Defeating the Blade Phantom in The First Berserker: Khazan - Strategy Guide

Boss fights in *The First Berserker: Khazan* can throw some serious curveballs, and none more so than the battle against the Blade Phantom. To emerge victorious from this encounter on the Trials of the Frozen Mountain level on Stormpass, you need to master both strategy and timing. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to defeat the Blade Phantom.

Phase 1

As you enter the castle, flooded with a crimson liquid, you'll face the Blade Phantom, a formidable foe that tests your stamina management and combat skills. This fight marks your introduction to multi-phase bosses in *The First Berserker: Khazan*.

The Blade Phantom unleashes a variety of attacks in this phase. Be prepared for:

• A six-hit combo consisting of four punches and two kicks, with the second kick being a delayed attack.
• A three-hit combo of two punches followed by a downward kick.
• A four-hit combo starting with a right hook, then two kicks, and ending with a leaping kick smash.
• A three-hit combo with flashing punches, followed by a grab that you must dodge.

In addition to these melee attacks, the Blade Phantom can summon a giant hammer, causing red spikes to appear in front of it. If it switches to a spear, anticipate a quick throw followed by a teleporting smash. With a blade in hand, it will execute a swift six-hit combo. It can also vanish and dash around the battlefield before striking.

Mastering the timing of these attacks is crucial. Parry or dodge them to find openings for your counterattacks, gradually depleting the Blade Phantom's stamina until you can perform a Brutal Attack. Keep up the pressure until you reduce its health by about half, triggering the transition to Phase 2.

Phase 2

The second phase begins with the Blade Phantom launching four claw attacks, followed by a high spear throw. Move away from the impact zone to avoid damage, and be ready for a leaping swipe. This is followed by three greatsword slashes and a concluding hammer smash.

While the Blade Phantom retains many of its previous attacks, it introduces new moves such as a spear thrust and follow-up, and swift dual-wielding attacks ranging from four to six hits. Teleportation becomes more frequent, and when wielding the greatsword, watch for 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 parry this move, restoring your stamina and leaving the boss vulnerable.

Continue to exploit the Blade Phantom's stamina depletion, initiating Brutal Attacks when the window is nearly closed 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 the essential strategies to conquer the Blade Phantom in *The First Berserker: Khazan*. For more tips and tricks, visit The Escapist.

*The First Berserker: Khazan is currently available in Early Access.*