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. Central to their acclaim are their bosses—challenging, often terrifying adversaries that test players' skills to the brink. In their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on this focus, creating a roguelike co-op experience centered entirely on combat, with each run featuring increasingly difficult boss encounters. Notably, the first trailer showcased the return of iconic foes from the Dark Souls series, including the majestic Nameless King.

This article isn't about the most difficult bosses; rather, it's a celebration of the greatest boss fights FromSoftware has ever created. We've considered battles from across their "Soulsborne" games—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon’s Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy—evaluating them on multiple criteria including challenge, 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. Instead of 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 is a fascinating puzzle-style boss fight that showcases FromSoftware's early experimentation with unique mechanics. This blind, ancient warrior relies on sound to locate the player, turning the encounter into a stealth challenge. While not the most difficult, it laid the groundwork for future esoteric boss designs.

27. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King) Sinh represents a pivotal moment in FromSoftware's dragon boss fights, transitioning from earlier prototypes to epic, memorable encounters. Fought in a poisonous cavern with dramatic music, Sinh set the standard for the awe-inspiring dragon battles that followed.

28. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne) Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian themes, being a central figure in the game's lore. Her attacks, including cosmic energy volleys and Frenzy-inducing blood, create a thematically rich and challenging fight that resonates with the game's narrative.

29. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2) Fume Knight is renowned for its difficulty, combining speed and power in a dual-wielding spectacle. The transition to a giant flame sword in the second phase adds to the intensity, making it a standout duel-style fight in the series.

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 a unique layer of excitement. This encounter is one of the most memorable in Elden Ring's challenging DLC.

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 and aggressive combat style make him a crucial learning experience for players.

32. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring) Radahn's battle is a spectacle of scale and spectacle, set against a festival battlefield. The ability to summon numerous NPC allies adds to the epic feel, culminating in a dramatic, earth-shattering conclusion.

33. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls) Sif's fight is emotionally charged, as players must confront Artorias' loyal companion guarding his grave. The battle's atmosphere and story implications leave a lasting impact, highlighting the moral complexity of FromSoftware's worlds.

34. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring) Maliketh is a relentless, aggressive boss whose high-intensity combat keeps players on edge. His transformation into the Black Blade phase is particularly memorable, demanding precise timing and strategy.

35. Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3) The Dancer's unique, dance-like movements and unpredictable attacks make for a visually stunning and technically challenging fight. Her eerie presence and fluid combat style are a testament to FromSoftware's animation prowess.

36. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro) Genichiro's battles, set in a moonlit field and atop Ashina Castle, are pivotal tests of Sekiro's parrying and deflecting mechanics. The second encounter, with its lightning deflection, epitomizes the game's swordplay fantasy.

37. Owl (Father) (Sekiro) Owl's fight is both emotionally and physically intense, with his aggressive tactics and lethal gadgets. The second phase's use of a spectral owl adds a thrilling element to this challenging duel.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While our focus remains on the "Soulsborne" series, we must acknowledge the impact of 2023's Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. Its boss fights, such as AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, showcase FromSoftware's ability to craft memorable encounters outside the Soulsborne genre.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3) As the embodiment of Dark Souls' essence, the Soul of Cinder's unpredictable fighting styles and homage to Gwyn in its second phase make it a fitting conclusion to the trilogy.

13. Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel) Sister Friede's three-phase battle is a grueling endurance test, with the middle phase's addition of Father Ariandel creating a dynamic and challenging fight.

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 appearance and challenging combat make it a standout in Bloodborne.

15. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring) Malenia's fight is a cultural phenomenon, challenging players with her two-phase battle that tests their dueling skills. Her connection to Elden Ring's lore adds depth to the encounter.

16. Guardian Ape (Sekiro) The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, surprising players with its resurrection after a seemingly victorious "Shinobi Execution." This twist makes it a memorable and unique fight.

17. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss) Artorias' tragic backstory and challenging combat make him a beloved figure in Dark Souls lore. Defeating him feels like a rite of passage for players.

18. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3) The Nameless King is a perfect Dark Souls boss, offering a fair yet challenging fight with clear telegraphs and a thrilling two-phase battle. His iconic theme and setting add to the epic feel.

19. Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls) Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights, with their dynamic health absorption mechanic and intense combat. Their influence on the genre is undeniable.

20. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Ludwig's complex, evolving combat and tragic lore make him a standout boss in Bloodborne. His transformation and use of the Moonlight Great Sword are particularly memorable.

21. Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City) Gael's fight is a mythical conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy, with his transformation and powerful abilities creating an epic, story-driven battle.

22. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Lady Maria's technically accomplished duel, set in her horological throne room, is a highlight of Bloodborne. Her blood powers and intense combat make for a thrilling encounter.

23. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro) Isshin's four-phase battle encapsulates everything that makes Sekiro special, with its precise, elegant combat and legendary techniques. Conquering him is an unmatched achievement in FromSoftware's catalog.

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