The First Berserker Kazan: Unleashing Phantom's Hidden Power for NG++ Domination

 

Kazan’s Phantom form is an underrated powerhouse that many players are leaving on the table. Whether you’re trying to conquer New Game Plus+ or seeking to refine your gameplay, it’s time to unlock the true potential of this iconic form. Far from just being a nifty emergency revive or an afterthought for katana strikes, Phantom can be a dominating force when used right—especially if you focus on its ranged capabilities.

In this guide, we’re going to dive deep into a strategy that’s rarely utilized but can make you nearly unstoppable in NG++. Forget what you know about Phantom, because this approach changes everything.

Phantom Form: The Hidden Power of Ranged Attacks

Most players are under the misconception that Phantom is solely about quick katana strikes and the occasional revive. But what if I told you the real power of Phantom lies in its ranged attacks? For New Game Plus+ players, where difficulty spikes, ranged combat becomes your most reliable tool.

Let’s take a step back and realize something most players don’t: Phantom’s abilities extend far beyond your standard weapon mechanics. With the right gear and approach, you can keep Phantom’s form active almost indefinitely, allowing you to unleash devastating ranged attacks with minimal risk.

The Core of the Build: Extending Phantom Form

The primary goal of this build is simple yet powerful: stay in Phantom form as long as possible. This is achievable through a combination of gear and tactics that enhance Phantom form’s duration and your ranged damage output.

1. Soul Eater’s Top and Pants: These pieces of gear are essential for extending Phantom form. The Soul Eater’s Top offers a 10% increase to Phantom form duration, along with a 10% boost to charged attack duration. Meanwhile, the Soul Eater’s Pants increase Phantom form duration by an additional 20% through brutal attacks. Combining these two will allow you to stay in Phantom form indefinitely, as long as you keep attacking.

2. Mercenary Spear: With its set bonus, the Mercenary Spear increases ranged attack damage for 10 seconds by 3%, stacking up to 10 times. This means you can achieve a 30% increase to ranged damage, which is crucial for maximizing your damage output while in Phantom form.

3. Dungeon Jar: This item reduces the number of set requirements, letting you equip more powerful gear without sacrificing essential bonuses.

4. Mercenary Ring: As part of the Mercenary set, the Mercenary Ring complements your ranged damage build by enhancing the set’s effect.

5. Drown Witch’s Wrist Guard & Boots: Both of these pieces increase ranged attack damage by 5%, making them invaluable for further boosting your damage output.

6. Unending Tragedy Necklace: This necklace increases post-damage by 15%. In Phantom form, your character doesn’t have a stamina bar, so you’ll constantly benefit from the 15% boost in damage.

By stacking these pieces, you can maintain Phantom form indefinitely and unleash relentless ranged attacks that can melt even the toughest enemies.

The Importance of Phantom’s Ranged Attacks

Many players overlook Phantom’s ranged abilities, but they are key to this build. Not only do they allow you to attack from a distance, but they also offer a level of safety and damage output that melee combat can’t match.

Here’s what you need to know about Phantom’s ranged attacks:

Dash Attacks: A Crucial Element

While you might be familiar with Phantom’s basic melee strikes and charged attacks, the dash attacks are a hidden gem. Phantom actually has three types of dash attacks:

1. Melee Dash Attack: A simple forward dash combined with a regular attack button results in a melee strike.

2. Side Dash Attack: This attack throws a ranged projectile, making it a key tool for dealing with enemies from a distance.

3. Backward Dash Attack: This one fires a multi-shot projectile when you dash backward while holding the attack button. This is especially useful for kiting enemies or staying out of their reach while still dealing damage.

These dash attacks are crucial because they allow you to maneuver freely while dealing damage. Unlike traditional ranged attacks, which can sometimes leave you vulnerable, Phantom’s dash attacks keep you mobile, enabling you to dodge and reposition while continuously firing off projectiles.

Building the Phantom Form Gauge Efficiently

Before diving into combat, you’ll want to make sure your Phantom form gauge is at full capacity. Here’s a quick rundown on how to do it efficiently:

1. Constantine’s Phantom Ability: Switch to Constantine before every boss fight. This ability increases your Phantom form gauge and grants you 5% Phantom form gauge per unit of spirit consumed.

2. Phantom Heatwave and Eagle Wind: These abilities allow you to quickly consume spirit and regenerate your Phantom form gauge. Use these abilities multiple times to fill up your Phantom form gauge before entering a boss encounter.

3. The Nexus Blade: By interacting with the Nexus Blade, you can refill your spirit, making it easier to maintain Phantom form during tough fights.

Switching to the Right Ability for Ranged Combat

Once your Phantom form gauge is filled, switch over to an ability that boosts your ranged attacks. The best one for this build is Atlante, which increases your ranged attack damage by 15%. This ability works wonders in maximizing your ranged output while keeping you in Phantom form.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have points allocated to the “Comment” tab for fully recovering spirit when resurrecting or interacting with the Nexus Blade. This ensures you can refill your spirit as needed to keep Phantom form active.

Mastering the Stun Lock Combo

Now that you have the fundamentals down, let’s discuss one of the most powerful techniques in your arsenal: the stun lock combo.

Once you stun an enemy, whether through Phantom’s form or other techniques, you can enter a series of dash attacks that keeps them locked in place, unable to retaliate. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Stun the Enemy: Use Phantom form or another method (like a counterattack) to stun your target. The more advanced you get, the more you’ll be able to use this technique in a variety of situations.

2. Dash and Throw: After stunning the enemy, immediately dash forward, sideways, or backward and throw your circular ranged projectile. You can also modify your positioning by holding forward while dashing to close the gap and get within range.

3. Repeat the Combo: Once you’ve thrown your projectile, repeat the process as quickly as possible. With practice, you’ll be able to weave in forward or backward dashes while keeping the enemy stunned until their stamina completely depletes. This essentially leaves them helpless, and you can continue to deal damage while staying safe.

Advanced Stun Lock Tactics

For advanced players, mastering this combo requires a level of precision. Here’s an advanced technique you can implement for even greater effectiveness:

• Forward Dash + Attack: To close the gap and stay within range, dash forward while holding an attack button. This allows you to continue the projectile combo without losing distance, which is especially useful against bosses or fast-moving enemies.

• Backward Dash + Attack: When you need to create space, backward dashes combined with projectiles allow you to maintain a safe distance while applying constant pressure.

By mastering these tactics, you can stun-lock most enemies, including elite bosses, making them an absolute joke to defeat.

Defeating Hismar: The Phantom Ranged Solution

Hismar is one of the toughest enemies in the game, but with the right strategy, he can be easily handled. The key to taking down this formidable foe lies in Phantom’s ranged multi-shot projectiles.

The Strategy:

• Keep a safe distance and use your backward dash attack to fire multi-shot projectiles. These projectiles hit Hismar multiple times, rapidly depleting his health and making the fight significantly easier.

• Don’t get greedy with melee attacks. Stick to your ranged capabilities to maintain control of the fight and avoid taking unnecessary damage.

With this tactic, the once-dreaded Hismar becomes nothing more than a minor obstacle on your path to victory.

Conclusion: Mastering the Phantom Build

By now, you should have all the tools needed to transform Kazan’s Phantom form into an unstoppable powerhouse. From extending Phantom form indefinitely to leveraging powerful ranged attacks, this build offers unmatched flexibility and power.

Whether you're trying to conquer New Game Plus+ or simply looking to refine your Phantom gameplay, this strategy will elevate your experience. Phantom’s ranged capabilities are not just a gimmick—they are a game-changer that will help you tackle even the toughest bosses with ease.

If you found this guide helpful and are ready to dominate with the Phantom form, make sure to like this post and subscribe for more game-changing strategies. As always, I’m here to provide more tips, builds, and tactics to maximize your ARPG experience.

Until next time, happy gaming!

FAQ

1. What is the best strategy for using Phantom in NG++?
To maximize Phantom's power in NG++, focus on keeping Phantom form active as long as possible using gear like the Soul Eater's Top and Pants. Also, rely heavily on Phantom's ranged attacks for a safer, high-damage output.

2. How can I extend Phantom form indefinitely?
Equip gear like the Soul Eater's Top and Pants, which boost Phantom form duration by up to 30%. Stack these with the Mercenary Spear and other items that enhance ranged attack damage.

3. Can Phantom's ranged attacks be used effectively against bosses?
Yes, Phantom's ranged attacks are incredibly powerful, especially when combined with dash attacks. They allow you to keep a safe distance while dealing significant damage, making them perfect for bosses.

4. What is the best ability to use for ranged combat?
Switch to Atlante, which increases ranged attack damage by 15%. This is especially useful for boosting damage while maintaining Phantom form.

5. How do I perform a stun-lock combo with Phantom?
After stunning an enemy, dash forward, backward, or sideways and throw a ranged projectile. Repeat the process quickly to keep the enemy stunned and deal continuous damage.

6. How do I defeat Hismar using Phantom’s ranged abilities?
Use Phantom's multi-shot projectiles from a distance, especially with backward dashes, to deal rapid damage to Hismar. Stay safe and avoid melee combat.

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The First Berserker Khazan: How to Defeat Viper – A Step-by-Step Guide

 

What’s up, everyone? In today’s guide, we’ll be taking on one of the toughest challenges in The First Berserker Khazan—the Viper boss fight. This encounter is located in the Forgotten Temple, and trust me, it’s not going to be easy. Viper isn’t just any ordinary beast; he’s a fierce guardian imbued with the power of Mar Scale, and he’s out for vengeance. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably come across Viper at the end of Mission 3, where he stands as the ultimate gatekeeper.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to defeat Viper, from recommended weapons to armor setups, and even how to execute the perfect defensive maneuvers. So, grab your gear, and let’s dive in.

Understanding the Fight: Viper’s Two Phases

Viper isn’t your typical boss fight. This encounter is a two-phase battle that will test everything you've learned so far in The First Berserker Khazan. He’s got two full health bars, and each one presents a different set of challenges. Viper starts slow, but as his health depletes, he transforms into a much faster, deadlier opponent.

First Phase: The Spear of Viper

At the start of the fight, Viper uses his spear for a mix of long-range pokes and quick slashes. His aggressive attack patterns can overwhelm you if you're not careful, but the good news is, you can interrupt some of his attacks—especially with a Great Sword. However, this advantage won’t last long, so let’s break down the moves you’ll face in this phase.

• Three-hit poke combo: Viper starts the fight with a standard poke attack. He thrusts his spear twice quickly, then follows up with a wide horizontal sweep. You can easily Brink Guard all three strikes, with a small window for a quick punish after the final hit.

• Twirl and slash combo: Watch out for Viper spinning his spear around, followed by a horizontal slash. The twirl can be dangerous, so maintain your distance and prepare to Brink Guard when the horizontal slash comes.

• Twirling overhead combo: This one’s tricky. After a horizontal sweep, Viper raises his spear for a dramatic twirl overhead. The key here is to Brink Guard the delayed vertical slash that follows.

• Rapid consecutive sweeps: Viper unleashes two quick horizontal sweeps in a row. Timing is crucial here, as you’ll need to execute a second Brink Guard almost immediately after the first to avoid getting hit.

• Spear throw: This ranged attack can be tricky. You need to Brink Dodge the initial throw, then either keep moving sideways or be ready for a second dodge as the spear comes back.

• Vertical spear throw: For this one, don’t bother blocking with your guard. Brink Dodge to the side to avoid the spear, as it can break your guard and drain your stamina fast.

As you learn Viper’s attack patterns, the key to surviving the first phase is patience. His movements are predictable, but his speed and aggression can catch you off guard if you're not focused.

Second Phase: Viper’s Transformation

Once Viper hits 50% health, he transforms. Gone is the slow-moving spear user, and in his place stands a fast, dangerous fighter with a dagger and claws. Viper now has access to quicker, more unpredictable moves, making the second phase even harder than the first.

Here’s what to expect:

• Delayed face slam and uppercut combo: Viper’s first attack in this form is a face slam followed by a powerful uppercut. You need to time your Brink Guard carefully to block both moves.

• Dragon Claw charge: This attack sees Viper charging forward with his claws dragging along the ground, followed by an uppercut and a sword plunge. The trick here is to wait until the claws are near your feet before executing a Brink Guard or dodging.

• Fist sweep and burst combo: Viper will sweep his fists twice, then perform a burst attack that you must counter. This attack is easy to dodge, but don’t get greedy and try to attack while avoiding it.

• Sword strike and fist strike combo: The attack begins with a spear swipe, followed by two fists and a delayed force swipe. If you dodge the initial attack, Viper will fall into a staggered state, giving you an opportunity to deal some serious damage.

• Leaping back and charging combo: Watch for the visual cue where Viper leaps back and then charges toward you. He will perform a claw swipe into a sword plunge. The key to evading this is to Brink Guard or dodge after the claw swipe.

Recommended Weapons: Great Sword vs Spear

For the Viper fight, your choice of weapon can make a huge difference. While there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution, here are the strengths of each weapon:

• Great Sword: The Great Sword is a heavy-hitting weapon that can interrupt some of Viper’s attacks during the first phase. If you’re using the Great Sword, focus on Ghost Arm Block to cancel slow charge attacks into guard. This will allow you to mitigate the inherent risks of using such a slow weapon. Additionally, the Avenger skill is highly recommended, as it lets you deal damage every time you successfully Brink Guard an attack.

• Spear: While the Spear doesn’t have the same interrupt capabilities as the Great Sword, it makes up for that in its speed, reach, and agility. You’ll be able to dodge and weave through Viper’s attacks much more easily. The Moonlight Stance is essential here, as the afterimage attacks will apply constant pressure and help you keep up with Viper’s fast-paced second phase.

Recommended Armor Sets

Two armor sets stand out for the Viper fight, depending on your playstyle.

• Hunter’s Armor Set: If you're up against Viper and his Dragon Kin power, this set is ideal. The full set increases your damage against Dragon Kin enemies and boosts your attack and critical damage. While you may not get this set immediately, you can farm it from Dragon Kin enemies throughout the Ruins. Pay particular attention to the larger Lunatic Destroyers for a better chance of getting the full set.

• Ashen Wolf Armor Set: This set is particularly good for Great Sword users. It boosts your attack power significantly and increases your Nether World energy by one, which provides you with an additional heal. It’s a great choice for surviving the longer, tougher battle with Viper.

Viper's Weaknesses and How to Exploit Them

Viper’s biggest weakness is his stamina. As you fight him, focus on Brink Guards to deplete his stamina bar. When it’s drained, he will stagger, leaving him wide open for Brutal Attacks. Always aim for Viper’s back to deal bonus damage during these openings.

The best time to land high-damage attacks is after dodging his grab attempts. These grabs are unblockable, and the moment you dodge one, you’ll be able to counterattack Viper’s vulnerable back.

Key Tactics to Keep in Mind

• Patience Over Aggression: This is a battle of attrition. Keep your focus on defense, patiently executing Brink Guards until you get the right opening for an attack.

• Stamina Management: Managing your stamina is crucial here. Overextending and using too many attacks without a clear plan will leave you vulnerable. Always be mindful of your stamina, and don’t be afraid to back off and heal when needed.

• Reflection Parrying: Mastering the Brink Guard or Reflection Parry is a game-changer in this fight. Use it wisely to deplete Viper’s stamina and turn the tide in your favor.

The Final Phase: Darkness and Speed

Once Viper reaches the final 25% of his health, he will plunge the arena into total darkness. In this phase, his movements become lightning-fast, and only his glowing eyes will give away his position. This is the most intense part of the fight, but if you can track Viper’s movements, you can Reflection Parry his lunges for massive stamina damage.

Stay focused and patient, and take your time to learn Viper’s attack patterns during this phase. As he leaps around and lunges toward you, Brink Guard or dodge accordingly. The key here is to strike when you can, without getting too greedy.

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And that’s it! Once you’ve mastered the mechanics, Viper will eventually fall, and you’ll have conquered one of The First Berserker Khazan’s toughest trials. Remember: it’s all about patience, learning his moves, and executing precise defenses.

I hope this guide helps you in your fight! If you have any questions or need additional tips, feel free to leave a comment below. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more tips and guides. Good luck, warrior—may the darkness ahead fear your might!

Conclusion

Defeating Viper in The First Berserker Khazan is no easy task, but with patience, strategic defense, and mastering the Brink Guard mechanic, you can overcome this challenging boss. Whether you're using a Great Sword or Spear, it's all about exploiting his weaknesses, managing stamina, and positioning yourself perfectly during both phases. The battle will test your reflexes, but with the right tactics, you’ll stand victorious. Good luck, and remember, patience is key—every Brink Guard brings you one step closer to victory!

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FAQ

Q: What weapon should I use for the Viper boss fight?
A: The Great Sword is great for interrupting Viper’s attacks in phase one, but the Spear offers speed and mobility, which is crucial in phase two.

Q: How do I counter Viper’s grab attack?
A: Viper’s grab is unblockable, but you can Brink Dodge to the side to avoid it, leaving his back open for a counterattack.

Q: What armor set is best for this fight?
A: The Hunter’s Armor Set boosts damage against Dragon Kin, while the Ashen Wolf Set is ideal for Great Sword users, increasing attack and healing.

Q: How do I manage stamina during the fight?
A: Use Brink Guards to deplete Viper’s stamina. When his stamina is low, he will stagger, allowing you to land high-damage attacks.

Q: What’s the best strategy for the second phase?
A: In the second phase, Viper’s attacks are faster. Focus on Brink Guarding his quick dagger strikes and claws, and be prepared to dodge his rapid combos.

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Berserker Khazan Boss Melter: How to Build the Perfect Buster Spear Setup (May 27th Update)

 

If you’re tired of long and tedious boss fights, you’re in the right place. Today, I’ll walk you through an incredibly powerful build for Khazan, the Berserker, designed to melt bosses in record time. This new setup harnesses the full potential of the Buster Spear, thanks to some major buffs introduced in the May 27th patch. It's not just a casual power boost; this build is a game-changer for efficient boss fights. Ready to become a boss-slaying machine? Let’s dive in!

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What Makes This Build So Effective?

The May 27th update introduced crucial changes that breathe new life into the Buster Spear. These updates weren’t small tweaks—they’ve unlocked a whole new level of power. Here’s why these changes matter for your Berserker Khazan build:

• Reduced Spirit Cost: The regular spirit cost for the Buster Spear was slashed from 2 to 1, and the charged version dropped from 3 to 2. This means you can launch more charged Buster Spears without constantly worrying about spirit management. With fewer resources spent on charging, you'll have more uptime for dealing massive damage.

• Faster Activation: Attacks now trigger quicker, making it much easier to chain Buster Spears after other moves—especially Trance—without losing damage efficiency. This drastically reduces downtime, allowing you to land powerful hits back-to-back.

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Understanding Buster Spear Mechanics

Before you get started, it’s important to master the basics of how the Buster Spear works in this setup. Let’s break down the essentials:

• Weapon: The Nameless Mercenary Spear is a must-have. This is the only spear that allows you to use the Buster Spear ability, making it your primary damage source.

• Charge for Power: Holding the attack button charges up the Buster Spear, delivering an enormous amount of damage. This becomes your main tool for dealing devastating blows to bosses.

• Ranged Attack: The Buster Spear is considered a ranged attack. This is key because it means you should focus on boosting ranged attack damage when selecting gear and optimizing stats. This is your bread and butter for maximizing efficiency.

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Gear Breakdown for Maximum Damage

Let’s move on to the gear setup that powers this build. To ensure the Buster Spear delivers its full potential, you’ll need specific gear and set bonuses. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:

Weapon: Nameless Mercenary Spear

• This is your main weapon for the build. The legendary version is the best choice because it not only gives you the Buster Spear but also provides a 15% damage boost to Buster Spear attacks (found in the fixed attributes). This is crucial for maximizing your damage output.

• When you equip three pieces of the Nameless Mercenary Set, you gain additional bonuses like range attack damage increase and stamina damage boosts.

Armor: Furious Bandit’s Set

• This set offers some great buffs, particularly in charge attack damage. The set bonus increases charge attack damage by 20% and provides 15% stamina damage increase. While these don’t directly boost Buster Spear, they help with overall efficiency during your boss fights.

• Equip the Furious Bandit’s Puldrons and Leggings to unlock these boosts. The set doesn’t require the epic version, so you can get away with a unique version of the pieces.

Wrist Guards: Drown Witch Set

• Equip the Drown Witch Wrist Guards for a solid 30% increase in ranged attack damage. This is massive because it directly buffs your Buster Spear’s power.

• The set also gives a 5% ranged attack damage multiplier from the fixed attributes, making it worth seeking the epic or legendary version of these guards for maximum benefit.

Footwear: Drown Witch Shoes

• While you don’t need the epic version, the Drown Witch Shoes offer a 5% damage multiplier to ranged attacks, which is an excellent bonus to your Buster Spear’s damage output.

Accessories: Necklace of the Nameless & Elamine’s Ring

• The Necklace of the Nameless gives you a 5% spirit accumulation increase. This isn’t essential but is a nice bonus for faster spirit regeneration, which is important for keeping up the flow of Buster Spears.

• Elamine’s Ring grants an extra 10% confront damage increase, which can be particularly helpful against bosses with higher defenses. The unique version is perfectly fine here.

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Maximizing Your Stats for Buster Spear Damage

Once you have your gear sorted, the next step is to focus on stat optimization. For this build, your priorities are:

• Vitality: Keep this around 10 to ensure you’re not sacrificing too much survivability.

• Endurance: Set this to 25 to balance stamina recovery with your damage output.

• Strength: Keep it around 27 to hit that sweet spot in the A-tier agility. This will allow you to maximize damage while ensuring you don’t lose mobility.

• Proficiency and Willpower: These should be your primary focuses. Boost proficiency for more damage, and willpower will support spirit regeneration.

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Key Skills for Boss Melting

In addition to your gear and stats, the right skills will make all the difference in your boss-slaying efficiency. Here’s the breakdown:

Primary Active Skills

• Buster Spear: This is your primary damage dealer, so make sure it’s equipped and leveled up.

• Trance: This skill is crucial because it buffs your Buster Spear by 30% and refunds 50% of spirit used when cast before launching the spear. It’s essential for maximizing the damage output during your spirit window.

Secondary Active Skills

• Eagle Wind: Use this skill for enhanced mobility, especially when dodging incoming attacks while charging your Buster Spear.

• Phantom: Another important skill in case you need to adjust positioning and avoid damage. It’s useful when you need to quickly move in and out of battle.

Spirit Skills

• Crescent Strike and Spiral Thrust: These are great for quick attacks and additional burst damage. However, they’re secondary to Buster Spear and Trance in terms of overall efficiency.

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The Perfect Boss Combo for Maximum Damage

Now that your gear, stats, and skills are set up, let's talk combos. The key to this build is speed and precision—you’re all about getting in, dealing massive damage, and getting out before the boss has a chance to retaliate. Here are your core combos for Buster Spear domination:

1. Trance > Charged Buster Spear

• Always start with Trance to buff your Buster Spear. Then follow it up with a charged throw. The 50% spirit refund makes this combo highly sustainable for extended boss fights.

2. Extended Stamina Exhaustion

• For bosses with long stamina depletion windows, repeat the Trance > Charged Buster Spear combo twice. This maximizes damage during their vulnerability phase. You can then follow it up with a burst attack and re-engage with Trance to keep the damage going.

3. Against Regenerating Bosses

• When facing bosses that regain stamina between attacks, use the sequence: Vital Strike > Moonlight Stance > Shadow Reversal > Trance > Eagle Wind. This sequence helps you deal both health and stamina damage, ensuring that the boss doesn’t have a chance to recover.

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Boss Fight Strategy: Tailor Your Approach

With your Buster Spear Build ready to go, you can easily handle common boss scenarios. Here’s how to approach some typical situations:

• White Stamina Bar Bosses: Start by landing one or two charged Buster Spears to wear down their stamina. Once it’s depleted, Trance into a fully charged spear for a massive burst of damage. Keep your attacks precise, and don’t waste time with normal attacks.

• Multi-Phase Bosses: Between phases, prioritize spirit regeneration. You can either land a burst attack, use a spirit orb, or simply complete a normal attack combo to ensure you’re ready for the next phase.

• Exhausted Bosses: When the boss is exhausted and vulnerable, land two charged Buster Spears directly. Do not waste time with a rear assault, as the damage is negligible.

Final Thoughts on the Buster Spear Build

This Buster Spear Build for Khazan is designed to be as efficient as possible. The goal isn’t to string together long combos but to quickly deliver massive damage and take down bosses in as little time as possible. Trance into a charged Buster Spear for the most effective output.

One thing to remember—this build is a glass cannon. You’re sacrificing some durability for raw damage. You’ll need to

stay vigilant, as this setup relies heavily on evasion and precise timing rather than tanking hits. Keep an eye on your stamina, as you’ll need it to throw those charged Buster Spears consistently.

How to Adapt This Build for Different Bosses

While this build is incredibly efficient in most boss fights, some bosses may require slight adjustments to your strategy. For example, bosses with erratic movement patterns like Hismar can be particularly tricky. His rapid movements make it difficult to land the Buster Spear reliably, especially since it’s a ranged attack that locks onto specific points. In these cases, your best option is to switch to more agile skills like Vital Strike, Crescent Strike, and Eagle Wind. These skills allow you to quickly reposition and deal damage without having to rely too heavily on Buster Spear.

Against Hismar, you won’t be able to use the Buster Spear in the same way you would with stationary or slower bosses. Instead, focus on using Vital Strike to deal quick damage when he's vulnerable, and use Crescent Strike to close the distance or escape if needed. The Eagle Wind skill helps you maintain speed and agility, which is essential when you're dealing with fast-moving bosses.

For multi-phase bosses, you need to be especially mindful of spirit management. Often, the best course of action is to prioritize spirit regeneration between phases. You can use a burst attack or even pop a spirit orb to top off your spirit gauge before jumping into the next phase. This will allow you to start the next phase strong, with full Buster Spear charges ready to go, ensuring you're hitting the ground running and maximizing damage output right from the start.

Boss Fight Tips for Efficiency

Now that you’ve got the general build down, let’s cover a few tips to really optimize your performance in boss fights. These little tricks can help you squeeze even more damage out of your Buster Spear Build and ensure you’re always on top of your game.

• Keep Trance Active: Always aim to keep Trance active for as much of the fight as possible. Not only does it reduce spirit costs, but it also buffs the damage of your charged Buster Spear. The 50% spirit refund from Trance ensures that you can maintain a steady flow of Buster Spears without worrying about running out of spirit.

• Don't Overcommit to Normal Attacks: One thing to watch out for is overextending with normal attacks. While Buster Spear is your go-to, normal attacks aren’t always as efficient for this build. Focus on making each hit count, using Buster Spear and Trance to stay at your optimal damage output.

• Spirit Orbs Are Your Friend: If you feel like you’re running out of spirit too quickly, or if the boss fight is dragging on longer than expected, don't hesitate to use a spirit orb. It can refill your spirit gauge quickly, allowing you to keep up the pressure and land more charged Buster Spears.

• Watch Your Stamina: Unlike builds that focus on continuous attacks, your stamina is a limited resource here. If you’ve invested less into Endurance, you’ll likely have to rely on stamina recovery items like Vitality Spheres to keep your stamina topped off. Pay attention to your stamina bar and avoid wasting it on anything other than throwing Buster Spears.

• Use Shadow Reversal for Positioning: Shadow Reversal is a great skill that allows you to get behind the boss for a more favorable attack angle. You can use this move to reposition during fights, especially if you’re trying to land a rear attack for additional damage or to avoid an incoming attack. Use it in conjunction with Trance and Buster Spear for even more devastating combos.

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Advanced Tactics for Difficult Boss Fights

While the build is straightforward, you can adapt your approach for harder bosses or specific scenarios. Here are a few advanced tactics to improve your performance further:

Against Bosses with Buffs or Debuffs

Some bosses in the game come with unique mechanics, such as buffs that increase their resistance to damage or debuffs that lower your attack power. Against these enemies, you need to carefully time your Trance and charged Buster Spear combos to counteract their defensive boosts.

For example, if a boss is using damage resistance buffs, focus on stacking Trance multiple times to maximize Buster Spear damage. The damage boost from Trance will help you overcome their defensive buffs and break through their defenses.

Dealing with Summons or Adds

Certain bosses summon minions or adds during battle, which can be a major distraction and significantly slow down the fight. In these scenarios, it’s best to prioritize the main boss while occasionally using Crescent Strike or Vital Strike to deal with the adds.

However, don’t let the adds draw too much of your attention. Remember that this build excels at taking down bosses quickly, so focus on maintaining constant pressure on the main boss with your Buster Spear and Trance combo.

Surviving Extended Fights

The glass cannon nature of this build means you can melt through bosses fast, but you’ll need to be more mindful of your survivability during longer fights. Don’t hesitate to use stamina recovery items if you’re running low, and make sure your evasion is on point.

Be ready to dodge whenever possible to avoid unnecessary damage. Mastering your timing will make or break your success in longer boss fights.

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Conclusion: The Perfect Khazan Boss Melter Build

By following this guide, you should now have a powerful Buster Spear Build that will help you melt through boss encounters in no time. From the updated May 27th patch buffs to the gear and stat optimization, everything in this setup is geared towards maximizing your damage output while keeping you agile and efficient.

To recap, the core of this build revolves around:

• Trance for spirit regeneration and increased damage.

• Buster Spear as your primary source of damage.

• Gear and stats that focus on ranged attack damage, charge attack multipliers, and spirit management.

With a bit of practice, you’ll be slicing through bosses and world bosses alike, cutting down their health and stamina bars faster than ever before. This build is the perfect solution for anyone looking to save time while still getting maximum rewards from boss encounters.

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Additional Tips for a Smooth Build

Before wrapping up, here are a few final thoughts to keep in mind as you continue refining your Berserker Khazan build:

• Stay proactive with spirit orbs and vitality spheres during longer fights.

• Focus on evading damage instead of absorbing it. This build isn’t made for tanking.

• Always keep your Trance active for maximum efficiency in every fight.

• Adapt your strategy depending on the boss's movement and attack patterns.

By optimizing your gear, stats, and skills, you’ll dominate every boss that stands in your way. If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share your thoughts or success stories in the comments below!

FAQ

Q: What is the Buster Spear build for Berserker Khazan?
A: The Buster Spear build for Berserker Khazan focuses on using the Nameless Mercenary Spear to deal massive damage with charged Buster Spears, especially after Trance is used to reduce spirit costs and boost damage.

Q: What makes this build effective in boss fights?
A: This build is optimized for quick, high-damage bursts through the Buster Spear. Key changes in the May 27th patch lower spirit costs, enabling faster Buster Spear combos and improved damage uptime.

Q: Can this build work with other weapons?
A: No. This build is specifically designed around the Nameless Mercenary Spear, which is the only weapon that grants the Buster Spear ability.

Q: How should I manage my spirit during boss fights?
A: Keep Trance active to regenerate spirit and reduce the cost of charged Buster Spears. Use spirit orbs for quick refills if needed.

Q: Is this build suitable for all bosses?
A: This build excels against most bosses, but bosses with fast movement like Hismar may require adaptations, such as using Vital Strike or Crescent Strike instead of Buster Spear.

Q: How can I increase my damage with this build?
A: Prioritize ranged attack damage and charge attack multipliers when selecting gear and stats. Focus on damage multipliers rather than elemental attributes.

Q: What is the ideal stat distribution for this build?
A: Focus on Strength, Endurance, and Proficiency for damage output. Ensure that Vitality is at a level to sustain stamina, but avoid over-investing into survivability.

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The First Berserker Khazan's Strategy to Defeat Maluca in Veil Knight

 

The First Berserker Khazan's Strategy to Defeat Maluca in Veil Knight

What's up, everyone? Today, I’m going to guide you through the process of defeating one of the toughest bosses in the game: Maluca, the final challenge in the Veil Knight mission. This battle is a real test of your skills, but don’t worry—I’ve got all the tips and strategies you need to come out on top. Stick with me through this guide, and at the end, I’ll even show you an unedited fight where I take down Maluca. So, let’s jump right in!

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Preparation Before the Battle

Before you march through those large double doors that lead to the final showdown, you need to make sure you're properly prepared. Double-check that your skills are set and your consumables are ready—things like Chaos Cleanse Potions will be crucial for surviving the fight.

For those of you who use a Greatsword (like me), here’s a pro tip that’ll make the first phase of the battle a bit smoother: invest some points into the Phantom Knightsville skill. When you use this skill, you’ll radiate damaging energy that affects nearby enemies. In the first phase of the fight, Maluca is particularly vulnerable to this, and with the right combos, you can even stun-lock him for a decent amount of time. Just be aware that this trick becomes less effective once the second phase begins.

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Entering the Fight

Once you open those massive doors, the boss fight begins with a cutscene introducing Maluca, the leader of the Knights Fail. Maluca’s a skilled warrior who wields two giant greatswords, and his backstory is both tragic and brutal. The fight is divided into different phases, and it's going to challenge everything you’ve learned up until now.

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Phase One: Slower, but Deadly Attacks

Maluca’s attacks in this phase are slower compared to what you'll face later, but that doesn’t mean you can slack off. He still packs a punch, and you'll need to be quick with your parries and reflections.

Just like Rankas from the previous mission, Maluca’s stamina regenerates actively, so you’ll want to keep up the offensive pressure. He always starts the fight the same way: charging at you with a spinning slash combo. This sequence involves a spin slash, followed by a second delayed spin slash, and then he’ll throw out a delayed thrust with both swords. He then follows this up with a double-hitting slash and finishes with a delayed overhead slam. Expect a jumping front kick right after, which should be dodged to avoid damage.

He also has a projectile attack where he spins backwards and shoots out three projectiles with different timings. The first two are fast, but the third is delayed. Timing your dodges for the first two is relatively easy, but the third is trickier. Watch closely for Maluca to raise his head before launching the projectile—this is your cue to dodge.

Another attack you need to watch out for is his descending slam, where Maluca jumps into the air, spins, and crashes down. This has a surprisingly large range, so it’s best to guard through it rather than risk dodging too early.

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Maluca’s AoE Shockwave

One of Maluca’s signature moves is a powerful AoE shockwave. You’ll see him start to glow as he charges up for this attack, and when he slams his swords into the ground, a shockwave will follow. If you're fast enough, you can interrupt this by hitting him with a heavy attack. Alternatively, you can either block it or just keep your distance to avoid taking damage.

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The Burst Charge Attack

Maluca also has a burst charge attack that you can counter. He’ll charge at you spinning with a burst of energy. If you attack him during this, he’ll retaliate quickly with a fast burst attack, so either keep your distance and toss javelins at him, or get in close and prepare for a counter. But whatever you do, don’t get greedy and fall for the taunt.

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Phase Two: A More Aggressive Maluca

Around 70-75% health, Maluca transitions into the second phase of the fight. In this phase, he becomes much faster, more aggressive, and his attacks now have the ability to inflict the Chaos status, which reduces your max HP.

This phase kicks off with a plunging attack, which he uses immediately after transitioning. I recommend perfect dodging the initial plunge and then getting some distance to avoid the secondary AoE explosion that follows. In my experience, this is usually followed by a lightning-fast quick draw, where Maluca draws his sword and delivers a deadly slash.

The key to dodging this is to listen for the sound cue that indicates he’s about to attack. Wait a second for the sound, then dodge. This move hits hard and can also inflict Chaos status, so be sure to dodge it.

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The Unblockable Grab

Maluca has another tricky move in this phase—a grab attack. He leaps forward, trying to grab you with his glowing sword. To dodge this, you need to listen for the sound cue of his leap and then dodge to the sides to avoid the grab.

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Phase Two Combo Attacks: Deadly and Complex

Maluca’s combo attacks with his katana in this phase are brutal. They involve up to five hits, including backflips, rapid slashes, and delayed strikes. These combos can be difficult to dodge, but if you time your brink guards well, you can block most of the attacks and even stagger him briefly.

There are also three-hit katana combos that feature vertical slashes, spinning slashes, and delay strikes. If you brink guard the third strike, it’ll briefly stagger Maluca, giving you a chance to go on the offensive.

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Teleport Slash: A Fast and Deadly Move

One of Maluca’s most dangerous attacks is his teleport slash. He’ll sheath his katana and then dash forward at lightning speed, slashing multiple times. This move is hard to dodge, but you can avoid it by watching for his katana-sheathing animation. Once it’s fully sheathed, dodge or brink guard to survive this attack.

After the teleport slash, Maluca usually follows up with a 180-degree slash that can be dodged backward or blocked. Be prepared to react quickly, as he’ll often perform this sequence multiple times in a row.

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Aerial Slashes and Other Aggressive Attacks

In the second phase, Maluca gains a new move: the airborne slashing attack. He leaps into the air and spins around, slashing several times in mid-air. To avoid this, time your dodge carefully and keep your distance. Once he’s finished, try to get in some attacks of your own.

Throughout this phase, keep an eye on your Chaos status—if you get hit by it, cleanse it as quickly as possible.

Phase Three: Maluca Returns to Greatswords

At about 50% health, Maluca shifts tactics once again, pulling out his dual greatswords for a second time. But this time, he’s a lot faster and far more relentless than he was in the first phase. Here’s the good news: while he’s switching weapons, he’s wide open—this is a perfect chance to get in some free damage before he regains control of the fight.

Once both swords are out, he typically begins with a triple plunge sequence—three heavy downward slams, each with a slight delay between them. The best way to handle these is by trying to perfect dodge every plunge. Stay close so you can respond quickly after the third slam. He’s usually vulnerable right after this combo and has low stamina, so it’s a great time to hit him hard and possibly exhaust him, setting him up for a brutal attack.

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Enhanced Projectile Attacks

In this stage, Maluca also ramps up his projectile game. He now fires more projectiles at a faster pace. However, they charge quicker and more consistently, which means they’re a bit easier to predict. You should still be cautious, but if you’ve gotten the timing down in earlier phases, you’ll likely find these a bit more manageable.

Keep your rhythm, stay alert, and keep adjusting your dodges according to his attack speed.

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Reflection Opportunities and Exhaustion Strategy

If you’re confident in your ability to perform reflections, there’s a perfect opportunity here. Maluca’s two consecutive spinning slashes with his greatswords are prime targets. Reflecting them successfully will take a chunk out of his stamina—sometimes almost half of it—giving you a major advantage.

After a successful reflection, close in quickly to continue pressure. He can be staggered or exhausted with sustained offensive actions, which opens up chances for heavy damage.

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General Tips for Surviving All Phases

While each phase of the fight has its own patterns and dangers, some overall strategies can keep you ahead no matter what:

• Stay aggressive: Maluca doesn’t do well under sustained pressure. As long as you’re not reckless, pushing the attack often leaves him little room to counter.

• Prioritize dodging over blocking when his attacks are faster or when you’re running low on stamina.

• Use Phantom Knightsville strategically early on, but don’t rely on it too much as the fight progresses.

• Cleanse Chaos status ASAP using consumables to avoid getting locked out of max HP.

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Practice and Pattern Recognition

Like many high-tier boss battles, this one rewards observation and reaction. Maluca’s patterns are consistent enough to learn, but his delayed strikes and combo chains can throw you off if you get too comfortable. The key is to recognize his wind-ups, listen for sound cues, and memorize the sequencing of his main attacks.

Don’t be discouraged by initial failures. With enough practice, you’ll start seeing openings you couldn’t before, and the timing of your dodges, guards, and counters will start to feel natural.

Conclusion

Taking down Maluca in the Veil Knight mission is no small feat. As the leader of the Knights Fail and one of the most dangerous foes in the game, he challenges your reflexes, timing, and stamina management. But with the right strategies—understanding each phase, reading his attack patterns, and using your skills effectively—you can overcome him.

Whether it’s mastering perfect dodges, keeping your distance during his burst sequences, or hitting him hard when he’s vulnerable, every move you make counts. Stay patient, adapt quickly, and don't hesitate to learn from each attempt. With enough practice and the tactics laid out in this guide, you’ll be able to claim victory as The First Berserker Khazan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way to counter Maluca’s projectile attacks?
A: Time your dodges based on visual and audio cues. The third projectile is delayed—wait a moment after he raises his head, then dodge.

Q: How can I avoid the Chaos status in the second phase?
A: Try to perfect dodge the plunge and quick draw attacks. Keep Chaos Cleanse Potions ready to immediately remove the effect if you're hit.

Q: When is the best time to go offensive?
A: After Maluca’s triple plunge in phase three, when his stamina is low. Also, interrupt his AoE shockwave with a heavy attack to create an opening.

Q: Can Maluca be staggered?
A: Yes. Maluca can be staggered during most of his longer combos and after successful reflections. Keep up the pressure when you see him hesitate.

Q: How do I reflect his greatsword spinning slashes?
A: Watch for the spin wind-up. Time your reflection for the second spin in the sequence to do major stamina damage.

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Stay Connected with Haplo Gaming Chef

Haplo Gaming Chef blends gaming guides with casual cooking streams for a truly unique viewer experience. Whether you’re here for clean, no-nonsense walkthroughs or just want to chill with some cozy cooking content between game sessions, this is the place for you. From full game unlock guides to live recipe prep and casual chats, Haplo Gaming Chef delivers content that’s both informative and enjoyable.

You Can Follow Along On Every Major Platform:

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No filler, no fluff—just straight-up help for gamers and fun for foodies. Join the community today!
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