Excited to play The First Berserker Khazan, the latest in the Soulslike genre? Before buying, let us see if the game is actually worth it!
Developed by Neople and published by Nexon, The First Berserker: Khazan officially launched on March 26, 2024. This souls like action-RPG is a dark, intense reimagining of a legendary figure from the Dungeon Fighter Online universe — the First Berserker himself, Khazan. Dungeon Fighter is a 2D beat-em-up MMORPG, but in this spin-off, we see something completely different. We experience everything in the third dimension, with a gritty, visceral combat style which gamers are even comparing with Elden Ring and Dark Souls, known to be among the most difficult games of the last decade.
But unlike many flashy AAA releases that we see these days, with excessive marketing and unfinished content, First Berserker Khazan arrived with something rare — a fully playable demo and almost no serious bugs. It’s a bold, brutal, and surprisingly polished experience that proves you don’t need a billion-dollar budget to make gamers bleed (and love it).
If you’re someone who is into Soulslike games and have the time and energy to get smashed by a boss again and again, again and again, before finally getting that sweet victory — this one’s for you.
But if you’re a casual gamer looking for a relaxing story after a long day at work? Turn back, soldier. This game doesn’t care about your feelings.
Let’s break it down to see if First Berserker Khazan is worth your time.
First Berserker Khazan Gameplay Breakdown
At its core, First Berserker Khazan gameplay is a high-stakes, action-packed Soulslike experience with punishing combat in a dark, atmospheric world. Every swing of your weapon feels heavy, and every dodge roll is a life-or-death decision. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it polishes it quite well.
Combat is methodical and satisfying. The boss fights? Nasty. The enemies? Merciless. The learning curve? Almost vertical — like trying to climb Sekiro’s skill tree while blindfolded. This means that First Berserker Khazan gameplay is something that most Soulslike veterans will definitely enjoy.
You won’t be overwhelmed by menus, crafting systems, or skill trees — this game keeps it focused. You fight. You survive. Or you don’t. Dark Souls veterans will feel right at home here (meaning: they’ll die repeatedly, but with purpose).
And let’s talk about length — this is not a quick little sprint. It’s a long, slow-burning grind that demands your attention. According to sources, the gameplay is around 30 hours for the main story, but we guess, it will take you much longer than that, due to the excessive difficulty.
Is First Berserker Khazan Worth Buying?
That depends. Are you willing to suffer a little?
For fans of soulslike brutality, First Berserker Khazan worth buying is a question that practically answers itself. The combat is satisfying, the world is rich with lore, and it respects your time (even as it stomps on your spirit).
But here’s the BEST thing — there’s a free playable demo on Steam. Yes, you read that right. In a world where most gaming companies throw a 60 $ price tag in your face without letting you experience five minutes of gameplay, these sweet lads actually gave us a demo.
It’s rare. It’s beautiful. It’s the kind of transparency more studios need to embrace. You can actually try the game before you commit. Like dating before marriage. Revolutionary, huh?
So yes, First Berserker Khazan might break you… but at least it lets you decide if you’re the kind of gamer who is into that kind of pain first. Sekiro says, “Die Twice.” This one says, “Die Constantly. Get good anyway.”
Also, don’t worry, you can easily get tons of advice online regarding how to beat the enemies in Khazan!
Graphics and Performance in First Berserker Khazan
Visually, this game looks damn good. The art direction is grim, gothic, and absolutely fitting for its tone. Characters are detailed, environments feel hostile (in a good way), and enemy designs are top-tier nightmare fuel. First Berserker Khazan graphics clearly take inspiration from the best in the genre, but at the same time, it maintains a distinct identity as well.
Performance-wise? Surprisingly smooth. Majority of players who experienced the game seem to be quite happy with First Berserker Khazan graphics and performances. No major bugs, no stuttering, no game-breaking nonsense. It’s kind of shocking for a new release.
Sure, there’s a known bug related to a stat-decreasing item if you use it with specific gear, and some players have reported startup crashes — but those are rare, and the devs are already on it.
In an era of broken AAA launches, First Berserker Khazan is refreshingly stable. And let’s be honest — when your game is what would come out if Elden Ring and Sekiro had a baby, the last thing you want is bugs.
Pros and Cons of First Berserker Khazan
Let’s be real. No game is perfect — except maybe Witcher 3, but that’s a debate for another day. So here, we summarize the First Berserker Khazan pros and cons you need to know before you decide to puy:
Pros:
- Brutal, rewarding Soulslike gameplay
- Polished performance with minimal bugs
- Free playable demo (LEGENDARY move)
- Great visuals and immersive atmosphere
Cons:
- Very high difficulty — not for casual gamers looking for timepass
- Requires lots of time and focus – Don’t play if you lack spare time!
- Minimal handholding (or sympathy)
After looking at these First Berserker Khazan pros and cons, you should be able to make a decision if it matches what you are looking for! If you ever thought Dark Souls wasn’t hard enough, or Sekiro didn’t emotionally devastate you quite as much as it should have — well, here’s your next trauma.
Should You Buy?
The First Berserker Khazan isn’t for everyone. It’s for the persistent, the patient, and maybe the proudly masochistic gamer. So, if you’re into the Soulslike genre, and you want a game that’s brutally honest and technically solid?
This just might be your new obsession.
Go try the demo for free. If you scream, rage, and then smile anyway — welcome home, Berserker, you know what to do!
If you are a PC gamer who uses a laptop, make sure to read our article about the importance of laptop cooling pads for gaming.
