The 25 Best FromSoftware Bosses

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

FromSoftware has mastered the art of the challenging boss fight, crafting unforgettable encounters that test skill and push players to their limits. Their "Soulsborne" games – Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy – are brimming with memorable adversaries. 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 those criteria:

25. Old Monk (Demon’s Souls)

A unique take on PvP invasions, the Old Monk is controlled by another player, offering a variable challenge and a constant reminder of the game's unpredictable nature.

24. Old Hero (Demon’s Souls)

Demon's Souls' puzzle-like encounters shine here. The blind Old Hero necessitates a stealthy approach, making for a unique and memorable fight despite its relative ease.

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

A pivotal moment in FromSoftware's dragon design, Sinh sets the standard for epic, terrifying dragon encounters in a poisonous cavern, accompanied by a powerful score.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian horror. Her cosmic attacks and Frenzy-inducing blood highlight the game's thematic depth.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

Arguably Dark Souls 2's hardest fight, the Fume Knight's speed and power, combined with his dual-wielding and flame-infused attacks, create a thrilling and challenging encounter.

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

One of Elden Ring's toughest DLC bosses, Bayle the Dread's fight is elevated by the unforgettable, hate-filled commentary from the NPC ally, Igon.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

Bloodborne's early proving ground boss. Mastering Father Gascoigne teaches crucial skills like environmental awareness, measured aggression, and gun parries, essential for later challenges.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

A spectacle of scale and summoning, Radahn's battle on a vast battlefield, with the option to summon numerous NPCs, creates an unforgettable and epic encounter.

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

A heart-wrenching fight against Artorias' loyal companion, Sif's battle is heavy with atmosphere and emotional weight, showcasing the game's morally grey characters.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

Pure aggression personified. Maliketh's relentless attacks and two phases create a high-intensity fight that's unforgettable for its brutal pace.

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

Visually stunning and technically unique, the Dancer's unpredictable attacks and eerie design make for a memorable and challenging encounter.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

Memorable for its multiple encounters, Genichiro's fight tests Sekiro's core mechanics and culminates in an epic duel atop Ashina castle.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

An emotionally charged and brutally difficult fight against Wolf's father, Owl's aggressive tactics and spectral owl teleportation make for a thrilling encounter.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

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

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

The embodiment of Dark Souls, Soul of Cinder's unpredictable fighting style and homage to Gwyn make for a fitting and emotionally resonant final boss.

11. 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 a truly grueling but rewarding encounter.

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

Bloodborne's most infamous foe, the Orphan of Kos's terrifying speed and unpredictable attacks make for a truly nightmarish encounter.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

A cultural phenomenon, Malenia's two-phase fight, featuring her deadly Waterfowl Dance and Rot attacks, is both challenging and visually spectacular.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

Comically brutal, the Guardian Ape's unexpected second phase, after a seemingly successful decapitation, is a memorable and shocking twist.

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

A tragic figure and a challenging boss, Artorias' fight is a rite of passage for Dark Souls players, testing skill and endurance.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

A perfect example of a Dark Souls boss, the Nameless King's two-phase fight, featuring a dragon mount and a grounded duel, is both challenging and visually stunning.

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

The quintessential two-on-one boss fight, Ornstein and Smough's battle set the template for many future encounters and remains unforgettable for its unique challenge.

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

Bloodborne's most complex boss, Ludwig's constantly evolving attacks and tragic backstory create a memorable and challenging encounter.

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

A mythical and challenging final boss, Gael's fight, with its two phases and powerful attacks, is a momentous occasion for any Dark Souls player.

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

A technically accomplished duel, Lady Maria's fight is intense and memorable, showcasing Bloodborne's fast-paced combat and tragic lore.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

The pinnacle of Sekiro's combat, Isshin's four-phase fight perfectly embodies the game's focused combat system, creating an exhilarating and rewarding final encounter.

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