Boss fights in video games can be a thrilling yet daunting challenge, especially when you're not fully prepared for what's to come. In *The First Berserker: Khazan*, the boss battles are filled with unexpected twists and turns, demanding players to be at the top of their game. Here’s a detailed guide on how to conquer the formidable Blade Phantom in *The First Berserker: Khazan*.
The ghostly voices that have haunted Khazan finally take shape on the Trials of the Frozen Mountain level on Stormpass, manifesting as the formidable Blade Phantom. True to its name, this boss will test your ability to balance stamina and aggression against its relentless attacks. This is also the first multi-phase boss you'll encounter in the game.
The battle begins in a castle with floors flooded with a crimson liquid. The Blade Phantom typically unleashes a variety of attacks:
In addition to these melee attacks, the Blade Phantom can summon a giant hammer in *The First Berserker: Khazan*, bringing it down to cause damage and create red spikes. If it opts for the spear, be prepared for a quick throw and a teleporting smash that you must evade. When wielding a blade, it will engage with a swift six-hit combo. It can also vanish and dash around the battlefield before striking.
By mastering the timing of these attacks and effectively parrying or dodging, you can find opportunities to attack and deplete the Blade Phantom's stamina, setting up for a Brutal Attack. Continue this strategy until you reduce its health by about half, triggering the transition to the second phase.
The Blade Phantom initiates this phase with four claw attacks, followed by a high-altitude spear throw. After the spear lands, quickly move away from the affected area to avoid the subsequent leaping swipe. This is followed by three greatsword slashes and a concluding hammer smash.
Apart from the new claw attacks, the Blade Phantom retains many of its previous moves in *The First Berserker: Khazan*, with the addition of a spear thrust and follow-up, and four to six sets of swift dual-wielding attacks. It will also teleport more frequently. When wielding the greatsword, be cautious of multiple slashes culminating in a Burst Attack, signaled by a red P-like symbol on the screen. Successfully parrying this with a Counterattack (L1/LB + Circle/B) will restore your stamina and leave the boss vulnerable to further attacks.
To maximize damage, strike the Blade Phantom when its stamina is depleted and initiate the Brutal Attack just as the window is about to close. This strategy will help you secure victory more effectively. Your rewards for defeating the boss include 8,640 Lacrima, Soul Eater gear items, a Shieldsman’s Ring, and Netherworld Mineral for crafting.
This guide provides the essential information needed to beat the Blade Phantom in *The First Berserker: Khazan*. For more tips and tricks, be sure to check out The Escapist.
*The First Berserker: Khazan is currently available in Early Access.*