Once you have fought your way through The First Berserker: Khazan’s Forgotten Temple dungeon, you will come face-to-face with Viper. This fearsome competitor has quite an assortment of attacks and can cover sheer distances in a moment. And to make matters worse, he reveals his second form right when you think the battle was won.
This guide will cover Viper’s varied moveset, his openings, and how to best defeat this powerful beast. This fight is never an easy one, but we’re here to help you dig your fangs into victory!
How to Defeat Viper in The First Berserker: Khazan
First Phase
Viper is likely the first truly formidable boss you’ll encounter in the game. While not relentlessly aggressive, his combo attacks can be punishing if you don’t learn his attack patterns. He typically opens with either a double poke or a horizontal slash followed by a vertical slam.
Throughout most of the fight, prioritizing Brink Guard over dodging is the best approach, as it steadily drains the boss’s Stamina—which does not regenerate. If you have Rod Smite, Armor Breaker, or Blowback: Vengeance, you can follow up a successful Brink Guard with a weapon attack, though this can be risky if Viper quickly transitions into another move.
At times, Viper will unleash a Burst Attack mid-combo. While dodging is an option, countering is highly recommended, as it lets you land three swift combos before he resumes attacking. After executing a Brutal Attack and dealing significant damage, Viper will let out a scream and initiate one of two possible follow-up moves.
One possibility is a simple weapon throw before retreating. The other, however, is far more dangerous—Viper spins his spear, generating a vortex that pulls you in. This move is extremely lethal and can deplete your entire health bar if you get caught inside. The moment you see him start rotating his spear, create distance and maintain a medium range until the attack ends.
Once Viper’s health drops to around half, he will begin leaping at you. While you can use Brink Guard against this move, landing a counter-hit is nearly impossible, as he lands behind you. Additionally, he will start using a five-hit combo, and it’s crucial to Brink Guard at least the final strike, as it briefly staggers him, creating an opening. If you manage to break his horns, Viper will enter a weakened state, remaining down long enough for you to land multiple attacks.
Second Phase
When Viper’s health reaches zero, players may be caught off guard as the boss enters a second phase. The arena darkens significantly, and Viper now utilizes two distinct attack variations. His left-hand dagger strikes are swift and should be either parried or blocked, while his right-hand attacks are much slower but deal devastating damage. If timed correctly, Brink Guarding is the best defense, but dodging remains a safer option if you’re uncertain—especially since mistiming a guard can be costly.
After depleting his stamina bar once, Viper will unleash a darkness attack that severely limits visibility. However, you can still track his movements by watching for his glowing eyes. During this phase, pay close attention to brief lightning flashes, as they signal an incoming attack. Parrying these attacks is highly effective, as it rapidly reduces Viper’s stamina, though dodging is a safer alternative if you’re running low on healing items. Be especially cautious of his Brutal Attack, as its delayed timing can easily bait you into countering too early, leaving you vulnerable.
Only heal when you’re certain Viper has finished a combo, as he may quickly dash back and punish you with a grab or Burst Attack while you’re stuck in the healing animation.
Breakdown of Viper’s Attacks in The First Berserker: Khazan
First Phase
Piercing Combo: Viper thrusts his spear twice before following up with a sweeping horizontal slash. This attack is easy to dodge or Brink Guard, though the latter is recommended.
Sweeping Slam: The boss starts with a wide horizontal swing, then spins his spear overhead before delivering a crushing vertical strike. The guard timing is forgiving, allowing you to block between hits.
Rapid Twin Strikes: Viper unleashes two quick horizontal slashes with little delay. To block both, you must immediately guard after the first strike.
Whirling Tempest: The boss spins his spear, generating a small vortex that deals heavy damage and pulls you in if you’re too close. As soon as the animation starts, move away.
Aerial Crush: Viper leaps into the air before slamming down with force. This move has a clear tell, and a well-timed Brink Guard will allow you to counter with multiple hits before he resumes attacking.
Shadow Pounce: The boss jumps back before lunging forward, striking, and repositioning behind you. He may repeat this move twice. Both dodging and guarding are effective options.
Returning Spear: Viper dashes backward and hurls his spear, then recalls it. To avoid damage, you must block twice—once for the initial throw and again when the spear returns.
Charged Spear Toss: The boss builds up power before launching his spear at you. Dodging is the safest option, as blocking could drain your entire stamina bar.
Lunging Grip: Viper thrusts his weapon forward and lets out a scream, dealing damage. This attack comes with a loud audio cue and must be dodged. A well-timed brink dodge provides an opening to land a few hits.
Deadly Five-Strike Chain: The boss links a rapid combo with a two-hit slam, finishing with a spinning fifth strike. While all hits can be blocked or dodged, it’s crucial to Brink Guard the final attack to stagger him.
Second Phase
Blade & Claw Barrage: Viper slashes twice with his left-hand dagger before delivering a crushing right-arm strike. Both dodging and guarding work, but blocking the dagger attacks is the safer choice.
Howling Frenzy: This sequence mirrors the previous combo—two rapid dagger strikes followed by a powerful right-arm attack. Guarding the dagger strikes is recommended for better control.
Boulder Hurl: Viper grabs a rock with his right hand and throws it. Dodging is the safest approach, as mistiming a block can lead to unnecessary damage.
Burrowing Claw Strike: The boss buries his right hand into the ground and drags it toward you before launching an uppercut followed by a secondary attack. Delay your Brink Guard until he pulls his hand up to strike.
Veil of Darkness: Viper shrouds the arena in darkness, limiting visibility while attacking relentlessly. Watch for lightning flashes—they signal incoming strikes. Dodging is the safer approach, but a well-timed Brink Guard can create counterattack opportunities.
Rewards for Defeating Viper in The First Berserker: Khazan
Defeating Viper will grant you the following rewards:
- 19,600 Lacrima
- Hismar’s Scale
- Cleric’s Ring
- Fallen Lord’s Spear
- Fallen Lord Armor Piece
