Making a good souls-like game that rivals the big ones in the market is no easy feat, but it seems that The First Berserker: Khazan excelled at it and even surpassed some recent souls-like titles we’ve seen. So far, many media outlets have given Neople and NEXON’s newest venture outstanding reviews. This comes to show that while the souls-like genre mixed with hack-and-slash elements has become crowded, there are still new games that stand above the others, and in the end, it is a win for all gamers who enjoy these challenging yet engaging adventures.
The First Berserker: Khazan has joined the club of the best bangers of 2025. So far, it has a rating of 80% on OpenCritic and Metacritic. On Steam, it currently holds a Very Positive score, making a terrific launch during its early access period.
Most outlets have praised The First Berskerker: Khazan for its fluid combat, an excellent blend of souls-like and hack-and-slash mechanics, and challenging difficulty. On Steam, however, many are also happy with the way boss fights are made, as well as the addition of an easy mode, which makes the game much more accessible to those who aren’t that comfortable with the souls-like genre.
Overall, it seems like The First Berserker: Khazan has already taken the throne as one of the most enjoyable souls-like experiences of 2025. Yes, there are a few other games of said genre launching soon. However, Khazan feels like a breath of fresh air with its crisp anime style, superb boss fights, and customizable combat options.
So, if you’re still on the fence about getting it, the strong reviews should be a clear indicator of why this is a must-play for you. Remember that if you get the Deluxe Edition, you can start playing the game right now. Plus, that edition comes with some powerful goodies you’ll want to bring for your playthrough.
