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How to Beat Both Forms of Viper in The First Berserker: Khazan

Viper’s two forms reward different tactics: reflect the final hit of first-form strings, then conserve stamina and take measured openings in the second.
WorldThe First Berserker: Khazan Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Viper is the boss at the end of the “Forgotten Temple” main mission. The key is to treat the encounter as two different fights: in the first form, learn his attack strings and defend the final hit to open a punish; in the second, slow down, save stamina and attack only after a string or counter opportunity resolves.

Where to find Viper

Viper appears at the end of the “Forgotten Temple” main mission. The First Berserker: Khazan is available on PS5; PlayStation’s official game page confirms the platform.

Form one: learn the strings and defend the last hit

Players report two recurring strings to watch for:

  • “Stab>Stab>sideswipe”
  • “Sideswipe>twirl overhead swing”

Rather than attacking through these sequences, defend the full string and time a Brink Guard or reflection on its final hit. Player reports say that reflecting the last attack can stagger Viper and create a chance to punish. A guide also describes this phase’s attacks as slow enough to offer a Brink Guard window, including a rock throw. These are reported openings, not guaranteed timings for every attempt.

Take a short punish, then reset

When Viper is staggered or finishes a string, use a punish that leaves stamina for your next defense. A successful guard may give you a longer opening, but spending the entire stamina bar can leave you exposed when he resumes attacking.

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Handle the tornado-like attack and jump

One reported sequence combines a tornado-like pull with a jump attack. Move away from the pull, then block or dodge the jump and punish its recovery if it leaves an opening. The sequence is a player-reported pattern, not a fixed script you can assume will happen every time.

Form two: defend first and choose safer openings

Players describe shorter one- or two-hit strings in the second form, along with a counterable attack that can leave Viper vulnerable for several seconds. Wait for that counter opportunity or for the end of a string, then take a limited punish and return to defense. Do not assume every opening lasts as long as the counter opportunity.

Save resources for the dark or smoke sequence

A player report warns of a dark or smoke sequence followed by lunge attacks. Try to reach it with health and stamina in reserve so you can focus on defending the lunges rather than spending resources to force damage beforehand.

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At low health, prioritize the lunge

Another player report describes a low-health desperation pattern that reuses a lunge. When that pattern begins, prioritize reading and defending the lunge instead of chasing another attack. The exact timing and sequence can vary, so react to what Viper does rather than relying on a memorized script.

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Choose a weapon and build that support your rhythm

The available player reports do not establish a required weapon or a universally best build. One guide uses dual wielding, while a player discussion recommends a spear; those are examples, not the results of a weapon comparison.

Choose an approach that lets you reliably defend the strings, fit attacks into the openings you actually get, and keep stamina for the next defense. If your chosen weapon’s punish takes too long, shorten it rather than trying to complete a full combo every time Viper is vulnerable.

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A practical plan for the whole encounter

  1. In form one, identify the string. Watch for the reported double stab into sideswipe or sideswipe into twirl overhead swing.
  2. Defend through the final hit. Try to time a Brink Guard or reflection there, then take a short punish if Viper staggers.
  3. Keep stamina in reserve. Stop attacking before you use the whole bar, even when the opening looks favorable.
  4. In form two, wait out short strings. Punish after they finish or when you successfully respond to the counterable attack.
  5. Preserve health and stamina for the lunge sequence. When Viper shifts to the dark or smoke pattern, focus on defending rather than forcing damage.

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