FromSoftware has solidified its status as a master of action RPGs, crafting immersive journeys into dark, haunting worlds that blend horror and wonder in equal parts. While their intricate level and lore design are unparalleled, it's their bosses that truly define FromSoft's legacy—challenging, often terrifying adversaries that test players' limits.
In their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on this focus, presenting a roguelike co-op experience that centers entirely on combat. Each run through Nightreign challenges players with progressively tougher bosses, including some familiar faces from the Dark Souls series, like the majestic Nameless King, as revealed in the first trailer.
This article is not a ranking of the toughest bosses, but rather a celebration of the greatest boss fights FromSoftware has ever created. We've considered battles from their "Soulsborne" titles—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy—evaluating not just difficulty, but the music, setting, mechanical complexity, lore significance, and more. Here are our top 25 picks:
Old Monk (Demon's Souls)
The Old Monk stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Instead of a traditional AI boss, it can be controlled by another player, turning the battle into a thrilling, unpredictable encounter that underscores the ever-present threat of enemy invasions.Old Hero (Demon's Souls)
Demon's Souls' Old Hero is a unique puzzle-style fight against a blind, ancient warrior. His inability to see forces players into a stealth-like strategy, sneaking to attack and then retreating, setting a precedent for later esoteric boss designs.Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King)
Sinh marks a turning point in FromSoft's dragon fights, delivering an epic and challenging battle in a poisonous cavern, accompanied by stirring music, setting a new standard for future encounters.Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)
Ebrietas embodies the Lovecraftian horror at the heart of Bloodborne, her tentacles and arcane attacks reflecting the game's dark themes and providing a thematically rich showdown.Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)
Fume Knight stands out as one of Dark Souls 2's toughest fights, wielding dual weapons with speed and power, culminating in a formidable flame sword, making him both challenging and enjoyable to battle.Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)
The fight against Bayle the Dread is elevated by the unforgettable NPC ally, Igon, whose passionate hatred for the dragon adds an extra layer of intensity to an already thrilling encounter.Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)
Father Gascoigne serves as Bloodborne's early proving ground, challenging players to master the game's mechanics, using the environment and strategic parrying to overcome this formidable foe.Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)
Radahn's battle is a spectacle of epic proportions, featuring a vast battlefield and the ability to summon numerous NPC allies, culminating in a dramatic, earth-shattering conclusion.Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)
Sif's fight is emotionally charged, as players are forced to confront Artorias' loyal wolf guarding its master's grave, a poignant reminder of the moral complexity within FromSoft's worlds.Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)
Maliketh's aggressive combat style, especially in his second phase, makes him a relentless and memorable boss, demanding precise timing and strategy from players.Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3)
The Dancer's visually stunning and technically unique fight with her erratic, dance-like movements and long limbs keeps players on their toes, showcasing FromSoft's animation prowess.Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)
Genichiro's memorable battles, especially atop Ashina Castle, test players' mastery of Sekiro's parrying and deflecting mechanics, culminating in epic duels.Owl (Father) (Sekiro)
Owl's fight is both emotionally and physically intense, requiring players to navigate his aggressive attacks and lethal gadgets, culminating in a thrilling confrontation.
Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6
While our focus remains on the "Soulsborne" titles, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon deserves recognition for its thrilling boss fights, such as AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, which blend Souls-like mechanics with cinematic action.
Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)
As the embodiment of Dark Souls' essence, the Soul of Cinder's fight, with its unpredictable styles and homage to Gwyn in its second phase, is a fitting end to the trilogy.Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel)
Sister Friede's three-phase battle is a grueling test of endurance, with her relentless aggression and the added challenge of Father Ariandel in the second phase.Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
The Orphan of Kos is Bloodborne's most notorious boss, with its fast, unpredictable attacks and grotesque appearance, making it a true nightmare to face.Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)
Malenia's battle, with its two punishing stages and visual spectacle, has become a cultural phenomenon, challenging players to master her deadly maneuvers.Guardian Ape (Sekiro)
The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, surprising players with its resurrection after seeming defeat, making for a memorable and challenging encounter.Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss)
Artorias' tragic story and exhilarating fight make him a standout boss, with his rapid attacks and combos testing players' skills to the limit.Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)
The Nameless King's fair yet challenging fight, with its two distinct phases and epic setting, is a perfect example of a Dark Souls boss, complete with a memorable musical theme.Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls)
Ornstein and Smough's iconic fight set the standard for double boss encounters, with their absorbing mechanic adding a layer of strategic depth.Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Ludwig's complex and evolving fight, coupled with his tragic backstory and connection to Bloodborne's lore, make him a standout boss in the series.Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City)
Gael's mythical battle, with its epic setting and connection to the Dark Souls narrative, provides a fitting and memorable conclusion to the series.Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Lady Maria's technically challenging fight, with her twin swords and blood powers, is a thrilling duel that showcases Bloodborne's combat at its finest.Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)
Isshin's four-phase battle encapsulates everything great about Sekiro's combat, demanding precision and mastery of the game's mechanics, making it the pinnacle of FromSoftware's boss design.
Our ranking of the top 25 FromSoftware bosses celebrates the studio's ability to create unforgettable encounters that challenge and inspire players. Share your favorite bosses in the comments and rank these 25 using the IGN Tier List tool below.
### Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses
