Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses Ranked

FromSoftware has solidified its reputation as a master of action RPGs, creating unforgettable journeys through dark, haunting worlds teeming with both horror and wonder. While the studio's intricate level and lore design are unparalleled, it's FromSoftware's bosses that have left an indelible mark on gamers. These formidable adversaries are not just challenging but are also deeply integrated into the game's narrative and mechanics, pushing players to their limits.

For their upcoming title, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on the boss experience. This roguelike-inspired co-op game focuses intensely on combat, with each playthrough challenging players against an increasingly difficult roster of bosses. The first trailer teased the return of iconic foes from the Dark Souls series, including the majestic Nameless King, promising a thrilling experience for fans.

In compiling this list, we've considered boss fights across FromSoftware's "Soulsborne" titles—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. We evaluated these battles not just for their difficulty, but for their music, setting, mechanical complexity, lore significance, and other nuanced elements. Here, we present our top 25 greatest bosses in FromSoftware's history.

25. Old Monk (Demon's Souls)

The Old Monk stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Instead of a traditional AI-controlled boss, you might face another player controlling the Old Monk. The challenge varies with the skill of the summoned player, but this unique mechanic effectively integrates the constant threat of invasions into the boss fight, making it a memorable experience.

24. Old Hero (Demon's Souls)

Old Hero exemplifies FromSoftware's early experiments with puzzle-style boss encounters. This blind, ancient warrior uses sound to track you, turning the fight into a stealth challenge. While not the most difficult, its unique mechanics laid the groundwork for later esoteric bosses in games like Elden Ring and Sekiro.

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

Sinh marked a turning point in FromSoftware's dragon fights. Set in a poisonous cavern and accompanied by epic music, this battle against the slumbering dragon set the standard for subsequent dragon encounters, making them feel truly epic and terrifying.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian horror. Worshipped by the Healing Church and central to the game's story, she unleashes cosmic energy and inflicts Frenzy, a status effect that drives players insane. Her fight is rich in theme and lore, making it a standout encounter.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

Fume Knight is renowned for his difficulty and dual-wielding prowess. Combining speed and power, he transitions from using a longsword and a heavy Buster Sword to a formidable flame sword. His fight is not only challenging but also enjoyable, making him a highlight of Dark Souls 2.

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

Bayle the Dread is one of the toughest bosses in Elden Ring's DLC, but what truly elevates this encounter is the presence of your NPC ally, Igon. His intense hatred for Bayle adds depth and excitement to an already thrilling fight against a formidable dragon.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

Father Gascoigne serves as a pivotal early test in Bloodborne, challenging players to master the game's mechanics. His ability to counter-attack with a gunshot and visceral attack, combined with his transformation, requires strategic use of the environment and parrying skills, setting the stage for future challenges.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

Starscourge Radahn's battle is a spectacle, set on a vast battlefield during a festival of combat. His use of gravity magic and the ability to summon numerous NPC allies, like Blaidd and Iron Fist Alexander, create an epic encounter that ends with a dramatic, world-altering conclusion.

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

Great Grey Wolf Sif's fight is emotionally charged, as players must confront Artorias' loyal companion guarding his grave. Though not the most challenging, the encounter's melancholy atmosphere and narrative implications make it one of the most memorable moments in the series.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

Maliketh is the epitome of aggressive boss design. His relentless attacks and swift movements, especially in his second phase, make for a high-intensity battle that tests players' ability to memorize and counter his complex combos.

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

The Dancer of the Boreal Valley is a visually striking and technically challenging boss. Her erratic, dance-like movements and long-reaching curved blades keep players on edge, showcasing FromSoftware's prowess in animation and boss design.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

Genichiro Ashina's fights, both in the field of reeds and atop Ashina Castle, are pivotal in Sekiro. They test players' understanding of parrying and deflecting, culminating in an epic duel where you must even redirect lightning, embodying the game's mythical swordsmanship.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

Owl (Father) is a thrilling and emotionally charged battle. As Sekiro's adoptive father, his aggressive attacks and lethal gadgets, combined with his ability to teleport, make for a challenging and memorable encounter.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While our focus is on FromSoftware's "Soulsborne" titles, we must acknowledge the impact of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. Its boss fights, like AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, showcase the studio's ability to blend Souls-like mechanics with the fast-paced action of the Armored Core series.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

Soul of Cinder encapsulates the essence of Dark Souls. As the final boss, it embodies every Lord who linked the Flame, using a variety of fighting styles and culminating in a haunting reflection of the original game's final boss, Gwyn.

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

Sister Friede's three-phase battle is one of the most punishing in the Dark Souls series. Her relentless aggression and the addition of Father Ariandel in the second phase create a formidable challenge that tests players' endurance and skill.

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

Orphan of Kos is Bloodborne's most infamous boss, known for its speed and unpredictability. Its grotesque appearance and use of its own placenta as a weapon make it a nightmarish encounter that haunts players long after the fight.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

Malenia defined the cultural zeitgeist of Elden Ring, challenging players with her two punishing stages. Her waterfowl dance and scarlet rot attacks, combined with her deep lore significance, make her one of the game's most memorable and challenging bosses.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

Guardian Ape is both comedic and terrifying. Its initial phase is filled with humor, but the shock of its resurrection after decapitation turns the fight into one of FromSoftware's most memorable and surprising encounters.

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

Knight Artorias is a tragic figure whose fight is both exhilarating and challenging. His rapid attacks and tricky combos make defeating him a rite of passage in the Dark Souls community.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

Nameless King is a perfect Dark Souls boss, combining difficulty with fairness. His two-phase fight, from atop a dragon to a thrilling ground duel, set against a storm and accompanied by a powerful musical theme, is nearly unmatched in its spectacle.

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

Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights. Their ability to absorb each other's power and become even more formidable after one is defeated has made this encounter iconic and influential in the genre.

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

Ludwig's fight is complex and evolves throughout, requiring players to embrace Bloodborne's aggressive combat style. His transformation from a frenzied beast to a tragic figure wielding the Moonlight Great Sword encapsulates the game's lore and challenge.

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

Slave Knight Gael is the ultimate test of skill in Dark Souls 3. His transformation and powerful abilities, set against a backdrop of orchestral music and the ashes of existence, make for a mythic and memorable battle.

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

Lady Maria's fight is a masterclass in technical dueling. Her twin swords and blood powers create an intense battle that tests players' ability to dodge, parry, and attack, culminating in a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

Isshin, the Sword Saint, is the pinnacle of FromSoftware's boss design. His four-phase battle, requiring mastery of Sekiro's combat system, combines precision, elegance, and relentless offense into a deadly dance. Conquering him is an unmatched achievement, making him the greatest boss fight in FromSoftware's history.

Our ranking of the top 25 FromSoftware bosses reflects the studio's mastery of crafting challenging, memorable, and deeply integrated encounters. Whether you agree or have other favorites, we invite you to share your thoughts and create your own rankings using the IGN Tier List tool.