The 25 Best FromSoftware Bosses

FromSoftware: A Pantheon of Epic Boss Battles – Ranking the 25 Greatest

FromSoftware has redefined the action RPG genre, crafting unforgettable journeys through dark and wondrous landscapes. While their level and lore design are unparalleled, their enduring legacy lies in their bosses: brutally challenging, often terrifying adversaries that test your skills to the limit. Elden Ring Nightreign, their upcoming roguelike co-op title, doubles down on this legacy, featuring escalating boss encounters, including returning favorites from the Dark Souls series like the formidable Nameless King.

This isn't a list of the hardest bosses, but rather the greatest, judged across multiple "Soulsborne" titles (Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy). We considered challenge, music, setting, mechanical complexity, lore significance, and more.

25. Old Monk (Demon's Souls): A unique twist on PvP invasions, the Old Monk is controlled by another player, offering a variable challenge and a constant reminder of the game's unpredictable nature.

24. Old Hero (Demon's Souls): A blind, puzzle-like boss fight. His inability to see you transforms the encounter into a stealth-based challenge, a precursor to later bosses like Rennala (Elden Ring) and the Folding Screen Monkeys (Sekiro).

23. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King): A pivotal moment in FromSoftware's dragon encounters, Sinh sets the standard for epic, terrifying dragon battles in later games. The atmosphere and difficulty are both exceptional.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne): A Lovecraftian horror, Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's cosmic horror themes. Her attacks, including arcane energy blasts and Frenzy-inducing blood, enhance the thematic richness of the fight.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2): Arguably Dark Souls 2's hardest boss, the Fume Knight is a whirlwind of speed and power, combining fast and heavy attacks for a uniquely challenging and engaging fight.

20. Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree): A brutally difficult boss fight elevated by the inclusion of the NPC ally, Igon, whose intense hatred for Bayle adds another layer of emotional depth to the encounter.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne): A crucial early-game boss that teaches players essential skills like environmental awareness, controlled aggression, and gun parrying, setting the stage for the game's later challenges.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring): A spectacle of epic proportions, the Radahn fight allows for summoning numerous NPC allies, creating a truly memorable and large-scale battle.

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls): A poignant and emotionally resonant fight against Artorias' loyal companion, Sif, heavy with atmosphere and story implications.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring): A relentlessly aggressive boss, Maliketh's intense and unforgiving attacks make for a high-intensity, memorable encounter.

15. Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3): A visually stunning and technically unique fight with erratic, unpredictable attacks that keep players constantly engaged.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro): A memorable duel, especially the second encounter atop Ashina Castle, testing players' mastery of Sekiro's parry and deflect mechanics.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro): A brutal and emotionally charged fight against Wolf's father, featuring aggressive attacks and the use of spectral owls for teleportation.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While outside the "Soulsborne" scope, Armored Core 6 deserves recognition for its excellent boss fights. AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240 showcase FromSoftware's continued mastery of challenging and cinematic boss encounters.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3): The final boss, a manifestation of every Lord of Cinder, fighting with a diverse array of styles, culminating in a powerful homage to Gwyn from the original Dark Souls.

11. Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel): A punishing three-phase fight against a relentless scythe-wielding nun, culminating in a simultaneous battle against Friede and the massive Father Ariandel.

10. Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters): A terrifyingly fast and aggressive boss, the Orphan of Kos is a truly nightmarish encounter with unpredictable combos and gruesome attacks.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring): A culturally significant boss, Malenia's challenging two-phase fight, featuring the iconic Waterfowl Dance, is both visually stunning and deeply rooted in Elden Ring's lore.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro): A hilariously grotesque boss fight with comedic elements (farting poison gas and poop-slinging) that culminates in a shocking and unexpected second phase.

7. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss): A tragic figure and a thrilling boss fight, Artorias' rapid attacks and tricky combos make for a challenging yet rewarding encounter.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3): A perfect example of a Dark Souls boss, the Nameless King presents a fair yet challenging two-phase fight, culminating in an unforgettable spectacle atop Archdragon Peak.

5. Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls): A seminal two-on-one boss fight that established a template for future games, with the added twist of one boss absorbing the other's power after defeat.

4. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters): A complex and evolving boss fight with numerous attacks, requiring players to master Bloodborne's aggressive combat style.

3. Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City): A mythical and epic final boss fight, Gael's transformation and devastating attacks make for a truly memorable and climactic encounter.

2. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters): A technically accomplished and intensely challenging duel, Lady Maria's elegant and deadly attacks create a memorable and visually stunning fight.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro): The pinnacle of Sekiro's combat system, Isshin's four-phase fight is a perfectly paced and challenging duel that showcases the game's unique parry and deflect mechanics. A truly unforgettable and rewarding experience.

This ranking reflects our opinions. What are your favorite FromSoftware boss battles? Let us know!