The First Berserker: Khazan – Important Tips & Tricks for Beginners

Neviriah's AvatarMar 31st, 2025 by Neviriah
Khazan - The First Berserker

The First Berserker: Khazan drops you into a harsh, unforgiving world filled with brutal combat, dark lore, and relentless boss fights. The game blends classic hack-and-slash action with Soulslike difficulty, so if you are new, do not be surprised if things feel punishing early on.

Here are some beginner-friendly tips to help you get started, as well as a few hidden mechanics you might not notice at first.

Getting Started – Core Tips for New Players

  • Learn the Combat System
    Positioning, timing, and knowing enemy attack patterns matter more than button mashing. Dodging at the right moment can save your run, while reckless attacks will get you punished fast.
  • Manage Your Stamina
    Every action drains stamina: attacking, dodging, even blocking. Always keep a bit of stamina in reserve so you are not caught off-guard when it matters most.
  • Upgrade Often
    Better gear has a huge impact on both survivability and damage. Do not hold back: invest in upgrades whenever you can, especially before big boss encounters.
  • Experiment with Skills
    Try different combinations of skills to find what works best for your weapon and playstyle. Some moves combo into others or have hidden effects when chained together.
  • Explore Everything
    Secret paths, hidden loot, and optional challenges are scattered everywhere. Going off the beaten path can lead to powerful gear or permanent upgrades early on.
  • Compare Gear!
    Base stats do not tell the whole story. Sometimes lower-stat gear provides better bonuses or secondary effects that suit your build much more.
  • Soulstones Matter Later
    Early on, Soulstones might seem useless, but later you can exchange them for buffs. Start collecting them early so you are ready when that system opens up.
  • Vengeance Points Are Easy to Miss
    At any Blade Nexus, open the map and hover over completed quests. You will earn Vengeance Points, which can be traded in for useful upgrades. It is an easy mechanic to overlook but absolutely worth doing.
  • Use Your Consumables
    Do not hoard items “for later.” Consumables can give huge advantages in upcoming fights, and you will be able to farm crafting materials later to replenish them. Use what you have whenever it is needed.

Hidden Tricks and Advanced Tips

  • Parrying Is Worth Learning
    A well-timed parry does more than block; it opens the enemy for a counterattack and can turn the fight in your favor. Risky, but rewarding.
  • Death Has Consequences
    When you die, you drop your experience (Lacrima). If you get back to it without dying again, you can recover it, but if you die again before reaching it, it is lost for good.
  • Talk to NPCs More Than Once
    Some characters have hidden quests or rare items if you speak to them after key story events. Revisit areas and check back in; you might find something new.
  • Unlock Early Power
    Some powerful skills or passives can be unlocked earlier than expected if you find optional content. Side areas often reward exploration with real gameplay impact.
  • Play Aggressively
    Bosses have a stance meter that fills when you land hits. Staying aggressive builds pressure, and once the meter breaks, the boss is staggered and vulnerable to heavy attacks.

With these tips in mind, you will have a much better handle on how Khazan works and an easier time facing its toughest fights. The game can be brutal, but once it clicks, it becomes one of the most satisfying action RPGs you will play!

If you want more info about the game, we also have a breakdown of hidden mechanics and things to look out for. Check it out here: Hidden Mechanics in Khazan You Should Be Using!