NEOPLE released a fresh update for The First Berserker: Khazan on June 16, bringing two new difficulty options and several quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes. This patch is a notable step for players looking for a gentler introduction or a more formidable challenge in the game’s action combat.
Let’s unpack what these new modes offer. The Beginner Difficulty is tailored for those less familiar with action games. Players won’t take Stamina damage when hit and will deal more damage against foes compared to what used to be the Normal mode. Interestingly, the previous difficulties have been renamed: what was Easy is now Normal, and Normal is now Expert.
Conversely, the Hardcore Difficulty is for players craving a stiffer test. It adds harsher penalties when Reflection fails, reducing stamina and defense but buffing attack damage. Plus, it features a distinct camera lock-on style that is exclusive to this mode. You unlock Hardcore by finishing a run on Expert. It’s not for the faint-hearted!
Alongside these, the update adds useful tools like a Skill Preset system to save and load skill trees and a Gear Preset feature to switch between setups easily. Gear storage capacity has jumped from 100 to 500 slots, which should help with inventory management. The devs also fixed several bugs, including input delays during boss fights and issues with mission progression.
Full Patch Notes Highlights
- Consumable item visuals and grades adjusted to better match their rewards.
- Guaranteed 100% drop rate for set item crafting materials from main mission bosses.
- Augment of Wisdom item drop rate increased.
- Existing difficulty names changed: Easy → Normal, Normal → Expert.
- Added Beginner and Hardcore difficulties with distinct mechanics and restrictions.
- Difficulty selection screen updated; now appears on first launch and after certain mission triggers.
- Difficulty icons added to battle HUD and save menus.
- Skill Preset feature: save, load, rename, and favorite up to 10 skill trees.
- Gear Preset feature: save and apply combined gear, shortcut, and skill setups.
- Opening cutscenes added for select main and side missions.
- Increased gear storage capacity from 100 to 500.
- Encyclopedia now includes weapon skill combo guides.
- New HUD options allow customizable display settings for various UI elements.
- Item sorting by name added to multiple inventory-related menus.
- Several gameplay bugs fixed, including issues with boss inputs, mission progression, and camera behavior.
One quirky fix that caught my eye was the input delay problem during a boss fight with Hismar — yikes, that must have been frustrating. Also, the addition of combo guides in the Encyclopedia feels like a thoughtful touch for players trying to master weapon skills.
What do you think about these new difficulty modes? Are you tempted to try the Beginner for a smoother ride or Hardcore for a real test? Drop your thoughts below — I’m curious to hear how you feel about the changes.
