Quick Answer
For the secret ending route, complete the major hidden areas and quest steps before finishing the final path. Then return to the Great Pagoda in The New West, unlock the Mount Mei route, defeat Erlang, and go back to the final boss route.
If you want one efficient first run, check the table below before committing to the ending.
Secret Ending Checklist
| Chapter | Key content | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | Three bells, Ancient Guanyin Temple, Elder Jinchi | Early hidden-area checkpoint |
| Chapter 2 | Drunken boar route and Kingdom of Sahali | Hidden-area completion |
| Chapter 3 | Melon Field quest and Great Pagoda location | Later Mount Mei access route |
| Chapter 4 | Venom Daoist route and Purple Cloud Mountain | Major hidden-area checkpoint |
| Chapter 5 | Flaming Mountains hidden route and Bishui Cave | Final hidden-area checkpoint |
| Chapter 6 | Decide before the final boss route | Determines ending order |
Recommended Final Order
- Reach the late Chapter 6 final stretch but do not rush the ending.
- Check Chapters 1 to 5 hidden areas and quest lines.
- Return to the Great Pagoda in The New West.
- Enter Mount Mei and defeat Erlang.
- Return to the final boss route and complete the ending.
This keeps the route clean and avoids discovering after credits that one hidden area was never finished.
Before Fighting Erlang
| Preparation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Spells | Use your most familiar setup, not an experimental one |
| Transformation | Save it for the phase that usually breaks your attempt |
| Spirit | Prefer reliable hit rate and useful burst |
| Gourd and drinks | Prioritize survival and mistake recovery |
| Mindset | Learn phase changes first, then chase faster kills |
Erlang is a final systems check. Damage helps, but resource planning, rhythm control, and recovery after mistakes matter more.
Should You Start NG+ Immediately?
| Goal | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Story only | NG+ can start after credits |
| Collectibles | Review remaining curios, spirits, and NPC steps first |
| Achievements | Make a missed-item list before starting |
| Faster second run | NG+ is excellent for testing stronger builds and cleaner routes |
Final Pre-NG+ Check
- Ancient Guanyin Temple complete.
- Kingdom of Sahali complete.
- Melon Field route and Great Pagoda ready.
- Purple Cloud Mountain complete.
- Bishui Cave complete.
- Mount Mei and Erlang complete.
- Remaining curios, spirits, drinks, materials, and NPC steps reviewed.