The First Berserker: Khazan is finally here, marking the newest cannon installment of the Dungeon & Fighter universe. Except, unlike past Dungeon & Fighter games, The First Berserker: Khazan comes with the twist of being an Action RPG Soulslike, set in an alternate timeline within the franchise.
Either through explicit references or subtle use of similar game mechanics, it’s inevitable for Soulslike games to bear influence to FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games that created this subgenre of Action RPGs, hence the subgenre being called Soulslikes. In the case of The First Berserker: Khazan, this new Soulsike bears some rather obvious influences from the Soulsborne games. Especially regarding its references to FromSoftware’s latest Soulsborne game, Elden Ring, The First Berserker: Khazan pays its respects to the studio that pioneered this subgenre by wearing its Elden Ring influence proudly.
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The First Berserker: Khazan’s Elden Ring Influence Is a Sweet Treat for Soulsborne Fans
Whether it be as obvious as including FromSoftware’s love of those pesky poison swamps or a checkpoint system reminiscent of the Dark Souls games’ bonfires, FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games have become a vast source of inspiration throughout Action RPGs. Of all the subtle ways that Soulslike games naturally bear influence to FromSoftware’s iconic Soulsborne IPs, The First Berserker: Khazan’s Jarlings come off as the most obvious homage to Elden Ring’s beloved Living Jar NPCs.
First Berserker’s Jarling Collectibles Are Reminiscent of Elden Ring’s Living Jar NPCs
After completing the Jar Enthusiast optional quest in The First Berserker: Khazan, players will then be able to find a new type of collectible throughout the game: Danjin’s Jarlings. These cute little collectibles will be hiding in destructible jars and will reveal themselves once players smash open the jar. Due to the popularity of NPCs in Elden Ring like Iron Fist Alexander, Jar Bairn, and the Jar outside the Caelid Colosseum, it’s admittedly hard not to consider these Jarling collectibles in The First Berserker: Khazan a nod to Elden Ring’s fan-favorite Living Jars, based on their appearance.
However, for players who aren’t yet convinced that The First Berserker: Khazan’s Jarling collectibles are a reference to Elden Ring, there’s more to the items that indicate their familiar appearance is no mere coincidence. The rewards that players can earn from collecting these Jarlings are also reminiscent of Elden Ring, presumably referencing the iconic fashion choices of the famous Elden Ring player ‘Let Me Solo Her,’ who has become a pop-culture icon.
First Berserker’s Jar Helmets Have Big ‘Let Me Solo Her’ Vibes
Every so many Jarlings players collect, new helmets will become available for purchase from Danjin at the Crevice. These helmets take the shape of decorated jars, and they are generally considered some of the best armor in The First Berserker: Khazan thanks to their powerful stats. Between their appearance and the superior buffs that they provide, these Jar helmets arguably channel major ‘Let Me Solo Her’ energy, reminiscent of the famous Elden Ring player who wore nothing but a Jar helmet while helping to beat one of the game’s hardest bosses with ease. So, whether players are looking to upgrade their armor, cosplay as Let Me Solo Her, or both, The First Berserker: Khazan has them covered.
No matter how hard modern Action RPGs try to hide it, the legacy and influence of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games is seemingly inevitable. In the case of The First Berserker: Khazan, though, this new Soulslike wears its Soulsborne influence proudly throughout, and it pays special respect to Elden Ring with the addition of some of the best armor and collectibles resembling some of Elden Ring’s most beloved figures.
- Released
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March 27, 2025
- Developer(s)
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Neople