Aratra stands as the fifth major boss in The First Berserker: Khazan, serving as one of the critical obstacles before unlocking the Blacksmith for unique item crafting. This formidable foe is a giant spider located deep within the Skoffa Cave, a region filled with various zombie enemies and poison-spewing spiders. The challenge intensifies as players traverse a toxic lake leading up to Aratra, who possesses potent poison and venom attacks. Fortunately, the spider has notable weaknesses that can be exploited.
For those who have honed their skills and chosen their weapons wisely, Aratra may not present as much difficulty compared to earlier bosses like Volbaino. Personally, I found using the Spear particularly effective, especially when focusing on Endurance and Stamina regeneration strategies. The key tactic is to position yourself behind Aratra frequently and deliver substantial damage to its large abdomen.
Where to Find Aratra in The First Berserker: Khazan
Aratra is at the Bottom of Scoffa Cave
Navigating the Scoffa Cave proves to be perilous and often frustrating. Many upper levels of the cave feature holes in the floor that can catch unwary players off guard. Players will encounter slow-moving zombie hordes in these sections, necessitating caution to avoid being overwhelmed.
As you press deeper into Scoffa Cave, you’ll eventually come upon the aptly named Poisoned Depths. This area is essentially a toxic pool, offering limited safe spots for Khazan to defend against various spiders. Surviving this gauntlet and avoiding deadly poisoning will lead you to the Bottom of the Cave Nexus, where Aratra resides behind a formidable fog barrier.
How to Defeat Aratra
Attack Aratra’s Abdomen from Behind for Maximum Weakpoint Damage
Aratra features a variety of attacks that can be circumvented with the right awareness and strategy. The most significant threat comes from its leg attacks, particularly one that occurs immediately following a loud scream. This attack can be difficult to anticipate due to its erratic nature and culminates in a dangerous pouncing strike.
Throughout the battle, it is crucial to maneuver around Aratra to gain the upper hand from behind. Targeting the spider’s large abdomen provides ample opportunity for dealing damage, thanks to several vulnerabilities. However, players should remain alert; Aratra can ensnare you with webs, followed by a swift pounce.
Expect a combination of attacks followed by brief cooldowns, allowing you to reposition for significant damage. Be mindful that if you venture too close while behind her, she may leap away. Aratra also unleashes venom balls that create considerable venom buildup, so strategic dodging is essential. Once her health drops to about 75%, watch for her to ascend the wall—a signal of her second phase.
“As Aratra’s health decreases, she will retreat and regenerate her lost segments.”
During this phase, you can dismantle parts of her body, reducing her attack options significantly. Persist in targeting her abdomen while remaining vigilant for returning pouncing moves. If you’re struggling with poison effects during the encounter, leverage poison-resistance items such as Elixirs from your inventory to bolster your defenses.
Rewards for Beating Aratra
You’re One Step Closer to Crafting Weapons at the Blacksmith
Upon defeating Aratra, players will assist Elemaine in freeing Qazumaka from her web prison. Following this, Qazumaka can be found in the Crevice, offering the Blacksmith’s Heirloom bonus mission, which is essential to gain full access to the Blacksmith in The First Berserker: Khazan. This accomplishment is arguably the most gratifying reward for overcoming Aratra. Additionally, players can expect valuable loot, including two random pieces from the coveted Devourer of Darkness set and potentially the Man-Eating Spider Leg, enabling the crafting of various items from the newly accessible Blacksmith.
Moreover, players will receive a substantial 93,500 Lacrima, along with some gold and two Transmutation Mists. With a more refined understanding of your build and the game’s mechanics, dispatching Aratra may turn out to be less challenging than previous boss encounters. Thanks to the spider’s slower recovery from its more significant moves, players can anticipate numerous attack openings.