Yin Tiger is a formidable boss in Black Myth: Wukong Chapter 3, introduced as a master blacksmith and one of the toughest opponents you’ll face. Unlike many enemies, Yin Tiger is not merely a foe you stumble upon but a vital figure in the story, known for upgrading armor and challenging you to a duel. Defeating Yin Tiger not only earns significant rewards but also proves your mastery of the game's combat mechanics, unlocking valuable transformations and additional abilities.
Location and How to Reach Yin Tiger
Yin Tiger resides in the Zodiac Village, a hub that players can access after obtaining the Ruyi Scroll from Chen Loong. Zodiac Village houses several merchants and NPCs, including Shen Monkey and Xu Dog. To challenge Yin Tiger, head to his blacksmith shop located near the entrance. While he initially aids in upgrading armor, engaging in dialogue with him offers the option to initiate a duel.
Armor, Weapons, and Items for the Battle
Before facing Yin Tiger, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. His powerful attacks make defense a priority. Here’s what you should equip:
- Armor: Opt for heavy armor to reduce the impact of his sweeping sword strikes. Strengthening your defense is essential, given his fast-paced, devastating combos.
- Weapon: A fast weapon like the Wandering Wight or any agile staff is ideal. Yin Tiger's agility means you’ll need to be quick to land attacks and retreat.
- Items: Bring health potions and defense boosters. The spell Cloud Step is particularly effective for dodging his high-damage attacks.
How to Defeat the Yin Tiger
The key to defeat the Yin Tiger lies in understanding his movement patterns. He wields a massive blade and has a range of attacks that can quickly overwhelm you if you’re unprepared.
- Observe His Attack Pattern: Yin Tiger’s initial attacks are slow but strong. He will often start with wide sweeps or thrusts. Dodge early and circle around him to attack from behind.
- Use Cloud Step and Clones: Cloud Step can help avoid his close-range attacks, and summoning clones distracts him temporarily, allowing you to land heavier hits.
- Capitalize on Stagger Windows: After you dodge his spinning attacks or powerful slashes, he’ll be momentarily vulnerable. Use Red Tides and A Flock of Many combos to deal heavy damage.
- Avoid Spell Use: Yin Tiger has strong resistance to spells. Focus on physical attacks and rely on weapon-based strategies for best results.
- Watch for his Enrage Mode: Once Yin Tiger’s health drops below 50%, his attacks become faster and more erratic. Stay patient, dodge more frequently, and wait for him to make mistakes.
Rewards After Defeating Yin Tiger
Defeating Yin Tiger brings excellent rewards. Most notably, you’ll unlock the Ebon Flow Transformation, allowing you to take on Yin Tiger’s form in battle. This transformation grants powerful attack boosts and unique abilities that mimic his combat style. Additionally, Yin Tiger’s defeat unlocks an extra Curio slot, allowing further customization and enhancement of your playstyle.
Understanding Yin Tiger’s Attack Patterns
Yin Tiger’s attacks revolve around his massive sword, which he swings in broad arcs or slams down with tremendous force. His key moves include:
- Sweeping Blade: A wide horizontal slash that covers a large area. Roll towards him to avoid this move.
- Sword Thrust: A quick forward stab that’s harder to dodge. Timing is key; jump backward or sidestep.
- Enraged Spinning Attack: When Yin Tiger enters his enrage mode, he’ll start spinning rapidly with his blade out. This is the most dangerous phase, and keeping distance while looking for an opening is critical.
By learning his attack patterns and exploiting his vulnerabilities, you’ll successfully defeat Yin Tiger, gaining not only victory but also game-changing rewards.
Whirlwind Slash
Type of attack: Yin Tiger raises his massive sword behind his back and initiates a clockwise spinning slash. After a brief pause, he follows up with three rapid consecutive slashes. Once the phase transition occurs, he adds two more swings at the end of the sequence.
counter attack: To avoid the first slash, dodge to the right, and then time your dodges carefully through the remaining strikes, accounting for the slight delay in his movements.
Sweeping Gust
Type of attack: Yin Tiger charges towards the Destined One and performs two horizontal spinning slashes. After the phase shift, two additional empowered spinning strikes are added to the combo.
counter attack: These wide, sweeping strikes are easily avoided by executing dodge rolls as he swings.
Roaring Slam
Type of attack: After unleashing a ferocious roar, Yin Tiger leaps into the air and slams down with tremendous force, immediately following it up with a 360-degree spin attack.
counter attack: Dodge just before he lands, and run away to avoid the follow-up spinning slash.
Into The Leaves
Type of attack: When Yin Tiger calls out "Into The Leaves," he vanishes, reappearing to strike the Destined One. This happens three times: the first attack is a slam followed by a sweep, the second is a rapid slash, and the third concludes with two empowered downward strikes. The final strike creates an aftershock, causing the ground to erupt.
counter attack: Dodging the first two blink strikes is relatively easy with good timing, but for the last vanish and its powerful downward strikes, you'll need to roll four times to either side to escape the aftershock.
Tempest Spins
Type of attack: Yin Tiger crouches low, holding his sword forward, before releasing a spinning slash, followed immediately by another. After a brief pause of five seconds, he winds up for another spin, finishing with a powerful uppercut that sends you flying if it connects.
counter attack: To avoid his spinning attacks, roll out of the way as he spins. Timing is crucial, especially for the uppercut, which is best dodged using Cloud Step to create a decoy and evade his target.
Gale Force Barrage
Type of attack: Yin Tiger begins with an empowered slash, followed by a strong shove, an upward stroke, a powerful slam, and ends with a sweeping strike that unleashes a damaging wind wave.
counter attack: For the final sweep attack, roll directly towards Yin Tiger to avoid the wind wave. You can dodge the rest of his strikes in any direction with well-timed rolls.
Stunning Roar
Type of attack: Yin Tiger vanishes, reappearing with a stunning roar that disorients the Destined One. He follows this up with a grab-like attack, slashing his sword into the player and dragging it across for massive damage.
counter attack: This move usually occurs when Yin Tiger retreats without using a catchphrase. The timing can be tricky, so as soon as he reappears, roll immediately to avoid being caught in the roar.
Ride With The Gale!
Type of attack: This catchphrase signals one of Yin Tiger's most aggressive assaults. He blinks in and out four times, striking with a different attack on each reappearance. His first return involves a jumping slam, the next two are rapid slashes, and the final appearance is a powerful charge followed by a sweeping strike.
counter attack: For the jumping slam, spam the dodge button while moving forward. Dodge through the rapid slashes that follow, and time your dodge rolls carefully to evade the final sweep. Cloud Step is highly effective here, helping you escape the most dangerous part of the attack.
Down With Might
Type of attack: Yin Tiger leaps high into the air and crashes down with a devastating slam attack.
counter attack: To avoid this, simply roll to either side as he plummets towards the ground.
