Volbaino is the fourth major boss in The First Berserker: Khazan, and he can be pretty challenging if you don't know exactly what to expect. Volbaino is found at the end of the Phraugh Village area, with a few nooks and crannies to navigate and a couple of elite enemies. Phraugh Village is pretty straightforward, but be on the lookout for water: Khazan can't swim, unfortunately. There are also some tricky spots with holes in the ground that you can fall through, so keep your eyes open.

Eventually, you'll reach a bridge leading to another boss arena, where you can face off against Volbaino. Make sure you unlock the shortcut first by kicking the wagon down the hill. Volbaino is tough, but in my view, it is not quite as challenging as The First Berserker: Khazan's Viper, the previous boss. Volbaino does have two stages, but does not change form the way Viper did, and Volbaino's second stage isn't nearly as challenging by comparison. However, it really helps to know Volbaino's move set and a few tricks to deal with his fire attacks.

How To Defeat Volbaino In The First Berserker: Khazan

Look Out For Heavy Hammer Swings In Volbaino's First Phase

Volbaino is a heavy-swinging deer-type boss in The First Berserker: Khazan who uses a massive hammer and spike for pound attacks. In the first phase, he'll have somewhat easily avoidable swings. Whether you decide to Brink Guard these or Brink Dodge and get behind him for some weakpoint damage, both are effective strategies. My go-to weapon is the spear, ideal for weakpoint damage, though all three weapons are viable. You might have to tweak your strategy slightly based on weapon choice, but the big things to watch for with Volbaino will be the same no matter what.

He has a few unblockable attacks during the first phase. First, he will hammer his spike into the ground and strike it like a gong, dealing shockwave damage. You can dodge through this, or run far away to avoid the shock radius. You'll know a big attack is coming when he does a series of six attacks in a row, after which he will deliver an unblockable swing you'll need to dodge. He's exposed after this, so get some damage while you can. Volbaino will also do a charge attack and deliver an unblockable swing with the spike, so keep an eye on that spike when he starts gearing up.

Climb The Ladder For Volbaino's Second Phase

As you get Volbaino's health about halfway down, he's going to jump up to the second level of the arena and do a jump attack at you, and you can get a few javelin throws in here for some extra damage. At some point after he lands his jump, he'll start slamming his spike into the ground and then take a few tries to yank it out to deal damage.

You should climb the ladder to the second floor at this point or sooner, as he will eventually lick his spike and set the entire floor on fire. You should have the Necklace of Sealed Fire equipped, which is found earlier on the level, as well as any fire-resistant ring you might have.

Using a summon can be very helpful in this fight, but if you leave them behind, Volbaino will drain their health quickly.

Being on the second floor is ideal because you can just run off to the lower level when he lights it up and avoid the fire damage entirely. However, you'll experience the same moves whether you're on top or bottom, so don't panic if he ends up lighting the lower level on fire instead. He can light up multiple circles of fire on the ground during this phase, and there's a little less room to get around up top.

Volbaino is weak to Water Enhancer, and it can add some significant extra damage if you're struggling to get through the fight.

At this point, you should be able to find more than enough openings to drain his stamina and eliminate his health bar. Just don't get overzealous because he will fight to the very last. Volbaino is weak to Water Enhancer, and it can add some significant extra damage if you're struggling to get through the fight. This item coats your weapon with water, and the additional buff will show alongside your regular damage. You should also have some Fire Resistance Elixers on hand, and Fire Cleanse Potions will also come in extremely useful.

Rewards For Beating Volbaino

The Fallen Guardian Set Enhances Fire Effects For Khazan

Once you take down Volbaino, you'll receive some gold, Gold 5228, Lacrima, two pieces from the Fallen Guardian Set, the Guardian's Hooves material, as well as a few random weapons and/or accessories. The Fallen Guardian Set is a fire-based set that deals increased fire attack damage with two pieces equipped, while with four pieces will grant fire attributes after landing a Brink Guard. Overall, this is one of the best sets in the game, and likely some of the best pieces since you faced off against Viper or The First Berserker: Khazan's Blade Phantom.

Overall, Volbaino is another excellent example of a tough boss who can be taken down with some persistence and know-how, and understanding his basic move set goes a long way. The ladder is essential here if you want to avoid burning to death on either floor, and knowing to look for him licking the spike to run to the other floor is key. No matter what weapon you use, you'll need to employ brink guards and dodges to skillfully deplete his stamina bar and defeat Volbaino in The First Berserker: Khazan.