The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action RPG that places players in control of the warrior Khazan as he pursues vengeance in a dark fantasy setting drawn from the Dungeon Fighter Online universe. Released on PC in March 2025, the game emphasizes precise, stamina-driven combat against challenging enemies and bosses while following a mission-based structure that rewards repeated attempts and skill mastery. It blends Soulslike difficulty with fluid action elements, making it suitable for players who enjoy methodical yet fast-paced battles rather than open-world exploration or heavy narrative focus.
Gameplay
Combat forms the core of the experience, built around a stamina system that governs attacks, blocks, and dodges. Players must manage this resource carefully during encounters, as overcommitting leaves Khazan vulnerable. The standout mechanic is the Brink Guard, a perfectly timed block that minimizes stamina loss and creates openings for powerful counters and combos. Dodging serves as a reliable alternative in many situations, forcing players to read enemy patterns and adapt on the fly.
Khazan wields three distinct weapon categories, each with its own move set: dual-wield swords and axes for aggressive, close-range pressure; spears for reach and thrusting attacks; and greatswords for heavy, sweeping strikes. Over seventy weapons exist across these categories, allowing customization through upgrades and combinations with armor sets. Skill trees expand as progression advances, unlocking new abilities that build on the basic moves. Later in the game, Khazan accesses a Phantom Form that temporarily boosts power in a high-damage state reminiscent of a rage mode.
Progression occurs through standalone missions accessed from a central hub known as the Crevice. Each mission features multiple checkpoints for fast travel and respawning, with shortcuts and enemy placements that encourage exploration within the level. An easy mode option lowers the barrier for newcomers, while phantom summons provide optional assistance in tougher fights. Training areas in the hub allow practice against customizable enemy setups.
Game Modes
The primary structure revolves around a series of missions divided into main story objectives and optional side missions within each region. These self-contained levels emphasize linear progression with branching paths, enemy encounters, and boss confrontations rather than interconnected world design. Checkpoints function similarly to rest points in other action RPGs, resetting enemies upon use while preserving player progress.
Post-launch updates have added dedicated challenge content, including a boss rush mode with hardcore variants that test endurance against successive high-difficulty encounters. These modes build on the existing mission framework without introducing separate multiplayer or competitive elements. The game remains focused on single-player campaigns, with no verified co-op or versus modes available.
Story and Setting
Khazan serves as a fallen general seeking answers about his past downfall and retribution against those responsible. The narrative unfolds through mission briefings and environmental storytelling, set eight hundred years before events in the broader Dungeon Fighter universe. Atmosphere receives consistent praise for its visuals and tone, supporting the intense combat without overshadowing mechanical depth.
Enemy variety includes both human-like foes and monstrous creatures, each requiring different approaches based on attack patterns and positioning. Boss encounters stand out for their multi-phase designs that demand adaptation and precise execution, often serving as the highlight of individual missions.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reviews highlight the combat as one of the strongest aspects in recent action RPGs, with responsive controls, impactful feedback, and rewarding mastery that appeals directly to fans of challenging Soulslike titles. The mission structure keeps sessions focused and replayable through side content and skill experimentation. Ongoing support includes patches and new challenge modes that extend the experience beyond the initial campaign.
Players who value tight, skill-based combat over expansive worlds or story-heavy RPG elements will find the game aligns well with their preferences. The presence of an easy mode broadens accessibility while preserving the core difficulty for those seeking it. Current patches indicate continued development, maintaining relevance for those interested in a polished single-player action experience on PC.
