The First Berserker: Khazan, the dark fantasy action RPG from Neople and Nexon, continues to evolve just weeks after its official launch on March 27, 2025. With its aggressive combat system, deep stamina management, and nods to games like Sekiro and Nioh, Khazan has quickly earned a dedicated following, bolstered by a strong Metacritic score of 82.
Now, with the arrival of Update 1.005.018 on April 22, the game has received its biggest patch yet — introducing balance changes, quality-of-life upgrades, major system improvements, and a truckload of bug fixes. Here’s a detailed look at everything new.
📅 Update Versions
- Steam: Ver. 500715
- PlayStation 5: Ver. 01.005.018
- Xbox Series X|S: Ver. 1.1.5.18
Note: A minor emergency update (Ver. 501575/01.006.001/1.1.6.1) quickly followed to fix a crash caused by repeatedly triggering Phantom Form attacks on exhausted enemies.
Major Balance Adjustments
Phantom Growth Overhaul
Phantoms now grow faster the more you unlock. This change encourages broader Phantom collection strategies and speeds up progression significantly, making players’ tactical choices even more impactful.
Elemental Damage Rework
Map hazards like poison swamps and fire zones now interact dynamically with your character’s elemental resistances, making defensive builds more meaningful and enhancing survival depth.
Skill Point Smoothing
Skill points now flow more naturally, regardless of playstyle. Players relying heavily on brink dodges or specific weapon proficiencies will find it easier to unlock advanced abilities without grinding awkwardly.
Weapon Mastery Tweaks
Weapon proficiency progression has been refined to better align with player advancement, giving brink-dodge-focused players and weapon specialists a better curve toward late-game builds.
Core System Changes
Gear Restrictions Tightened
Rare gear like the Hero and Fallen Star sets can no longer be accidentally dismantled during augmentation. This prevents costly mistakes and keeps top-tier gear safe.
Phantom System Enhancements
- New unlock notifications.
- Streamlined Phantom XP displays.
- A mini-tutorial for first-time users.
- More intuitive Phantom visuals and interface improvements.
Khazan’s Memories Improvements
- A reset option has been added for memory upgrades.
- Clear notifications and indicators show when you’ve completed memories or earned Vengeance Points.
- An introductory tutorial now guides players when they first unlock this critical system.
Achievement Updates
Achievements like “Standing Alone” now reset and track per playthrough, allowing players to earn them without being punished for earlier choices.
Camera Options Expanded
Players now have more control over lock-on targeting and camera reset behaviors, offering customization that makes boss fights feel tighter and less frustrating.
Crafting and Storage Revamp
- Set crafting now includes tabs based on weapons.
- Ingredient sources are easier to find.
- Storage displays the maximum storable number of items.
UI and Quality of Life Upgrades
Improved Navigation and Mission Tracking
- Save/load screens now show both mission and region names.
- World map icons indicate mission completion with a simple checkmark.
Consumable Overhaul
- Better categorization into Lanterns, Healing, Lacrima, and others.
- Item swapping between hotkeys made seamless.
- Storage behavior for lanterns now prevents losing critical quest items.
HUD Customization
- You can now display Khazan’s health and stamina as raw numbers in combat.
Gear Window Enhancements
- Gear can be sorted by performance metrics like attack damage or defense.
- Directly equip spirit-based skills from the gear window.
- Skill videos and detailed descriptions available at a glance.
Skill Tree Clarity
- New indicators highlight when a learned skill can’t currently be used, improving planning and build crafting.
Daphrona’s Codex Expansion
Monsters now display elemental weaknesses (Fire, Water, Lightning, Earth, Poison) with effectiveness levels (Effective, Slightly Effective, Normal, Immune). This small but crucial change greatly improves battle prep, especially for tougher bosses.
Major Bug Fixes
The patch crushes an enormous list of bugs, including:
- Broken achievements.
- Bosses getting stuck in geometry.
- Phantom Form stamina issues.
- Infinite gold/lacrima exploits.
- Controller input recognition on PS5.
- Crash issues after exhausting stamina during transformations.
Platform-specific fixes also ensure smoother controller compatibility on PC and PlayStation 5, cleaning up issues that players reported soon after launch.
Gameplay and Story Context
Set in the Dungeon Fighter Online universe, The First Berserker: Khazan follows General Khazan’s tragic story of betrayal and revenge. Possessed by the Blade Phantom, Khazan’s journey is full of brutal battles, branching storylines, and layered world-building. With its mission-based structure, stamina-focused combat, and multiple weapon paths (Greatsword, Spear, Dual Blades), it has quickly become a standout among recent action RPGs.
Availability
- PC (Steam)
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- Also launched day-one on Xbox Game Pass.
Final Thoughts
Update 1.005.018 solidifies The First Berserker: Khazan as a stronger, more polished experience. It’s clear Neople is actively listening to community feedback, and with this patch, they’ve addressed many early criticisms while expanding the game’s depth and accessibility. Players can expect even more refinements as Khazan’s dark journey continues into future updates.
Key Takeaways
- The First Berserker: Khazan released worldwide on March 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM UTC for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
- Pre-purchases are already available on Steam with different editions including the Deluxe Edition offering additional content.
- The game is described as a hardcore action RPG set in the Dungeon & Fighter universe, appealing to fans seeking challenging gameplay.
Release and Platform Details
The First Berserker: Khazan launched globally on March 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM UTC across multiple platforms. Players will have several options for experiencing this anticipated action title.
Availability on Consoles and PC
The First Berserker: Khazan will be available simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Nexon, the publisher, has confirmed this synchronized global release across all platforms.
Pre-orders are currently available on all platforms, with the game set to unlock in just a few days. The Deluxe Edition offers early access to eager players who can’t wait to jump into the action.
For PC gamers, the game will be accessible through Steam, where it can already be pre-purchased. Console players can secure their copies through the PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store respectively.
System Requirements for PC
While official minimum and recommended PC specifications haven’t been fully detailed in the search results, players should expect requirements typical of modern action games releasing in 2025.
The game is developed by Neople and published by NEXON, suggesting a polished experience that likely demands:
- A recent operating system (Windows 10/11)
- Modern CPU and GPU configurations
- Adequate RAM for smooth gameplay
- Sufficient storage space for installation
More specific system requirements will likely be published on the Steam store page closer to release. PC players should check these details to ensure their systems can handle the game.
Game Pass Access and Xbox Developer Direct Involvement
There is no confirmation in the search results about The First Berserker: Khazan coming to Game Pass on day one. However, as an Xbox Series X|S title, it could potentially join the service in the future.
The game was not specifically mentioned as being featured in any recent Xbox Developer Direct presentations based on the provided search results.
Xbox players should monitor official Xbox and Nexon channels for any announcements regarding potential Game Pass inclusion after the March 27 launch. Being available on Xbox platforms does position it as a candidate for future Game Pass consideration.
Game Overview
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action role-playing game set in the Dungeon Fighter Online universe. Players will take on the role of Khazan, a legendary general who defies death itself.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The First Berserker: Khazan presents itself as a challenging action RPG that doesn’t compromise on difficulty. Players will control Khazan through intense combat scenarios that require precision and strategy. The game builds on the established Dungeon Fighter Online franchise, which has attracted over 800 million players worldwide.
Combat appears to focus on skill-based mechanics rather than level grinding. Players can expect:
- Tactical combat with various weapons and abilities
- Character progression through the storyline
- Boss encounters that test player skill and strategy
The “hardcore” descriptor suggests death penalties and challenging enemy encounters. Similar to other action RPGs, players will likely need to master timing, positioning, and resource management to overcome the game’s challenges.
Setting and Story
The game takes place in the fantasy world of the Pell Los Empire, an established setting from the Dungeon Fighter Online universe. Players embody Khazan, once a great general of this empire who somehow overcame death.
This resurrection theme appears central to the narrative. The storyline likely explores:
- Khazan’s past as a military leader
- The circumstances of his death
- His purpose after returning to life
The “Berserker” in the title suggests a rage-fueled combat style or perhaps a transformation that occurs during the story. The narrative seems to blend military conquest themes with supernatural elements typical of fantasy RPGs.
The game uses the rich lore of the DnF universe while focusing on this specific character’s journey.
Game Content and Features
The First Berserker: Khazan offers a hardcore action RPG experience set in the dark fantasy universe of Dungeon Fighter Online. The game features stunning 3D cel-shaded visuals and challenging boss fights that demand skill and precision.
Characters and Development
Players take on the role of Khazan, the legendary general of the Pell Los Empire who has overcome death itself. As Khazan, players will explore his epic story through intense combat and character progression.
The game builds on the rich lore of the DnF universe, which has attracted over 800 million players worldwide. Khazan’s abilities evolve throughout the adventure, allowing players to customize their combat style and approach to challenges.
Combat in The First Berserker: Khazan is skill-based and unforgiving. Players must master timing, positioning, and Khazan’s unique abilities to triumph against formidable foes.
The AI of enemy characters adapts to player strategies, creating dynamic and unpredictable encounters. This ensures that each battle feels fresh and challenging.
DLCs and Expansion Plans
While specific DLC details remain limited, Nexon has hinted at post-launch content that will expand Khazan’s story and world. These expansions aim to deepen the game’s lore and provide new challenges.
The development team plans to support the game with regular updates following its March 27, 2025 release. These updates will likely include both free content patches and premium expansions.
Players can expect new:
- Boss encounters
- Weapons and abilities
- Narrative chapters
- Combat arenas
The expansion strategy aims to maintain player engagement while continuing to build on the rich DnF universe that has proven so popular globally.
Technological Innovations
The First Berserker: Khazan showcases several cutting-edge technological features that enhance gameplay and visual experiences. These advancements help bring the Dungeon Fighter Online universe to life in ways never seen before.
Graphics and Art Design
The First Berserker: Khazan employs a sophisticated graphics engine that delivers stunning visuals across all platforms. The game features dynamic lighting that creates atmospheric environments and realistic shadow effects.
Character models display exceptional detail, with fluid animations that capture the intensity of combat. Each armor piece and weapon has been meticulously crafted to reflect the game’s unique aesthetic.
The art design blends anime-inspired character styles with dark fantasy elements. This creates a distinctive visual identity that pays homage to the DnF universe while establishing its own look.
Environmental textures are highly detailed, with weather effects that change dynamically during gameplay. Particle effects during combat sequences are particularly impressive, with special attacks creating vivid visual feedback.
The development team utilized advanced motion capture technology to ensure realistic movement patterns for both the protagonist and enemy characters.
Comparative Analysis
The First Berserker: Khazan enters a competitive landscape of action RPGs with several distinctive features that set it apart. Its combat system and narrative approach show both similarities and differences when compared to established titles in the genre.
Previous Ventures in the Genre
The First Berserker: Khazan draws inspiration from several beloved titles while carving its own path. Its combat mechanics have been compared to Sekiro, featuring a similar parrying system that rewards precise timing and aggressive counterattacks.
Unlike The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which offered an open-world sandbox with freedom to pursue various playstyles, Khazan appears to provide a more focused, combat-driven experience. The game seems to blend the difficulty curve of FromSoftware titles with anime-inspired aesthetics.
Many players have described it as an “Anime Dark Souls” with Sekiro-like parrying mechanics, suggesting it maintains the challenging combat that genre fans appreciate while introducing visual distinctions.
Competitor Game Titles
Several upcoming titles will compete with The First Berserker: Khazan for player attention in early 2025. South of Midnight, with its southern gothic setting, offers a different aesthetic experience but targets similar action-adventure enthusiasts.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emphasizes exploration and mystery compared to Khazan’s combat focus. Meanwhile, Atomfall presents a post-apocalyptic setting that contrasts with Khazan’s fantasy elements.
Notable competitors include:
- Doom: The Dark Ages (medieval fantasy setting)
- South of Midnight (southern gothic action-adventure)
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (exploration-focused)
- Atomfall (post-apocalyptic action RPG)
Each title offers distinct environments and gameplay loops, but Khazan’s focus on precise combat mechanics may appeal specifically to players seeking challenging action experiences.
Community Engagement
The First Berserker: Khazan has built a strong community even before its release. Nexon has actively fostered fan interaction through various channels and opportunities for player involvement.
Questions and Answers From Official Sources
The official website for The First Berserker: Khazan has become a central hub for community engagement. Nexon regularly updates the FAQ section to address common player concerns about gameplay mechanics, system requirements, and release details.
The developers have also hosted several livestreams where they answered community questions about combat systems, character progression, and the lore behind Khazan’s world. These sessions typically feature gameplay demonstrations alongside Q&A segments.
Nexon has established a community Discord server where players can interact directly with community managers and occasionally with development team members.
Fan Contributions and Mods
Despite not being released yet, The First Berserker: Khazan has inspired fan content creation. Artists have shared concept interpretations of Khazan, the protagonist and great general of the Pell Los Empire.
Nexon has encouraged this creativity by featuring selected fan art on their social media accounts and during community livestreams.
Several community members have already begun planning mod projects for the PC version. While Nexon hasn’t officially confirmed mod support, the developer has acknowledged community interest in extending the game through user-created content.
Fan-created wikis have started documenting information revealed through demos and preview events. These resources will likely expand significantly after the January 16, 2025 demo release.
Purchase Options and Bundles
The First Berserker: Khazan offers several purchasing options for players across different platforms. Gamers can choose between standard digital editions or premium versions with additional content.
Retail and Digital Editions
The Standard Edition of The First Berserker: Khazan will be available for $59.99 on all platforms including Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC. Players can purchase the digital version through the Xbox Store, PlayStation Store, or Steam.
Steam is showing the game currently at $59.99, with the deluxe edition at $69.99 (or the upgrade to Deluxe for people who already own the game at $10).
The game will also be available as physical copies at major retailers like Best Buy, which is currently offering the Xbox Series X version with their Price Match Guarantee.
Special and Collector’s Editions
While specific details about premium editions are limited in the search results, The First Berserker: Khazan is likely to follow industry standards with deluxe packages.
Based on similar action RPG releases, we can expect:
- Digital Deluxe Edition: Likely including the base game plus season pass or expansion access
- Collector’s Edition: May feature physical items such as art books, soundtracks, and collectible figurines
Players interested in specialized skill trees and combat techniques mentioned in the Xbox store listing might find value in premium editions that could include early access to additional abilities or exclusive skill paths.
PlayStation and Xbox stores typically offer bundle discounts for deluxe versions compared to purchasing add-ons separately.
Gaming Platforms and Ecosystems
The First Berserker: Khazan will launch simultaneously across multiple gaming platforms on March 27, 2025. Players can choose their preferred system with confidence that core gameplay will remain consistent regardless of platform.
Crossplay and Account Syncing
The First Berserker: Khazan will be available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game does not appear to be coming to PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch at launch, focusing instead on current-generation hardware.
While official confirmation about crossplay functionality remains limited, similar action RPGs have increasingly supported cross-platform play. This would allow friends to play together regardless of their chosen platform.
Account syncing capabilities may enable players to maintain progress across different systems. This feature would be particularly valuable for those who own multiple compatible devices and want flexibility in where they play.
Achievement Ecosystems and Leaderboards
Each platform offers its own achievement system for The First Berserker: Khazan. PC players will track accomplishments through Steam Achievements, while PlayStation 5 users earn Trophies and Xbox gamers collect Achievements through their respective ecosystems.
Leaderboards will likely track player progress and competitive standings across various gameplay metrics. These could include combat efficiency, boss defeat times, and other performance indicators.
The game’s hardcore action RPG nature suggests competitive elements will be prominent. Players may compete for top positions on platform-specific or possibly global leaderboards if cross-platform tracking is implemented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players have many questions about The First Berserker: Khazan ahead of its release. Here are answers to some common questions about editions, gameplay features, testing opportunities, and exclusive content.
What are the different editions available for pre-order?
The First Berserker: Khazan offers Standard and Deluxe Editions for pre-order. The Deluxe Edition includes 72-hour early access beginning March 24, 2025, allowing players to start their journey before the global release.
The Standard Edition contains the base game, while the Deluxe Edition includes additional cosmetic items and character enhancements.
Can players expect an open-world experience in the game?
The First Berserker: Khazan features a semi-open world design with interconnected regions to explore. Players will discover various environments as they progress through the main storyline.
The game balances linear narrative sections with open exploration areas where players can find side quests and hidden content.
Will there be a beta test phase, and how can players participate?
A closed beta test is scheduled for early March 2025. Players can register for beta access through the official website or by pre-ordering the Deluxe Edition.
Beta participants will help test server stability and provide feedback on gameplay mechanics before launch. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.
Is a physical copy of the game being released alongside digital versions?
Yes, physical copies will be available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on the release date. These physical editions will include a collectible art booklet.
PC players will only have digital options through Steam and other digital distribution platforms.
What is the pricing structure for the various versions of the game?
The Standard Edition is priced at $59.99 across all platforms. The Deluxe Edition costs $79.99 and includes early access and digital bonuses.
Regional pricing may vary. Some retailers may offer special pre-order discounts or exclusive bonuses.
Are there any exclusive contents for console versions, such as for PS5?
PlayStation 5 players will receive an exclusive armor set and weapon skin not available on other platforms. Xbox Series X|S players will get a unique mount and character customization options.
These platform-exclusive items are cosmetic and don’t affect gameplay balance. All story content and major features remain consistent across all platforms.
