Viper stands out as one of the most formidable bosses you’ll encounter in The First Berserker Khazan. As a Dragonkin variant, he features two distinct phases that challenge even seasoned players. It is advisable to achieve at least level 18 in order to stand a fighting chance against him. Mastering his attack patterns is crucial; effective blocking and dodging will be key elements in your strategy for victory.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with the strategies and insights needed to successfully defeat Viper in The First Berserker Khazan.
Strategies for Conquering Viper in The First Berserker Khazan
Location of Viper
To find Viper in The First Berserker Khazan, head to the Forgotten Temple situated within the Embars Ruins region. Be prepared to contend with waves of dragonkin warriors and undead foes along the way. Pay special attention to the purple essence left behind by defeated undead enemies, as they will revive unless this essence is destroyed.
Before you can face Viper directly, you must unlock three different mechanisms to open the final door at the Heart of the Forgotten Temple. Ensure your gear and stats are upgraded, as every advantage significantly impacts your success in this challenging fight. If you find yourself having difficulty, consider leveling up further and enhancing your equipment.
Preparing for Battle
When preparing for the confrontation with Viper, the Greatsword and Spear emerge as the most effective weapons. In the initial phase, the Greatsword excels due to its ability to stagger Viper with heavy attacks, allowing you to land significant hits. Conversely, the Spear is advantageous in the second phase, where Viper’s aggression escalates.
Additionally, employing a well-timed Brink Guard can strain Viper’s stamina and present opportunities for counterattacks. Summoning the Spirit of Advocacy may also provide assistance, but it’s advisable to refrain from using it until you fully grasp the boss’s move set.
Phase 1: Viper’s Initial Form
During the first phase, Viper wields a spear and primarily executes rapid, piercing combos. He typically begins with a two-hit spear thrust followed by a heavy swipe. To mitigate damage, try to block the initial strikes and dodge the ensuing swipe.
Watch out for his spinning flourish, which can hit you twice due to its large hitbox. Maintain your distance whenever you see him initiating this move to throw javelins at him while he recovers.
If he leans to plant his spear, brace yourself for a five-hit combo. Successfully executing a Brink Guard on the last strike can stagger Viper, granting you a valuable opportunity to unleash a counteroffensive.
Dodge sideways to elude his spear throws and upcoming stabbing attacks. Once you’ve depleted his first health bar, a cutscene will signal his transformation into the second phase.
Phase 2: Viper’s Enhanced Form
Upon entering his second form, Viper becomes notably more aggressive and adopts new attack patterns. Be prepared for his initial move, a vortex spear spin that can pull you in and cause significant damage. Step back immediately to create space for healing or throwing javelins.
Among his most hazardous maneuvers is a leap followed by a damaging shockwave upon landing. As he jumps, retreat promptly to avoid this attack and capitalize on the brief window to counterattack after his landing.
In this phase, Viper will also engage you with his claws. Due to the unpredictability of his claw swipes, focus on defending rather than attempting to dodge each one. In instances where he performs a powerful claw slam, he becomes momentarily immobilized, offering you a perfect chance for a charged attack.
If you keep your distance, he may retaliate by hurling rocks at you. While easy to dodge, these projectiles can hinder your healing and offensive tactics, so maintaining a mid-range position is ideal.
Utilizing the Dark Phase
Around the halfway point of the fight, the arena will darken, initiating a challenging phase where Viper unleashes a flurry of lunging attacks. To navigate this sequence, opt to dodge instead of block since the speed of his lunges can be overwhelming. Expect two fierce slam attacks to follow.
This dark phase presents an opportunity to reflect Viper’s attacks. If you time your Brink Guard during the lunges accurately, you can stagger him, paving the way for a brutal counter-attack. Even if you miss the perfect timing, guarding will mitigate damage and keep you in the fight.
After the dark phase, Viper will revert to many of his previous attacks. Maintain pressure by punishing successful blocks and focusing on inflicting heavy damage from behind. Adhering to this strategy will ultimately lead you to triumph over Viper.
Upon defeating Viper in The First Berserker Khazan, you will be rewarded with the Fallen Lord’s Spear, one of the game’s premier spears. Additionally, you will receive the Fallen Lord’s Claws for crafting parts of the Fallen Lord Set, along with a rare accessory and various Transmutation Mists to enhance your gear.
While Viper presents a significant challenge due to his speed and vigorous attack patterns, familiarity with his moves can turn the tide in your favor. Focus on guarding and reflecting in the first phase, then pivot to dodging and counterattacking in the second for the best chance at victory.