FromSoftware has carved out a legendary status in the world of action RPGs, masterfully crafting journeys into dark, foreboding worlds brimming with both terror and awe. While their intricate level and lore design is unparalleled, FromSoftware's true hallmark remains their bosses: formidable adversaries that challenge players to the brink of their abilities.
In their upcoming title, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on this focus. This roguelike-inspired co-op game is centered entirely on combat, with each run challenging players to face an escalating series of boss encounters. As revealed in the first trailer, some of these bosses are returning favorites from the Dark Souls series, including the majestic Nameless King.
This list isn't about the most difficult bosses; it's about the greatest bosses in FromSoftware's history. We've considered battles from their "Soulsborne" titles—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon’s Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy—evaluating not just the challenge, but the music, setting, mechanical complexity, lore significance, and more. Here are our top 25 picks based on these criteria.
25. Old Monk (Demon’s Souls)
The Old Monk stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Instead of facing a traditional AI boss, you might encounter another player controlling the Monk. This unique twist, dependent on the skill of the player summoned, serves as a constant reminder of the ever-present threat of invasions, even during a boss fight.
24. Old Hero (Demon’s Souls)
Old Hero exemplifies the puzzle-style combat that Demon’s Souls introduced. This blind, ancient warrior swings wildly, yet his reliance on sound creates a stealth-like encounter. Though not overly challenging, the fight against Old Hero is a unique experience that set the stage for later, more esoteric boss designs.
23. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King)
Sinh marks a pivotal moment in FromSoftware's dragon fights, transitioning from early prototypes to epic confrontations. Set in a poisonous cavern with swelling music, this battle against the slumbering dragon is a thrilling template for future encounters.
22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)
Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian themes, being the worshipped entity behind the Healing Church's Blood Ministration. Though her fight may not be as fearsome as her backstory suggests, it's rich in thematic elements, with attacks that evoke cosmic horror.
21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)
Fume Knight is renowned for his challenging nature, combining speed and power with dual-wielded weapons. His ability to merge his swords into a giant flame sword adds a thrilling dynamic to an already intense duel.
20. Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)
Bayle the Dread's fight is elevated by the presence of NPC ally Igon, whose passionate hatred for the dragon adds depth and excitement to an already intense battle. This encounter stands out as one of the most memorable in Elden Ring.
19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)
Father Gascoigne is a pivotal early test in Bloodborne, requiring players to master the game’s mechanics. His ability to counter and outlast players demands strategic use of the environment and parrying, setting the stage for future challenges.
18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)
Radahn's battle is a spectacle of scale and creativity, set against a vast festival battlefield. The ability to summon numerous NPCs adds to the epic feel, culminating in a dramatic, earth-shattering conclusion that reveals new layers to Elden Ring's world.
17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)
Sif's fight is laden with emotion, as players must confront Artorias' loyal companion guarding his grave. This encounter is less about difficulty and more about the poignant narrative and atmosphere, leaving a lasting impact.
16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)
Maliketh is a relentless, aggressive adversary whose high-intensity fight keeps players on edge from start to finish. His transformation into the Black Blade in the second phase adds a thrilling escalation to an already formidable challenge.
15. Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3)
The Dancer's unique, dance-like combat style and eerie animations make her a visually and technically captivating fight. Her unpredictable attacks keep players guessing, showcasing the prowess of Dark Souls 3's animation team.
14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)
Genichiro's battles are memorable for their setting and intensity, from the initial moonlit field to the epic duel atop Ashina Castle. These encounters test players' mastery of Sekiro's parrying and deflecting mechanics.
13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)
Facing Owl in Sekiro's Purification ending is both emotionally and physically challenging. His aggressive attacks and clever use of gadgets make for a thrilling fight, especially in the second phase with his spectral owl teleportations.
Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6
While focused on "Soulsborne" games, we can't overlook Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. Its boss fights, like AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, blend Soulslike mechanics with cinematic flair, showcasing FromSoftware's versatility.
12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)
As the embodiment of Dark Souls' essence, the Soul of Cinder's fight is a culmination of the series' combat styles. Its second phase, echoing the original game's final boss, offers a hauntingly beautiful end to the trilogy.
11. Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel)
Sister Friede's three-phase battle is a grueling test of endurance. Her relentless aggression and the dramatic middle phase with Father Ariandel create an unforgettable challenge.
10. Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
The Orphan of Kos is a nightmarish foe, known for its speed and unpredictable attacks. Its grotesque form and use of its own placenta as a weapon make this fight truly harrowing.
9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)
Malenia has become a cultural phenomenon, challenging players with her two-phase battle that tests dueling skills. Her waterfowl dance and the Goddess of Rot transformation are visually stunning and deeply rooted in Elden Ring's lore.
8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)
The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, from its comedic toilet humor to the shocking second phase where it reanimates after decapitation. This fight is a masterclass in surprise and intensity.
7. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss)
Artorias is a tragic figure whose fight is both exhilarating and a rite of passage for Dark Souls players. His rapid attacks and challenging combos make defeating him a significant achievement.
6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)
The Nameless King is the epitome of a Dark Souls boss, offering a fair yet challenging fight. His two-phase battle, from the dragon duel to the grounded finale, is set against a stunning backdrop and accompanied by an iconic musical theme.
5. Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls)
Ornstein and Smough set the standard for dual boss fights, with the survivor absorbing the fallen's power. This battle's influence on the genre and its intense challenge make it unforgettable.
4. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Ludwig's complex, evolving fight requires players to embrace Bloodborne's aggressive style. His tragic backstory and the iconic Moonlight Great Sword make him a standout boss.
3. Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City)
Gael's fight is a mythic conclusion to Dark Souls 3, with a dramatic transformation and a battle set against a backdrop of existential ashes. His connection to the series' lore makes his defeat a momentous occasion.
2. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)
Lady Maria's fight is a masterclass in technical dueling, with her twin swords and blood powers creating a crescendo of intensity. Her defeat is a poignant moment in Bloodborne's narrative.
1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)
Isshin's four-phase battle encapsulates everything that makes Sekiro special, with a focus on precise, elegant combat. This climactic fight against the legendary warrior is FromSoftware's finest, offering unparalleled satisfaction upon victory.
Our ranking of the top 25 FromSoftware bosses celebrates the studio's ability to create memorable, challenging, and deeply immersive encounters. Did we miss your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments.
