- Black Myth: Zhong Kui is based on the Chinese mythological figure Zhong Kui.
- Core folklore centers on Zhong Kui banishing evil and protecting people from harmful spirits.
- Story setting connects the human world with the underworld and the realm of ghosts.
- Central theme explores the boundary between life and death.
- Current status remains focused on announced lore and creative foundations as of 2026.
What Is Black Myth: Zhong Kui Based On?
Black Myth: Zhong Kui is based on Zhong Kui, a famous figure in Chinese mythology and folklore traditionally associated with ghost hunting, exorcism, and protection against evil spirits. The game’s creative foundation also draws from the classic folktale commonly known as “Zhong Kui Banishing Evil.”
This inspiration places the upcoming action role-playing title within a different mythological tradition from Black Myth: Wukong. Rather than centering on the Monkey King, the new story follows Zhong Kui, described as a ghost-catching god who travels between Hell and Earth. That premise gives the game a natural connection to spirits, judgment, the afterlife, and supernatural conflict.
The title is being developed by Game Science as the second installment in the Black Myth series. It was announced for PC and consoles, but a release date has not been confirmed. The known information therefore supports a lore-focused explanation rather than a detailed walkthrough of combat systems, bosses, or progression mechanics.
| Foundation | Confirmed connection |
|---|---|
| Main figure | Zhong Kui, the ghost-catching god |
| Mythology | Chinese mythology and folklore |
| Key folktale | “Zhong Kui Banishing Evil” |
| Main setting concept | Movement between Hell and Earth |
| Central theme | Life and death |
| Developer | Game Science |
| Series position | Second Black Myth installment |
Zhong Kui
A legendary protector associated with defeating ghosts, confronting evil, and safeguarding the living.
Chinese Folklore
The game draws from a broad cultural tradition rather than adapting a modern fictional character.
Hell and Earth
The announced premise places the protagonist between the mortal world and the supernatural realm.
Treat the game as a creative interpretation of Zhong Kui folklore, not as a literal retelling of every traditional version.
The Zhong Kui Legend Explained
Zhong Kui is one of the best-known protective figures in Chinese folklore. He is commonly represented as a powerful exorcist or ghost hunter whose role is to suppress evil spirits and defend human communities. His identity is closely linked to images of supernatural authority, moral judgment, and protection.
The traditional story associated with Zhong Kui includes themes of injustice, recognition, and transformation. Different retellings vary in detail, but the enduring image is consistent: Zhong Kui becomes a formidable defender against malicious supernatural forces. This makes him a strong foundation for a dark action role-playing narrative.
The phrase “Zhong Kui Banishing Evil” is especially important because it summarizes the conflict at the heart of the legend. Zhong Kui is not simply traveling through a fantasy world for adventure. His mythological role is defined by confronting forces that threaten order and the living world.
| Folklore element | Narrative meaning |
|---|---|
| Ghost hunting | Direct conflict with harmful supernatural beings |
| Exorcism | Removal or defeat of spiritual threats |
| Protection | Defense of people and communities |
| Judgment | Separation between justice, wrongdoing, and corruption |
| Underworld connection | A bridge between mortal life and the afterlife |
| Banishing evil | A focused mission against disruptive forces |
The game’s use of Zhong Kui also creates room for visual and thematic contrasts. Earth can represent ordinary human existence, while Hell can represent judgment, punishment, memory, or spiritual consequence. Moving between these spaces may support a story in which the boundaries between good and evil are tested.
However, specific plot details remain unconfirmed. The available information does not establish the names of supporting characters, the structure of the underworld, the identity of the main antagonist, or the exact version of the legend that the game will follow.
Traditional Zhong Kui folklore provides the inspiration, but it does not confirm specific bosses, quests, abilities, or story events in the game.
How the Folktale Shapes the Game’s Setting
The most distinctive announced setting idea is Zhong Kui’s movement between Hell and Earth. This concept gives Black Myth: Zhong Kui a clear supernatural identity while preserving the series’ interest in Chinese mythology.
A setting divided between the living world and the afterlife can support several types of narrative tension:
- Mortal versus supernatural: Human communities may be affected by forces they cannot understand or control.
- Order versus corruption: Zhong Kui’s role suggests a responsibility to restore balance.
- Life versus death: The game’s central theme can examine what separates the living from the dead.
- Justice versus punishment: The underworld naturally raises questions about judgment and consequence.
- Folklore versus interpretation: Familiar legends can be reshaped for a modern action role-playing format.
The relationship between Hell and Earth should be read as a thematic foundation rather than a confirmed map structure. At present, the known premise establishes the two-realm concept, but it does not confirm how frequently the protagonist travels between them or whether both realms will be fully explorable.
| Setting concept | What is established | What remains open |
|---|---|---|
| Earth | A mortal realm connected to Zhong Kui’s mission | Regions, settlements, and travel systems |
| Hell | A supernatural realm linked to the protagonist’s story | Layout, rulers, factions, and dangers |
| Boundary between realms | Zhong Kui is described as wandering between them | How the transition works in play |
| Spiritual conflict | Evil and ghosts are central to the premise | Enemy types and combat behavior |
| Life and death | Identified as the central theme | How the theme affects the full storyline |
The strongest confirmed setting hook is the passage between Earth and Hell. Details about geography and exploration should wait for official reveals.
Start With the Mortal World
Read Earth as the human point of reference. It gives Zhong Kui’s supernatural mission a visible impact and helps establish what is being protected.
Follow the Supernatural Conflict
Focus on the role of ghosts, evil, and spiritual disorder. These elements connect the game’s action premise to Zhong Kui’s traditional identity.
Interpret Hell as More Than a Location
Consider the underworld as a space connected to judgment, death, and consequence, while avoiding assumptions about its final design.
Track the Life-and-Death Theme
Use the central theme to understand how the mortal and supernatural realms may influence the story’s emotional direction.
Black Myth: Zhong Kui Based On: Myth vs. Game Interpretation
The phrase “based on” is important for understanding this project. Zhong Kui is a traditional mythological figure with a long history of artistic and cultural representation. Game Science can draw from that foundation while creating new characters, conflicts, locations, and dramatic situations.
This approach is consistent with the broader idea behind the Black Myth series: using Chinese mythology as the foundation for a large-scale fantasy action role-playing experience. The result can preserve recognizable symbols while presenting them through new visual designs and a newly structured narrative.
Players should separate three layers of information:
- Traditional folklore: Stories and beliefs associated with Zhong Kui outside the game.
- Confirmed game premise: The announced role of Zhong Kui as a ghost-catching god moving between Hell and Earth.
- Unannounced interpretation: Future details about gameplay, characters, encounters, and story progression.
| Information layer | Safe conclusion |
|---|---|
| Traditional legend | Zhong Kui is associated with exorcism, ghost hunting, and protection |
| Announced premise | The game follows Zhong Kui across Hell and Earth |
| Series context | It is the second installment in the Black Myth series |
| Creative adaptation | Game Science is shaping folklore into an action role-playing game |
| Unconfirmed details | Specific mechanics, enemies, locations, and release timing should not be treated as established |
Confirmed
Zhong Kui, Chinese mythology, ghost hunting, Hell and Earth, and the life-and-death theme.
Traditional
Folklore surrounding Zhong Kui’s protective and exorcist role.
Adapted
A new game narrative built by Game Science around the mythological foundation.
Unconfirmed
Detailed story events, systems, character lists, and the final release schedule.
The clearest reading is that Game Science is adapting Zhong Kui’s mythic identity into an original dark fantasy adventure.
What to Track Before Release
As of August 21, 2026, the most reliable information concerns the game’s identity and inspiration. The project is an upcoming single-player action role-playing game developed by Game Science, and it is planned for PC and consoles. A release date has not been announced.
Future updates will likely clarify how closely the game follows the classic folktale and how much new material is introduced. Until then, the following checklist can help separate meaningful announcements from speculation.
Lore Research Checklist:
- Identify whether a new trailer names specific figures from Zhong Kui folklore
- Check how the game defines the relationship between Earth and Hell
- Track official explanations of the life-and-death theme
- Separate confirmed story details from fan theories and early speculation
- Use official announcements for release timing and platform updates
| Update type | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| New story trailer | May reveal characters, conflicts, and the game’s interpretation of the folktale |
| Developer statement | Can clarify themes, cultural references, and creative goals |
| Gameplay showcase | May explain how supernatural combat supports the narrative |
| Platform announcement | Confirms where the game is planned to launch |
| Release update | Establishes whether the project has received a confirmed date |
For background reading, consult the Black Myth: Zhong Kui overview and compare future announcements with the established folklore rather than relying on unsourced summaries.
When new information appears, ask whether it comes from Game Science, an official trailer, or a clearly identified announcement before treating it as canon.
Black Myth: Zhong Kui Based On FAQ
Q: What is Black Myth: Zhong Kui based on?
It is based on Zhong Kui, a figure from Chinese mythology and folklore associated with ghost hunting, exorcism, and protecting the living from evil spirits.
Q: What is the main Zhong Kui folktale connected to the game?
The game draws from the classic Chinese folktale commonly known as “Zhong Kui Banishing Evil,” which reflects the character’s role as a supernatural protector.
Q: Is Black Myth: Zhong Kui based on a novel?
The confirmed foundation is Chinese mythology, folklore, and the Zhong Kui banishing-evil tradition. The available information does not identify a single novel as the game’s sole source.
Q: Will the game take place in Hell?
The announced premise describes Zhong Kui as wandering between Hell and Earth. This confirms the connection to the underworld, but the full structure of the setting has not been detailed.
The game’s confirmed foundation is Zhong Kui folklore, especially the struggle between supernatural evil, human life, and the forces of death.