The First Berserker: Khazan initially caught me off guard, as I embarked on this journey without a clear understanding of what awaited me. Khazan brilliantly amalgamates the finest elements of the best Soulslike games, delivering an exhilarating and demanding gameplay experience. While I wouldn’t label the game as flawless, it has undeniably excelled in refining the essence of the genre in numerous aspects. It’s not that Khazan introduces groundbreaking concepts for a Soulslike; rather, its distinctiveness stems from the elements it skillfully borrows from various titles within the Soulslike realm.
When observing The First Berserker: Khazan independently, the components coalesce seamlessly. From the intricate loot and crafting system to the engaging boss mechanics and essential combos and skills that players must master, every aspect encourages players to delve into the intricate details of gameplay. Unlike several other titles that often render these components excessively punishing, Khazan distinguishes itself with features like its unique crafting and loot system, incentivizing boss battles through challenges, a more accommodating Souls mechanic, and the overall equilibrium between boss difficulty and player advancement—all while drawing inspiration from its contemporaries.
Simplifying Build Changes with Khazan’s Crafting & Loot System
Streamlined Crafting Sets Facilitate Easy Build Changes
Khazan embraces the fundamental idea of scavenging and enhancing gear, a concept integral to most Soulslike games, yet adds a layer of simplicity by categorizing gear into sets while introducing a diverse array of crafting options. The crafting system encourages players to experiment with various sets and tactics using each of the three weapon types available. While numerous games in this genre present an extensive selection of weapons and armor, Khazan’s crafting sets streamline the process, alleviating the tediousness often associated with discovering the ideal build for specific weapons.
Related
The First Berserker: Khazan – Mastering the Elamein Boss Fight
Elamein was once a close ally in The First Berserker: Khazan, but now Khazan must engage her in a duel that demands strategic thinking.
As you progress, you’ll accumulate a wealth of additional loot, which can be effectively utilized at the Blacksmith in The First Berserker: Khazan. You can dismantle unwanted equipment to craft weapons or armor from specific sets tailored to your playstyle. Crafting sets necessitate blueprints or scrolls, which enable you to create those items at your convenience. Each boss drops unique materials corresponding to specific crafting sets, and if you aim for the highest level of a particular set, be prepared to revisit those bosses to collect the necessary materials.
Mastering Khazan requires no secrets; all it takes is practice and an understanding of its mechanics.
This understanding becomes critical when facing formidable bosses like Bringkus. While this crafting system may not be entirely innovative, it avoids confusion and unnecessary complexity. Learning how to navigate the systems is straightforward, and there are no hidden secrets to excelling in Khazan; it purely hinges on consistent practice and a solid grasp of its mechanics, which includes identifying optimal crafting sets and ensuring your gear is consistently upgraded.
The Fear of Losing XP is Mitigated in First Berserker
Engaging Boss Challenges Encourage Repeated Attempts
In Khazan, the risk of losing your XP is a hallmark of the Soulslike genre, and it is certainly present here. However, akin to the recent success of Lies of P, when entering boss arenas and facing inevitable defeat, you don’t need to venture back inside to reclaim your Souls, as you would in titles like Elden Ring. Instead, you can collect your Lacrima—Khazan’s equivalent of XP—just outside the arena doors. Lacrima is more readily available, making the accumulation of XP feel effortless rather than a tedious grind.
Additionally, you don’t have to engage in battles against countless minor enemies to level up, as Khazan boasts a distinctive boss challenge system that rewards you with experience and skill points for merely battling bosses and successfully executing various attacks, defenses, or evasions. This aspect is something every Soulslike game should adopt, as it eliminates the monotonous need to grind levels before confronting a boss. Instead, you can gain XP while mastering each boss’s attack patterns, motivating you to challenge bosses you might otherwise avoid.
Maxing Out Boss Difficulty in Khazan Without Being Unfair
Infamous Soulslike Bosses: Khazan’s Are Challenging Yet Rewarding
Many titles within the Soulslike genre are notorious for their punishing difficulty, and The First Berserker: Khazan certainly follows suit, presenting formidable challenges that require players to achieve mastery and near-perfection before progressing to the next significant hurdle. Unlike certain games that bombard players with impossible odds or confusing mechanics, Khazan designs bosses with clear and manageable move sets that can be mastered with sufficient practice. In my opinion, every boss in Khazan seems impossible until a breakthrough moment occurs. Upon defeating a boss, the skills acquired prove invaluable and significantly enhance your gameplay experience.
Related
The First Berserker: Khazan – Strategies to Defeat Maluca (Boss Guide)
Maluca is the toughest challenge you’ll encounter in The First Berserker: Khazan, and if you’re having difficulty, I have one word for you: Reflection.
Ultimately, what makes Khazan such an enjoyable experience is its commitment to the elements that Soulslike fans cherish: challenging yet fair combat, intricate systems that promote exploration, and the continual feeling of growth as a player. It transcends mere survival in its world; it fosters a journey toward mastery, and Khazan excels in making that mastery feel rewarding and earned. Whether you’re an experienced Soulslike player or a newcomer exploring the genre, The First Berserker: Khazan delivers a finely-tuned experience that encourages you to improve with each encounter.
