Boss fights can be a real challenge, especially when you're not fully prepared. For those diving into *The First Berserker: Khazan*, get ready for some unexpected twists in your battles with bosses. Here's your guide on how to conquer the Blade Phantom in *The First Berserker: Khazan*.
Phase 1
The ghostly voices haunting Khazan come to life in the Trials of the Frozen Mountain level on Stormpass, embodied by the formidable Blade Phantom. True to its name, this boss will put your stamina management and offensive skills to the test with its relentless attacks. This marks your first encounter with a multi-phase boss in *The First Berserker: Khazan*.
As the battle kicks off within a castle flooded with crimson liquid, the Blade Phantom unleashes a variety of attacks. You'll need to be ready for:
- 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, concluding with a grab that you must dodge.
Beyond these melee attacks, the Blade Phantom can summon a giant hammer, which it slams down to cause damage and spawn red spikes. If it switches to a spear, prepare for a quick throw and a subsequent teleporting smash to avoid. When wielding a blade, it performs a swift six-hit combo. The boss may also vanish and dash around the battlefield before launching an attack.
Mastering the timing to parry or dodge these attacks allows you to strike back effectively, depleting the Blade Phantom's stamina for a Brutal Attack. Continue this strategy until you reduce its health by about half, which triggers the second phase.
Phase 2
In the second phase, the Blade Phantom initiates with four claw attacks, followed by a spear throw from above. Move away from the impact zone after the spear lands and brace for a leaping swipe. This is followed by three greatsword slashes and a concluding hammer smash.
While maintaining many of its original moves, the Blade Phantom adds new claw attacks to its arsenal. It also executes a spear thrust and follow-up, alongside four to six sets of rapid dual-wielding attacks. The boss teleports more often now, and when wielding the greatsword, watch out for the multiple slashes culminating in a Burst Attack, signaled by a red P-like symbol on the screen. Use the Counterattack (L1/LB + Circle/B) to successfully parry this, restoring your stamina and leaving the boss vulnerable to further attacks.
To maximize damage, strike the Blade Phantom when its stamina is depleted and only launch the Brutal Attack when the window is nearly closed. This approach helps you deal substantial damage and brings you closer to victory. Defeating the boss rewards you with 8,640 Lacrima, various Soul Eater gear items, a Shieldsman’s Ring, and Netherworld Mineral for crafting.
That's all you need to know to defeat the Blade Phantom in *The First Berserker: Khazan*. For more tips and strategies, check out The Escapist.
The First Berserker: Khazan is now available in Early Access.
