The First Berserker: Khazan has quickly gained recognition as one of the toughest entries in the Soulslike genre, particularly during its initial hours. While few titles in this category are known for their forgiving nature, Khazan’s unique blend of inspirations from Dark Souls and Nioh creates a notably steeper learning curve for players.
Whether you are a seasoned Souls veteran or stepping into the genre for the first time, you’re likely to require some guidance to navigate this challenging game. Fortunately, Khazan provides a more manageable difficulty setting for those who find themselves overwhelmed by its obstacles. Nevertheless, players can expect a thrilling array of action regardless of their chosen difficulty.
This guide aims to equip you with essential tips and strategies, some of which may be familiar to veterans, while revealing the game’s unique mechanics that could enhance your experience. With these insights, you will be better prepared to conquer challenges and secure early victories in The First Berserker: Khazan.
10 Blocking Is Your Best Friend
Constant Dodge Rolls Won’t Work
Combat strategies can vary widely among Souls players. While titles such as Sekiro require quick mastery of parrying, games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring can be completed without a keen focus on shields or blocking mechanics. However, in Khazan, learning to block effectively is essential for survival. The positive aspect is that mastering timing for perfect blocks is more forgiving in this game compared to others.
Blocking enemy attacks, as long as your stamina allows it, usually negates all damage, making it a critical component of a successful strategy. While dodge rolls can be helpful, they often lead to stamina depletion and distance from the action. Prioritizing blocking will ensure that your health bar remains intact while allowing you to retaliate swiftly against enemies.
9 Pay Attention To Weapon Scaling
A Point Worth Reiterating
This tip may sound familiar to those who have played titles from FromSoftware or similar games. However, it is crucial to understand early in Khazan that weapon damage scales with specific stats: strength, willpower, and proficiency. While vitality and endurance can also be levelled, they do not affect weapon scaling.
When unsure about which stat to upgrade, it’s prudent to enhance the one that corresponds best with your chosen weapon to maximize damage output. Be cautious, though, as there are soft caps in place that can hinder gains on certain stats later in the game; however, this is primarily a concern for advanced players.
8 Don’t Get Exhausted
Sitting Duck Simulator
Similar to the mechanics found in the Nioh series, Khazan introduces an exhaustion feature that is not typically present in classic Souls games. If your stamina is fully depleted during a fight, you will find yourself momentarily immobilized and vulnerable to your opponent’s attacks.
While it may be tempting to launch a flurry of attacks, each action consumes stamina, which can lead to exploitation by enemies once you are out of breath. Managing your stamina effectively—by balancing sprinting, attacking, dodging, and blocking—is vital for survival. At the beginning, focus on conserving stamina and learning your limits to avoid being easily dispatched by foes.
7 Leveled Stats Raise Multiple Things
Everything Raises Health
Another important concept, albeit one that varies slightly from other games, is the effect of leveling stats on your maximum health. In Khazan, every stat you can level contributes to increasing your health, offering you a strategic advantage. While it might be tempting to dump multiple levels into vitality for a significant HP boost, remember that all stats raise your health by 10 points.
This flexibility allows you to invest in attributes like endurance for extra stamina or damage without worrying excessively about your health pool. However, do keep in mind that only vitality specifically enhances your damage resistances, so it remains beneficial to invest in it as well.
6 Switch Your Control Scheme
Souls-Style Is In The Options
Control preferences can greatly influence your gameplay experience in Khazan. The default configuration might feel awkward if you’ve played other recent Soulslike titles. With only two control schemes available, you may find one that aligns better with your prior experiences.
Most players generally prefer Control Scheme B, which assigns light and heavy melee attacks to the right triggers and restores the dodge roll to a familiar position. This switch can make a noticeable difference in comfort and playability.
5 Don’t Spend Skill Points Till You’ve Tried All Weapons
Your Favorite Weapon-Type Could Be Forthcoming
As you progress through your initial mission, you’ll begin to earn skill points for upgrades that enhance your weapon abilities. While it might be tempting to invest skill points into your initial weapon, resist the urge to do so immediately. You will soon gain access to additional weapon types, such as greatswords and lances, each offering its own skill tree.
Without extensive testing, you may find that your original weapon type isn’t as favorable as others. To maximize effectiveness and avoid wasting skill points, consider reserving them until you can explore different weapon styles or invest in universal skills that enhance your overall gameplay.
4 The Javelin Is More Useful Than You Think
Long Range Stun Action
Shortly after starting your adventure, you’ll acquire a javelin—a long-range projectile that provides a tactical advantage in combat. This tool not only facilitates damage from a distance but also proves beneficial in close encounters with larger foes.
For instance, when a giant wild boar charges at you, a timely javelin throw can stun the creature, giving you the opportunity for a crucial follow-up strike. Experiment with the javelin to uncover its versatility in various combat scenarios, whether chipping away at a boss’s health or fending off aggressive enemies.
3 Match Your Armor Sets
More Fashionable Anyway
When selecting armor, many players prioritize the best stat bonuses while adhering to weight limits. However, Khazan also rewards players for coordinating their armor sets. Wearing multiple pieces from the same set can grant powerful perks beyond mere stat increases.
For example, the Ashen Wolf armor set provides reduced stamina costs for dodging as more pieces are equipped. Tactical synergy between your armor and weapon can unleash significant bonuses, making outfit coordination an essential aspect of gameplay, especially for those looking to craft powerful builds.
2 Unlock Phantoms ASAP
More Perks Are A Good Thing
After defeating the formidable Blade Phantom, you will be transported to The Crevice, the central hub of Khazan. From this location, you can explore new missions and take on additional challenges introduced by the Phantom. Engaging in these optional encounters can yield powerful allies in the form of phantom bosses.
These phantoms, once equipped, offer various benefits that can significantly aid your adventure, such as enhanced stamina recovery. Acquiring and leveling these phantoms is a strategy worth pursuing early on to bolster your abilities throughout the game.
1 Take Time To Really Learn Bosses
Don’t Worry About Runbacks
Boss encounters in Soulslike games are infamous for their difficulty, and Khazan’s bosses are no exception. It’s crucial to approach these battles with patience. Unlike other titles where brute force or quick leveling might suffice, Khazan emphasizes learning the boss patterns.
Much like other games in the genre, Khazan’s boss fights are designed to be analyzed and understood. Given the game’s generous checkpointing system, you can quickly return to boss battles without the hassle of extensive runbacks, making it easier to study and adapt your strategies.
Expect to face defeat in initial attempts; use this time to learn about the bosses’ movement and attack patterns. Once you feel confident about your understanding, shift to a more aggressive strategy to secure victory.
Leave a Reply