In Black Myth: Wukong, one of the intriguing side quests you might stumble upon involves the Old Rattle-Drum. This ancient artifact has puzzled many players, but with the right steps, you can unravel its mystery and reap the rewards hidden within the game’s rich narrative.
Where to Find the Old Rattle-Drum
Before you can start solving the mystery, you need to obtain the Old Rattle-Drum itself. The journey begins by defeating the formidable Tiger Vanguard as you pursue the Keenness of Tiger. After this victory, continue your exploration beyond the Crouching Tiger Temple until you reach Windrest Hamlet.
At Windrest Hamlet, you’ll find a bridge guarded by the Tiger’s Acolyte. Be prepared for a tough battle as this enemy will try to knock you off the bridge with relentless attacks. Once you defeat the Tiger’s Acolyte, you will be rewarded with the Old Rattle-Drum, marking the beginning of your quest.
Location #1: Windrest Hamlet
With the Old Rattle-Drum in hand, your first destination is Windrest Hamlet. Enter through the main gates and proceed to the left. As you walk a short distance, your screen will turn grey, indicating the correct spot. Here, you’ll be prompted to use the drum. Doing so will trigger a haunting dialogue from a ghostly child, and you’ll need to fend off a group of enemies that spawn afterward. Once the area is cleared, you can move on to the next location.
Location #2: Windseal Gate
The next stop on your journey is the Valley of Despair. Before proceeding, ensure you have defeated the Stone Vanguard to acquire the Sternness of Stone, which is necessary to unlock the large gates ahead. If you haven’t, consult the Sternness of Stone guide for assistance.
Once through the gates, follow the path until you reach a set of wooden structures on the right. Turn under them and prepare for an ambush from several small enemies. After dealing with them, use the drum again when prompted, and the ghostly child will speak once more.
Location #3: Sandgate Village
Your final destination is Sandgate Village, where the mystery will reach its climax. Start at the front gate and turn left, heading toward the back through a small gate. As before, the screen will shift in color, signaling that you should use the drum. This time, the child will appear and jump down a nearby well. Follow him down, where you’ll encounter the secret boss, the Mad Tiger.
The Mad Tiger is the brother of the Tiger Vanguard and shares a similar ferocity in battle. However, his attacks are less complicated, making him the easiest of the Tiger duels. Beware of his slam attacks, which cause explosive damage, but with careful timing, you should be able to defeat him without much trouble.
Once victorious, venture deeper into the cave to discover a hidden chest. Inside, you’ll find the Plaguebane Gourd, a special item that reduces healing but boosts your damage for a short time after use.
The Old Rattle-Drum quest in Black Myth: Wukong offers a fascinating detour from the main storyline, filled with challenges and rewards. By following the steps above, you can resolve the mystery and gain valuable items that will aid you in your journey. If you’re still hungry for secrets, don’t forget to revisit Chapter 1 and explore the hidden areas unlocked by ringing the three bells in the forest. Happy adventuring!
