Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses Ranked

FromSoftware has solidified its reputation as a master of action RPGs, crafting unforgettable journeys into grimdark worlds filled with both horror and wonder. While their level and lore design are unparalleled, FromSoftware's most enduring legacy lies in their bosses—challenging, often terrifying adversaries that test players to their limits.

With their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is taking a bold step by focusing entirely on boss encounters. This roguelike-inspired co-op game emphasizes combat, with each run challenging players against increasingly difficult bosses. Notably, the first trailer showcased some returning favorites from the Dark Souls series, including the majestic Nameless King.

Our list isn't about the most difficult bosses; it's a celebration of the greatest boss fights in FromSoftware's history. We've considered battles across their "Soulsborne" titles—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. Each fight was evaluated on various aspects, including the music, setting, mechanical complexity, and lore significance. Here are our top 25 favorites, ranked according to these criteria.

25. Old Monk (Demon's Souls)

The Old Monk in 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. The challenge varies based on the summoned player's skill, but this unique twist effectively reminds players of the ever-present threat of enemy invasions, even during boss fights.

24. Old Hero (Demon's Souls)

While later games have eclipsed many of Demon's Souls' bosses, its puzzle-style encounters remain captivating. Old Hero exemplifies this, being a towering, blind ancient warrior whose attacks are wild yet avoidable due to his inability to see. The fight transforms into a stealth challenge as players must navigate his hearing to strike silently. Old Hero laid the groundwork for innovative bosses like Elden Ring's Rennala and Sekiro's Folding Screen Monkeys.

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

Dragons are a staple of FromSoftware's toughest bosses, but early dragon fights felt like prototypes compared to later epic encounters. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon, marks a turning point in Dark Souls 2's Sunken Crown DLC, with its challenging battle in a poisonous cavern, accompanied by swelling music, setting the standard for future dragon fights.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

Bloodborne is steeped in Lovecraftian horror, and none embodies this more than Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos. A tentacled, winged abomination, she is central to the game's lore, worshipped by the Healing Church and responsible for the Blood Ministration. Her attacks, including cosmic energy blasts and Frenzy-inducing blood, create a thematically rich encounter.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

Arguably the toughest fight in Dark Souls 2, Fume Knight wields two weapons, switching between a swift longsword and a heavy Buster Sword. He later combines them into a formidable flame sword. His combination of speed and power makes for an exhilarating and challenging fight.

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

The battle against Bayle the Dread is one of the hardest in Elden Ring's DLC, but it's the presence of NPC ally Igon that elevates it. Igon's passionate hatred for Bayle adds depth and excitement to an already intense dragon fight.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

Every FromSoftware game features an early proving ground, and Bloodborne's Father Gascoigne is one of the best. He tests players' understanding of the game's mechanics, requiring strategic use of the environment and parrying to overcome his aggressive attacks.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

Elden Ring is known for its epic encounters, and the battle against Starscourge Radahn on a festival battlefield is no exception. His mastery of gravity magic and the ability to summon NPC allies like Blaidd and Iron Fist Alexander create a memorable and grandiose fight.

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

The emotional weight of facing Great Grey Wolf Sif, Artorias' loyal companion, guarding his master's grave, adds a layer of melancholy to Dark Souls. Despite not being the most challenging, the fight's atmosphere and story impact make it one of the series' most memorable moments.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

Maliketh is one of the most aggressive bosses in FromSoftware's catalog. His relentless attacks and complex combos in both phases make for a high-intensity battle that stands out in Elden Ring.

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

The Dancer of the Boreal Valley in Dark Souls 3 is visually and mechanically unique. Her erratic movements and long, curved blades keep players on edge, with animations that are hard to predict, making her fight both challenging and memorable.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

The first encounter with Genichiro Ashina in Sekiro takes place on a moonlit field of reeds, while the second atop Ashina Castle is an epic duel. Learning to deflect his attacks, including literal lightning, tests players' mastery of Sekiro's parrying system.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

Owl (Father) in Sekiro is an emotionally charged fight against Wolf's traitorous father. His aggressive attacks and use of shuriken and smoke add to the intensity, culminating in a thrilling battle that tests players' skills.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While our focus remains on FromSoftware's "Soulsborne" titles, it's worth mentioning Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. This game introduced boss fights that echo the Souls series' pattern memorization and strategic retaliation. Notable bosses include AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, each bringing unique challenges and cinematic flair.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

The Soul of Cinder in Dark Souls 3 embodies the essence of the series. As the final boss, it uses an array of fighting styles, culminating in a second phase that mirrors the original Dark Souls' final boss, Gwyn. This fight beautifully encapsulates the trilogy's journey.

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

Sister Friede in the Ashes of Ariandel DLC is a three-phase endurance test. Her relentless aggression, combined with the middle phase's simultaneous fight against Father Ariandel, makes for one of the most punishing encounters in the Dark Souls series.

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

Bloodborne's Orphan of Kos is notorious for its speed and unpredictability. Its grotesque form and use of its own placenta as a weapon create a nightmarish battle that tests players' reflexes and patience.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

Malenia, Blade of Miquella, became a cultural phenomenon in Elden Ring. Her two-phase fight, featuring the waterfowl dance and scarlet rot, challenges players' dueling skills and remains one of the game's most memorable encounters.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

Sekiro's Guardian Ape is both comedic and horrifying. Its initial fight is marked by humorous moments, but the true shock comes when it revives after decapitation, leading to a frenzied battle with its reanimated corpse.

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

Knight Artorias is a tragic figure in Dark Souls' lore, and his fight is equally exhilarating. His rapid attacks and combos make defeating him feel like a rite of passage for mastering the game.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

The Nameless King is a perfect example of a Dark Souls boss—challenging yet fair. His two-phase fight, atop a storm-swept Archdragon Peak, is accompanied by one of the series' best musical themes, making for an unforgettable encounter.

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

Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights in FromSoftware games. Their ability to absorb each other's power and become stronger adds a unique twist that has influenced the genre.

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

Ludwig's complex fight in Bloodborne evolves as players progress, requiring mastery of the game's aggressive combat style. His transformation and use of the Moonlight Great Sword encapsulate the game's tragic lore.

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

Slave Knight Gael's fight in The Ringed City DLC is a fitting conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy. His transformation and array of abilities, set against a backdrop of orchestral music and the ashes of existence, make for an epic and memorable battle.

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

Lady Maria's fight in Bloodborne is a masterclass in dueling. Her twin swords and pistol, combined with her blood powers, create an intense battle that requires precise dodging and parrying.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

Isshin, the Sword Saint, in Sekiro is the culmination of the game's focused combat system. The four-phase battle against Genichiro and then Isshin tests players' mastery of every technique learned throughout the game. Its precision and elegance make it FromSoftware's finest boss fight.

Our journey through the top 25 FromSoftware bosses celebrates the studio's ability to create unforgettable encounters that challenge and inspire players. Did we miss your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below.