Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses Ranked

FromSoftware has established itself as a leading developer of action RPGs, known for crafting unforgettable journeys into grimdark lands filled with equal parts horror and wonder. While the studio is renowned for its intricate level and lore design, its most enduring legacy is undoubtedly its bosses: challenging, often horrific foes that test players' skills to their limits.

For its upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on its focus on bosses. This roguelike-inspired co-op game emphasizes combat, with each run challenging players to face an increasingly difficult series of bosses. Notably, the first trailer revealed that some of these bosses are returning favorites 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 boss fights FromSoftware has created. We've considered battles from across their "Soulsborne" style games, including Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. Our assessment goes beyond mere difficulty, taking into account the music, setting, mechanical complexity, lore significance, and other crucial elements. Here are our top 25 picks, based on these comprehensive criteria.

25. Old Monk (Demon's Souls)

The Old Monk from Demon's Souls stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Rather than facing a traditional AI-controlled boss, players might encounter another player controlling the Monk. The challenge level depends on the summoned player's skill, but this unique twist effectively reinforces the ever-present threat of player invasions, even during boss encounters.

24. Old Hero (Demon's Souls)

While many of Demon's Souls' bosses have been outshined by later games, its puzzle-style battles remain intriguing highlights in FromSoft's catalog. Old Hero, a towering, blind warrior, represents this well. His inability to see you means he swings wildly, making evasion easy, but his acute hearing turns the fight into a stealth challenge. This unique encounter laid the groundwork for similarly esoteric bosses in future titles.

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

Dragons are typically among FromSoftware's most formidable foes, and Sinh marks a pivotal moment in their evolution. Fought in a poisonous cavern with swelling music, this battle against the Slumbering Dragon set a new standard for epic dragon encounters in FromSoft's games.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

Bloodborne's Ebrietas embodies the game's Lovecraftian themes. As a central figure in the game's lore, her battle is rich with thematic significance. Her attacks, ranging from cosmic energy blasts to Frenzy-inducing blood vomit, make for a memorable showdown that resonates with the game's dark atmosphere.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

Fume Knight is arguably the most challenging boss in Dark Souls 2, combining speed and brute force. His ability to wield two weapons, eventually merging them into a formidable flame sword, makes for a thrilling and demanding fight that showcases FromSoft's skill in crafting duel-style encounters.

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

The battle against Bayle the Dread is not only one of the hardest in Elden Ring's DLC but is elevated by the presence of NPC ally Igon. His intense hatred for Bayle adds a thrilling layer to an already intense dragon fight, making it one of the series' best encounters.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

Father Gascoigne serves as a crucial early test in Bloodborne, challenging players to master the game's mechanics. His ability to counter-attack and outlast players who rely solely on reflexes forces players to use the environment and learn parrying, setting the stage for later challenges.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

Elden Ring's Starscourge Radahn is a spectacle of scale and spectacle. His gravity magic and the ability to summon numerous NPC allies, including fan favorites like Blaidd and Iron Fist Alexander, make for an epic battle that lives up to its "Festival of Combat" moniker.

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

The emotional weight of fighting Great Grey Wolf Sif, Artorias' loyal companion, adds a poignant layer to this Dark Souls encounter. Guarding his master's grave, Sif's fight is less about difficulty and more about the story and atmosphere, making it a memorable and enduring moment.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

Maliketh is one of the most aggressive bosses in Soulslike history. His relentless attacks and rapid transitions between phases create a high-intensity battle that remains one of Elden Ring's most memorable fights.

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

The Dancer of the Boreal Valley is a visually and technically unique boss in Dark Souls 3. Her erratic movements and long-limbed attacks keep players guessing, making for an eerie and challenging encounter.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

Genichiro Ashina's first encounter in Sekiro is brief but memorable, set in a moonlit field of reeds. The rematch atop Ashina Castle, however, is an epic duel that tests players' mastery of parrying and deflecting, encapsulating Sekiro's combat philosophy.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

Owl, the traitorous father figure in Sekiro, provides a thrilling and emotionally charged battle. His aggressive attacks and use of gadgets, combined with the fight's narrative significance, make for an unforgettable encounter.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While we focused on FromSoftware's "Soulsborne" games, it's worth noting 2023's Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. This game brought back FromSoft's tradition of challenging boss fights, with standout encounters like AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240 showcasing the studio's flair for cinematic and intense battles.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

The Soul of Cinder encapsulates the essence of Dark Souls with its amalgamation of fighting styles. Its second phase, reminiscent of Gwyn from the original game, provides a haunting and beautiful conclusion to the trilogy.

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

Sister Friede's three-phase battle in the Ashes of Ariandel DLC is one of the most punishing in the Dark Souls series. Her relentless aggression and the dramatic shift to fighting alongside Father Ariandel create an epic and challenging encounter.

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

The Orphan of Kos is Bloodborne's most infamous boss, known for its terrifying speed and unpredictable attacks. Its grotesque form and use of its own placenta as a weapon make it a nightmare-inducing battle.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

Malenia defined the Elden Ring experience for many players, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Her two-stage fight, featuring the iconic waterfowl dance and devastating Scarlet Rot, is both a visual spectacle and a formidable challenge.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

The Guardian Ape in Sekiro combines humor with horror. Its initial defeat is a false victory, as the ape rises again, headless and wielding its own sword, turning the fight into a frenzied nightmare.

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

Knight Artorias is a tragic figure in Dark Souls lore, and his fight is an exhilarating challenge. Overcoming his rapid attacks and tricky combos feels like a rite of passage for mastering the game.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

The Nameless King is a perfect Dark Souls boss, offering a fair yet difficult fight. His two-phase battle, featuring a dragon duel and a thrilling ground fight, set against a storm and accompanied by an iconic theme, makes for an unforgettable experience.

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

Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights in FromSoftware games. The dynamic of one boss absorbing the other's power after defeat adds a unique twist, making this battle both challenging and influential.

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

Ludwig's complex battle in Bloodborne evolves as you fight, requiring players to embrace the game's aggressive style. His tragic backstory and use of the Moonlight Great Sword make him a standout boss in FromSoft's catalog.

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

Slave Knight Gael's battle is mythic in scope, serving as the final challenge of Dark Souls 3. His transformation and the epic setting, combined with a powerful soundtrack, make this fight a fitting conclusion to the series.

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

Lady Maria's fight in Bloodborne is a masterclass in technical dueling. Her twin swords and blood powers create an intense battle that ramps up in intensity, culminating in a satisfying victory.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

Isshin, the Sword Saint, is the pinnacle of Sekiro's focused combat system. His four-phase battle demands mastery of every technique learned throughout the game, making it the ultimate test of skill and providing an unmatched sense of accomplishment upon victory.

Our ranking of the top 25 FromSoftware bosses celebrates the studio's ability to craft challenging, memorable, and lore-rich encounters. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know your picks in the comments. You can also rank these 25 bosses yourself using the IGN Tier List tool below.