Defeating Reese: The Penultimate Boss of The First Berserker: Khazan
Reese serves as the second-to-last boss in The First Berserker: Khazan, and her battle presents a unique and multifaceted challenge. In her initial phase, she utilizes magic-based attacks, reminiscent of other foes like Trokka or Bellerian. However, as the fight progresses, she transforms into a more aggressive opponent, charging at you like Maluca or Skalpel.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through both phases of the fight, helping you recognize her vulnerabilities, avoid her strengths, and navigate her extensive skill set. We’ll also provide tips for optimizing your character build for this encounter.
Preparation for the Fight Against Reese
Before facing Reese, it’s crucial to strategize effectively. One key aspect of this fight is that she can be interrupted. Using a heavy strike from a greatsword can halt her attacks entirely. While any weapon can be effective, the greatsword provides a distinct advantage due to its damage potential.
Additionally, invest skill points in your Counterattack ability. Reese features one of the easier-to-counter Burst Attacks among the game’s bosses, allowing you to frequently execute Counterattacks. Enhancing this skill will help you deal more damage while recovering resources.
Given Reese’s reliance on chaos magic, it’s essential to equip armor that offers chaos resistance. If your build is strength-focused, the Radiant Guardian set is ideal. If you lack strength, opt for the Saint set. Don’t forget to bring along Chaos Cleanse Potions to mitigate her effects.
Reese’s First Form
In the first phase, Reese predominantly keeps her distance, bombarding you with ranged magical attacks. She aims to lay explosive magical sigils underfoot, forcing you into a defensive position. While she does have some close-range strikes, they are less threatening than her ranged onslaughts. Every spell she casts pertains to chaos magic, which can inflict the chaos status on you and hinder your combat effectiveness.
AOE Attacks
Throughout the battle, Reese will use giant sigils on the battlefield. Standing on these sigils will result in chaos damage, making it critical to avoid them. She can also raise her staff to trigger their explosive power, causing significant harm. Your priority should be never to stand on a sigil while engaging her.
Reese can create a sword of light to initiate melee attacks or manifest a sigil directly underneath you. Expect these spells to increase in size, but the best strategy remains consistent—dodge to the side as she casts.
Tip: You can disrupt Reese’s sigil summoning by attacking her during the process.
Projectile Attacks
One of Reese’s fastest attacks involves her launching a sword of light at you. She may also conjure three portals that fire beams converging on your position; these have a minor homing capability. While flying, she’ll generate new portals just before shooting beams, heralded by a high-pitched sound. Sprinting sideways immediately after the portal’s appearance will help you evade these projectiles.
Reese’s Melee and Burst Attacks
Reese displays a few melee attacks as well. She can perform wing swipes, which, while slow and limited in range, can deal quite a bit of damage. If both wings swing in unison, she attempts a powerful grab attack that can severely harm you. Dodging at the sight of wings will keep you safe from all wing-based assaults.
Her Burst Attack is particularly exploitable. After the symbol appears, she will charge toward you in a straightforward manner, leaving it easy to Counterattack, even if you’re not accustomed to using this ability.
Reese’s Demonic Form
Upon defeating her in her human form, Reese will resurrect in her demonic form. Many of her attacks remain consistent, and you should tackle them just as you did before. However, her offensive capabilities increase sharply in this phase, including the addition of teleportation.
New Attack Patterns
Her teleportation predominantly manifests through a sequence of melee slashes, which culminate in a powerful explosive attack. She has also enhanced her four-hit rush combo, followed by quick energy projectiles. Reacting quickly will be essential, especially as her attacks become more complicated.
Reese will eventually pulse with chaos energy, signaling a significant attack. After a few successful hits, it’s advisable to back away and prepare for her devastating burst.
Conclusion
After successfully navigating her various attacks and dodging her powerful spells, you will be rewarded with the Faded Memories Scroll. This victory allows you to proceed to the game’s final mission, where you will confront Ozma. Prepare wisely for this ultimate challenge!
