Top 25 Bosses from FromSoftware Titles

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

FromSoftware has mastered the art of the challenging boss fight, creating unforgettable encounters that test player skill and leave a lasting impact. Their "Soulsborne" games – Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy – are filled with such moments. This isn't a difficulty ranking; it's a celebration of the greatest boss fights, considering challenge, music, setting, mechanics, lore, and more.

Here are our top 25, based on these diverse criteria:

25. Old Monk (Demon’s Souls)

A unique twist on PvP invasions, the Old Monk is sometimes controlled by another player, offering a dynamic and unpredictable challenge. The fight's impact lies in its innovative approach to online interaction, reminding players of the ever-present threat of other players.

24. Old Hero (Demon’s Souls)

Demon's Souls' puzzle-like encounters are a fascinating aspect of FromSoftware's history. The Old Hero, a blind warrior, necessitates a stealthy approach, transforming the fight into a unique game of cat-and-mouse. This innovative design foreshadowed 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)

Sinh represents a turning point in FromSoftware's dragon encounters. Set in a poisonous cavern with soaring music, this challenging fight sets a new standard for epic dragon battles, influencing future iterations.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian themes. This multi-tentacled creature, central to the Healing Church's lore, offers a thematically rich fight, utilizing cosmic attacks and the Frenzy status effect to create a truly unsettling experience.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

Arguably Dark Souls 2's hardest fight, the Fume Knight blends speed and power, utilizing dual weapons and a devastating flaming greatsword. Despite its difficulty, the fight is incredibly engaging, showcasing a unique blend of combat styles.

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

One of Elden Ring's toughest DLC bosses, Bayle the Dread is elevated by the inclusion of the NPC ally Igon. His intense hatred for Bayle adds an emotional layer to an already challenging and memorable dragon fight.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

A quintessential early-game "proving ground" boss, Father Gascoigne teaches players crucial skills like environmental awareness, measured aggression, and gun parrying, essential for future Bloodborne encounters.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

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

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

Sif's fight is emotionally resonant, highlighting the grey morality of FromSoftware's worlds. The battle against Artorias' loyal companion is memorable for its atmosphere and the tragic story it conveys.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

Maliketh is a relentlessly aggressive boss, constantly pressuring the player with long, unpredictable combos. The intensity of the fight, from his initial bestial form to his terrifying true form, makes it unforgettable.

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

Visually stunning and mechanically unique, the Dancer utilizes erratic movements and unusually timed animations to create a challenging and visually impressive fight.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

Genichiro's fight, especially the epic rematch atop Ashina Castle, is a memorable test of Sekiro's core mechanics. Mastering parrying and deflecting is crucial to victory, making it a significant moment in the game.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

A challenging and emotionally charged fight against Wolf's father, Owl utilizes aggressive tactics and teleportation to create a demanding and memorable encounter.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

• AA P07 Balteus: A fast-paced, challenging gatekeeper boss.
• IA-02: Ice Worm: A cinematic battle utilizing allied NPCs and a massive scale.
• IB-01: CEL 240: A dramatic fight with a rapid-fire second phase.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

The Soul of Cinder embodies the essence of Dark Souls, utilizing a diverse array of fighting styles and recreating the moves of Gwyn in its second phase, creating a poignant and challenging finale.

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

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

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

Orphan of Kos is a terrifyingly fast and aggressive boss, utilizing unpredictable combos and unsettling imagery to create a truly nightmarish experience.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

Malenia's iconic status is undeniable. Her two-phase fight, featuring the deadly Waterfowl Dance and the destructive Goddess of Rot form, is a challenging and visually spectacular encounter.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

The Guardian Ape is both comedic and brutally challenging. Its surprising second phase, after seemingly being defeated, is a masterclass in unexpected twists.

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

Artorias' fight is a thrilling and challenging duel, representing a rite of passage for many Dark Souls players. His tragic backstory adds depth to an already memorable encounter.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

A perfect example of a Dark Souls boss, the Nameless King offers a challenging yet fair fight across two distinct phases, set against a stunning backdrop and soundtracked by an iconic musical theme.

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

Ornstein and Smough's iconic two-on-one fight established the template for many subsequent double boss battles, influencing the genre significantly.

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

Ludwig's fight is incredibly complex, constantly evolving throughout its two phases. His numerous attacks and tragic backstory make him a memorable and challenging encounter.

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

Gael's fight is a mythical and challenging conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy. His dramatic transformation and diverse arsenal of attacks, combined with his impactful lore, make this a truly memorable finale.

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

Lady Maria's fight is a technically brilliant duel, showcasing intense combat and emotional depth. Her elegant movements and powerful attacks create a truly unforgettable encounter.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

Isshin, the Sword Saint, embodies Sekiro's focused combat system. His four-phase fight is a relentless and elegant test of skill, culminating in a deeply satisfying victory.

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