FromSoftware: A Pantheon of Epic Boss Battles – Ranking the 25 Greatest
FromSoftware has redefined action RPGs, crafting unforgettable journeys through dark, challenging worlds. While their level and lore design are unparalleled, their enduring legacy lies in their bosses: intense, often terrifying adversaries that test your skills to the limit. This isn't a list of the hardest bosses, but the greatest, judged across all "Soulsborne" titles (Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and Dark Souls). We considered challenge, music, setting, mechanics, lore, and more.
- Old Monk (Demon's Souls): A unique take on PvP invasions, where another player controls the boss, offering a variable challenge and a constant reminder of online threats.
- Old Hero (Demon's Souls): A blind warrior whose fight becomes a stealth-based puzzle, showcasing FromSoftware's early experimentation with unconventional boss mechanics.
- Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King): A pivotal moment in dragon boss design, establishing a new standard for epic, challenging, and atmospheric dragon encounters.
- Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne): A Lovecraftian nightmare, visually stunning and thematically rich, representing Bloodborne's cosmic horror elements.
- Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2): A brutally difficult but rewarding fight, combining speed and power in a unique dual-wielding style.
- Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree): A challenging boss fight elevated by the memorable NPC ally, Igon, and his intense hatred for Bayle.
- Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne): A crucial early-game boss that teaches players essential mechanics, serving as a perfect tutorial in aggressive combat and environmental awareness.
- Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring): A spectacle of scale and summonable allies, creating an epic battle on a massive battlefield.
- Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls): Emotionally resonant and memorable, this fight against Artorias' loyal companion is a poignant moment of grey morality.
- Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring): An relentlessly aggressive boss, showcasing brutal and high-intensity combat from start to finish.
- Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3): Visually stunning and technically unique, utilizing erratic movements and unpredictable attacks.
- Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro): A memorable duel, testing players' mastery of Sekiro's parry and deflect mechanics, with an epic rematch later in the game.
- Owl (Father) (Sekiro): An emotionally charged and incredibly difficult fight against Wolf's father, showcasing aggressive combat and unique teleporting abilities.
Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6
- AA P07 Balteus: A swift and challenging gatekeeper boss.
- IA-02: Ice Worm: A cinematic battle utilizing allied NPCs and large-scale weaponry.
- IB-01: CEL 240: A dramatic boss with a rapid-fire second phase.
- Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3): The embodiment of every Lord of Cinder, showcasing a variety of fighting styles and a haunting reflection of the original Dark Souls.
- Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel): A punishing three-phase fight, demanding relentless aggression and precise timing.
- Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters): A terrifyingly fast and brutal boss, known for its unpredictable combos and grotesque appearance.
- Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring): A notoriously challenging boss, famous for her Waterfowl Dance and Scarlet Rot attacks.
- Guardian Ape (Sekiro): A comically grotesque and surprisingly challenging boss, featuring a unique second phase after seemingly being defeated.
- Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss): A tragic and exhilarating boss fight, representing a significant challenge and a rite of passage for many players.
- Nameless King (Dark Souls 3): A perfect example of a challenging yet fair boss fight, featuring two distinct phases and a memorable musical score.
- Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls): A legendary two-on-one fight that established the template for double boss encounters, with a unique second phase after one is defeated.
- Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters): A complex and challenging boss with a large moveset and a tragic backstory.
- Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City): A mythical and challenging final boss, featuring a dramatic transformation and a deeply intertwined storyline.
- Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters): A technically accomplished and intensely challenging duel, featuring a memorable musical score and a tragic storyline.
- Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro): The pinnacle of Sekiro's combat system, a four-phase battle showcasing precision, elegance, and a masterful blend of techniques.
This ranking represents our perspective. What are your favorite FromSoftware boss fights? Let us know!
Category 
