Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses Ranked

FromSoftware has cemented its reputation as a premier developer of action RPGs, delivering unforgettable journeys into dark and mysterious worlds filled with both horrors and wonders. At the heart of FromSoftware's enduring legacy are its bosses—challenging, often terrifying adversaries that test players' skills to their limits.

In their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is intensifying the focus on bosses. This roguelike-inspired co-op game centers entirely on combat, challenging players to face increasingly difficult bosses in each run. Excitingly, the first trailer showcased the return of iconic foes from the Dark Souls series, including the formidable Nameless King.

This article isn't about ranking the toughest bosses; instead, it's a celebration of the greatest boss fights FromSoftware has ever crafted. We've considered battles from across their "Soulsborne" titles—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. Our evaluation goes beyond mere difficulty, encompassing 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. Rather than a traditional AI-controlled boss, the Old Monk can be controlled by another player, adding an unpredictable element to the fight. This unique mechanic serves as a constant reminder that enemy players can invade your game at any moment, even during a boss battle.

26. Old Hero (Demon’s Souls)

    Old Hero represents a fascinating puzzle-style encounter in FromSoftware's catalog. This blind, ancient warrior swings wildly, but his reliance on sound rather than sight turns the fight into a stealth challenge. Players must sneak around, strike at his ankles, and retreat silently, making it a unique and memorable experience.

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

    Sinh marks a pivotal moment in FromSoftware's dragon battles, transitioning from earlier, less refined encounters to epic showdowns. Fought in a poisonous cavern with dramatic music, Sinh sets the standard for the thrilling dragon fights that follow in FromSoftware's later games.

28. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

    Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian themes, being the creature behind the Healing Church's Blood Ministration. Her battle is rich with thematic elements, from her tentacled form to her devastating attacks that rip open the cosmos and inflict Frenzy, a status effect that drives players mad.

29. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

    Fume Knight is renowned for its difficulty, wielding both a longsword for swift attacks and a massive Buster Sword for heavy damage. The combination of speed and power, culminating in a fiery dual-wielded sword, makes this fight both challenging and exhilarating.

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

    The battle against Bayle the Dread is elevated by the presence of NPC ally Igon, whose passionate hatred for the dragon adds depth and excitement. This encounter stands out as one of the most memorable in Elden Ring, combining intense combat with a compelling narrative.

31. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

    Father Gascoigne serves as an early test of Bloodborne's mechanics, requiring players to master environmental use, parrying, and strategic offense. Overcoming him is crucial for progressing and understanding the game's core combat system.

32. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

    Starscourge Radahn's battle is a spectacle of epic proportions, set on a vast festival battlefield. The ability to summon numerous NPC allies adds to the grandeur, culminating in a dramatic, earth-shattering conclusion that reveals new layers of Elden Ring's world.

33. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

    The fight against Great Grey Wolf Sif is emotionally charged, as players must confront Artorias' loyal companion guarding his grave. This battle is less about difficulty and more about the poignant atmosphere and story implications, leaving a lasting impact.

34. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

    Maliketh is a masterclass in aggressive boss design, with relentless attacks and complex combos that keep players on their toes. His transformation into the Black Blade phase is particularly intense, making this one of Elden Ring's most memorable encounters.

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

    The Dancer of the Boreal Valley is a visually striking and technically challenging fight. Her erratic movements and long limbs make her unpredictable, while her dance-like combat style adds a unique flair to the encounter.

36. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

    Genichiro Ashina'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 both memorable and essential to understanding Sekiro's combat system.

37. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

    Owl (Father) is a thrilling and emotionally charged fight, as players confront their traitorous father. His aggressive tactics and lethal gadgets, combined with the fight's narrative significance, make it a standout encounter in Sekiro.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While our focus remains on FromSoftware's "Soulsborne" games, we must acknowledge the impact of 2023's Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. This game introduced intense boss fights that echo the Soulsian tradition of pattern memorization and strategic retaliation. 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)

    The Soul of Cinder encapsulates the essence of Dark Souls, representing every Lord who linked the Flame. Its unpredictable fighting style and homage to Gwyn in the second phase make it a fitting and haunting conclusion to the trilogy.

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

    Sister Friede is a grueling three-phase battle that tests players' endurance and timing. From her relentless scythe attacks to the fiery chaos of Father Ariandel's involvement, this fight is one of the most punishing in the Dark Souls series.

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

    The Orphan of Kos is a nightmarish foe, known for its speed and unpredictable combos. Its grotesque appearance and use of its own placenta as a weapon add to the horror, making it a standout boss in Bloodborne.

15. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

    Malenia has become a cultural phenomenon, challenging players with her two-phase battle that tests their dueling skills. Her waterfowl dance and scarlet rot attacks are both visually stunning and mechanically demanding, cementing her as one of Elden Ring's greatest bosses.

16. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

    The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, from its comedic farts and poop-throwing to its shocking resurrection after decapitation. This fight is a rollercoaster of emotions and a testament to FromSoftware's creativity.

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

    Knight Artorias is a tragic figure whose battle is both exhilarating and emotionally resonant. His rapid attacks and challenging combos make defeating him a rite of passage for Dark Souls players.

18. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

    The Nameless King is a perfect Dark Souls boss, offering a fair yet challenging fight. His two-phase battle, from the dragon duel to the intense ground combat, is set against a stunning backdrop and accompanied 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 one absorbs the other's power upon defeat. This encounter is not only challenging but also influential, shaping the genre's future boss designs.

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

    Ludwig is a complex boss whose attacks evolve throughout the fight. His transformation from a frenzied beast to a wielder of the Moonlight Great Sword encapsulates Bloodborne's tragic lore and challenging gameplay.

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

    Slave Knight Gael's battle is a mythical conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy. His transformation and the epic setting, combined with his connection to the Dark Soul, make this fight a monumental achievement in FromSoftware's catalog.

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

    Lady Maria is a technically accomplished duelist whose fight escalates in intensity as she channels her blood powers. Her battle is a thrilling dance of dodging, parrying, and attacking, culminating in a satisfying conclusion.

23. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

    Isshin, the Sword Saint, represents the pinnacle of Sekiro's focused combat system. His four-phase battle, beginning with Genichiro and culminating in a relentless duel, showcases the precision and elegance of Sekiro's swordplay. Conquering Isshin is an unmatched achievement, making him FromSoftware's finest boss battle.

Our journey through the top 25 FromSoftware bosses is complete. Did we miss one of your favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments below and rank these bosses using the IGN Tier List tool.