Master Viper in The First Berserker: Khazan with These Pro Tips!

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In the game “The First Berserker: Khazan“, the bosses become progressively more difficult as the story unfolds. Viper, who is the third boss, can be encountered towards the end of Mission 3 at “Embars Temple”. As a leader of the dragonkin, he carries a powerful scale known as “Hismar”, which boosts his power and allows him to manipulate its energy. Players will battle him within the “Heart of the Forgotten Temple” (Scarlet Nexus) once they have deactivated the rotating mechanism beneath the temple.

This manual details all of Viper’s attacks, movement styles, and tactics for defeating them efficiently. If you’re having trouble with the battle, summon a Spirit of Advocacy close to the boss entrance, but be aware that using this option will prevent you from earning the Standing Alone Trophy/Achievement.

Viper Attack Overview In The First Berserker: Khazan

Attack Image How To Avoid
Phase 1
Poke Combo
The boss pokes the player twice and then performs a horizontal sweep attack. This attack is easy to Brink Guard or dodge, but the former is recommended.
Two-Hit Slam
Viper starts this attack with a horizontal sweep, then spins the spear above his head before hitting the player with a vertical slam. The guard timing is very lenient, as you can wait between the two hits.
Quick Combo
The boss performs two back-to-back horizontal sweeps with little delay between them. You must instantly guard after blocking the first hit.
Spinning Vaccum
Viper spins his spear, creating a small tornado that deals heavy damage and constantly pulls you in if you’re too close. When the animation starts, run away.
Leaping Slam
The boss leaps into the air and slams down. This attack has an easy tell, and Brink Guarding allows you to land multiple hits before he attacks again.
Leaping Strike
Viper jumps back before leaping at the player, striking them, and moving behind them. The boss can repeat this attack twice. Dodging or guarding both work.
Spear Throw
The boss dashes back and throws his spear at you before recalling it. You must guard twice to avoid getting hit when the spear returns.
Charged Throw
Viper charges his spear and throws it at the player. Dodging is the safest option, as guarding might deplete your entire stamina bar.
Dashing Grab
The boss thrusts his weapon at the player and screams, dealing damage. This attack has a loud audio cue and must be dodged. A brink dodge allows you to land a few hits.
5-Hit Mix Combo
The boss combines a quick combo and two-hit slam and finishes with a spinning 5th hit. All attacks are easy to guard or dodge but you must try to Brink Guard the fifth hit.
Phase 2
3-Hit Dagger Into Claws
Viper starts this combo with two quick dagger strikes from his left hand, followed by a powerful strike with his right arm. Both dodging and guarding work, but it’s best to guard the dagger attacks.
Screaming Alternate Combo
The boss starts the combo with two quick dagger strikes from his left hand, followed by a powerful right-arm strike. Both dodging and guarding work, but guarding the dagger attacks is recommended.
Rock Throw
Viper scoops up a rock with his right hand and throws it at you. Dodging is the safest option to avoid mistiming the guard and taking unnecessary damage.
Dragging Claw
The boss sinks his right hand into the ground, drags it toward you, and performs an uppercut followed by a follow-up attack. Delay your Brink Guard until the boss pulls his hand from the ground to strike.
Complete Darkness
In this phase, the boss darkens the arena and attacks continuously while limiting your vision. You can anticipate incoming attacks by reacting to the lightning flash, which serves as an indicator. Dodging is the easier option, but if you can time the Brink Guard correctly, you can land a few hits occasionally.

How To Beat Viper In The First Berserker: Khazan

In the game, Viper is probably the initial tough opponent among the bosses you’ll encounter. Although he isn’t excessively aggressive, his combination attacks can be quite harsh if you don’t learn his attack patterns. He usually starts with either a double jab or a horizontal swipe followed by a vertical smash.

In the majority of the fight, it’s advisable to focus on utilizing Brink Guard rather than dodging. This move drains the boss’s Stamina, which doesn’t recover during the battle. If you possess Rod Smite, Armor Breaker, or Blowback: Vengeance, you can deliver a subsequent attack with your weapon after each successful Brink Guard, but be aware that this approach can be perilous if the boss switches to his next attack too promptly.

Players wielding a Spear should definitely consider learning the Moonlight Stance, since its afterimage assaults prove highly beneficial and effective in all combat scenarios.

At times, Viper may unleash a Burst Attack during a sequence of moves. It’s possible to evade it, but it’s strongly suggested that you counter instead, as this gives you an opportunity to perform three rapid combos before the boss resumes its attacks. Following a successful Brutal Attack and causing significant damage, Viper will emit a scream and prepare to launch one of two potential attacks.

One method Viper uses for counterattacks involves hurling a basic weapon, then withdrawing, while another is significantly more hazardous. In the latter attack, the boss spins its spear, generating a vortex-like zone around itself that draws you towards it. This move poses a severe threat and could deplete your entire health gauge if you’re within it. Upon noticing the boss spinning its spear, it’s advisable to retreat quickly and keep a safe mid-range distance until the animation concludes.

When Viper’s health reaches about half, he will lunge at you. Although you can execute a Brink Guard move to defend against this attack, hitting him back during a counter-attack is extremely difficult as the boss lands behind you. Moreover, Viper initiates a five-hit combo, and it’s essential that you Brink Guard at least the final hit, as it momentarily stuns the boss, creating an opportunity for you. If you successfully shatter his horns, he will transition into a vulnerable state, lasting long enough for several attacks to be landed.

Viper’s Phase 2

When Viper’s health reaches zero, players will find themselves unprepared as the boss advances to its second phase. The arena grows noticeably darker, and the boss now employs two distinct types of attacks. The strikes with his left-hand dagger are quick and require either a well-timed parry or solid defense. On the other hand, his right-hand attacks move slower but inflict substantial damage. If you manage to time them correctly, Brink Guarding is highly effective, but dodging is also an option if you’re uncertain, considering that misjudging a guard can lead to penalties.

Once Viper’s energy gauge (stamina bar) runs out once, he will launch a darkness attack, reducing visibility but allowing you to follow him by his glowing eyes. At this point, players should aim to detect quick bursts of lightning (brief lightning flashes), as these signal an impending attack. It’s best to parry these attacks since they lower the boss’s energy gauge significantly. Dodging is a more cautious option if you’re low on healing supplies. Be careful in this phase, as the Brutal Attack has a delayed timing—attempting to counter too early will leave you vulnerable.

Make sure you wait until your boss has completed their combo before initiating healing, because they might dart away to execute a grab or Burst Attack while you’re still in the healing animation.

Rewards For Beating Viper In The First Berserker: Khazan

Defeating the boss will earn you the following rewards:

  • 19,600 Lacrima
  • Hismar’s Scale
  • Cleric’s Ring
  • Fallen Lord’s Spear
  • Fallen Lord Armor Piece

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2025-03-25 02:24