Black Myth: Zhong Kui Gets First 15-Minute Gameplay Trailer From Game Science, Targeting PC and Major Consoles

Game Science has released a brand-new 15-minute gameplay trailer for Black Myth: Zhong Kui, the studio's follow-up to 2024's Black Myth: Wukong and the second title in its single-player action-RPG series rooted in Chinese mythology. The footage, published on the official Black Myth YouTube channel on August 20, 2026, is the first in-engine look at the new protagonist in actual combat.

The trailer opens with a poetic verse setting the tone: "With blood beneath my blade, I paint new rouge upon my face, / An old friend visits, in a dream taking place." Game Science followed the upload with a post on X confirming the footage was captured in-game from a work-in-progress build running at a 21:9 aspect ratio, and that the final release may differ. The studio has used August 20 for project updates in previous years, including the original announcement of Zhong Kui during Gamescom's Opening Night Live last year, when Game Science also said it was still in very early development and had no in-game footage to share.

In a new FAQ published on the game's official site, the studio expanded on its approach. Black Myth: Zhong Kui will once again be a single-player action RPG following the same business model as Wukong. Game Science said it hopes to preserve the elements players loved about Wukong while also exploring distinctive gameplay tailored to the new protagonist, cutting-edge technical features, and a differentiated approach to storytelling. The studio declined to commit to a release window, saying only that "the game has to be good enough to impress even our seasoned, seen-it-all colleagues," which it acknowledged guarantees the launch will not be quick.

The trailer shows the new protagonist moving through atmospheric, ink-wash environments and engaging in combat that appears to carry over Wukong's weighty, animation-driven melee approach while introducing a heavily redesigned parry and counter system. Several outlets noted the depth of the parry mechanic in particular, with one early breakdown describing it as a "truly impressive" moment in the footage. The visual fidelity is presented as a work-in-progress, but the lighting, particle work and camera direction are already on par with the studio's shipping standards.

Game Science confirmed that Black Myth: Zhong Kui will release on PC and "major consoles," with more details to come closer to launch.