Finding the Stone Vanguard: A Comprehensive Guide to Conquering the Chapter 2 Boss
Ready to face a true test of strength and cunning? If you've delved into the mystical and challenging world of Black Myth: Wukong, you've likely heard whispers of the Stone Vanguard, a hulking Yaoguai King that stands as a formidable obstacle in Chapter 2. This boss isn't just a roadblock; he's a required encounter to progress, and overcoming him requires more than just brute force. It demands strategy, patience, and a deep understanding of his devastating attacks. So, are you ready to learn the secrets of the Stone Vanguard? Let's begin!
Step 1: Locating the Stone Vanguard - Your Journey Through Fright Cliff
The first step to conquering any foe is finding them. The Stone Vanguard isn't just waiting around; he's a specific encounter that you must trigger in the Fright Cliff region. This is a linear path, so you won't get lost if you follow the main route, but knowing where to look is key.
Starting Point: Your journey to the Stone Vanguard begins after you've defeated the King of Flowing Sand and the Second Rat Prince in the Sandgate Village region. Once you've emerged from that arena, you'll need to cross a wooden rope bridge to enter the Fright Cliff.
Following the Path: Continue along the winding trail in Fright Cliff. You'll encounter a variety of enemies and shrines along the way. Your goal is to reach the Rockrest Flat Shrine.
The Boss Arena: From the Rockrest Flat Shrine, look for a large archway in the nearby wall. This archway is your gateway to the Stone Vanguard's arena, a spacious, rocky platform. As you enter, a cutscene will trigger, revealing the massive Stone Vanguard and initiating the boss fight.
Pro-tip: Take a moment to explore the Rockrest Flat area before you enter the archway. Familiarize yourself with the terrain. The broken-down houses and scattered rocks can be used for cover or to create distance during the fight.
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| How To Find Stone Vanguard |
Step 2: Preparing for Battle - Gearing Up for a Rocky Encounter
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
You wouldn't go into a fistfight with a giant made of stone without the right gear, would you? The Stone Vanguard hits hard, and you need to be prepared.
Upgrade Your Gear: Before you even think about engaging, make sure your gear is as upgraded as possible. If you can, craft the Ebongold armor set and upgrade your Twin Serpent Staff. These are excellent options for this stage of the game and will provide a significant advantage.
Manage Your Resources: Check your inventory for resources. Make sure you have a good supply of healing items. If you're running low on Will, which is the game's currency for upgrades, consider selling any extra gold you've accumulated.
Master Your Skills: The Stone Vanguard is a battle of endurance and timing. Ensure you are comfortable with your character's moveset, especially the Cloud Step spell, which allows for quick evasive maneuvers. This spell is incredibly useful for dodging his wide-reaching attacks.
Step 3: Understanding the Stone Vanguard's Moveset - Know Your Enemy
The Stone Vanguard is not a mindless brute. He has a distinct and predictable set of attacks. Learning to recognize the cues for each move is the key to victory.
Sub-heading: Devastating Ground Attacks
The Stone Vanguard's primary mode of attack is through ground-based slams and shockwaves.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Ground Slam: The Vanguard will raise both of its arms and roar before slamming them down. This attack is slow and heavily telegraphed, but the resulting shockwave is massive and can catch you off guard.
Counter: The moment you see him raise his arms, create as much distance as possible. Don't be fooled by the slow wind-up; the shockwave is deceptively large.
Ground Punch Combo: He'll punch the ground four times in quick succession before leaping forward for a final slam.
Counter: Stay close and dodge to the side with each punch. This will allow you to get in a few quick hits and stay out of his direct line of attack.
Pouncing Attack: The Vanguard will shift his weight and leap forward to slam down on you. This is a gap-closer he uses when you are at a distance.
Counter: Watch for the weight shift and hide behind his shoulder. Use a well-timed dodge to the side as he pounces.
Sub-heading: Ranged and Summon Attacks
He's not just a close-range fighter. He can also pelt you with projectiles and summon help.
Boulder Toss: When you're far away, he'll start hurling giant rocks at you.
Counter: These are relatively easy to dodge, but be ready for him to throw multiple.
Golem Summon: This is perhaps his most dangerous move. He'll pound the ground with one fist, and then a series of explosive rock minions will emerge and leap at you. After the fourth minion, the Vanguard himself will jump at you along with two more minions.
Counter: There is no safe distance from this attack. You must constantly dodge the incoming golems. Save your Cloud Step for this phase, as it will help you evade the final volley of attacks from both the minions and the Vanguard.
Sub-heading: Close-Range Defense
Even when you get behind him, he has a way to deal with you.
Backhand Attack: When you're behind him, he'll get on all fours and charge forward, swinging a wide backhand.
Counter: Once you see him crouch, be ready to sprint to the side. He cannot adjust his direction once he starts charging.
Vertical Leap: He will perform a vertical pouncing attack to hit you if you are behind him.
Counter: Dodge away from him the moment he leaps.
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
Step 4: Mastering the Combat Strategy - Patience is Your Best Weapon
Now that you know his moves, it's time to put it all together.
Patience, Patience, Patience: This is not a DPS race. The Stone Vanguard is a test of endurance. Do not get greedy with your attacks. Get a few hits in and then get out.
Look for Openings: His attacks are heavily telegraphed. Use his long wind-up animations as opportunities to get behind him or to land a few quick hits.
Prioritize Dodging: Your primary focus should be on survival. Dodging is your best friend. Perfect dodges will not only keep you safe but also build your focus points, allowing you to land more powerful attacks.
Use Focus Attacks: Once your focus meter is full, unleash your focused heavy attacks. These will deal significant damage and can even stun him, giving you an even larger window to attack.
Exploit His Weakness: His arms are his weak point. While it's tempting to hit his body, aim for his arms whenever you can. This will help you break his posture and stagger him.
The Secret Weapon (Optional): There is a secret and incredibly satisfying way to cheese this fight. If you have collected all six Buddha Eyeballs from the Fright Cliff region, you can interact with a large rock near the boss arena's entrance. This will summon the powerful Shigandang boss, who will then fight the Stone Vanguard for you! The Shigandang is a much tougher boss, but he will tear the Stone Vanguard to pieces, giving you the rewards without the struggle. Be warned, though, he will then turn his attention to you!
Step 5: Claiming Your Rewards
Once the Stone Vanguard is defeated, you'll be handsomely rewarded for your efforts.
Key Item: You will receive the Sterness of Stone, a crucial key item needed to progress in Chapter 2.
Experience and Resources: You will also earn a hefty amount of experience, Will, and other resources to help you on your journey.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
How to find the Rockrest Flat Shrine? The Rockrest Flat Shrine is located in the Fright Cliff region, which you can access by crossing a wooden bridge after defeating the King of Flowing Sand and Second Rat Prince in Sandgate Village. Just follow the main path, and you'll eventually come across it.
How to defeat the Stone Vanguard easily? A very easy method is to collect all six Buddha Eyeballs in the Fright Cliff region and use them to summon the secret boss, Shigandang, who will fight and defeat the Stone Vanguard for you.
How to dodge the Stone Vanguard's ground slams? The Ground Slam is heavily telegraphed. When you see him raise his arms and roar, immediately back away to create distance and avoid the massive shockwave.
How to get the Sterness of Stone? The Sterness of Stone is a key item that is automatically dropped after you successfully defeat the Stone Vanguard boss.
How to prepare for the Stone Vanguard boss fight? Before the fight, upgrade your gear to the latest available, such as the Ebongold armor set, and stock up on healing items. Practice your dodge timing and consider using the Cloud Step spell for extra mobility.
How to deal with the Golem Summon attack? Stay on the move and constantly dodge the small exploding rock minions he summons. It is a good time to use your Cloud Step to evade the final volley of attacks from both the minions and the Vanguard.
How to use the terrain in the boss arena to your advantage? The uneven terrain and scattered rocks can be used as temporary cover to block some of his ranged attacks. However, be mindful that getting trapped can be dangerous, so use them strategically.
How to trigger the secret boss fight with Shigandang? Collect all six Buddha Eyeballs scattered throughout the Fright Cliff region. Before engaging the Stone Vanguard, interact with the large rock on the left side of the arena's entrance to summon Shigandang.
How to know when the Stone Vanguard is about to attack? The Stone Vanguard has clear visual cues for his attacks. Watch for him raising his arms for ground slams, shifting his weight for pouncing attacks, and pounding the ground to summon minions.
How to maximize damage against the Stone Vanguard? Focus on landing a few quick hits after he completes an attack, and then back away. Aim for his arms to break his posture, and use your focused heavy attacks when he is stunned.
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