The 25 Best FromSoftware Bosses

FromSoftware: A Pantheon of Bosses – Ranking the Greatest Encounters

FromSoftware has mastered the art of the challenging boss fight, crafting unforgettable encounters that test skill and perseverance. Their "Soulsborne" games are renowned for these battles, and this list ranks the 25 greatest, judged not solely on difficulty, but on a holistic assessment of mechanics, lore, setting, music, and overall impact.

25. Old Monk (Demon's Souls)

The Old Monk uniquely blends PvE and PvP, potentially pitting you against a human player. While the difficulty varies, it's a memorable example of FromSoftware's innovative approach to enemy design and the ever-present threat of online invasions.

24. Old Hero (Demon's Souls)

Demon's Souls' puzzle-like encounters are fascinating, and Old Hero epitomizes this. Blind but possessing keen hearing, this ancient warrior forces a unique stealth-based approach, showcasing FromSoftware's willingness to experiment with boss fight mechanics.

23. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King)

Sinh represents a pivotal moment in FromSoftware's dragon encounters. Set within a poisonous cavern and accompanied by epic music, this challenging fight sets the standard for future, more impressive dragon battles.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian horror. A monstrous being central to the game's lore, her fight features thematically appropriate attacks, including cosmic energy blasts and a Frenzy-inducing blood attack.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

Potentially Dark Souls 2's most difficult boss, the Fume Knight is a masterclass in aggressive design. His dual-wielding style and devastating flame attacks make for a demanding but incredibly rewarding fight.

20. Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)

Bayle the Dread is a challenging boss in a challenging DLC, but the addition of the NPC ally Igon elevates the experience. Igon's emotional investment in the fight adds a powerful layer to an already intense encounter.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

Father Gascoigne serves as Bloodborne's early-game trial by fire. This fight teaches crucial skills like environmental awareness, measured aggression, and gun parrying, essential for success in the rest of the game.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

Radahn's battle is a spectacle of scale and inventive design. The ability to summon numerous allies adds to the epic feel, culminating in a truly memorable and earth-shattering conclusion.

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

Sif's fight is less about raw challenge and more about emotional impact. The melancholic atmosphere and the story surrounding Artorias' loyal companion make this a deeply affecting encounter.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

Maliketh is relentless aggression personified. His unrelenting attacks and brutal second phase make for a high-intensity fight that remains unforgettable for its sheer ferocity.

15. Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3)

Visually stunning and mechanically unique, the Dancer utilizes unpredictable animations and long-range attacks, keeping players constantly engaged and on their toes.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

Genichiro's dual appearances, first in a moonlit reed field and later atop Ashina Castle, showcase Sekiro's combat at its finest. Mastering deflection and parrying is crucial to victory in this epic duel.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

Fighting your father figure, Owl, is both emotionally and physically demanding. His aggressive attacks, gadgets, and teleporting abilities make this one of Sekiro's most challenging and memorable encounters.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

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

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

The Soul of Cinder represents the essence of Dark Souls. This final boss fight, a culmination of every Lord of Cinder, is a fitting and emotionally resonant conclusion to the trilogy.

11. Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel)

Sister Friede's three-phase fight is a brutal test of endurance. Her relentless aggression and the addition of Father Ariandel in the second phase make this one of the most punishing boss encounters in the series.

10. Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)

Orphan of Kos is a terrifyingly fast and aggressive boss, whose unpredictable attacks and grotesque appearance make this a truly nightmarish encounter.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

Malenia's iconic status is undeniable. Her challenging two-phase fight, featuring the deadly Waterfowl Dance and devastating Scarlet Rot, cemented her place in gaming history.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

The Guardian Ape is a unique blend of challenging combat and darkly comedic moments. The surprise second phase, after seemingly defeating the ape, is a masterstroke of unexpected difficulty.

7. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss)

Artorias' tragic backstory and challenging fight make him a memorable and iconic boss. His speed and aggressive attacks make for a truly rewarding victory.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

The Nameless King is a near-perfect Dark Souls boss. The two-phase fight, featuring a mounted dragon phase and a grounded duel, is both challenging and visually spectacular.

5. Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls)

Ornstein and Smough established the iconic two-boss fight template. Their challenging and unfair-seeming encounter remains a landmark moment in gaming history.

4. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)

Ludwig's complex and evolving fight demands mastery of Bloodborne's combat. His numerous attacks and tragic backstory make this a truly memorable and challenging encounter.

3. Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City)

Gael's fight is a mythical and epic conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy. His powerful attacks, dramatic second phase, and deeply intertwined lore make this a truly unforgettable encounter.

2. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)

Lady Maria is a technically brilliant and emotionally resonant boss. Her elegant and deadly attacks, combined with a tragic backstory, create a truly memorable duel.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

Isshin, the Sword Saint, embodies Sekiro's refined combat system. His four-phase fight is a masterclass in challenging yet elegant boss design, making it FromSoftware's greatest boss encounter.

This ranking represents our opinion. What are your favorite FromSoftware boss fights? Share your thoughts!