Bloodborne is renowned for its challenging bosses, and understanding the optimal sequence to tackle them can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. This guide outlines the best boss order for Bloodborne, helping you navigate through the game's formidable challenges efficiently.
Navigating Bloodborne involves confronting a series of formidable bosses, and while it's not necessary to defeat all of them to complete the game, doing so can yield substantial rewards. We strongly encourage players to challenge as many bosses as possible during their playthrough. Below, you'll find suggested orders for both non-optional and all bosses, along with a detailed breakdown of each encounter.
In total, Bloodborne features 17 regular bosses and an additional five from the The Old Hunters DLC. While you can start the DLC after defeating Vicar Amelia, it's generally advised to tackle it towards the end of the game. Some players recommend engaging with the DLC before facing Mergo’s Wet Nurse, while others suggest doing so afterward, as this can affect certain in-game dialogues.
Here's the recommended sequence for tackling the non-optional bosses in Bloodborne:
For those aiming to conquer every boss in Bloodborne, here's the suggested order:
The Cleric Beast is among the first bosses you'll encounter in Bloodborne, located in Central Yharnam. Known for its speed and aggression, it can inflict significant damage. To defeat it, stay behind the beast and target its hind legs to cause it to stumble. Once downed, focus your attacks on its head.
Father Gascoigne, a frenzied hunter, presents a significant challenge early in the game. His agility and frequent use of firearms demand precise timing for parries, which can drastically reduce his health and make the battle more manageable.
Found in the Church of the Good Chalice in Old Yharnam, the Blood-Starved Beast is a formidable foe due to its high damage output and health. Maintain your distance and utilize fire or explosive weapons to bring it down effectively.
Vicar Amelia, a beastly creature with healing abilities, is found in the Cathedral Ward. When she heals, she becomes stationary, providing a window for attack. Be cautious of her glowing body during these moments.
The Witch of Hemwick, located in Hemwick Charnel Lane, fights alongside her minions and can become invisible at a distance. Approach her to reveal her position, often found in corners, and use your firearm to take her down.
The Shadow of Yharnam wields a large club in the Forbidden Woods. To defeat it, dodge its swings to counterattack, target its head with your firearm, and slash its legs to expose its vulnerable underbelly.
Located at Moonside Lake in Byrgenwerth, Rom can unleash poisonous and physical attacks, as well as summon spiders. Quickly dispatch the spiders to focus on Rom, and be aware that defeating him alters the game world, potentially causing you to miss certain elements.
Found in Yahar’gul, the Unseen Village, Darkbeast Paarl is a massive creature best faced after defeating Rom. Its brute strength requires careful strategy to overcome.
The One Reborn in Yahar’gul Unseen Village uses both physical and magical attacks. Keep your distance, dodge when it raises its arms, and attack when it's grounded. Clear out the smaller enemies it summons before focusing on it.
Martyr Logarius in Forsaken Castle Cainhurst is challenging due to his Arcane damage. Mastering parries is key to defeating him efficiently, despite the timing being tricky.
Amygdala, a giant mass of tentacles in the Nightmare Frontier, poses a significant challenge with her size and reach. Her varied attacks demand constant vigilance and strategic movement.
The fast-moving Celestial Emissary in Upper Cathedral Ward requires you to dodge towards its legs to avoid its arm swings and counterattack. Be wary of its grabbing attacks even when it's down.
Micolash in the Nightmare of Mensis involves chasing him through his arena, dealing with magical fog and summoned underlings. Once cornered, be cautious of his powerful attacks and consider using poison knives for an effective strategy.
The Old Hunters DLC bosses follow a relatively linear path. After defeating Ludwig, retrieve Laurence's Skull to fight Laurence, the only optional boss in this area. Then, proceed to face Living Failures, Lady Maria, and the Orphan of Kos, each presenting unique challenges.
Ebrietas in the Altar of Despair uses tentacles and magical attacks. Be especially cautious when she slams her head, as it can cause significant damage.
Mergo’s Wet Nurse in the Nightmare of Mensis attacks with tentacles and fast-moving water projectiles, eventually obscuring your vision with fog. Focus on evasion during these phases.
After defeating Mergo, ensure you complete any remaining tasks in Bloodborne, as you're nearing the game's end. If you haven't tackled the DLC bosses yet, now's the time.
Gehrman, the final non-optional boss in Bloodborne, uses a scythe and firearms. Mastering parries is crucial to overcoming him and reaching the game's conclusion.
To face the Moon Presence, the true final boss, you must consume three of the four One Third of Umbilical Cords before fighting Gehrman. These can be obtained from Mergo’s Wet Nurse, the Abandoned Workshop, the Arianna questline, or Iosefka after defeating Rom. Refuse Gehrman's offer and defeat him to encounter the Moon Presence, which uses tails, claws, and orbs of darkness in battle.
And that's the optimal Bloodborne boss order!
For more on Bloodborne, explore our coverage of the Bloodborne PSX, a fan-made PS1 demake. For broader FromSoftware news, check out Armored Core VI.
Related: How to Access the Hunter’s Nightmare for Bloodborne DLC on Attack of the Fanboy
Update: This article was updated on 2/3/2025 by Escapist Editorial to include more detailed information about each boss, provide a comprehensive summary of the boss order, and incorporate the bosses from the Old Hunters DLC.
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