The First Berserker: Khazan – Best Controller Settings

The First Berserker: Khazan is a fast-paced action RPG that demands precise control for seamless combat. As a spinoff of the Dungeon Fighter MMO franchise, it borrows the punishing mechanics and dark fantasy elements of Dark Souls, making every battle a test of skill and reflexes. Optimizing your controller settings can enhance responsiveness, improve reaction time, and make executing combos feel smoother. Since the default PS5 and Xbox controls may not always be ideal, adjusting them to fit your playstyle can maximize comfort and performance. This guide will walk you through the best controller settings for a more efficient and immersive gameplay experience.

Here are a few tips you should know before starting The First Berserker: Khazan:

Khazan’s cel-shaded visuals and artistic effects stand out, whether played in Performance or Resolution mode. However, it is strongly recommended to play in Performance mode. This setting optimizes the frame rate, making parrying, attacking, and overall combat feel smoother and more responsive, enhancing the fast-paced, intense action.

Another in-game setting gives the option to unlock your framerate, even when playing on console. However, this may reduce your overall performance, so weigh out the pros and cons and see if you prefer this setting or not.

One of Khazan’s standout mechanics is the Lacrima system, which functions as the game’s experience points. This system allows players to level up their characters and enhance their stats over time. Unlike traditional RPGs that require constant grinding against weaker enemies, Khazan lets players practice against bosses without earning Lacrima. This eliminates the need to repeatedly grind dungeons, making boss fights more accessible and reducing frustration while still allowing for meaningful progression.

Mastering enemy awareness is crucial in Khazan’s intense combat. Use the right analog stick (R3/RS) to lock onto enemies ahead of you, making it easier to track their movements. Like many soulslike games, Khazan often hides enemies in the environment, so staying alert to potential threats is key.

To scout for hidden foes, take advantage of your Javelin—a ranged spear throw. Hold L2/LT to aim and scan your surroundings. If an enemy is in range, even if they are prone or hidden, the reticle will turn red when they come into focus. Before advancing into a new room, aim your Javelin to ensure no enemies are lying in wait, giving you the upper hand in combat.

While it requires taking your hand off the left analog stick, the D-pad is essential for using items like throwables and healing. Performance controllers, such as SCUF Reflex or SCUF Envision, allow you to map additional back paddles to the up and down D-pad directions, enabling quicker access without disrupting movement. Since precise control is crucial, prioritizing up and down for healing and item access streamlines gameplay, keeping you in the fight without unnecessary delays.

Khazan’s loot system revolves around gear sets, with almost every piece of armor belonging to a specific set. Equipping at least two pieces from the same set unlocks bonus effects, while wearing additional pieces grants even greater benefits. Managing your inventory efficiently is key, and the in-game store provides a useful feature to prevent the accidental sale of gear set pieces when clearing out excess items. This ensures you can trade off unnecessary gear without losing valuable set bonuses.

The following settings are recommended for the buttons on the PS5 controller:

• Touchpad: Gear Screen
• Pause Button: Main Menu
• L1: Skill Combination Key/Guard
• L2: Aim Ranged Attack
• R1: Skill Combination Key
• R2: Ranged Attack/Skill Combination Key
• Directional Button: UP: Use Netherworld Energy
• Direction Button: LEFT AND RIGHT: Navigate Quick Slot
• Directional Button: DOWN: Use Quick Slot Items
• Triangle: Potent Blow
• Square: Swift Attack
• Circle: Interaction
• X: Dodge/Sprint
• Left Analogue Stick: Move
• Right Analogue Stick: Camera Controls
• L3: Sprint/Release
• R3: Camera Reset/Lock-On

• L1+Triangle: Reflection
• L1+Circle: Counterattack
• R1+Square: Spirit Skill 1
• R1+Triangle: Spirit Skill 2
• R1+Circle: Spirit Skill 3
• R2+Square: Spirit Skill 4
• R2+Triangle: Spirit Skill 5
• R2+Circle: Spirit Skill 6

Here are the best controller settings recommended for Xbox controllers:

• View Button: Gear Screen
• Menu Button: Main Menu
• LB: Skill Combination Key/Guard
• LT: Aim Ranged Attack
• RB: Skill Combination Key
• RT: Ranged Attack/Skill Combination Key
• Directional Button: UP: Use Netherworld Energy
• Direction Button: LEFT AND RIGHT: Navigate Quick Slot
• Directional Button: DOWN: Use Quick Slot Items
• Y: Potent Blow
• X: Swift Attack
• B: Interaction
• A: Dodge/Sprint
• Left Analogue Stick: Move
• Right Analogue Stick: Camera Controls
• Left Thumbstick Button: Sprint/Release
• Right Thumbstick Button: Camera Reset/Lock-On

• LB+Y: Reflection
• LB+B: Counterattack
• Y+B: Phantom Form
• RB+X: Spirit Skill 1
• RB+Y: Spirit Skill 2
• RB+B: Spirit Skill 3
• RT+X: Spirit Skill 4
• RT+Y: Spirit Skill 5
• RT+B: Spirit Skill 6

Paddles (Back Buttons):

• Paddle 1 (Outer Right Paddle): Swift Attack (Square/X)
• Paddle 2 (Inner Right Paddle): Potent Blow (Triangle/Y)
• Paddle 3 (Inner Left Paddle): Use Quick Slot Items (Down D-pad)
• Paddle 4 (Outer Left Paddle): Dodge/Sprint (X)

Paddles for Key Actions: The outer left paddle (Dodge/Sprint) and inner left paddle (quick slot items) map important actions that need quick access. Using these paddles allows you to dodge or sprint while keeping your thumbs on the movement and camera controls, critical for agile and responsive gameplay in Khazan. The right paddles are mapped to your primary attacks for quick access to key combat abilities without removing your hands from the analog sticks. This layout should feel especially familiar to players who are experienced with the Souls franchise, as attacks in From Software games are usually bound to shoulder buttons or triggers

Trigger Stops for Faster Skills & Ranged Attacks: With R2/RT dedicated to ranged attacks and skill combinations, you'll be able to activate them faster using trigger stops. Similarly, L2/LT, for aiming, allows for quick ranged attacks with a precise aiming reticle.

Success in The First Berserker: Khazan demands both skill and optimal control settings. Given the precise movements and quick reflexes required in soulslike combat, fine-tuning your PS5 or Xbox controller can make a significant difference in your gameplay. Experiment with different button layouts and settings until you find the most comfortable configuration. The right adjustments will help you dominate every dungeon and battlefield, no matter your experience level. Grab your controller, tweak those settings, and prepare to unleash your full potential in the game.