The confrontation with Aratra, the monstrous spider in The First Berserker: Khazan, tests any skill to the maximum. This boss, found in Skoffa Cave during Mission 5, employs deadly venom in its attacks, webbing the opponent while striking hard with bursts of energy. To make it through, you will have to dodge better, target strategically, and concoct anti-venom. This guide will cover Aratra’s attack patterns, weaknesses, and the most effective strategies for bringing it down.
How to Defeat Aratra in The First Berserker: Khazan
Preparing for the Aratra Boss Fight
There is a very important step that players should always do before engaging in battle. During the fight, Aratra can summon small spiders from nearby cave entrances to ambush you. You can prevent these new ambushes by going into Skoffa Cave beforehand. Look for narrow pathways leading to the barrels and use those to blow up the small caves and eliminate the spiders within. This will make sure the little critters do not bother you in battle any longer.
Fighting Aratra
When you’re done securing the area, head back to the boss and start fighting. Most of Aratra’s attacks are pretty easy to block or dodge, but the main problem will be with its poison buildup. To combat this, bring along some Poison Cleanse Potions, available from the Bard in Embars Temple and Skoffa Cave. Equip Poison-Resistant Necklaces and/or Rings to further minimize the effect.
Aratra uses two types of Burst Attacks either added to a combo or executed as stand-alone. They have heavy delays, so don’t give into the urge of being impatient because waiting is part of the counterattack moment. Wrong timing can easily burn your stamina whilst being exposed.
Breaking Aratra’s Weak Points
The boss has three breakable parts: its frontal legs and abdomen. Destroying its legs will leave it vulnerable and prevent fang attacks, while breaking its abdomen disables its Venom attacks. However, these parts regenerate when Aratra retreats to the cave. If you see it trying to escape by climbing the wall, take the opportunity to throw your Javelin at its back—this will cause it to fall, taking significant damage.
Unlocking the Blacksmith
After defeating Aratra and completing the mission, you’ll unlock the Blacksmith. However, before you can craft and dismantle gear, you must first complete a Bonus Mission.
Aratra Attack Patterns and How to Avoid Them in The First Berserker: Khazan
Attack: Twin Fang Bite
How to Avoid: Aratra leans forward and bites twice in quick succession. Using Brink Guard is the best defense, but be ready to guard again immediately after the first bite.
Attack: Dual Fang Jab
How to Avoid: The boss stabs at the player twice with its fangs. If the fangs are coated in venom, your poison meter will increase.
Attack: Sweeping Claw Strikes
How to Avoid: Aratra unleashes a series of horizontal slashes. Guard against these and attempt a Brink Guard once you’ve mastered the timing.
Attack: Crushing Leg Slam
How to Avoid: The attack begins with a horizontal strike, followed by a forward leap and a ground stab. Brink Guarding is recommended, as Aratra takes a few seconds to pull its legs out, giving you an opening for a counterattack.
Attack: Poisoned Talon Toss
How to Avoid: The boss pulls back one leg, coats it in venom, and hurls it at the player. A well-timed dodge will prevent both damage and poison buildup.
Attack: Aerial Slam Attack
How to Avoid: Aratra steps back before lunging forward and slamming its body down. Delay your Brink Guard, as the boss takes a moment before hitting the ground.
Attack: Frenzied Leg Stomps
How to Avoid: The boss repeatedly slams its front legs down and can transition into other attacks. By this point, you should be familiar with its attack patterns and react accordingly.
Attack: Four-Strike Burst Combo
How to Avoid: Aratra initiates this attack with a leg strike, followed by a double poke, and ends with a Burst Attack. Countering the Burst Attack is crucial, as staggering the boss opens a window for heavy damage.
Attack: Venomous Web Snare
How to Avoid: Aratra throws a web that briefly entangles the player and increases poison buildup. As soon as you see the animation for this attack, dodge immediately to avoid getting caught, as the boss may follow up with a grab.
Attack: Lethal Fang Grab
How to Avoid: The boss attempts to grab the player with its mouth, dealing significant damage. Listen for the audio cue and dodge at the right moment.
Attack: Wall Retreat & Recovery
How to Avoid: Aratra climbs the wall and retreats into a cave, regenerating all broken parts before leaping back down. You can temporarily disrupt this by throwing a javelin while it climbs. Afterward, prepare to guard against the slam.
Attack: Toxic Leg Strike
How to Avoid: The boss pulls back both legs, coats them in venom, and strikes, causing poison buildup. As soon as you notice the animation, back away to avoid getting hit.
Rewards for Defeating Aratra in The First Berserker: Khazan
Defeating the boss will grant you the following rewards:
- 14,700 Lacrima
- Cleric’s Ring
- Devourer of Darkness Greatsword
- Devourer of Darkness Armor Piece
- 2x Transmutation Mist
