Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses Ranked

FromSoftware has established itself as a premier developer of action RPGs, crafting immersive journeys into dark, haunting worlds filled with both horror and wonder. Central to their acclaim is their mastery in designing bosses: formidable, often terrifying adversaries that challenge players to their limits.

In their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on this focus. This roguelike-inspired co-op title centers entirely on combat, with each playthrough featuring an escalating series of boss encounters. Notably, the first trailer showcased the return of iconic foes from the Dark Souls series, including the majestic Nameless King.

This article isn't just about the toughest bosses; it's a celebration of the greatest bosses in FromSoftware's history. We've delved into their "Soulsborne" titles—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy—to compile a list of the 25 most exceptional boss fights. Our criteria extend beyond mere difficulty, encompassing the music, setting, mechanical complexity, lore significance, and other nuanced details.

25. Old Monk (Demon’s Souls)

Old Monk stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Rather than a standard AI-controlled boss, Old Monk can be controlled by another player, adding an unpredictable layer of challenge that underscores the ever-present threat of invasions in FromSoftware's games.

24. Old Hero (Demon’s Souls)

Old Hero is a testament to the puzzle-like encounters in Demon's Souls. This blind, towering warrior forces players into a stealth-based confrontation, making for a unique and memorable fight that laid the groundwork for future esoteric boss designs.

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

Sinh marks a significant evolution in FromSoftware's dragon fights, setting a new standard for epic, challenging encounters. Fought in a poisonous cavern with dramatic music, Sinh is a thrilling battle that has influenced subsequent dragon fights across the series.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

Ebrietas embodies the cosmic horror of Bloodborne, her design and attacks reflecting the game's Lovecraftian themes. A key figure in the lore, her battle is both thematically rich and visually striking, with attacks that evoke the eldritch terror of the cosmos.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

Fume Knight is renowned for his dual-wielding prowess, blending speed and power in a challenging yet enjoyable fight. His ability to combine his weapons into a formidable flame sword adds a dynamic element to an already intense encounter.

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

Bayle the Dread's battle is elevated by the passionate involvement of NPC ally Igon, whose vocal hatred for the dragon adds depth and excitement. This encounter stands out as one of the most intense and memorable in Elden Ring.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

Father Gascoigne serves as a crucial early test of Bloodborne's mechanics. His fight requires strategic use of the environment and parrying, setting the stage for the skills needed to conquer the game's later challenges.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

Radahn's fight is a spectacle of scale and spectacle, featuring a festival-like battlefield and gravity-defying magic. The ability to summon numerous NPC allies adds an epic feel to the encounter, culminating in a dramatic, world-altering conclusion.

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

Sif's battle is steeped in emotion and lore, as players are forced to confront Artorias' loyal companion guarding its master's grave. This poignant encounter remains one of the most memorable moments in the Dark Souls series.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

Maliketh is a masterclass in aggressive boss design, with relentless attacks that test players' timing and precision. His transformation into the Black Blade phase intensifies the fight, making it a standout encounter in Elden Ring.

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

Dancer of the Boreal Valley is a visually and mechanically unique fight, with her erratic movements and long, curved blades keeping players on their toes. Her dance-like combat style is both eerie and challenging.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

Genichiro's battles are pivotal in Sekiro, testing players' mastery of parrying and deflecting. From the serene field of reeds to the epic duel atop Ashina Castle, these encounters are crucial to understanding the game's core mechanics.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

Owl's fight is both emotionally charged and mechanically demanding, with his aggressive tactics and lethal gadgets. The thrilling second phase, featuring teleportation via a spectral owl, adds an extra layer of excitement.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While our focus remains on FromSoftware’s "Soulsborne" titles, it's worth acknowledging 2023's Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. This game brought intense boss fights that echoed the Soulslike tradition of pattern memorization and precise retaliation. Notable mentions include AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, each showcasing FromSoftware's flair for cinematic and challenging encounters.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

As the final boss of Dark Souls 3, Soul of Cinder encapsulates the series' essence with its unpredictable fighting styles and homage to Gwyn in its second phase. It's a fitting end to the trilogy, reflecting on its roots.

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

Sister Friede's three-phase battle is a grueling endurance test, with relentless aggression and a challenging second phase involving Father Ariandel. It's a standout fight for its difficulty and thematic depth.

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

Orphan of Kos is notorious for its speed and unpredictability, making it one of Bloodborne's most feared encounters. Its grotesque design and relentless attacks make for a nightmarish fight.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

Malenia's battle is a defining moment in Elden Ring, known for its difficulty and stunning visuals. Her waterfowl dance and transformation into the Goddess of Rot are both beautiful and deadly, making her fight unforgettable.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

Guardian Ape combines comedy with horror, from its playful antics to the shocking resurrection after its "defeat." This two-phase fight is both surprising and intense, cementing its place as a memorable encounter.

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

Artorias is a tragic figure whose fight is both exhilarating and challenging. His rapid attacks and emotional backstory make overcoming him a significant achievement in Dark Souls.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

Nameless King is a masterfully designed boss, with clear telegraphs and a thrilling two-phase battle. Fought atop Archdragon Peak with an epic soundtrack, it's a perfect encapsulation of what makes Dark Souls great.

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

Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights, with their health-absorbing mechanic adding an extra layer of challenge. Their fight remains iconic and influential across the genre.

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

Ludwig's fight is a showcase of Bloodborne's complexity, with 23 unique attacks across two phases. His transformation from a frenzied beast to a tragic figure wielding the Moonlight Great Sword is a testament to FromSoftware's storytelling.

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

Gael's fight is the culmination of the Dark Souls trilogy, with his transformation and powerful abilities making for an epic conclusion. His battle on the ashes of existence, accompanied by a grand orchestral score, is a fitting end.

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

Lady Maria's fight is a masterclass in dueling, with her twin swords and blood powers creating a tense, thrilling encounter. Her battle in the Astral Clocktower is both technically demanding and emotionally resonant.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

Isshin's four-phase battle is the pinnacle of Sekiro's focused combat system. From the initial duel with Genichiro to the climactic confrontation with Isshin, this fight demands precision and mastery, making it FromSoftware's finest boss battle.

Our journey through FromSoftware's greatest bosses is complete. These encounters are not just tests of skill but also of emotion, lore, and design. If you have a favorite that didn't make our list, share it in the comments below. You can also rank these 25 bosses yourself using the IGN Tier List tool.

Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses