FromSoftware has solidified its reputation as a premier developer of action RPGs, crafting unforgettable journeys through grimdark worlds filled with both horror and wonder. Central to their acclaim are their bosses—challenging, often terrifying adversaries that test players' skills to the brink. In their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on this focus, creating a roguelike co-op experience centered entirely on combat, with each run featuring progressively tougher bosses. Notably, the first trailer showcased the return of iconic foes from the Dark Souls series, including the majestic Nameless King.
This article isn't about the most difficult bosses; it's a celebration of the greatest boss fights FromSoftware has ever created. We've considered battles from across their "Soulsborne" games—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon’s Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy—evaluating not just the challenge, but also the music, setting, mechanical complexity, lore significance, and other intricate details. Here are our top 25 picks, based on these criteria.
Old Monk (Demon’s Souls)
Conceptually, the Old Monk from Demon’s Souls stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Instead of a traditional AI-controlled boss, the Old Monk can be controlled by another player, making the challenge dependent on the skill of the summoned player. This unique mechanic serves as a constant reminder that enemy players can invade your game at any moment, even during a boss fight.
Old Hero (Demon’s Souls)
While many of Demon’s Souls' bosses have been outshined by later games, its puzzle-style encounters remain fascinating. Old Hero, a towering, blind ancient warrior, exemplifies this. His inability to see you forces a stealth-like approach, where you must sneak and strike his ankles before retreating. This unique fight laid the groundwork for future 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 are typically formidable in FromSoftware’s games, but early dragon fights felt like prototypes compared to later epic encounters. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon, marked a turning point, offering a challenging battle in a poisonous cavern, accompanied by swelling music. This fight set the standard for the awe-inspiring dragon battles that followed.
Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)
In Bloodborne, Ebrietas embodies the game's Lovecraftian themes. As a tentacled, winged creature worshipped by the Healing Church, she's central to the game's narrative. Her attacks, including cosmic energy volleys and blood-induced Frenzy, create a thematically rich and memorable showdown.
Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)
Arguably the toughest fight in Dark Souls 2, Fume Knight combines speed and power, wielding a longsword and a massive Buster Sword. His ability to merge these into a flaming giant sword adds to the challenge. This duel-style fight is both difficult and enjoyable, blending agility and strength in one formidable package.
Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)
Bayle the Dread's fight is memorable not just for its difficulty but for the presence of NPC ally Igon, whose passionate hatred for Bayle adds depth and excitement to the battle. This encounter against a fearsome dragon is one of the most thrilling in the series.
Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)
Every FromSoft game has an early boss that tests players' understanding of the game's mechanics. Father Gascoigne in Bloodborne is a prime example, requiring players to use the environment, manage their offense, and master parrying to succeed. Overcoming him is crucial for tackling future challenges.
Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)
Elden Ring's Starscourge Radahn fight is a spectacle, set on a vast battlefield during a festival. Despite a patch reducing his initial challenge, the battle remains inventive, with the ability to summon numerous NPC allies adding to the epic feel. The fight culminates in a dramatic, earth-shattering moment.
Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)
Great Grey Wolf Sif's fight is laden with melancholy, as players must confront Artorias' loyal companion guarding his grave. While not the most challenging, the emotional weight and story implications make it one of the series' most enduring moments, highlighting the moral complexity of FromSoft's worlds.
Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)
Maliketh is one of the most aggressive bosses in Soulslike history. His relentless attacks and long combos, especially in his second phase, make him a high-intensity challenge. Despite the difficulty, the fight remains one of Elden Ring's most memorable encounters.
Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3)
Dancer of the Boreal Valley is visually stunning and technically unique, wielding dual curved blades with erratic, dance-like movements. Her unpredictable animations keep players on their toes, making her a memorable and challenging foe.
Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)
Genichiro Ashina's first encounter in a moonlit field of reeds is brief but memorable. The rematch atop Ashina Castle is an epic duel, testing players' mastery of Sekiro's parrying and deflecting mechanics. Deflecting lightning back at him is a highlight of the game's combat system.
Owl (Father) (Sekiro)
Owl (Father) is a thrilling and emotionally charged fight in Sekiro. As a formidable and aggressive opponent, he uses a variety of lethal gadgets and swift attacks. The second phase, with his spectral owl teleportation, adds to the intensity of this memorable battle.
Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6
While focusing on the "Soulsborne" games, we must acknowledge Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, which brought FromSoftware's signature boss design to the mech genre. Notable bosses include AA P07 Balteus, a swift and challenging gatekeeper; IA-02: Ice Worm, a cinematic battle with allied NPCs; and IB-01: CEL 240, showcasing rapid-fire action and dramatic flair.
Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)
As the final boss of Dark Souls 3, Soul of Cinder embodies the essence of the series. Its unpredictable fighting styles and the second phase's homage to Gwyn, the original Dark Souls' final boss, make it a haunting and beautiful conclusion to the trilogy.
Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel)
Sister Friede's three-phase fight in the Ashes of Ariandel DLC is one of the most punishing in the Dark Souls series. Her relentless aggression and the middle phase's addition of Father Ariandel create a challenging and memorable battle.
Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Orphan of Kos is Bloodborne's most infamous boss, known for its terrifying speed and unpredictable combos. Its grotesque appearance and use of its own placenta as a weapon make it a nightmarish encounter.
Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)
Malenia, Blade of Miquella, became a cultural phenomenon in the gaming community. Her challenging two-phase fight, set at the bottom of the Haligtree, tests players' dueling skills. Her waterfowl dance and scarlet rot attacks make her a visually spectacular and deeply rooted in Elden Ring's lore.
Guardian Ape (Sekiro)
Guardian Ape combines comedy with horror, using poison gas and feces in its attacks. The twist of the ape reanimating after its head is severed adds a shocking and memorable element to the fight.
Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss)
Artorias the Abysswalker is a tragic figure in Dark Souls' lore, and his exhilarating boss fight is a rite of passage. His rapid attacks and tricky combos make defeating him a significant achievement.
Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)
Nameless King is a perfect Dark Souls boss, offering a fair yet challenging fight. His two-phase battle, from dragon duel to ground combat, set against a storm on Archdragon Peak, is unforgettable, especially with its iconic musical theme.
Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls)
Ornstein and Smough's fight set the standard for double boss encounters in FromSoftware games. The dynamic of one absorbing the other's power after defeat adds a unique challenge, making it a legendary battle.
Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Ludwig's complex fight evolves with new moves as his health depletes, requiring players to embrace Bloodborne's aggressive combat style. His tragic backstory and use of the Moonlight Great Sword make him a standout boss.
Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City)
Slave Knight Gael's fight is the mythical conclusion to Dark Souls 3. His transformation and powerful abilities in the second phase, set against a backdrop of orchestral music and a desolate battlefield, make it a fitting and epic finale.
Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Lady Maria's fight in her horological throne room is a masterclass in technical dueling. Her escalating intensity and blood powers create a thrilling and intense battle, culminating in a dramatic conclusion.
Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)
Isshin, the Sword Saint, encapsulates everything that makes Sekiro's combat special. His four-phase battle, requiring mastery of all Sekiro's mechanics, from parrying thrusts to deflecting lightning, is a precise and elegant dance. Conquering him provides an unmatched sense of accomplishment, making him FromSoftware's finest boss battle.
Our journey through the top 25 FromSoftware bosses is complete. Did we miss one of your favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
