The First Berserker: Khazan officially launched on March 27, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, delivering a punishing, single-player action RPG experience set in the universe of Dungeon Fighter Online. Developed by Neople and published by Nexon, the game reimagines the sprawling lore of DFO into a gritty, mission-based structure loaded with fierce boss encounters, deliberate combat, and an unapologetically dark tone.
For those who missed the buildup, Khazan isn’t just another Soulslike clone — it’s a focused, stylish take on the genre with an emphasis on parry timing, aggressive counterattacks, and character customization that draws comparisons to both Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Nioh.
Recent Updates: Post-Launch Enhancements
Since its release, Neople has been actively tuning the experience based on player feedback. On April 22, 2025, the developers rolled out a significant update that introduced several balance changes, including:
- Elemental Damage Rebalancing: Fire, ice, and lightning-based abilities now deal more consistent damage across different enemy types.
- Skill Point System Overhaul: Players can now redistribute skill points more freely, making build experimentation far less punishing.
- Gear Refinements: Drop rates for rare equipment have been subtly improved, and crafting recipes have been streamlined for better late-game progression.
Additionally, Neople has teased even more content updates on the horizon, hinting at expanded endgame missions and possible story-based DLC. Fans are already speculating about a rumored new faction that could introduce additional weapons and skill trees.
Gameplay and Reception: A Sharp, Stylish Challenge
Critics and players alike have praised The First Berserker: Khazan for its high-stakes combat system. It demands precision but rewards aggressive play, offering a refreshing alternative to the slower, defensive pacing seen in many other Soulslike games.
Key comparisons from reviews include:
- Combat: Tight, responsive, and brutally punishing, reminiscent of Sekiro‘s parry-heavy encounters.
- Customization: Weapon affinities and build diversity evoke the depth of Nioh, with elemental weapons, buffs, and curses shaping your playstyle.
- Level Design: Mission-based structure instead of an open world, which some find more focused but others view as restrictive.
- Storytelling: Atmospheric but minimalist — the narrative is there for those who seek it but doesn’t interrupt gameplay with lengthy cutscenes.
Notably, Rock Paper Shotgun praised the weapon variety and boss designs but critiqued the game’s “fairly linear” progression and somewhat underdeveloped lore delivery.
Despite some narrative shortcomings, The First Berserker: Khazan sits at a solid 82 on Metacritic as of late April 2025, with fans celebrating it as a must-play for hardcore action RPG enthusiasts.
Story Overview: Khazan’s Bloody Quest for Redemption
The story of The First Berserker: Khazan follows the titular General Khazan, a legendary hero betrayed by the very empire he helped build. Accused of treason and left for dead, Khazan is saved only by merging with the Blade Phantom — a spirit born from the anguish and rage of countless fallen warriors.
Together, they set out on a brutal journey of revenge, uncovering the web of corruption and betrayal that rots the heart of the empire. Along the way, Khazan battles not only soldiers and beasts but also otherworldly horrors that feed on despair, loss, and broken oaths.
This dark narrative, filled with grim world-building and supernatural twists, fits perfectly alongside the game’s visceral combat and oppressive atmosphere, giving players a tangible sense of struggle and resilience.
A Standout Addition to 2025’s Action RPG Landscape
The First Berserker: Khazan launched into an already competitive year for action games, standing alongside titles like Black Myth: Wukong and Rise of the Ronin. However, its distinctive combat feel, visual flair inspired by Korean mythology, and focus on a personal revenge-driven story help it carve out its own brutal, unforgettable niche.
With continuous updates planned, and a growing community sharing builds and boss strategies, Khazan’s journey is just beginning. If you’re looking for a stylish, hard-hitting RPG to test your reflexes and your resolve, The First Berserker: Khazan is already one of the year’s breakout hits.
Key Takeaways
- The First Berserker: Khazan released on March 27, 2025, and was available day one on Xbox Game Pass.
- The game features hardcore action RPG gameplay with challenging boss battles and Soulslike elements.
- Players can experience the title across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Overview of ‘The First Berserker: Khazan’
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action RPG set in the Dungeon & Fighter universe launching on March 27, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This ambitious title blends challenging combat mechanics with rich world-building.
Game Genre and Mechanics
The First Berserker: Khazan positions itself firmly in the action RPG genre with strong Soulslike elements. Players can expect skill-based, hardcore combat that requires precision and strategy. The gameplay keeps players constantly engaged with responsive controls and challenging encounters.
Boss fights are a central feature, offering tough and memorable battles that will test players’ abilities. These encounters serve as both skill checks and narrative milestones throughout the adventure.
The combat system appears to be deeply layered, focusing on:
- Tactical decision-making during intense battles
- Skill progression that rewards player mastery
- Responsive controls that feel satisfying
- Challenging difficulty that never feels unfair
The game aims to balance accessibility with depth, allowing players to develop their combat style as they progress through the adventure.
Narrative and World-Building
Set in the established Dungeon & Fighter universe, The First Berserker: Khazan builds upon the rich lore of this fantasy world. The game appears to focus on the character Khazan, likely exploring their origin story as the first berserker.
The narrative unfolds in a dark fantasy setting filled with dangerous creatures, powerful magic, and epic conflicts. Players can expect to discover ancient ruins, mysterious landscapes, and settlements populated by distinct characters.
The storytelling seems to blend environmental narrative with traditional exposition. Players will piece together the world’s history through exploration, character interactions, and battle encounters.
This approach creates an immersive experience where players actively participate in uncovering the world’s secrets rather than passively receiving information.
Development Studio Background
The First Berserker: Khazan is being developed through a collaboration between Nexon and Neople, two studios with significant experience in the gaming industry. Neople originally created the Dungeon & Fighter universe, which has enjoyed considerable success, particularly in Asian markets.
Nexon brings publishing experience and resources to the project, helping to bring this ambitious title to a global audience. This partnership combines Neople’s intimate knowledge of the source material with Nexon’s production capabilities.
The development team appears focused on creating a faithful extension of the Dungeon & Fighter universe while pushing the boundaries of what players might expect from the franchise. Their approach seems to balance respecting the source material with innovating on gameplay mechanics.
This collaborative effort suggests a commitment to quality and a desire to establish The First Berserker: Khazan as a standout title in the action RPG genre.
Gameplay Experience
The First Berserker: Khazan delivers a hardcore action RPG experience that balances challenging combat with character growth opportunities. The game draws players in with its responsive controls and strategic depth.
Combat System and Character Abilities
Khazan’s combat system focuses on precision timing and strategic decision-making. Players must master both light and heavy attacks while managing a stamina bar that prevents button mashing.
The game features a unique “Rage” mechanic that builds up during combat. Once activated, it temporarily boosts damage output and unlocks special abilities unique to each weapon type.
Defensive options include dodge rolls with invincibility frames and parries that create counterattack opportunities. Timing is crucial, as mistimed dodges leave players vulnerable.
Weapon variety stands out as a highlight. Players can choose between massive greatswords, swift dual blades, magical staves, and more. Each weapon category comes with its own move set and special abilities.
Level Design and Boss Encounters
The game world features interconnected areas with shortcuts that unlock as players progress. This thoughtful design encourages exploration while reducing frustration after difficult encounters.
Environmental hazards add another layer of challenge. Crumbling platforms, poison swamps, and trap-filled corridors keep players alert even between combat scenarios.
Boss fights serve as skill checks that test everything players have learned. Each major boss has multiple phases with changing attack patterns and increasing intensity.
Notable bosses include:
- The Iron Sentinel: A mechanical guardian with devastating area attacks
- Crimson Duchess: A swift opponent who uses blood magic
- Lord Vathek: A corrupted knight who switches between defensive and aggressive stances
Character Progression and Growth
Character development follows a flexible path where players allocate attribute points to strength, dexterity, vitality, and arcane power. This allows for diverse build options from tank-like warriors to glass cannon spellcasters.
The skill tree branches into three main paths: Berserker (physical damage focus), Mystic (elemental abilities), and Shadow (stealth and critical strikes). Players can mix elements from different paths to create hybrid builds.
Equipment upgrades play a major role in character growth. Weapons and armor can be enhanced using materials found throughout the world, improving damage, defense, and unlocking new passive abilities.
The game includes a crafting system for consumables like healing items and temporary buffs. Mastering this system becomes essential for overcoming the game’s most challenging content.
Platform Availability
The First Berserker: Khazan came out across multiple gaming platforms on March 27, 2025. Players have several options to experience this action RPG depending on their preferred gaming system.
Console Performance and Resolutions
The First Berserker: Khazan will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S at launch. Both next-gen consoles will likely offer enhanced performance options allowing players to prioritize either graphical fidelity or smoother framerates.
The PS5 version is expected to take advantage of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to enhance combat immersion. Xbox Series X should deliver 4K resolution capabilities, while the Series S will likely run at a lower resolution but maintain solid performance.
Neither last-generation consoles (PS4, Xbox One) nor Nintendo Switch have been announced as supported platforms. The focus on current-gen hardware suggests Neople is developing the game to take full advantage of modern console capabilities.
Cross-Platform Support and Features
PC gamers gained access to The First Berserker: Khazan through Steam on the March 27 release date. No Mac version has been announced at this time.
The game’s demo will be available starting January 16, 2025, with the notable feature that saved data can be transferred to the full game upon release. This provides a smooth transition for early adopters.
Cross-platform features between PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S remain unconfirmed. Players should watch for announcements about:
- Cross-save functionality
- Cross-play multiplayer options
- Platform-specific enhancements
- DLC availability across systems
The simultaneous multi-platform release shows NEXON’s commitment to reaching a wide gaming audience regardless of their preferred system.
Narrative Elements
The First Berserker: Khazan weaves a complex narrative filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and a quest for revenge. The story unfolds in the rich world of Arad, drawing from the established Dungeon & Fighter universe while creating a unique standalone tale.
Main Storyline and Characters
The game centers on Khazan, the titular first Berserker, whose journey is driven by revenge after being betrayed by those he once trusted. Set in the world of Arad, players will experience Khazan’s transformation from loyal warrior to vengeful berserker.
The narrative takes place before the events of the main Dungeon & Fighter storyline, serving as a prequel that explores the origins of the Berserker class. This approach allows both newcomers and fans to engage with the story without needing extensive knowledge of the franchise.
Key characters include allies who aid Khazan in his quest and antagonists connected to the conspiracy that led to his downfall. Each character has their own motivations and backstories that players will uncover throughout the journey.
Factions and Political Intrigue
The Pell Los Empire serves as a central political entity in the game’s world, with various factions vying for power within and against it. Players will navigate a web of alliances and betrayals as they uncover the truth behind Khazan’s fall from grace.
The game explores themes of treason and conspiracy, with political machinations driving much of the conflict. Different factions represent competing ideologies and interests:
- Imperial Loyalists: Those who support the current power structure
- Revolutionary Forces: Groups seeking to overthrow or reform the empire
- Secret Societies: Organizations with hidden agendas and influence
These political elements create a dynamic backdrop for Khazan’s personal quest for vengeance. Players’ choices may influence these power dynamics, affecting how the story unfolds and which factions gain or lose influence throughout the narrative.
Visuals and Art Style
The First Berserker: Khazan features a distinctive visual approach that blends cartoon-inspired design with moody atmospherics. The game’s unique art direction creates an immediately recognizable world that enhances its storytelling and gameplay experience.
Graphic Design and Aesthetic Choices
Khazan’s art style stands out with its captivating and intriguing visual elements. The game employs unique animation techniques that give characters and environments a distinctive look while maintaining the dark themes central to the berserker narrative.
The cartoon design elements don’t diminish the game’s serious tone but rather enhance it through stylized contrasts. This artistic direction creates memorable visuals that help define the game’s identity in the crowded action-RPG market.
Character designs feature bold silhouettes and dramatic proportions that make them instantly readable during fast-paced combat sequences. Environmental art reinforces the game’s mood through careful color palettes and lighting choices.
Cinematics and Trailer Analysis
The reveal trailer showcased at Gamescom 2024 offered viewers an impressive look at the game’s visual storytelling capabilities. The trailer highlighted both cinematic sequences and in-game footage, demonstrating how the art style translates across different presentation formats.
The extended gameplay footage revealed the first 15 minutes of gameplay, spotlighting Khazan’s battles against various soldiers. These combat sequences displayed fluid animations and visual effects that emphasize the berserker’s powerful abilities.
Special attention was given to impact moments in the trailer, with dramatic camera angles and particle effects enhancing key story beats. The cinematics blend seamlessly with gameplay segments, suggesting a cohesive visual experience throughout the full game.
Community and Reception
The First Berserker: Khazan has generated significant interest among gaming enthusiasts, particularly fans of soulslikes and action RPGs.
Initial Impressions and Reviews
The recent demo release for The First Berserker: Khazan has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. According to the search results, the demo is “tearing it up” on Steam with high review scores and impressive player counts. This strong performance indicates growing excitement for this action RPG.
Players have particularly praised the game’s combat mechanics and visual style. The soulslike elements appear to resonate with fans of the genre who appreciate the challenging gameplay and responsive controls.
Gaming publications have begun featuring preview content highlighting the unique aspects of Khazan’s world and gameplay systems. Many reviewers note the game’s potential to stand out in the increasingly crowded soulslike market.
Player Feedback and Reception
The demo available since January 6, 2025 has provided valuable insights into player preferences and expectations. Community forums and social media discussions reveal enthusiasm for the game’s brutal combat system and atmospheric world-building.
Some players have shared gameplay videos and strategy guides, building a supportive community around the title. The game’s presence on Game Pass Day One has also generated additional excitement, as it will be accessible to subscribers immediately upon release.
Steam forums show active discussions about build strategies and combat techniques. Players who enjoyed previous soulslikes are comparing elements of Khazan to established titles while appreciating its unique attributes.
The publisher, Nexon, has been responsive to player feedback from the demo, suggesting potential refinements before the final release.
Development Journey
The First Berserker: Khazan has traveled a lengthy development path before reaching its March 27, 2025 release date. The hardcore action RPG set in the Dungeon & Fighter universe has been showcased at multiple gaming events with increasing detail about gameplay and features.
Milestones and Development Updates
Neople, the developer behind The First Berserker: Khazan, has maintained a steady development schedule with regular updates to the community. The game entered full production after receiving positive feedback from early concept testing with DNF players.
A significant milestone occurred on January 17, 2025, when a playable demo was released to the public. This demo allowed players to experience the combat system and boss encounters that will define the full game experience.
The development team has focused on balancing the hardcore action elements with accessibility features. Character progression systems were refined multiple times based on internal testing results.
Conferences and Public Events
The First Berserker: Khazan made a notable appearance at Gamescom 2024, where NEXON announced the 2025 worldwide launch window. During this event, attendees were able to play an early build of the game on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles.
IGN Fan Fest 2025 featured an exclusive trailer showcasing action-packed gameplay and formidable boss encounters. The trailer generated significant buzz among action RPG enthusiasts.
Development team members participated in several interview sessions, providing insights into design philosophies and technical challenges. These behind-the-scenes glimpses revealed how the team approached adapting the DNF universe into a standalone adventure.
Game Mechanics and Features
The First Berserker: Khazan offers a blend of challenging combat and skill systems that cater to both hardcore gamers and newcomers. The game provides two difficulty settings while maintaining its Soulslike DNA.
Weapon Types and Equipment
Players can expect a diverse arsenal reminiscent of Dungeon Fighter Online’s combat style. The game features multiple weapon categories including heavy two-handed weapons for devastating attacks and quicker, agile options for combo-focused gameplay. Each weapon type has unique move sets and special abilities.
Equipment plays a crucial role in character progression. Players can collect, upgrade, and customize their gear to match their preferred playstyle. Armor sets provide both defensive stats and special bonuses that complement different combat approaches.
The Imperial Forces faction offers unique weapons with special properties, while equipment inspired by the Dragonkin provides resistance to elemental attacks. Players can mix and match equipment to create builds that overcome specific challenges in the game.
Enemy Variety and AI Behaviors
The First Berserker: Khazan features a diverse enemy roster with distinct AI patterns. Basic enemies appear in groups with coordinated attacks, while elite enemies have unique abilities that require tactical responses.
Boss encounters serve as skill tests, with multi-phase battles that evolve as the boss loses health. The Viper, one of the game’s notable bosses, uses poison attacks and quick movements that punish careless players.
Enemy AI adapts to player behavior, learning from repeated tactics. Ranged enemies will maintain distance while melee attackers attempt to flank. This creates dynamic combat scenarios that prevent players from relying on a single strategy.
The game’s difficulty comes from these intricate AI behaviors rather than simply increasing enemy health and damage values.
Lore-Driven Quests and Dungeons
The quest system in Khazan ties directly to its world-building. Main story quests reveal the rich history of the Dungeon and Fighter universe while side quests explore character backstories and faction conflicts.
Dungeons feature environmental storytelling, with architecture and artifacts providing context about the world’s past. Each dungeon has unique mechanics that relate to its theme – corrupted temples may have cursed areas while ancient fortresses feature traps and mechanisms.
The game implements a non-linear approach to some quests, allowing players to make choices that affect outcomes. Faction reputation systems determine access to certain areas and equipment, encouraging multiple playthroughs.
Hidden quests reward exploration and attention to lore details. Players who investigate suspicious environments or help NPCs may unlock special dungeons with rare equipment and challenging encounters that extend the game’s hack-and-slash action.
Anticipation and Expectations
The gaming community has shown growing excitement for The First Berserker: Khazan since its announcement. Players and critics alike have been analyzing trailers and preview information to form predictions about what the game will offer.
Anticipated Features and Community Wishes
Fans have been actively adding The First Berserker: Khazan to their wishlists across platforms since the release date announcement for March 27, 2025. The game’s unique art style has become a major talking point, with many praising the distinct visual approach Neople has taken for their debut in the hardcore action RPG genre.
The community has expressed hopes for deep character customization and a challenging combat system that stays true to soulslike traditions. Players are particularly interested in:
- Robust progression systems with meaningful character development
- Diverse weapon types each with unique movesets
- Challenging boss encounters that test player skill
- Rich lore exploration that expands on the Dungeon Fighter universe
Many fans have analyzed the gameplay trailers frame-by-frame, noting the fluid combat animations and apparent weight behind attacks.
Expert Predictions and Speculations
Industry analysts predict The First Berserker: Khazan could be a breakout hit for Nexon in the western market. The game’s cross-platform launch strategy (PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S) with day one Game Pass availability is seen as particularly shrewd.
Gaming journalists who have seen early builds suggest the game may fill a particular niche between accessible action games and more punishing soulslike experiences. The combat system appears to blend elements from established franchises while adding unique mechanics tied to the berserker theme.
Some experts have compared what they’ve seen to other successful action RPGs but note that Khazan’s distinctive art direction helps it stand apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
The First Berserker: Khazan comes out soon with several key details now confirmed. Players can find answers to the most common questions about the RPG here.
When is the official release date for The First Berserker: Khazan?
The First Berserker: Khazan launched worldwide on March 27, 2025.
What platforms will The First Berserker: Khazan be available on?
The First Berserker: Khazan will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game has been designed to take advantage of current-generation hardware capabilities.
No versions for previous generation consoles like PlayStation 4 or Xbox One have been announced.
Is there a projected price point for The First Berserker: Khazan?
While the search results don’t specify an exact price, The First Berserker: Khazan is expected to follow standard pricing for new AAA action RPG titles.
More specific pricing information should become available through official channels closer to the release date or through pre-order listings.
Will there be a physical edition available for The First Berserker: Khazan?
The current information doesn’t specifically address physical editions of The First Berserker: Khazan. Digital distribution has been confirmed across all platforms.
Players interested in physical copies should watch for announcements from Nexon or check with retailers that offer pre-orders.
Are there any plans for a playable demo of The First Berserker: Khazan prior to its release?
Yes, a playable demo for The First Berserker: Khazan will be available on January 6, 2025. This will give players a chance to experience the game almost three months before the full release.
The demo will likely showcase core gameplay mechanics and provide a taste of the action RPG experience.
Can players expect an open-world experience in The First Berserker: Khazan?
The First Berserker: Khazan is described as a hardcore action role-playing game where players become Khazan, a great general of the Pelos empire.
While the game structure hasn’t been explicitly described as open-world in the available information, it’s positioned as a full-fledged action RPG. More details about the game world design should emerge closer to release.
