There are three staff stances you can quickly swap between in Black Myth: Wukong once they've been unlocked. Read on for a guide on how to change stances, the differences between the Smash, Pillar, and Thrust Stances, and how to unlock each stance.

How to Change Stances in Black Myth: Wukong

Unlock Different Staff Stances

In order to have the ability to change stances, you must first unlock at least one other staff stance. You only start off with the Smash Stance as the default stance at the beginning of the game.

Pillar Stance at Level 5

The earliest you can get the ability to change stances is level 5 when you unlock the Pillar Stance. However, you do not automatically gain access to this stance upon leveling up.

You must use a Spark to unlock the ability to switch to this stance. Go to the Staff Stances section on the Self-Advance menu, then use a Spark on the first Pillar Stance ability.

Thrust Stance is Unlocked at Level 20

Thrust Stance becomes unlockable at level 20. This must also be unlocked with a Spark in order to be able to switch to this stance.

How to Get More Sparks

D-Pad on PS5 and Z, X, and C on PC

PS5	PC	Action
Left	Z	Smash Stance
Up	X	Pillar Stance
Right	C	Thrust Stance

Once you have at least two stances to choose from, stances can be quickly changed using the D-Pad on PS5 controllers. For PC players on keyboard, you can use the Z, X, and C keys to switch between stances.

Controls Guide: All PS5 and PC Controls

All Stance Differences

Staff Stance Heavy Attack Comparison

Stances really only come into play when using Heavy Attacks. These three stances vary greatly when it comes to when and how you would use these Heavy Attacks.

Smash Stance is for Versatile Use

The Smash Stance provides a good general Heavy Attack. Since you can move around while it charges, you have some maneuverability when fighting enemies.

However, the Smash Stance requires you to be fairly close to the enemy in order for it to hit.

Pillar Stance is for Defense and Range

The Pillar Stance is great as a defensive option. You can avoid ground attacks for a while by climbing up on your staff, but note that enemies can still hit your staff and knock you off balance.

This stance also serves as an excellent offensive attack once you go down and slam your staff. The higher you extend your staff, the longer its range.

Thrust Stance is for Long-Ranged Combat

The Thrust Stance allows you to keep your distance from the enemy while using a Heavy Attack. The more you charge the attack, the farther its reach.

However, since you cannot move while charging this attack, it's not advisable to use this against fast enemies and bosses.

All Staff Stances

Black Myth: Wukong Related Guides

Beginner's Guide

Gameplay Guides

How to Unlock Spirit Transformations	All PS5 and PC Controls
All Bell Locations	All Buddha Eye Locations
New Game Plus Guide	How to Open the Purple Seal Doors
All Missables	All Status Effects Explained
How to Get 100% Completion	What To Do After Completing the Game?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Black Myth Wukong Open-World?	Is Black Myth Wukong Hard?
Combat Explained	How Long to Beat
Can You Turn Off Autosave?	What Happens When You Die?
How to Dodge	How to Level Up Fast
How to Heal	How to Farm Will
How to Get More Sparks	How to Restore Mana
How to Redeem Pre-Order Bonuses	How to Respec Abilities and Spells
How to Sprint	How to Absorb Spirits
How to Change Stances	How to Recover Qi
How to Upgrade Gourds