The First Berserker: Khazan has finally fallen to piracy, joining the long list of titles that pirates eventually bypass. This crack matters because it proves that even the most stubborn anti-tamper measures cannot guarantee permanent control over a game. Players seeking to play without the always-online DRM checks can now access the title, though the wait was unusually long. The delay suggests that NEXON's implementation of Denuvo held up against reverse engineers for significantly longer than average. This development impacts how we view the efficacy of DRM in deterring unauthorized access over extended periods.
voices38 bypasses protection without removing files
The game, developed by NEXON, launched on PC in March 2025 and remained protected for over a year. The cracking group voices38 is responsible for the latest breach, marking their entry into this specific title. Unlike many cracks that strip the protection entirely, this one bypasses Denuvo, allowing the game to run while keeping the protection files intact. This method preserves the original installation while circumventing the verification steps. It highlights a technical distinction in how piracy groups approach modern DRM systems.
The key technical detail is that the crack bypasses rather than removes the Denuvo anti-tamper protection. This approach allows the game to function without the constant verification checks that Denuvo typically imposes. The group voices38 achieved this after a process that took more than twelve months. Such a long timeline is rare for Denuvo-protected titles, which often fall within weeks or months. The persistence of the protection underscores the complexity of the anti-tamper code used in this specific build.
NEXON has confirmed it will not remove the Denuvo protection from the game despite the crack. This decision aligns with their standard policy of maintaining DRM integrity regardless of piracy status. The previous Denuvo-protected game cracked was Atomic Heart, which fell just 20 to 21 days after release. The stark contrast between a two-week crack time and a year-long wait highlights the variability in DRM strength. This case serves as a reminder that no DRM is immune, but some take significantly longer to overcome.
