The 25 Best FromSoftware Bosses

FromSoftware: A Pantheon of Bosses – Ranking the 25 Greatest Battles

FromSoftware has mastered the art of the challenging boss fight, crafting memorable encounters that test skill and leave a lasting impression. Their "Soulsborne" games – Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy – are brimming with iconic adversaries. This isn't a difficulty ranking, but a celebration of the greatest boss fights, considering factors like music, setting, mechanics, lore, and overall impact.

25. Old Monk (Demon's Souls)

The Old Monk ingeniously blends PvE and PvP, potentially pitting you against a player-controlled opponent. While difficulty varies, it's a unique reminder of the ever-present threat of invasion.

24. Old Hero (Demon's Souls)

Demon's Souls' puzzle-like encounters are fascinating, and Old Hero epitomizes this. Blind but keenly aware of sound, this fight transforms into a stealth-based challenge, a precursor to later, more nuanced boss designs.

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

Sinh elevates the dragon fight to epic proportions. The challenging encounter within a poisonous cavern, coupled with the soaring music, sets a new standard for dragon battles in FromSoftware's games.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian horror. Her cosmic attacks and Frenzy-inducing blood perfectly capture the game's themes, creating a thematically rich and memorable showdown.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

Arguably Dark Souls 2's hardest boss, the Fume Knight's blend of speed and power makes for a thrilling, challenging, and ultimately rewarding fight.

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

Bayle the Dread's difficulty is amplified by the emotional intensity provided by the NPC ally, Igon. His visceral hatred for the dragon adds another layer to an already challenging and memorable battle.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

A quintessential early-game gauntlet, Father Gascoigne forces players to master core mechanics like environmental awareness and gun parrying. Overcoming him is a crucial stepping stone in Bloodborne.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

Radahn's colossal scale and the ability to summon allies make this a truly epic encounter. The sheer spectacle and inventive design cement its place among the greats.

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

Sif's fight is less about raw challenge and more about emotional weight. The melancholic atmosphere and the story behind this loyal companion create a deeply affecting experience.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

Maliketh is relentless aggression personified. His brutal attacks and unforgiving second phase make for a high-intensity, memorable fight, even if it's incredibly difficult.

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

Visually stunning and mechanically unique, the Dancer's erratic movements and unpredictable attacks demand precise timing and adaptation.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

Genichiro's duel, especially the climactic rematch, is a masterclass in tension and spectacle. It perfectly showcases Sekiro's parry-focused combat and serves as a crucial skill check.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

Owl's fight is brutal and emotionally charged. His aggressive style, arsenal of gadgets, and spectral owl teleport add to the challenge and intensity of facing your father figure.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While outside the "Soulsborne" scope, Armored Core 6 features incredible boss fights. AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240 showcase FromSoftware's continued excellence in boss design.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

The Soul of Cinder is a poignant and challenging culmination of the Dark Souls trilogy. Its unpredictable fighting style and homage to Gwyn make it a fitting finale.

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

Sister Friede's three-phase fight is a grueling test of endurance and skill. The combination of Friede's relentless aggression and Father Ariandel's fiery attacks creates a truly memorable and punishing encounter.

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

Orphan of Kos is a terrifyingly fast and aggressive boss. His unpredictable combos and grotesque appearance make for a truly nightmarish experience.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

Malenia's infamous difficulty and stunning visuals, combined with her rich lore, make her a cultural phenomenon and a truly memorable boss.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

The Guardian Ape's comedic elements and shocking second phase, where it reanimates after being decapitated, create a uniquely memorable and challenging fight.

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

Artorias' tragic backstory and challenging fight make him a fan favorite. His speed and aggressive attacks require mastery of Dark Souls' combat.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

The Nameless King's two-phase fight, featuring a mounted dragon segment and a thrilling ground duel, is a spectacle of skill and unforgettable atmosphere.

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

Ornstein and Smough's iconic two-on-one fight established a template for future games and remains a challenging and memorable experience. Their power-up mechanic adds an extra layer of complexity.

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

Ludwig's evolving moveset and relentless attacks demand precise timing and adaptability. His tragic backstory adds depth to the already challenging encounter.

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

Gael's epic two-phase fight, culminating in a battle against the Dark Soul itself, is a fitting and unforgettable conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy.

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

Lady Maria's elegant and deadly duel is a masterclass in Bloodborne's combat. Her precise movements and powerful attacks create a thrilling and memorable encounter.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

Isshin, the Sword Saint, embodies Sekiro's combat at its finest. His four-phase fight is a relentless test of skill, demanding mastery of every technique learned throughout the game. His precise and elegant combat style makes for a truly unforgettable final battle.

This ranking reflects a subjective assessment. What's your favorite FromSoftware boss fight? Let us know!