FromSoftware has solidified its status as a premier developer of action RPGs, crafting unforgettable journeys through grimdark landscapes filled with both horror and wonder. Central to their acclaim are their bosses: formidable, often terrifying adversaries that test players' skills to the brink. For their latest project, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on this aspect. This roguelike-inspired co-op game focuses entirely on combat, challenging players with progressively tougher boss encounters. The first trailer teased the return of iconic foes from the Dark Souls series, including the majestic Nameless King.
This list is not about the toughest bosses but rather the greatest boss encounters FromSoftware has ever created. We've drawn from their "Soulsborne" catalog—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon’s Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy—to rank these battles based on various criteria such as challenge, music, setting, mechanics, and lore significance. Here are our top 25 picks:
Old Monk (Demon’s Souls)
The Old Monk stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Rather than facing a traditional AI-controlled boss, players might encounter another player controlling the Monk, adding an unpredictable element to the fight. This mechanic effectively heightens the tension, reminding players that enemy invasions can occur at any moment, even during a boss battle.Old Hero (Demon’s Souls)
Demon’s Souls introduced unique puzzle-style encounters, with Old Hero being a prime example. This blind ancient warrior relies on sound to track players, turning the battle into a stealth challenge. While not overly difficult, it offers a unique experience that prefigures later esoteric bosses like Elden Ring’s Rennala and Sekiro’s Folding Screen Monkeys.Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King)
Dragons have always been challenging in FromSoftware games, but Sinh marks a significant evolution in their design. Set in a poisonous cavern and accompanied by epic music, this fight sets the standard for the awe-inspiring dragon battles that follow.Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)
Ebrietas embodies the Lovecraftian themes of Bloodborne. As a key figure behind the Healing Church's practices, her battle is thematically rich. Her attacks, including cosmic energy blasts and Frenzy-inducing blood, make for a memorable confrontation.Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)
Known for its difficulty, Fume Knight is a blend of speed and power. His ability to wield two distinct weapons and combine them into a flaming sword adds a layer of excitement and challenge to the fight.Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)
The battle against Bayle the Dread is elevated by the presence of NPC ally Igon, whose fervent hatred for the dragon adds emotional depth to an already intense fight. It's one of the most memorable encounters in Elden Ring's expansive world.Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)
Father Gascoigne serves as a critical early test in Bloodborne, challenging players to master the game's mechanics. His transformation and the need to use the environment and parrying effectively make this a pivotal encounter.Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)
The scale and spectacle of the fight against Starscourge Radahn are unmatched. His gravity-defying attacks and the ability to summon numerous NPCs during the battle create a truly epic showdown, culminating in a visually stunning conclusion.Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)
Sif's battle is steeped in emotion, as players are forced to confront Artorias' loyal companion. The fight's setting and the poignant story it tells make it one of the most memorable moments in the Dark Souls series.Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)
Maliketh's relentless aggression and high-intensity combat make him one of the most challenging and memorable bosses in Elden Ring. His transformation and the need to memorize his complex attack patterns add to the fight's intensity.Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3)
The Dancer's unique fighting style and eerie, dance-like movements set her apart. Her unpredictable attacks and the visual spectacle of her fight make it a standout encounter in Dark Souls 3.Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)
Genichiro's fights, both in the field of reeds and atop Ashina Castle, are crucial tests of Sekiro's parry and deflect mechanics. His lightning-deflecting technique encapsulates the game's mythical swordplay fantasy.Owl (Father) (Sekiro)
The confrontation with Owl (Father) is emotionally charged and physically demanding. His aggressive tactics and use of gadgets make for a thrilling battle, testing players' mastery of Sekiro's combat system.
Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6
While focusing on the "Soulsborne" series, we must acknowledge Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon for its intense boss battles. AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240 showcase FromSoftware's ability to craft cinematic and challenging encounters.
Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)
As the embodiment of every Lord who linked the Flame, Soul of Cinder's fight encapsulates the essence of Dark Souls. Its second phase, echoing the original game's final boss, provides a fitting end to the trilogy.Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel)
Sister Friede's three-phase battle is one of the most punishing in the series. Her relentless aggression and the dual fight against Father Ariandel make for an epic endurance test.Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
The Orphan of Kos is infamous for its speed and unpredictability. Its grotesque appearance and relentless attacks make it a nightmarish challenge that epitomizes Bloodborne's horror.Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)
Malenia's fight is a defining moment in Elden Ring, challenging players with her two-phase battle and the iconic Waterfowl Dance. Her connection to the game's lore and the visual spectacle of the fight make it unforgettable.Guardian Ape (Sekiro)
The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, from its comedic attacks to its shocking resurrection. The fight's unexpected twists make it a standout in Sekiro's lineup of bosses.Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss)
Artorias' tragic backstory and challenging fight make him a legendary figure in Dark Souls. Defeating him feels like a rite of passage for players.Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)
The Nameless King offers a fair yet demanding fight, with two distinct phases that test players' endurance and adaptability. His setting and musical theme contribute to an unforgettable experience.Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls)
The iconic duo of Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights. Their dynamic where one absorbs the other's power upon defeat has become a hallmark of FromSoftware's design.Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Ludwig's complex and evolving battle mechanics, combined with his tragic backstory, make him a standout boss in Bloodborne. His transformation and the variety of his attacks require players to fully engage with the game's aggressive combat style.Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City)
Gael's fight is a fitting end to the Dark Souls trilogy, with his transformation and the epic setting reflecting the series' themes. His battle is both a test of skill and a poignant narrative conclusion.Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Lady Maria's fight is a masterclass in technical dueling, with her blood-infused attacks and the intense setting of the Astral Clocktower. Her battle is a highlight of Bloodborne's combat system.Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)
Isshin's four-phase battle encapsulates everything that makes Sekiro special. His relentless attacks and the need to master every aspect of the game's combat system make this fight the pinnacle of FromSoftware's boss design.
Our journey through FromSoftware's greatest bosses is complete. Which of these iconic encounters resonated with you the most? Share your thoughts and rankings below.
