The First Berserker: Khazan On Game Pass? The Definitive 2025 Status And 5 Essential Facts You Must Know

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The First Berserker: Khazan has been one of the most talked-about hardcore Action RPGs of 2025, thrilling fans of the genre with its brutal combat and deep lore from the Dungeon Fighter Online (DFO) universe. Since its highly anticipated launch, a single question has dominated forums and social media: Is this Neople-developed Soulslike available on Xbox Game Pass? As of December 22, 2025, the answer is nuanced, but ultimately clear.

While the game has seen massive success and even received awards—like being honored at the 2025 Korea Game Awards—its availability on Microsoft's subscription service is not what most players hoped for. This article breaks down the definitive Game Pass status, clarifies the confusion surrounding its availability, and provides a comprehensive look at the game itself, which is a must-play for any fan of challenging action titles.

The Definitive Khazan Game Pass Status (Late 2025)

The short and definitive answer to whether The First Berserker: Khazan is a permanent title on Xbox Game Pass is no. Multiple sources confirm that the game is not a day-one or permanent addition to the Game Pass library.

However, the widespread confusion stems from two key factors:

  • The "Game Purchase Required" Clause: The Xbox store page for the game, including the Deluxe Edition, does mention that it is "Cloud playable with Xbox Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate." This feature allows Game Pass subscribers to stream the game via Xbox Cloud Gaming, but the critical fine print confirms that a "Game purchase required" is still necessary to own and play the title.
  • The Free Play Days Event: In November 2025, The First Berserker: Khazan was included in Xbox's Free Play Days. This limited-time promotion allows Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass subscribers to play a select title for free over a weekend. This temporary access led to a flurry of speculation that the game had been permanently added, which was quickly proven false once the event ended.

For players hoping to jump in for free, you will need to purchase the game on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S. The game officially launched on March 27, 2025, with early access for digital deluxe owners starting on March 24, 2025.

Khazan's Legacy: A Deep Dive into the Hardcore ARPG

Developed by Neople and published by Nexon, The First Berserker: Khazan is more than just a Dungeon Fighter Online spin-off; it is a full-fledged, challenging action role-playing game that has been described as a "Soulslike." The game's narrative focuses on the origin story of one of the DFO universe's most tragic figures, the Great General Khazan.

The gameplay centers on brutal, fast-paced combat that demands precision, parrying, and mastery of various weapons and skills. Unlike many traditional Soulslikes, Khazan places a sharper focus on its combat mechanics, which has been praised as one of the best in the genre.

The Tragic Tale of The First Berserker

The game's lore is rich, pulling directly from the established world of Arad while telling a "what if" story centered on Khazan's personal quest for revenge.

  • Khazan: Once celebrated as the hero who saved the Pell Los Empire from the fearsome Berserk Dragon, he was betrayed by his jealous peers. He survived his execution and now seeks vengeance.
  • The Khazan Syndrome: This concept is central to the lore, detailing the ghostly curse that follows Khazan and is tied to the Berserker class in the main DFO game.
  • Post-Launch Support: Neople has been actively supporting the game with new content, including a major update in May 2025 that added two new Boss Rush (Ultimate) challenges and an April 2025 patch focused on bug fixes and balance adjustments.

15+ Essential Entities & Lore Elements for Topical Authority

To truly understand the depth of The First Berserker: Khazan, players must familiarize themselves with the key characters, locations, and concepts that form the backbone of the narrative and gameplay. This comprehensive list establishes the game's topical authority within the Dungeon Fighter Online universe.

Key Figures & Characters:

  • Khazan (The Protagonist, Great General)
  • Berserk Dragon (The initial threat to the Empire)
  • Ozma (Mentioned in the 'Ozma's Past Trophy' collectible guide)
  • Junho Lee (Creative Director of the game)
  • Nexon (Publisher)
  • Neople (Developer)
  • NPCs (A diverse cast of non-playable characters encountered throughout the journey)

Locations & Regions:

  • Pell Los Empire (The setting for the betrayal and revenge story)
  • Vitalon Capital (One of the four main regions)
  • Charnak Mountain Range (A key region for early gameplay and side quests)
  • Pell Los Plateau (Another major region with main and side missions)
  • Heart of Pell Los (A central region of the world)
  • Imperial Palace (Location of climactic boss encounters)

Lore & Gameplay Concepts:

  • Khazan Syndrome (The curse that haunts Khazan)
  • Dungeon Fighter Online (The main series universe)
  • Soulslike (The game's genre classification)
  • Jarlings (Specific in-game collectible items)
  • Boss Rush (Ultimate) (Post-launch challenge content)

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Khazan in 2025?

Despite the lack of a permanent Game Pass launch, The First Berserker: Khazan has solidified its place as a top-tier hardcore action RPG in 2025. Its blend of deep Dungeon Fighter Online lore, a compelling revenge narrative, and a demanding combat system makes it a standout title.

If you are a fan of the Soulslike genre who appreciates a high skill ceiling, a dark fantasy aesthetic, and a continuous stream of post-launch updates from a dedicated developer like Neople, then purchasing the game is highly recommended. While it may not be on Game Pass today, its inclusion in a Free Play Days event suggests a continued relationship with the Xbox platform, so keep an eye out for future, albeit temporary, promotions.

The First Berserker: Khazan on Game Pass? The Definitive 2025 Status and 5 Essential Facts You Must Know
first berserker khazan game pass
first berserker khazan game pass

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