It’s no secret that action RPGs are back in fashion. Black Myth Wukong, Stellar Blade, Armored Core 6; I could go on and on. It’s a list I expect to see expanded throughout 2025, with The First Berserker: Khazan, a gritty dark fantasy RPG steeped in blood and oozing moodiness, set to kick things off. It’s a game a lot of us are pretty curious about, and if you’ve been waiting to take it for a spin, I’ve got good news for you.
The First Berserker: Khazan is a tale of vengeance, tasking you with hacking and slashing your way through your previous challengers to re-establish yourself as the premier warrior. Having been banished to the mountains where you’ve narrowly escaped your untimely demise, you pilot Khazan through a hostile fantasy world where everything really wants to kill you.
At its core Khazan is a boss rush-style action RPG inspired by Nexon’s existing IP, Dungeon Fighter Online. You’ll be tearing through hordes of enemies and facing down powerful bosses, slowly but surely clawing your way back to the top of the pack.
But that’s not going to be easy. Khazan is a “hardcore” experience, leaning slightly into soulslike territory. Akin to Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and even Black Myth Wukong, you’ll have to hone your build in order to maximize your damage output, with myriad weapons available in your arsenal.
You can wield heavy, skull-splitting greatswords, snipe foes from afar with spears and other projectiles or – my personal favorite – dual wield and slice your foes into ribbons. Weapons are upgradable and work in tandem with the game’s different skills and abilities, allowing you to create your own unique playstyle.
For me, however, the best thing about Khazan is its visuals. I’m a sucker for cel-shaded videogames, especially when they channel that traditional anime aesthetic. If the action alone isn’t enough to sell it to you, Khazan’s slick, vibrant artstyle will absolutely seal the deal.
Nexon has announced that a new demo for The First Berserker: Khazan will go live on Thursday, January 16 at 7am PST / 10am EST / 3pm GMT / 4pm CEST. The demo has no set end date, so you’ll be able to play it all the way up to launch. If you’re looking to pick up Khazan early, or simply want to learn more about its world, check out its Steam page.
In the meantime, we have a list of all the best action games if you’re looking to get some practice in, as well as a guide to all of the upcoming PC games in 2025 and beyond.
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