FromSoftware: A Pantheon of Epic Boss Battles – Ranking the 25 Greatest
FromSoftware has redefined action RPGs, crafting unforgettable journeys through dark and wondrous realms. While their level and lore design is unparalleled, their enduring legacy rests on their bosses: brutally challenging, often terrifying adversaries that test your skills to the limit. This isn't a list of the hardest bosses, but the greatest, judged on challenge, music, setting, mechanics, lore, and overall impact. We've considered battles across the "Soulsborne" series: Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy.
-
Old Monk (Demon's Souls)
The Old Monk innovatively blends PvP and PvE. Controlled by another player, the challenge varies, but its unique design underscores the ever-present threat of online invasions, even during boss fights.
-
Old Hero (Demon's Souls)
Demon's Souls' puzzle-like encounters are fascinating. The Old Hero, a blind, powerful warrior, transforms combat into a stealth challenge. His inability to see you, coupled with his auditory awareness, creates a unique and memorable fight, foreshadowing later bosses like Rennala (Elden Ring) and the Folding Screen Monkeys (Sekiro).
-
Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King)
Dragons are often formidable, but Sinh elevates the encounter. Set in a poisonous cavern, with a powerful soundtrack, Sinh sets the standard for epic and terrifying dragon battles in future FromSoftware games.
-
Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)
Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian horror. A central figure in the Healing Church's lore, her attacks, including cosmic energy blasts and Frenzy-inducing blood, perfectly capture the game's thematic depth.
-
Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)
Possibly Dark Souls 2's hardest boss, the Fume Knight blends speed and power. His dual-wielding style and fiery attacks create a challenging yet rewarding fight.
-
Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)
Bayle's difficulty is amplified by the presence of the NPC ally, Igon. His intense hatred for Bayle adds an emotional layer to an already challenging dragon fight.
-
Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)
A crucial early-game challenge, Father Gascoigne teaches essential skills: environmental awareness, measured aggression, and gun parrying. Mastering these is vital for success in Bloodborne.
-
Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)
Radahn's massive scale and the ability to summon NPC allies create an epic, unforgettable battle. The sheer spectacle and inventive mechanics make it a standout encounter.
-
Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)
Sif's fight is emotionally resonant. Guarding Artorias' grave, Sif's loyalty and the tragic backstory create a deeply affecting encounter.
-
Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)
Maliketh is relentlessly aggressive. His brutal attacks and shifting forms demand precise timing and memorization of attack patterns.
-
Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3)
Visually stunning and mechanically unique, the Dancer's erratic movements and unpredictable attacks demand constant adaptation.
-
Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)
Genichiro's dual appearances (early and late game) create a memorable arc. The second encounter, atop Ashina Castle, is a particularly epic duel.
-
Owl (Father) (Sekiro)
A brutal and emotionally charged fight against Wolf's father. Owl's aggressive attacks and use of gadgets create a memorable and challenging encounter.
Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6
AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240 showcase FromSoftware's continued excellence in boss design, even outside the Soulsborne formula.
-
Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)
The Soul of Cinder perfectly encapsulates Dark Souls' essence. Its unpredictable fighting style and connection to the series' lore make it a fitting final boss.
-
Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel)
A punishing three-phase fight. Sister Friede's relentless aggression and the addition of Father Ariandel in the second phase create a truly grueling but rewarding encounter.
-
Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Infamous for its difficulty, Orphan of Kos is a terrifyingly fast and aggressive boss with unpredictable attacks.
-
Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)
Malenia's difficulty and unique mechanics made her a cultural phenomenon. Her two phases, featuring the Waterfowl Dance and Scarlet Rot, demand skill and strategy.
-
Guardian Ape (Sekiro)
Comically grotesque yet brutally challenging, the Guardian Ape's surprise second phase, after seemingly being defeated, is a memorable twist.
-
Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss)
Artorias' tragic backstory and challenging fight make him a memorable and rewarding opponent.
-
Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)
A two-phase battle showcasing masterful design. The dragon mount and subsequent ground duel are both challenging and visually stunning.
-
Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls)
The iconic two-on-one fight that set the standard for double boss encounters in the genre.
-
Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Ludwig's evolving moveset and relentless attacks create a complex and challenging fight.
-
Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City)
A mythical and challenging final boss. Gael's transformation and powerful attacks make this a truly epic encounter.
-
Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
A technically masterful duel. Lady Maria's elegant yet brutal fighting style and powerful blood attacks create a memorable and intense encounter.
-
Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)
The pinnacle of Sekiro's combat system. Isshin's four-phase battle is a perfect blend of challenge, precision, and elegance.
This ranking reflects our opinion. What are your top FromSoftware boss fights? Let us know!
