Hardcore Combat, Deep Customization, and a Story of Revenge
If you’re into Soulslike games that demand precision, patience, and a lot of deaths before victory, The First Berserker: Khazan might be your next obsession. Releasing March 27, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, this Dungeon Fighter Online (DnF) prequel takes a different approach from its MMO roots, offering a brutal yet rewarding action RPG experience.
https://khazan.nexon.com/en/main
Tight, Unforgiving Combat
The combat in Khazan is all about aggression and discipline. Every move counts, every mistake punishes you hard, and button-mashing will get you nowhere.
- Weapon Variety:
- Dual-wielding: Fast and flashy, perfect for combo-heavy players.
- Greatsword: Heavy, slow, but devastating when timed right.
- Spear: Mid-range, precise, and great for controlling space.
- Blocking Restores Stamina: Unlike most Soulslikes, successfully blocking in Khazan recharges stamina, pushing you to engage in fights rather than turtle up.
- Tough AI: Enemies don’t just stand around waiting for you to attack. They adapt, counter, and punish reckless play.
RPG Depth: Skills, Gear, and Progression
Beyond the combat, Khazan brings a solid RPG system to the table.
- Skill Tree: Fully customizable, letting you build a fast, dodge-heavy fighter or a brute-force tank.
- Respec Anytime: No punishment for experimenting with different builds.
- Meaningful Gear: Weapons and armor change your combat style, not just your stats.
- Lacrima Currency: Used to upgrade skills and weapons, pushing you to explore and defeat tougher enemies.
Revenge-Driven Narrative
You play as Khazan, a disgraced general framed for treason, now fighting to uncover the truth. It’s got the usual themes of betrayal, vengeance, and dark conspiracies, but the world-building is rich enough to keep you hooked.
Stunning Anime-Inspired Visuals
Khazan blends anime-style cel-shading with dark, atmospheric environments. From frozen wastelands to eerie dungeons, the game looks and feels immersive, making every encounter more intense.
Is It Hardcore Enough?
Yes. If you enjoy games like Sekiro or Lies of P, Khazan fits right in. The boss fights are brutal, the combat is unforgiving yet fair, and every victory feels earned.
Play the Demo, Keep Your Progress
The PS5 demo is out now, and the best part? Your progress carries over to the full game. If you want a head start before launch, now’s the time to jump in.
Final Thoughts
The First Berserker: Khazan has all the right ingredients to be a sleeper hit. Tight combat, deep RPG mechanics, and a story filled with intrigue. Whether it holds up to the best in the genre remains to be seen, but for now, this is one Soulslike you’ll want to keep on your radar.
Will you be picking it up on March 27? Let us know in the comments!
