Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses Ranked

FromSoftware has established itself as a premier developer of action RPGs, crafting immersive worlds filled with dark, haunting landscapes and intricate lore. Their games are renowned for their challenging yet rewarding boss encounters, which have become a hallmark of the studio’s work. As FromSoftware prepares to launch Elden Ring Nightreign, a roguelike co-op game centered around intense boss battles, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the studio’s legacy of boss design. This game will feature familiar faces from the Dark Souls series, such as the majestic Nameless King, in its roster of formidable foes.

In this article, we’re not focusing on the most difficult bosses but rather celebrating the greatest boss fights in FromSoftware’s history. We’ve considered battles across their “Soulsborne” titles—including Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon’s Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. Our selection process took into account various elements such as the music, setting, mechanical complexity, and lore significance, resulting in a list of our top 25 favorites.

25. Old Monk (Demon’s Souls)

    The Old Monk stands out due to its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Instead of a traditional AI-controlled boss, players might encounter another player controlling the Old Monk, adding a unique twist to the fight. This mechanic effectively blurs the line between player and enemy, enhancing the game’s tension.

26. Old Hero (Demon’s Souls)

    Old Hero is a standout for its puzzle-like combat, where the boss's blindness becomes a key element of strategy. The fight turns into a stealth challenge, requiring players to move silently to avoid detection by the boss's acute hearing. This unique mechanic laid the groundwork for future esoteric boss designs in FromSoftware games.

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

    Sinh represents a turning point in FromSoftware’s approach to dragon fights. Set in a poisonous cavern, the battle against Sinh is accompanied by epic music and intense combat, setting a new standard for the thrilling dragon encounters that followed.

28. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

    Ebrietas embodies the eldritch horror theme of Bloodborne, drawing heavily from Lovecraftian influences. As a key figure in the game’s lore, her attacks, such as opening the cosmos to unleash arcane energy, create a thematically rich and memorable fight.

29. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

    Fume Knight is known for his brutal combination of speed and power, wielding both a long-sword and a massive Buster Sword. His ability to combine these into a flame sword adds to the fight’s intensity, making it one of the most challenging and engaging encounters in Dark Souls 2.

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

    The battle against Bayle the Dread is elevated by the presence of the NPC ally Igon, whose passionate cries add a unique layer of excitement. This fight is not only tough but also emotionally charged, making it a standout in Elden Ring.

31. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

    Father Gascoigne serves as an early test of player skill in Bloodborne, teaching crucial mechanics like environmental use and parrying. His transformation and aggressive combat style make him a memorable and essential part of the game’s narrative.

32. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

    Starscourge Radahn’s fight is a spectacle of scale and spectacle, set against a vast battlefield. The ability to summon numerous NPC allies adds an epic feel to the battle, culminating in a dramatic and earth-shattering conclusion.

33. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

    Sif’s fight is emotionally charged, as players must confront Artorias’s loyal wolf guarding his grave. The battle’s poignant atmosphere and narrative depth make it a beloved encounter, highlighting the moral complexity of FromSoftware’s worlds.

34. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

    Maliketh is one of the most aggressive bosses in FromSoftware’s catalog, with relentless attacks and a high-intensity second phase. His fight is a testament to the studio’s ability to create memorable, challenging encounters.

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

    The Dancer’s unique animation and erratic combat style make her a visually and technically impressive boss. Her dance-like movements are both beautiful and deadly, adding to the fight’s memorable nature.

36. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

    Genichiro’s encounters in Sekiro are pivotal, testing players’ mastery of the game’s parry and deflect mechanics. The climactic duel atop Ashina Castle is a highlight, showcasing the game’s swordplay at its finest.

37. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

    The fight against Owl is emotionally charged and physically demanding, featuring intense combat and lethal gadgets. His ability to teleport adds to the fight’s thrill, making it one of Sekiro’s most memorable encounters.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While this list focuses on FromSoftware’s “Soulsborne” titles, it’s worth mentioning Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, which features thrilling boss fights built on similar principles of pattern recognition and strategic retaliation. Notable bosses include AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, each offering unique challenges and cinematic flair.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

    As the final boss of Dark Souls 3, the Soul of Cinder encapsulates the series’ essence with its varied combat styles and haunting connection to the original game’s final boss, Gwyn. Its second phase, with its multi-strike combos, is particularly iconic.

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

    Sister Friede’s three-phase battle is a brutal test of endurance, featuring relentless aggression and a challenging middle phase with Father Ariandel. The fight’s complexity and thematic depth make it one of the series’ most punishing encounters.

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

    The Orphan of Kos is notorious for its speed and unpredictability, embodying the horror of Bloodborne. Its grotesque appearance and relentless attacks make it a nightmarish yet unforgettable boss fight.

15. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

    Malenia’s fight is a defining moment in Elden Ring, challenging players with her waterfowl dance and devastating second phase. Her connection to the game’s lore adds depth to an already visually stunning battle.

16. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

    The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, using poison gas and feces in its attacks. The shocking second phase, where the ape fights even after decapitation, is one of FromSoftware’s most memorable twists.

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

    Artorias’s tragic backstory and challenging combat make his fight a rite of passage for Dark Souls players. His rapid attacks and intricate combos demand mastery of the game’s mechanics.

18. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

    The Nameless King is a perfect example of a well-designed Dark Souls boss, with clear attack telegraphing and a thrilling two-phase battle. Fought amidst a storm on Archdragon Peak, the fight is enhanced by one of the series’ best musical themes.

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

    Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights, with their unique mechanics and influence on the genre. The fight’s challenge and impact on subsequent games make it a landmark encounter.

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

    Ludwig’s complex, evolving combat and tragic backstory make him one of Bloodborne’s most memorable bosses. His transformation and the variety of attacks he unleashes create a thrilling and challenging fight.

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

    Gael’s fight is the ultimate test of skill, with a dramatic transformation and a connection to the Dark Souls narrative. Fought on a battlefield that symbolizes the end of the world, it’s an epic conclusion to the trilogy.

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

    Lady Maria’s fight is a masterclass in technical combat, with her twin swords and blood powers creating a high-intensity duel. Her connection to the game’s lore and the fight’s elegance make it a standout encounter.

23. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

    Isshin’s four-phase battle is the pinnacle of Sekiro’s combat system, requiring mastery of every technique learned throughout the game. His relentless attacks and the fight’s precision make it FromSoftware’s finest boss battle.

Our journey through FromSoftware’s greatest boss fights is complete. Did we miss one of your favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments below. You can also rank these 25 bosses using the IGN Tier List tool.