Wuchang: Fallen Feathers doesn’t shy away from its inspirations. Fans of Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Lies of P will feel right at home in its lore-heavy world filled with challenging foes, cryptic mechanics, and high-stakes exploration. But don’t let the familiarity fool you—Wuchang introduces its own twists to the Soulslike formula. Whether you’re a series veteran or a first-timer, these seven tips will give you a much-needed edge in surviving your early hours with the game.
1. Train in the Opening Area Before Jumping Into Combat
Unlike some other Soulslike games that throw you into combat immediately, Wuchang starts you in a threat-free zone. It’s not just a breather—it’s your training ground. On the left-hand side of your screen, you’ll find your control guide. Take this opportunity to master the fundamentals.
Combat in Wuchang moves quicker than traditional Soulslikes, favoring perfect dodges and offensive counterattacks. The timing-based dodge mechanic feels closer to Bloodborne than Dark Souls, making it crucial to practice early. Use this safe zone to try various combos, learn the dodge window, and prepare for what’s ahead.
2. Pick the Right Weapon Class for Your Playstyle
In the starting zone, you’ll find one of every weapon class available in the game. Don’t rush through—experiment with each and find what feels best.
- Longsword/One-Handed Sword: Balanced for offense and defense, great for parries.
- Dual Blades: Fast, agile, ideal for hit-and-run tactics.
- Spears: Perfect for players who favor range and careful spacing.
- Axes: High damage, but slow—requires patience and positioning.
Each weapon also ties into Wuchang‘s skill trees and special attacks, so picking one that complements your reflexes and strategy will help you immensely in the long run.
3. Learn to Dodge Like a Pro to Build Skyborn Might
Dodging isn’t just defensive—it’s the key to unlocking offensive potential. Perfect dodges trigger a blue visual cue and grant you Skyborn Might, a resource needed for weapon skills and spells. It’s a risk-reward system that rewards precision and timing.
While there are other ways to build Skyborn Might, such as through items or passive effects, mastering the dodge early gives you a serious advantage. In tough boss battles or crowded skirmishes, having that extra special attack ready could mean the difference between victory and another painful respawn.
4. Always Expect the Unexpected
Soulslike veterans will be familiar with the genre’s signature “gotcha” moments—hidden traps, ambushes, and deceptive level design. But Wuchang takes this a step further with smarter placement and environmental trickery.
Enemies may be disguised as scenery, spring traps from pressure plates, or ambush you while you’re distracted picking up loot. Use your lock-on feature to scan suspicious rooms and always approach isolated items or doors with caution. It’s not paranoia if the game is actually out to get you.
5. Use the Tempering System and Items Frequently
Unlike many other games in the genre, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers offers a free and reusable elemental buff system. This tempering mechanic lets you add fire, lightning, or other elemental properties to your weapons—essential when dealing with enemies or bosses weak to certain elements.
Don’t ignore your consumables either. Throwing knives, bombs, and red mercury items (used to boost XP and buy gear) can be game changers. Before every boss fight or big area, double-check your inventory and load up strategically.
6. Understand and Manage Your Madness
One of the game’s most unique mechanics is the madness system, tied to the mysterious feathering curse. Your madness level changes depending on what kinds of enemies you defeat and how often you die.
- Below 50% Madness: Minimal penalty on death.
- 50–90% Madness: Lose a large chunk of mercury (currency).
- Above 90% Madness: Lose all your mercury, and trigger the spawning of Bai’s inner demon.
If you die at max madness, defeating your demon grants back your lost currency—but the fight won’t be easy. Keep madness low by slaying cursed enemies (like birds and beasts), and avoid excessive deaths. Regularly check your madness percentage in the character status screen to avoid unpleasant surprises.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Breaks
Wuchang is punishing by design. It expects you to fail and to learn from it. But there’s a fine line between perseverance and burnout. If you find yourself dying repeatedly or tilting during boss fights, step away. Come back with a clear head and a fresh strategy.
Like all Soulslike games, the key is mindset. View every failure as a lesson. Each trap avoided, each dodge timed perfectly, and each tough enemy bested is a result of growth. Stick with it—eventually, the world of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers will open up, and you’ll be glad you endured the early hardships.
Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned warrior, these tips will help you master Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and make the most of your journey through its haunting, lore-rich world.
