How To Beat Both Forms Of Viper In The First Berserker: Khazan

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After navigating through The First Berserker: Khazan‘s long-forgotten temple labyrinth, you will encounter a formidable foe named Viper. Equipped with an extensive arsenal of moves, this adversary can cover vast distances in the blink of an eye. To make matters worse, just when you think the battle is over, he transforms into his second form.

This manual will explain Viper’s various attacks, reveal his weak spots, and assist you in defeating this formidable dragonkin. Although this battle is certainly challenging, we’re here to guide you toward victory and triumph over this dangerous adversary by tooth and claw!

This manual doesn’t rely on the Assistance Spirit and is set at a standard level of challenge. As such, the tactics suggested here should work effectively across all situations.

Recommended Build For Viper

In this battle, I discovered that the Greatsword was the best choice for optimal performance, primarily because a heavy attack charged up will typically counter most of Viper’s attacks during his first phase. If you opt for the Greatsword, focus on enhancing it with Manifest Power and Ghost Arm Block skills to boost the power of your charged attack and enable blocking while charging it.

In Viper’s second form, he won’t flinch from attacks with charged greatswords, meaning you can’t rely on interrupting him when he transforms into this stronger state.

Regardless of the weapon you choose, prioritize reducing stamina usage when dodging and blocking, as having more stamina available will benefit you greatly. It’s also advisable to boost the power of your javelin throws, since there are numerous chances to hit with it. Increasing spirit gain is also beneficial for this purpose.

Viper’s First Form

After Viper winds up for a leftward swing and follows it with a horizontal slash, he will then spin his spear overhead before pausing to unleash a second big slash. If you successfully time a perfect guard on both of these attacks, you’ll have an opportunity to retaliate against Viper following the second slash.

If Viper refrains from lifting his spear overhead, he will execute a swift follow-up strike. Therefore, keep a sharp eye on his actions following the initial slash, since this rapid second slash can be difficult to deflect if not anticipated in advance.

Another common move Viper often employs involves spinning his spear forward followed by a spin attack where he delivers a wide horizontal cut. If you successfully perfect guard these attacks, you have an opportunity to retaliate with greater damage following the second slash.

When Viper positions the tip of its spear towards you, it intends to strike you twice vertically before making a horizontal cut. If you manage to block all these three strikes correctly, you’ll get a great chance to launch an attack back.

If Viper prepares to attack from your right side, expect a massive slash followed by a jump. When he jumps back, he might hurl his spear at you. So, once he lands after the jump, stay vigilant. If he winds up for the jump, he’ll likely throw the spear. In this case, dodge through it, pursue him, and retaliate with an attack.

The Second Phase Of Viper’s First Form

After reducing about a quarter of Viper’s vitality, he’ll initiate a whirlwind attack by spinning his spear around himself. If you find yourself near him during this move, you’ll be drawn into the vortex and suffer damage. Therefore, if you notice Viper performing this action, it’s best to retreat. As he spins his spear, he becomes vulnerable, so you can take advantage of the situation by throwing javelins at him repeatedly. You’ll have numerous opportunities for accurate strikes during this period.

After he unleashes his whirlwind dash, he’ll proceed to launch an attack by jumping extremely high and then diving down on you. This unexpectedly works in your favor. All you need to do is dodge at the right moment before he lands, and you’ll have a perfect opportunity for a counterattack.

In another move, Viper leaps towards his side and swiftly charges at you with a cutting attack. He tends to execute this maneuver not once, but twice consecutively. When you notice Viper is kneeling down from a distance, with one hand on the ground, be prepared for him to launch that charging attack. If you start running sideways when you see this, it will significantly increase your chances of dodging the attack.

In the upcoming development, Viper will acquire an additional long-range spear throw attack. Keep a keen eye out for him preparing an attack from afar and be ready to evade his spinning spear. Since the trajectory of this projectile is predictable, it’s advisable to dodge towards your right side as Viper adjusts his positioning, making the returning boomerang spear approach from your left.

If Viper turns around, it means he’s gearing up for a fierce charge with a stabbing attack. This move is one of the most daunting he has, dealing massive damage. Avoid trying to escape, as he will quickly close in on you. Instead, move sideways and toward him to your right when he lunges at you with his spear. Once you master the timing of this attack, it presents a fantastic opportunity for counterattack.

Just as Viper’s spear point sparkles right before he attacks, take that as a signal to dodge his strike.

When Viper thrusts his spear towards his side and begins spinning it between his arms, he initiates a five-slash sequence. During this series of attacks, he remains stationary. This provides an opportunity for you to retreat and hurl javelins at him. After the fifth strike, you can charge in to deal a powerful blow, as he’ll be particularly exposed. Therefore, make an effort to get close as he approaches the end of this combo.

Viper’s Second Form

After overcoming the second phase of Viper’s initial form, it’s crucial to understand that you’ve only reached the halfway point. Although this revelation might feel a bit disheartening, rest assured that Viper’s second form is less intimidating. For instance, the range of his attacks will now be significantly reduced, forcing him to close in on you. Use this to your advantage by ensuring you stay outside the reach of his sword slashes at all times.

When he launches a two-strike offensive with his sword, it’s advisable to employ your defensive guard to fend off these attacks and retaliate later, but be mindful of your health level as it may be low, so proceeding with caution would be wiser. In this situation, you might consider hurling a javelin or two at him during this two-attack sequence. On rare occasions, this combo escalates to a four-hit combo, causing him to stumble and become exceptionally vulnerable.

As Viper charges towards you, attempting to bridge the gap, he may either deliver a powerful punch or execute an upward swipe followed by a downward fist strike. You can identify the upcoming upward swipe if he scratches the ground with his claw as he approaches. Evading either move successfully will provide an opportunity for a strong counterattack.

Additionally, he possesses an unstoppable Burst Attack; however, it’s important to note that this powerful fist slam has a limited range. Therefore, when you notice the sign warning of an incoming burst attack, maintain some distance initially, and then advance towards him swiftly, ready to retaliate with a strong counterattack.

The Second Phase Of Viper’s Second Form

In the second phase of Viper’s second form, you’ll notice he’ll be vulnerable when his health drops approximately halfway. At this stage, he’ll repeat his previous behavior by whirling up a storm around himself. Unlike the prior encounter, this whirlwind doesn’t only grant him new abilities; instead, it plunges the arena into complete darkness. Now, he resorts to using his first form’s lunging attacks repeatedly.

Instead of striving for flawless dodges or perfect blocks against these lunging attacks, consider dodging to the side, which will make him miss most of these lunging attacks. After evading three or four lunges and a couple of running attacks, he might revert to his jump attack. But, following the jump, he’ll strike the ground hard, causing an explosion around him. Therefore, dodge the jump attack, then maintain some distance, and swiftly charge in after the explosion to deliver a powerful counterattack.

After carrying out a jump attack, the darkness will dissipate, but for the rest of the battle, he’ll resort to using both his jump attack and lunging attack. He remains unchanged from his previous state, having not altered anything other than causing the storm. Maintain an appropriate distance, capitalize on his missed large attacks, and you’re well on your way to victory.

As a dedicated enthusiast, overcoming the formidable challenge of Viper will grant me treasures beyond my wildest dreams! I’ll be graced with Hismar’s Scale, the Fallen Lord’s Spear, and his Shoes – quite an impressive collection! Additionally, I’ll receive the Necklace of Good Fortune, the Augment of Wisdom, and three Transmutation Mists. What a rewarding victory that awaits me!

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2025-03-24 20:08