Action RPG

The First Berserker: Khazan – Everything You Need to Know

BBG News

Following a successful trial run, the game titled “The First Berserker: Khazan” is scheduled for release on March 27th. This will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC platforms, with Deluxe Edition owners getting early access on March 24th. Boasting a stylish anime design, intense fast-moving action, and an engrossing story of vengeance, it may prove to be a hidden gem amidst the crowded calendar for this month. Here’s a list of 15 essential facts you should consider before making your purchase.

Dungeon and Fighter Connection

Ever since its initial unveiling, “The First Berserker: Khazan” has maintained a lasting bond with “Dungeon and Fighter”. Players of “Dungeon Fighter Online” would have come across the fallen general (avoiding spoilers regarding his fate), but this narrative unfolds during the rule of the Pell Los Empire. It delves into Khazan’s tale, detailing his transformation into the notorious berserker following betrayal.

Environments

If you’ve experienced the demo, the diverse range of settings showcased so far has been truly captivating. Players traverse from a snowy pass inhabited by beasts and soldiers, to a spiritual pilgrimage on a mountain, then a shadowy dungeon filled with dragon-like creatures. A new location was unveiled in a recent trailer – the Rovelion Imperial Theater, once the heart of arts and culture in the Pell Los Empire. Now it’s said that traps and echoes of the past’s nobility lurk in the shadows, possibly causing illusions.

Combat

If you’re new to The First Berserker: Khazan and haven’t played the demo, you should know that its combat is reminiscent of Souls-like games. You’ll find a stamina meter, both light and heavy attacks, and various Blade Nexus sites serving as checkpoints. Similar to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the opponents have a posture gauge (referred to as Fortitude) that you need to weaken in order to land critical blows.

Parrying and Evasion

Mastering both parries and dodges is crucial, but timing them accurately makes all the difference. A well-timed parry minimizes your stamina usage – something vital for challenging boss encounters – enabling you to keep up the offensive. Dodging just as an enemy strikes initiates a Brink Dodge, which can be advantageous when combined with certain abilities.

Counterattacks

In some instances, neither blocking nor evading an attack may be possible. It’s in such situations where the Counterattack comes into play. If executed flawlessly, this move mirrors a Burst Counter from Nioh 2, causing the enemy to stumble and restoring your entire stamina pool. However, if not performed correctly, you will sustain heavy damage. Do beware, for even Elite enemies are capable of executing their own Counterattacks, which are as impressive as they are intimidating.

Weapons and Skills

So far, it has been established that Khazan is proficient in three types of weapons: Spear, Greatsword, and a pair of Sword and Axe. Each weapon offers distinct abilities and gameplay styles, catering to various preferences. If you enjoy agility with the Sword and Axe combination, or prefer the reach advantage with the Spear, or if you’re into powerful but slower attacks with the Greatsword, there’s a choice for everyone. Unfortunately, in the demonstration version, it doesn’t appear that you can switch between weapons. This setup encourages players to focus on a specific build and gameplay style instead.

Every weapon boasts distinct abilities, obtainable using skill points. For instance, Ruthless allows swift slicing of any foe with the Sword or Axe, while Breakthrough involves charging towards an adversary with the Greatsword followed by a powerful downswing. My preferred one is Moonlight Stance, which generates illusory copies for 15 seconds that inflict extra harm. Keep in mind that skills drain Spirit, so balancing it during combat alongside your stamina and Fortitude is equally important.

Berserker Mode

The latest preview has hinted at a potential Berserker Mode for Khazan, featuring him donning the Blade Phantom’s armor and acquiring novel abilities. It appears he can swap between various weapon types, which is quite intriguing. Unfortunately, specifics are scarce, but it certainly looks incredibly intense!

Summoning Allies

In contrast to the multiplayer focus often associated with “Dungeon Fighter Online”, this game doesn’t offer such modes. However, you can still enlist allies to aid your quest, starting from the third level where the Spirit of Advocacy joins you in combat. Given the challenging bosses ahead, this assistance is likely crucial. Similarly to “Nioh”, there’s also the Remnant of Adversity, which you can battle against to receive drops. These drops include Lacrima of Circulation, a necessary item for summoning additional Spirits.

Easy Mode

If you find the battle intensity and overall challenge too overwhelming, rest assured that the game “The First Berserker: Khazan” includes an Easy Mode. This feature is designed to help you relax and immerse yourself in the storyline more effortlessly. However, it’s important to note that in the demo version, you will need to complete the first mission to access this mode. While it’s possible that this requirement may change in the final game, always be prepared for a challenge ahead.

Transmog

Although loot and appearance aren’t everything in action RPG gameplay, they still matter significantly. If you ever find yourself wanting to alter your character’s look while keeping the same gear, transmog is fortunately an option, albeit it becomes accessible after completing your initial playthrough. This detail was confirmed by creative director Junho Lee during a Reddit AMA. The reason behind this setup remains unclear, but it exists for players to utilize.

New Game+

In addition to the initial gameplay, you also have the option of New Game Plus. This mode operates similarly to the game Nioh. Although you can experience all the game’s content during your first playthrough, subsequent plays offer additional options and abilities. Some limitations are removed as well, which might not only refer to transmogrification but potentially other significant game-altering elements. There could be more exciting discoveries to uncover in these higher difficulty levels.

Multiple Endings

A compelling reason for starting another adventure is the various conclusions the game offers. Unlike a leisurely walk through the Pell Los Empire, Khazan’s journey may have significant consequences that shape the overall tale. While it’s uncertain if the process of revealing alternate endings will be as complex as in Elden Ring, it appears that Khazan’s story might have multiple possible conclusions.

Playtime

Regardless if you’re drawn by the plot or up for tackling all obstacles, The First Berserker offers a substantial gaming journey. If you aim for the True Ending, it might require over 80 hours according to Lee. However, the exact length could differ based on your skill level (and any prior grinding during the demo), but in any case, expect a lengthy adventure ahead.

Potential Post-Launch Features

It appears that Khazan may get additional downloadable content (DLC) in the future, but the specifics such as theme, details, and release date have yet to be decided. Nevertheless, Lee has mentioned that several new game modes are under consideration. Perhaps we might see a boss rush or rematch mode down the line? Fingers crossed!

PC Requirements

For the game to run smoothly in 1080p/30 FPS at Low settings, you’ll need a computer that meets these minimum requirements: an Intel Core i3-6300 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 processor, 12 GB RAM, and a graphics card like the GeForce GTX 970, Radeon RX 580, or Arc A580. However, for a better gaming experience at 1080p/60 FPS in High settings, you’ll need a more powerful setup, such as an Intel Core i7-6700K or Ryzen 5 3600 processor, 16 GB RAM, and a graphics card like the RTX 2070, Radeon RX 5700XT, or Arc A750. Additionally, you’ll need at least 70 GB of storage space, with a solid-state drive (SSD) being necessary for optimal performance all around.

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2025-03-21 21:19

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