If you are playing The First Berserker: Khazan, chances are you are missing out on quite a few core mechanics that the game barely explains. So, here is a breakdown that reveals a long list of hidden systems, combat tricks, and upgrade options that can make your run feel better and more powerful.
The game’s Exhaust system is easy to overlook but very important: Once the gauge under an enemy’s health bar is drained, you can land a brutal attack. You will get the most damage by waiting until the circle is almost empty before pressing the button. Attacking from behind deals more damage, but only front-facing brutal attacks restore stamina. And even if your stamina is fully drained, you can still use abilities, something many players miss.
There are also hidden stat upgrades at the bonfire menu, called Kazan’s Memories. You can spend red orbs from completed levels to boost raw damage, stamina damage, or your overall multiplier. Stats also scale differently depending on your weapon, so knowing if to invest in Strength, Proficiency, or Willpower makes a real difference.
Parry timing is another big thing! For burst counters, do not rely on the red icon; wait for the white flash during the wind-up to time it right. You can also speed up parry animations by upgrading Reflection in the common skill tree.
Hidden Systems That Make a Big Difference
The game hides several progression systems, too. Check the Codex: Enemies with a chest icon offer bonus challenges, like killing a bear without healing or parrying 30 times. Completing these gives gear and recipes. Meanwhile, mimic traps (body worms) can be spotted by aiming at corpses, if the reticle turns red, throw a spear to reveal and destroy them.
Other hidden mechanics include:
- Revenants drop Lacrima of Circulation, which is used to summon AI spirits or boost their stats. Stay aggressive; they heal if left alone.
- Pottery jars often hide collectibles called Jarlings, which unlock helmets through a vendor at your base. Jarlings give of a sound, to indicate that they are nearby.
- Red crystals are used to trade with Daphrona for permanent buffs like better healing, more Lacrima, or extra spirit charges.
- Your agility rating directly affects stamina regen. Heavy armor can drag you down, so try to go for Agility A or B for better gameplay.
- There is even a hidden wall in your base that leads to a powerful armor set, but it is heavy, so use it wisely.
Finally, you can unlock the blacksmith by clearing “Strange Stench” in Skoffa Cave and completing a follow-up quest. Once rescued, he can craft and dismantle gear, upgrade materials, and trade with other NPCs for gold or Lacrima.
Most of these systems are easy to miss, but once you understand how they work, they can completely change how the game feels. Definitely worth revisiting. For a full breakdown of everything mentioned above, check out Broomstick Gaming’s video – it is a great video guide and deserves the credit:
