For soulslike fans, 2025 is proving to be a gem of a year. Elden Ring Nightreign, the co-op spinoff of arguably the best game in the genre, is on the way, as is a new DLC for Lies of P. Some brand new names are entering the arena too, such as Wuchang Fallen Feathers, Ballad of Antara, and one that you can play right now, The First Berserker Khazan. Released this week, Neople’s new action RPG is going down a storm on Steam and seeing some decent player count figures. What’s more impressive though is its user rating, which is currently sitting above Elden Ring’s.
Since pre-emptively releasing a patch to nerf a “newbie crusher” of a boss, The First Berserker Khazan has been raking in positive reviews and is proving to be one of the best PC games of the year so far. Playing as the titular Khazan, a battle-hardened general who’s got a thirst for revenge, it appears to be nailing all the soulslike essentials while bringing a fresh aesthetic to the table. Sure, it’s pretty grim and dark like so many of its genre compatriots, but its anime-esque art style sets it apart.
The results, on Steam at least, speak for themselves. Its peak concurrent player count currently sits at a modest 24,000, which admittedly pales in comparison to some of this week’s other big new releases like Schedule 1 and InZOI, which dropped today. But thanks to that flurry of glowing reviews, it currently boasts a ‘very positive’ 93% user score. Look around, and you won’t find many other soulslikes with better scores – it’s even trumping the sensational, genre-defining Elden Ring, which has a 92% rating.
Whether things will stay that way in the weeks, months, and years to come remains to be seen, but it illustrates just how good The First Berserker is and how well it’s being received. I have to admit that of all the RPGs dropping this year, soulslike or otherwise, it wasn’t one that I was really hyped for or thinking of picking up myself. Well, that might have to change after seeing its reception…
If you’re already deep into the action, or you know you’ll be jumping in for the first time soon, we’ve got some guides to help you out. Here’s everything you need to know about The First Berserker Khazan bosses, and here’s our recommendations for the best The First Berserker Khazan weapons.
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