The First Berserker: Khazan – Facing Rangkus
In The First Berserker: Khazan, you’ll encounter tough battles that will have you celebrating each victory, especially after numerous attempts—typical of a soulslike game. One of the bosses you’ll face is Rangkus, who will definitely push your skills to the limit with his powerful and often frustrating moves.
While not the hardest opponent in the game, Rangkus still poses a significant challenge. It may take some time to learn his patterns and devise a strategy against him. The good news is that once you understand how to counter his more powerful attacks, taking him down becomes much easier!
Overview of Rangkus
Rangkus is an incredibly tough boss in The First Berserker: Khazan, and defeating him will be highly rewarding after the effort you’ll put in. Expect a heated second phase that could lead to a nail-biting finish.
Before we tackle strategies for taking down Rangkus, let’s review what you can earn from this battle and some helpful information about him.
Rangkus Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission | Traitor Revealed |
| Recommended Level | Level 43 |
| Optional? | No |
| Rewards | – Furious Bandit’s Dual Wield – Furious Bandit’s Leggings – Slayer’s Ring – x2 Transmutation Mist – x19,144 Lacrima |
How to Defeat Rangkus
By the time you reach Rangkus, the intensity of battle ramps up, and you’ll need to stay sharp and ready for anything. While he can be tough to handle, once you learn his tricks, he’s not insurmountable.
Overhead Slam Combo
Rangkus often opens with his Overhead Slam Combo, consisting of three powerful strikes using his large mace. The sequence begins with an Overhead Slam, followed by a Right Swing, and concludes with a Heavy Swing from the left.
Understanding how to reflect these attacks is key, as doing so will stagger him momentarily. For the opening slam, wait for him to start bringing the mace down before blocking to reflect it. Then, as he swings again, guard as soon as you see the mace move toward you. For the last swing, there will be a slightly longer pause, so apply the same timing.
If executed correctly, Rangkus will stagger and fall to a knee, giving you an opportunity to rush in and deal significant damage!
Rolling Slash Combo
Another frequent move from Rangkus is the Rolling Slash Combo. This starts similarly with an Overhead Slam, quickly followed by him rolling toward you to slash with his mace, and concluding with a spinning slash linked into a backslash.
Again, you’ll want to reflect all four of these attacks. Handle the Overhead Slam as before, then guard as he rolls in. For the spinning slash, wait until he plants his feet before swinging, and for the backslash, reflect as he attempts it.
Doing this will provide another chance to inflict considerable damage on him—an excellent way to gain an early edge in the battle.
Exhausted State
If you’ve successfully reflected both initial combos, Rangkus might be close to exhausting his stamina. This opens up an opportunity to attack aggressively while he is momentarily weakened, allowing you to unleash a torrent of skills for maximum damage!
Charged Slam Combo
Rangkus will also utilize a Charged Slam Combo, which consists of two sequential Overhead Slams, followed by a Heavy Swing and finishing with a Charged Slam. You should handle these first strikes just as before. Wait for the Heavy Swing and block, then be prepared for the Charged Slam as he raises his mace.
When you see him begin to lower it, guard before it lands to reflect the damage, and if you’re close enough, you can land a few hits afterward!
Charged Stomp
Rangkus has an attack called the Charged Stomp, where he raises his leg, absorbing energy. He then forcefully slams it down, causing upheaval in front of him. This move may appear tricky to reflect since he holds it in the air for some time, but watch for when he begins the stomp and guard to reflect.
If timed correctly, you’ll have a window to retaliate with your own strikes!
Grappling Hook Slam
Expect Rangkus to perform a Grappling Hook Slam. He’ll summon a grappling hook to hoist himself into the air, following up with a heavy slam upon landing. Guard the moment he starts his descent to reflect the slam and counterattack while he’s recovering.
Second Phase Attacks
As you push through the fight, Rangkus will eventually reveal his flamethrower, signaling the start of the second phase. Prepare for different attacks that will challenge your dodging skills even more.
Flamethrower Twirl
Among his new capabilities is the Flamethrower Twirl, where he spins around unleashing fire. To avoid this, dash behind him and circle around as he spins. Afterward, you’ll have a brief chance to strike.
Stamina Juice
Occasionally, Rangkus will retreat to drink a potion that replenishes his stamina, making the fight even more challenging. Be ready for heightened aggression as he becomes more relentless.
Flamethrower Grappling Hook Slam
His Flamethrower Grappling Hook Slam consists of him spraying flames followed by a grappling hook dive that culminates in a heavy slam. Guard the initial fire and prepare to reflect the slam.
Fire Canon Attacks
Rangkus will use a Fire Canon to launch fireballs at you while trying to close distance. Stay close to him when he launches the fireballs and dodge to avoid his attempts to grab.
You’ll also need to watch for his Fire Canon Shotgun Blast, which can instantly take you down if hit. Use quick dashes left and right to avoid damage.
Conclusion
As the fight progresses, Rangkus will cycle through a variety of fiery and damaging moves. Mastering the timing of your reflections and dodges, along with understanding when to attack, will be crucial to your victory. While this encounter may take time to master, don’t get discouraged—perseverance is key to overcoming Rangkus!
