whileapplying the Burn Banesimultaneously.

Both Banes willquickly whittle down the Earth Wolf’s healthbefore wearing off.

The Earth Wolf is alsovulnerable to stagger effectsfrom theSkyfall StrikeandThrust Stanceheavy attack. When it staggers and falls on its back,seize the opportunity to punish it further, butretreat when it starts flailing its limbs.

As for theEarth Wolf’s attacks, most arerelatively straightforward to dodgeas they have a long wind up. Your only concern, however, should be thegrab attack, as it can cause a lot of hurt to the Destined One.

While aggressiveness is key to success against this boss, as there are many openings to exploit, it’s also important tokeep an eye on your stamina barso it doesn’t run out.

With that said, stay on the offensive while avoiding the Earth Wolf’s attacks, and you’ll come out of this boss fight victorious in no time.

Earth Wolf Rewards

Upon successful defeat, the Earth Wolf nets youTwo Yarn,Two Silk,758 XP, and761 Will. While these rewards are automatically picked, theEarth Wolf also leaves its Spirit behindfor you to absorb.

If you’veleft the boss arenawithout collecting the Earth Wolf’s Spirit and don’t find it upon your return, then don’t worry. You simply need torest at a Keeper’s Shrine, where you’ll find theoption to retrieve its Spirit.

Like many Spirits, the Earth Wolf’s Spirit has both an active and passive ability. Equipping itincreases your Focus buildupwith each attack, while itsWild Rapture skilllets you take its form,charging recklessly at enemiesandstaggering themin the process.