Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses Ranked

FromSoftware has solidified its reputation as a premier developer of action RPGs, crafting unforgettable journeys through grimdark worlds filled with both horror and wonder. A hallmark of their games is their iconic bosses, which challenge players to their limits and leave lasting impressions. In their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is taking this focus on bosses to new heights. This roguelike-inspired co-op title is centered around intense combat, with each run featuring a gauntlet of increasingly difficult bosses. The first trailer showcased the return of beloved foes from the Dark Souls series, including the majestic Nameless King.

We've compiled a list not of the most difficult bosses, but of the greatest boss fights FromSoftware has ever created. These battles span across their "Soulsborne" titles—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. We evaluated each fight based on multiple factors, including the music, setting, mechanical complexity, and lore significance. Here are our top 25 picks:

25. Old Monk (Demon’s Souls) The Old Monk stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Rather than a traditional AI-controlled boss, the Old Monk can be controlled by another player, making each encounter unpredictable and thrilling. This unique mechanic serves as a constant reminder of the ever-present threat of invasions, even during boss fights.

26. Old Hero (Demon’s Souls) While many of Demon's Souls' bosses have been overshadowed by more refined designs in later games, the Old Hero remains a fascinating puzzle-style boss. This blind ancient warrior relies on sound to locate players, turning the fight into a stealth challenge. It's a unique encounter that paved the way for other innovative bosses in FromSoftware's future titles.

27. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King) Sinh represents a turning point in FromSoftware's dragon battles. Fought in a poisonous cavern with epic music, this encounter set a new standard for dragon fights, making them feel truly monumental and terrifying.

28. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne) Ebrietas is a direct nod to Lovecraftian horror, embodying Bloodborne's cosmic themes. As the origin point of the game's central conflict, she offers a thematically rich battle with devastating attacks that reflect the game's lore.

29. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2) The Fume Knight is a masterclass in dual-wielding, combining speed and power in a challenging yet enjoyable fight. His ability to merge his weapons into a massive flame sword adds a layer of excitement and difficulty.

30. Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree) The battle against Bayle the Dread is elevated by the passionate support of NPC ally Igon, whose intense hatred for the dragon adds depth to an already thrilling fight.

31. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne) Father Gascoigne serves as an early test of Bloodborne's mechanics, requiring players to master parrying and environmental tactics. His transformation adds a layer of complexity, making him a memorable early boss.

32. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring) Radahn's battle is a spectacle of epic proportions, set on a vast battlefield during a festival of combat. The ability to summon numerous NPC allies adds to the grandeur, culminating in a visually stunning and earth-shattering conclusion.

33. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls) Sif's fight is steeped in melancholy, as players are forced to confront Artorias' loyal companion. The emotional weight of this encounter, combined with its atmospheric setting, makes it one of the series' most poignant moments.

34. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring) Maliketh's aggressive style and rapid combos make him a formidable foe. His transformation in the second phase adds to the intensity, making this a high-stakes, memorable battle.

35. Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3) The Dancer's unique fighting style and visually stunning animations make her a standout boss. Her unpredictable attacks keep players on their toes, making for a challenging and memorable fight.

36. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro) Genichiro's fight is a test of Sekiro's core mechanics, requiring players to master parrying and deflecting. His second encounter on Ashina Castle is an epic duel, showcasing the game's focus on precision combat.

37. Owl (Father) (Sekiro) Facing Owl is a thrilling and emotionally charged battle. His aggressive tactics and use of gadgets make him one of Sekiro's toughest foes, culminating in a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While our list focuses on FromSoftware's "Soulsborne" games, we must acknowledge the impact of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. This 2023 release features intense boss fights that echo the studio's Soulslike traditions. Notable bosses 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, the Soul of Cinder embodies the series' essence. Its varied fighting styles and homage to the original game's final boss, Gwyn, make it a fitting and haunting conclusion to the trilogy.

13. 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 added challenge of fighting Father Ariandel in the second phase make this one of the series' most punishing encounters.

14. Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) The Orphan of Kos is a nightmarish foe, known for its speed and unpredictable attacks. Its grotesque design and challenging combat make it a standout boss in Bloodborne.

15. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring) Malenia's battle is a cultural phenomenon, challenging players with her two-phase fight that demands precision and skill. Her lore and the spectacle of her attacks make her a memorable and iconic boss.

16. Guardian Ape (Sekiro) The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, offering a unique and surprising encounter. Its unexpected resurrection adds a thrilling twist to an already intense fight.

17. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss) Artorias is a tragic figure whose fight is both challenging and emotionally resonant. Overcoming his rapid attacks feels like a true rite of passage in mastering Dark Souls.

18. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3) The Nameless King is a perfect example of a well-designed boss, offering a fair yet challenging fight. His two-phase battle, set against a stormy backdrop, is enhanced by one of the series' best musical themes.

19. Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls) Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights, with their dynamic where the surviving boss absorbs the other's power. This encounter remains iconic and influential in the genre.

20. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Ludwig's battle is a complex and evolving challenge, reflecting Bloodborne's themes of transformation and tragedy. His array of attacks and connection to the game's lore make him a standout boss.

21. Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City) Gael's fight is a fitting end to the Dark Souls trilogy, with his transformation and epic setting. His connection to the series' lore and the intensity of the battle make it a memorable encounter.

22. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Lady Maria's fight is a masterclass in technical combat, with her elegant moves and escalating intensity. Her connection to the game's story and the emotional weight of the battle elevate her to one of the greatest bosses.

23. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro) Isshin's four-phase battle encapsulates everything that makes Sekiro special. His varied techniques and the precision required to defeat him make this the ultimate test of skill and one of FromSoftware's finest boss battles.

Our ranking of the top 25 FromSoftware bosses reflects the studio's mastery in creating challenging, memorable, and thematically rich encounters. Did we miss one of your favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments below.