New Gameplay Trailer Unveils Protagonist of Black Myth: Zhong Kui
The latest gameplay trailer for Black Myth Zhong Kui introduces us to a surprisingly cheerful character sporting a top knot, who embarks on a whimsical journey filled with music, makeup, camping, raft-building, and, of course, battling demons. While he seems to be the main character of Black Myth Zhong Kui, the question remains: is he actually Zhong Kui?
This title marks the second installment in Game Science’s Black Myth series, following the acclaimed action RPG Black Myth Wukong, which wowed players with its stunning visuals and fluid combat when it launched in August 2024. Black Myth Zhong Kui was unveiled a year later with a two-minute teaser at Gamescom 2025. This teaser confirmed the continuation of the series’ exploration of Chinese folklore, but it wasn’t until the new gameplay trailer that we got a closer look at the protagonist and the combat mechanics, which were absent from an earlier promotional cooking segment.
The gameplay trailer reveals various weapon types, enemy designs, and the game’s setting, but it also raises an intriguing question: Who is this protagonist, and if he isn’t Zhong Kui, what connection does he have to the Taoist deity that shares the game’s name? The youthful and charming character starkly contrasts with Zhong Kui’s traditional depiction as a large, bearded figure with a fearsome gaze. We previously glimpsed Zhong Kui in the reveal trailer, where he donned a dark cloak and rode a tiger.
In the initial segment of the gameplay trailer, there are no signs of Zhong Kui. The protagonist finds himself in a remote mountainous area, where he encounters an elderly man. Together, they navigate the island, dodge falling trees, enjoy a giant barnacle, and construct a raft. Soon, they face off against demons, which the protagonist dispatches using a one-handed sword. Notably, he has a gourd hanging from his belt, suggesting that, similar to Black Myth Wukong, we can expect to fill this flask with potions that boost attacks and restore health.
After the elderly man seemingly perishes and transforms into a swarm of tiny fragments, the action intensifies. The protagonist throws a firebomb and harnesses flames from burning trees to empower his sword. Later, after a swim leads to an encounter with a clam-winged, barnacled lake monster, he summons a dark-cloaked ally into the fray—this cloak resembles the one worn by Zhong Kui in the reveal trailer. Eventually, the protagonist merges with this cloaked figure, continuing the battle as a single entity. Is this cloaked character Zhong Kui? An alter ego? A power bestowed by Zhong Kui? While the first option seems unlikely due to the companion’s shorter, more human-like appearance compared to the tiger-riding deity, it’s worth noting that Zhong Kui was once mortal… Could this be a younger version of him?
The trailer concludes with glimpses of the protagonist alongside the cloaked companion once more. In the final shot, we see Zhong Kui riding his tiger on a cliff, showcasing a green sword sheath on his back that closely resembles the one carried by the protagonist, though it’s not an exact match.
The cloaked companion wields a curved sabre, further complicating the connection. It seems we’ll need to wait for the next Black Myth Zhong Kui trailer to uncover more about the protagonist’s identity and determine if he truly embodies a split version of Zhong Kui.
