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When I first started exploring combat systems in modern action RPGs, I was immediately drawn to The First Berserker's weapon mechanics. The game offers Khazan exactly three weapon choices: a dual-wield combo of axe and sword, a greatsword, or a spear. At first glance, this might seem limited compared to other titles in the genre, but I quickly discovered that this apparent simplicity masks incredible depth. Each weapon type feels genuinely unique and comes with its own dedicated skill tree, allowing players to gradually unlock various passive and active skills that completely transform the combat experience. What truly sets this system apart is the freedom to experiment without penalty - any skill points you spend can be refunded at no cost and redistributed into another weapon's skill tree, encouraging players to try different combat styles throughout their journey.
After testing all three options extensively during my playthrough, I found myself consistently returning to the spear. Its exceptional speed and range immediately appealed to my aggressive playstyle, but what really sold me was the Moonlight Stance ability. This skill creates additional afterimage attacks after landing a few light strikes, essentially making it seem like there's more than one of you on the battlefield. The visual effect is stunning, but more importantly, it dramatically increases your damage output while providing additional crowd control options. I remember the first time I properly executed a full Moonlight Stance combo - watching those ethereal copies of my spear strikes tear through a group of enemies was nothing short of magical, and the tactical advantage it provided in tougher encounters was substantial.
The real combat evolution occurs when you begin unlocking and chaining together weapon skills between regular attacks. Around the 15-hour mark in my playthrough, I had accumulated enough skill points to unlock several advanced spear techniques that could be seamlessly integrated into basic combos. The satisfaction of executing these lengthy, flowing attack sequences cannot be overstated. I developed a particular favorite combination that involved three light attacks followed by a spinning sweep skill, immediately chained into a leaping thrust, and finished with the Moonlight Stance activation. This specific 8-move combo could eliminate most standard enemies while looking absolutely spectacular, and it's this level of combat customization that keeps the gameplay fresh dozens of hours in.
What becomes increasingly apparent as you dive deeper into the weapon systems is the clear influence of games like Nioh, particularly in how gear and weapon skills interact to create meaningful build diversity. While the initial weapon selection might seem modest, the skill trees for each weapon type contain between 25-30 unlockable abilities according to my testing, with passive bonuses that significantly alter how each weapon handles. The spear's skill tree, for instance, includes branches focused on speed, range extension, and stance-based attacks, allowing for substantial specialization even within a single weapon type. This depth only expands when you factor in gear bonuses and set effects that can further modify your chosen weapon's performance.
The refund system deserves special mention because it fundamentally changes how players approach character building. Unlike many RPGs that punish experimentation with costly respec options or force players to create entirely new characters, The First Berserker understands that discovering your preferred playstyle is part of the journey. I probably respecced my skill points at least two dozen times throughout my 60-hour playthrough, each time fine-tuning my approach based on the challenges I was facing or simply because I wanted to try a different combat flow. This flexibility is particularly valuable when you hit difficulty spikes or encounter enemies resistant to your current strategy.
From a strategic perspective, each weapon type serves distinct tactical purposes that became increasingly important during boss encounters and elite enemy fights. The greatsword delivers massive stagger potential that can interrupt enemy attacks, while the dual-wield combo offers superior burst damage for breaking enemy guards. The spear's extended reach proved invaluable against certain bosses whose close-range attacks were particularly dangerous, allowing me to maintain pressure from a safer distance. I found myself switching between weapons situationally during the late game, though the spear remained my primary choice for about 75% of my playtime due to its versatility and the sheer visual satisfaction of its extended combos.
What impressed me most was how the weapon system manages to feel both accessible to newcomers and deeply rewarding for experienced players. The initial skill unlocks provide immediate power spikes and new tactical options, while the later abilities require more finesse to utilize effectively but offer greater rewards. The Moonlight Stance ability I mentioned earlier, for example, starts as a simple damage boost but evolves into a sophisticated positioning tool once you master the timing and learn to manipulate the afterimages for optimal enemy coverage. This gradual complexity curve means players are constantly learning and adapting their approach rather than simply mashing the same combo throughout the entire game.
Reflecting on my complete playthrough, the weapon system in The First Berserker stands as one of its greatest achievements. The initial simplicity gives way to astonishing depth, and the freedom to experiment without consequence encourages players to find their personal combat rhythm rather than following prescribed meta builds. While I'll always have a soft spot for the spear's elegant aggression, the greatsword's satisfying impact and the dual-wield's relentless assault both offer compelling alternatives that I returned to frequently. It's this combination of focused design and expansive customization that creates such a memorable combat experience, one that respects the player's time while rewarding dedicated practice and experimentation.
