Boss fights are never easy, especially when you're only prepared for part of the challenge. For players diving into *The First Berserker: Khazan*, being ready for the twists and turns in boss battles is crucial. 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 materialize on the Trials of the Frozen Mountain level on Stormpass as the Blade Phantom. This formidable foe challenges your ability to manage stamina and aggression with its relentless attacks. It's your first multi-phase boss in *The First Berserker: Khazan*.
In the initial phase, you'll find yourself in a castle flooded with a crimson liquid. The Blade Phantom employs a variety of attacks:
- A six-hit combo featuring four punches and two kicks, with the second kick delayed.
- A three-hit combo consisting of two punches followed by a downward kick.
- A four-hit combo that starts with a right hook, followed by two kicks, and ends with a leaping kick smash.
- A three-hit combo with flashing punches, culminating in a grab that requires dodging.
Beyond these melee attacks, the Blade Phantom can summon a giant hammer, bringing it down to cause damage and generate red spikes. If it opts for a spear, anticipate a swift throw followed by a teleporting smash to evade. With a blade in hand, the boss unleashes a swift six-hit combo. It can also vanish and dash around the battlefield before striking.
Mastering the timing of these attacks allows you to parry or dodge effectively, creating windows for your counterattacks to deplete its stamina, setting up for a Brutal Attack. Continue this strategy until you reduce its health by about half, triggering the transition to the second phase.
Phase 2
The Blade Phantom kicks off the second phase with four claw attacks, followed by a spear throw from above. Move away from the spear's impact zone to avoid damage and brace for a leaping swipe. This is followed by three greatsword slashes and a concluding hammer smash.
In addition to the new claw attacks, the Blade Phantom repeats many of its earlier moves, with additions like a spear thrust and follow-up, and four to six swift dual-wielding attacks. Its teleportation becomes more frequent. When wielding the greatsword, be alert for multiple slashes and the final Burst Attack, signaled by a red P-like symbol on the screen. To counter this effectively, 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.
Exploit opportunities to attack when the Blade Phantom's stamina is low, and initiate the Brutal Attack just before the window closes to maximize damage. Successfully defeating the Blade Phantom rewards you with 8,640 Lacrima, Soul Eater gear items, a Shieldsman’s Ring, and Netherworld Mineral for crafting.
This guide provides essential strategies to beat the Blade Phantom in *The First Berserker: Khazan*. For additional assistance with the game, check out resources on The Escapist.
*The First Berserker: Khazan is currently available in Early Access.*
