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 their difficulty, but also their music, setting, mechanical complexity, lore significance, and more. 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 in to strike his ankles and retreat silently. 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)
Among Bloodborne’s eldritch horrors, Ebrietas embodies the game’s Lovecraftian themes. As the creature worshipped by the Healing Church and the origin of Blood Ministration, she's central to the game's narrative. Her attacks, including cosmic energy volleys and blood-induced Frenzy, create a thematically rich and memorable fight.
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 giant flame sword adds to the challenge. Despite his difficulty, the fight is engaging and fun, blending elements of both speed and strength.
Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)
Bayle the Dread is one of the hardest bosses in Elden Ring’s DLC, but what elevates this fight is the presence of NPC ally Igon. His intense hatred for Bayle, expressed through guttural cries, adds a layer of excitement to an already thrilling battle against a fearsome dragon.
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 is known for its grand spectacles, and the battle against Starscourge Radahn is no exception. Fought on a vast battlefield during a festival, Radahn's gravity magic and meteor-like attacks create an epic encounter. The ability to summon numerous NPC allies adds to the battle's grandeur, culminating in a dramatic, earth-shattering conclusion.
Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)
FromSoft’s games often evoke melancholy, and the fight against Great Grey Wolf Sif is a poignant example. Guarding the grave of its fallen master, Artorias, Sif wields a greatsword in its jaws. Though not the most challenging, the fight's emotional weight and narrative depth make it one of the series' most memorable moments.
Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)
Maliketh is one of the most aggressive bosses in Soulslike history. His relentless attacks and swift movements make him a formidable opponent, especially in his second phase as the Black Blade. The high intensity of the fight from start to finish makes it a standout in Elden Ring.
Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3)
Dancer of the Boreal Valley is a visually stunning and technically unique boss. Her erratic movements and long limbs keep players guessing, while her dance-like combat style lives up to her name. The animation team's work on her eerie figure adds to the fight's impact.
Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)
Genichiro Ashina's first encounter in a moonlit field of reeds is memorable, but the rematch atop Ashina Castle is truly epic. This duel tests players' mastery of Sekiro’s parrying and deflecting mechanics, culminating in the thrilling challenge of deflecting lightning back at your foe.
Owl (Father) (Sekiro)
In Sekiro’s final act, facing Owl (Father) is both emotionally and physically challenging. As Wolf’s traitorous father, Owl's aggressive attacks and lethal gadgets, including shuriken and smoke, make for a thrilling fight. His ability to teleport using a spectral owl in the second phase adds to the intensity.
Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6
While focusing on FromSoftware’s "Soulsborne" games, we must acknowledge 2023’s Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. This game brought white-knuckle boss fights built on Soulsian traditions. Notable bosses include AA P07 Balteus, a swift and merciless spectacle; IA-02: Ice Worm, a cinematic battle with allied NPCs; and IB-01: CEL 240, showcasing rapid-fire action unique to Armored Core.
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 style, drawn from every Lord who linked the Flame, culminates in a second phase that echoes the original Dark Souls' final boss, Gwyn. This haunting reflection makes it a fitting end to the trilogy.
Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel)
Hidden in the Ashes of Ariandel DLC, Sister Friede is a brutal endurance test across three phases. Her relentless aggression and the addition of Father Ariandel in the second phase create a challenging and memorable fight, a true song of ice and fire.
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 that haunts players.
Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)
Malenia defined the cultural zeitgeist of Elden Ring, challenging players with her two punishing stages. Her waterfowl dance and scarlet rot attacks test players' dueling skills, while her deep connection to the game's lore adds to the fight's significance.
Guardian Ape (Sekiro)
Sekiro’s Guardian Ape combines comedy with horror. Its primal rage and toilet humor, including poison gas and poop-throwing, make for a unique fight. The twist of the ape reanimating after its head is severed adds a shocking element to the battle.
Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss)
Artorias the Abysswalker is a tragic figure in Dark Souls' lore, and his boss fight is exhilarating. His rapid attacks and tricky combos make defeating him a rite of passage for mastering the game.
Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)
Nameless King is a perfect Dark Souls boss, challenging yet fair. His two-phase fight, from dragon duel to ground combat, is set against a storm on Archdragon Peak, accompanied by one of the series' best musical themes.
Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls)
Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights, with one absorbing the other's power upon defeat. Their influence on the genre and unforgettable challenge make them a landmark battle.
Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Ludwig is Bloodborne’s most complex boss, evolving throughout the fight with 23 unique attacks. His transformation from a frenzied beast to a tragic figure wielding the Moonlight Great Sword encapsulates the game's lore and challenge.
Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City)
Slave Knight Gael is the ultimate test of skill in Dark Souls 3, with his transformation into a fallen angel wielding the Dark Soul's power. His fight, set on a battlefield of ashes, is a fitting and epic conclusion to the trilogy.
Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Lady Maria is one of Bloodborne’s most technically accomplished duelists. Her fight in the Astral Clocktower, with its escalating intensity and blood powers, is a thrilling and memorable encounter.
Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)
Isshin, the Sword Saint, is the pinnacle of Sekiro’s focused combat system. His four-phase battle, beginning with a duel against Genichiro and culminating in a deadly dance with Isshin, showcases the game's precision and elegance. 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 picks in the comments below. You can also rank these bosses yourself using the IGN Tier List tool.
### Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses
