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The 25 Best FromSoftware Bosses

Author: Nova Feb 19,2025

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 realms. While their level and lore design are unparalleled, their enduring legacy rests on their bosses: brutally challenging, often terrifying adversaries that test players to their limits. 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 the Dark Souls trilogy). We considered challenge, music, setting, mechanics, lore, and more.

Old Monk (Demon's Souls)

The Old Monk cleverly integrates PvP into the boss experience. Controlled by another player, the challenge varies, but the unexpected invasion during a boss fight is a memorable twist.

Old Hero (Demon's Souls)

Demon's Souls' puzzle-like bosses are fascinating. The blind Old Hero, whose attacks are easily avoided but whose hearing makes the fight a stealth challenge, is a unique and inventive encounter. It foreshadows later bosses like Rennala (Elden Ring) and the Folding Screen Monkeys (Sekiro).

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

Dragons are frequent FromSoftware antagonists, but Sinh elevates the dragon fight to an epic scale. The challenging battle within a poisonous cavern, underscored by powerful music, sets a new standard for future dragon encounters.

Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian horror. This central figure in the Healing Church's lore unleashes cosmic attacks and Frenzy, a mind-altering status effect, creating a thematically rich and unsettling encounter.

Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

Arguably Dark Souls 2's hardest boss, the Fume Knight is a whirlwind of speed and power, skillfully blending fast and heavy attacks with a fiery, devastating final weapon. Despite its difficulty, it's a thrilling and memorable fight.

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

One of Elden Ring's toughest DLC bosses, Bayle the Dread is made truly unforgettable by the NPC ally, Igon, whose intense hatred for the dragon adds a powerful emotional layer to the already challenging fight.

Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

A classic early-game gauntlet, Father Gascoigne teaches players essential skills: environmental awareness, measured aggression, and gun parrying. Mastering him is crucial for success in Bloodborne.

Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

Radahn's massive scale and the ability to summon numerous allies creates an epic, memorable battle. The sheer spectacle and the earth-shattering conclusion make this a highlight of Elden Ring.

Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

Sif's fight is emotionally resonant. Facing Artorias' loyal companion adds a layer of melancholy and moral ambiguity to the otherwise brutal combat.

Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

Maliketh is relentlessly aggressive, even in his first phase. His brutal combos and lack of recovery time create a high-intensity, memorable fight.

Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3)

Visually stunning and mechanically unique, the Dancer's erratic attacks and unusual animations keep players constantly engaged. Her dance-like movements are both elegant and terrifying.

Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

Genichiro's first encounter is a short but memorable introduction to Sekiro's combat. The rematch atop Ashina Castle is an epic duel, testing the player's mastery of parrying and deflecting.

Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

Owl's aggressive style and arsenal of gadgets make him one of Sekiro's hardest bosses. The emotional weight of fighting one's father adds another layer to this intense encounter.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

AA P07 Balteus: A fast and challenging gatekeeper.
IA-02: Ice Worm: A cinematic battle with NPC allies and massive weaponry.
IB-01: CEL 240: A dramatic fight with a rapid-fire second phase.

Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

The Soul of Cinder perfectly embodies Dark Souls' essence. This amalgamation of past Lords utilizes diverse fighting styles, culminating in a nostalgic recreation of Gwyn's battle from the original Dark Souls.

Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel)

A punishing three-phase fight, Sister Friede's relentless aggression and the addition of Father Ariandel in the second phase create an unforgettable and brutally difficult encounter.

Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)

Orphan of Kos is terrifyingly fast and unpredictable. Its grotesque appearance and brutal attacks make this one of Bloodborne's most infamous and challenging bosses.

Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

Malenia's Waterfowl Dance and Rot attacks made her a cultural phenomenon. Her two-phase fight is incredibly challenging but visually spectacular and deeply rooted in Elden Ring's lore.

Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

The Guardian Ape is comically grotesque, using farts and feces as weapons. The shocking second phase, after an apparent defeat, is a masterful twist.

Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss)

Artorias' tragic backstory and challenging fight make him a memorable and rewarding opponent. His speed and tricky combos make this a true test of skill.

Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

A perfect example of a challenging yet fair Dark Souls boss. The two-phase fight, atop Archdragon Peak, is a visual and musical masterpiece.

Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls)

The iconic two-on-one fight established the template for future double boss battles. The unique mechanic of one boss absorbing the other's power adds to the challenge and memorability.

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

Ludwig's constantly evolving attacks and high complexity make him one of Bloodborne's most challenging and rewarding bosses. His tragic backstory adds depth to the encounter.

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 and deep connection to the game's lore make this a truly memorable final boss.

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

Lady Maria is a technically masterful duel. Her elegant yet deadly attacks and the intense music create a breathtaking and memorable encounter.

Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

Isshin embodies Sekiro's refined combat system. This four-phase battle is a relentless test of skill, culminating in a deadly dance that rewards mastery and precision. It's a fitting and unforgettable conclusion to Sekiro's journey.