Boss fights are never easy, especially when you're not fully prepared. For players diving into *The First Berserker: Khazan*, you must be ready for the unexpected twists and turns that come with battling bosses. Here’s a detailed guide on how to conquer the Blade Phantom in *The First Berserker: Khazan*.
Phase 1
The ghostly voices that have haunted Khazan will materialize during the Trials of the Frozen Mountain level on Stormpass, manifesting as the formidable Blade Phantom. True to its name, this adversary will challenge your ability to manage stamina and aggression, all while unleashing relentless attacks. This encounter marks your first multi-phase boss battle in *The First Berserker: Khazan*.
The fight kicks off in a castle with floors flooded by a crimson liquid. The Blade Phantom typically unleashes the following attacks:
- A six-hit combo consisting of four punches and two kicks, with the second kick being a delayed attack.
- A three-hit combo with two punches followed by a downward kick.
- A four-hit combo starting with a right hook, followed by two kicks, and ending with a leaping kick smash.
- A three-hit combo with flashing punches, followed by a grab that you must dodge.
In addition to these melee attacks, the Blade Phantom can summon a giant hammer that it will bring down, causing damage and spawning red spikes in front of it. If it switches to a spear, be prepared for a quick throw followed by a teleporting smash, which you need to avoid. When wielding a blade, it unleashes a swift six-hit combo. It can also disappear and dash around the battlefield before striking.
By mastering the timing of these attacks and parrying or dodging effectively, you can counterattack to deplete its stamina, setting up opportunities for a Brutal Attack. Continue this strategy until you reduce its health by about half, triggering the transition to the second phase.
Phase 2
In the second phase, the Blade Phantom initiates with four claw attacks, followed by a high-altitude spear throw. Once the spear lands, move away from the impact zone and prepare for a leaping swipe. This is followed by three greatsword slashes and a concluding hammer smash.
Besides the new claw attacks, the Blade Phantom retains many of its earlier moves in *The First Berserker: Khazan*, with the addition of a spear thrust and follow-up, as well as four to six swift dual-wielding attacks. It also begins to teleport more frequently. When it uses the greatsword, be cautious of multiple slashes culminating in a Burst Attack, signaled by a red P-like symbol on the screen. To successfully counter this, use the Counterattack (L1/LB + Circle/B), which not only parries the attack but also restores your stamina, leaving the boss vulnerable to further assaults.
Make sure to capitalize on the Blade Phantom when its stamina is depleted, and only execute the Brutal Attack when the window is nearly closed. This strategy maximizes the damage inflicted on the boss, paving the way for victory. Your rewards for defeating the boss include 8,640 Lacrima, various Soul Eater gear items, a Shieldsman’s Ring, and Netherworld Mineral for crafting.
That’s all the essential information you need to beat the Blade Phantom in *The First Berserker: Khazan*. For more guidance on the game, explore resources available at The Escapist.
*The First Berserker: Khazan is currently available in Early Access.*