Conquering *Bloodborne*'s challenging bosses requires strategy. This guide outlines optimal boss fight orders, catering to different playthrough styles. Whether you aim to tackle only essential bosses or experience the full game, we've got you covered.
The game features 17 main bosses and 5 DLC bosses (excluding Chalice Dungeon encounters). The DLC, *The Old Hunters*, is accessible after defeating Vicar Amelia, but many players prefer tackling it near the game's end. The order you fight DLC bosses can subtly impact dialogue.
Best Boss Order for Bloodborne
We'll present two orders: one for essential bosses and a comprehensive one including optional encounters. We strongly recommend defeating as many bosses as possible for optimal rewards and a richer experience.
Essential Bosses Only
This order focuses solely on bosses required to complete the main storyline:
- Father Gascoigne
- Vicar Amelia
- Shadow of Yharnam
- Rom, the Vacuous Spider
- The One Reborn
- Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
- Mergo’s Wet Nurse
- Gehrman, the First Hunter
- Moon Presence (Ending Specific)
All Bosses
This order includes all optional bosses, offering a complete Bloodborne experience:
- Cleric Beast (Optional)
- Father Gascoigne
- Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)
- Vicar Amelia
- The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)
- Shadow of Yharnam
- Rom, the Vacuous Spider
- Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)
- The One Reborn
- Martyr Logarius (Optional)
- Amygdala (Optional)
- Celestial Emissary (Optional)
- Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
- Ludwig the Accursed/Holy Blade (DLC/Optional)
- Laurence, the First Vicar (DLC/Optional)
- Living Failures (DLC/Optional)
- Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (DLC/Optional)
- Orphan of Kos (DLC/Optional)
- Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)
- Mergo’s Wet Nurse
- Gehrman, the First Hunter
- Moon Presence (Ending Specific)
Our Recommended Boss Order Explained
Let's delve into the strategies for each boss:
Cleric Beast (Optional)
This early boss teaches fundamental combat. Focus on its hind legs to trip it, then attack its head.
Father Gascoigne
Mastering parries is key here. His quick movements and gun attacks require precise timing.
Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)
Keep your distance and utilize fire/explosive weapons to overcome its high health and damage output.
Vicar Amelia
Exploit her self-healing animation for significant damage. Avoid her glowing body during this phase.
The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)
Deal with her henchmen first. Use firearms when she’s visible, anticipating her corner-camping tactics.
Shadow of Yharnam
Dodge its attacks, target its head with firearms, and slash its legs to create openings.
Rom, the Vacuous Spider
Prioritize killing summoned spiders before focusing on Rom. Watch out for poisonous and physical attacks. Defeating Rom alters the game world, so consider your exploration progress.
Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)
A hulking brute, best tackled after Rom.
The One Reborn
Maintain distance and exploit its vulnerable moments when grounded. Eliminate summoned enemies first.
Martyr Logarius (Optional)
A challenging boss; mastering parries is highly recommended to mitigate his Arcane damage.
Amygdala (Optional)
A massive, difficult boss with a wide array of attacks.
Celestial Emissary (Optional)
Roll towards its legs to avoid attacks. Be wary of its grab attack even when grounded.
Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
Chase him, manage his fog and summoned enemies, and exploit his vulnerable moments. Poison knives are a common strategy.
The Old Hunters Bosses
The *Old Hunters* DLC bosses follow a linear progression after defeating Ludwig: Laurence (optional), Living Failures, Lady Maria, and Orphan of Kos. Prepare for intense challenges.
Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)
Avoid her head slam attack and manage her tentacle and magical attacks.
Mergo’s Wet Nurse
Dodge her tentacle and water attacks, and navigate her fog-obscured attacks. Defeating her signals the game's endgame.
Gehrman, the First Hunter
The final non-optional boss. Mastering parries will greatly assist.
Moon Presence (Ending Specific)
The true final boss, requiring three One Third of Umbilical Cords before facing Gehrman. Refuse Gehrman's offer to fight the Moon Presence.
This guide provides a strategic approach to conquering *Bloodborne*'s challenging boss encounters. Remember to adapt your strategy based on your playstyle and build. Good hunting!
For more *Bloodborne* news, check out our *Bloodborne* PSX demake. For FromSoftware news, check out *Armored Core VI*.
Update: This article was updated on 2/3/2025 by Escapist Editorial to include more information about the various bosses, provide a high-level summary of the boss order, and to include the bosses from the Old Hunters DLC.
