Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses Ranked

FromSoftware has established itself as a premier developer of action RPGs, crafting unforgettable journeys into grimdark worlds filled with both horrors and wonders. While the studio's unparalleled level and lore design are highly praised, it's the bosses that truly define FromSoft's legacy. These deeply challenging and often terrifying encounters push players to their limits, and with the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on this focus. This roguelike-ish co-op game is centered entirely on combat, with each run challenging players against progressively tougher bosses, including returning foes from the Dark Souls series like the majestic Nameless King.

This list isn't about the most difficult bosses; rather, it showcases the greatest FromSoftware boss fights across their "Soulsborne" titles—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. We evaluated these battles based on multiple criteria: the challenge, music, setting, mechanical complexity, lore significance, and more. 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, it can be puppeted by another player, adding a unique twist to the encounter. The challenge varies with the skill of the summoned player, yet it effectively reminds players that invasions can occur at any time, even during a boss fight.

26. Old Hero (Demon's Souls) Old Hero is a fascinating puzzle-style boss from Demon's Souls, showcasing FromSoft's early experimentation with unique mechanics. This blind warrior's inability to see makes the fight trivial in terms of dodging, but his reliance on hearing turns it into a stealth challenge. Though not the hardest fight, it's a memorable and unique encounter.

27. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King) Sinh represents a pivotal moment in FromSoft's dragon battles, evolving from early prototypes to epic clashes. Fought in a poisonous cavern with epic music, Sinh sets the standard for thrilling dragon encounters in later games.

28. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne) Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian themes with her grotesque form and cosmic attacks. As a key figure behind Blood Ministration, her fight is rich with thematic significance, despite not being the most challenging.

29. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2) Fume Knight is a standout for both difficulty and enjoyment. His dual-wielding style combines speed and power, culminating in a formidable flame sword. This boss encapsulates the excitement of FromSoft's duel-style fights.

30. Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree) The fight against Bayle the Dread is elevated by the NPC ally, Igon, whose intense hatred for the dragon adds a unique layer of excitement. Despite being one of the toughest bosses in the DLC, it's the emotional intensity that makes it memorable.

31. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne) Father Gascoigne serves as Bloodborne's early proving ground, challenging players to master the game's mechanics. His fight requires strategic use of the environment and careful timing, setting the stage for future encounters.

32. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring) Radahn's battle is a spectacle, set on a vast battlefield during a festival. Despite a nerf, the fight remains inventive, with the ability to summon numerous NPC allies adding to the epic feel. It's a fittingly grandiose encounter.

33. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls) Sif's battle is emotionally charged, as players face Artorias' loyal companion guarding his grave. While not the most challenging, the fight's atmosphere and story implications leave a lasting impact.

34. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring) Maliketh is a masterclass in aggressive boss design. His relentless attacks and rapid combos make for an intense fight, memorable for its high-energy throughout.

35. Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3) The Dancer is visually stunning and technically unique, with her erratic movements and unpredictable attacks keeping players on their toes. Her dance-like combat style is both eerie and engaging.

36. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro) Genichiro's first encounter on a moonlit field is memorable, but it's the epic rematch atop Ashina Castle that truly stands out. This fight tests players' mastery of Sekiro's parry and deflect mechanics.

37. Owl (Father) (Sekiro) Facing Owl in Sekiro's Purification ending is both emotionally and physically challenging. His aggressive tactics and lethal gadgets make for a thrilling encounter, despite the difficult task of confronting a father figure.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While focused on the "Soulsborne" series, we must acknowledge Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon's contribution to FromSoft's legacy of boss design. Bosses like AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240 showcase the studio's continued innovation and flair for dramatic, cinematic battles.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3) As the final boss of Dark Souls 3, the Soul of Cinder embodies the series' essence. Its unpredictable fighting styles and homage to the original game's final boss, Gwyn, make it a fitting end to the trilogy.

13. Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel) Sister Friede's three-phase battle is a brutal endurance test, with each phase presenting unique challenges. Her relentless aggression and the dramatic shift with Father Ariandel's involvement make it one of the most punishing fights in the series.

14. Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) The Orphan of Kos is notorious for its speed and ferocity, with unpredictable attacks that leave little room for error. Its grotesque form and challenging combat make it a nightmarish encounter.

15. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring) Malenia's fight became a cultural phenomenon, challenging players with her deadly waterfowl dance and devastating scarlet rot. Her battle is a visual and narrative spectacle, deeply connected to Elden Ring's lore.

16. Guardian Ape (Sekiro) The Guardian Ape's fight is both comedic and shocking. From its humorous antics to the unexpected second phase where it reanimates, this encounter is a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges.

17. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss) Artorias' battle is a rite of passage for Dark Souls players. His tragic story and challenging combat make defeating him a deeply satisfying achievement.

18. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3) The Nameless King is a perfect Dark Souls boss, combining difficulty with fairness. His two-phase fight, set against a stormy backdrop and accompanied by an iconic soundtrack, is unforgettable.

19. Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls) Ornstein and Smough's fight is iconic for its two-on-one challenge and the subsequent power absorption mechanic. This battle set the standard for FromSoft's double boss encounters.

20. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Ludwig's fight is complex and evolves dynamically. His transition from a frenzied beast to a tragic figure wielding the Moonlight Great Sword encapsulates Bloodborne's themes and challenges.

21. Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City) Gael's battle is the ultimate test of skill in Dark Souls 3, with his transformation and powerful attacks set against a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. His fight is a fitting end to the series' narrative.

22. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Lady Maria's fight is a masterclass in technical dueling, with her blood powers and intense combat making it a thrilling encounter. Her battle is a highlight of Bloodborne's combat system.

23. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro) Isshin's four-phase battle is the pinnacle of Sekiro's combat system, requiring mastery of all learned techniques. His relentless yet elegant attacks make this fight a deadly dance, culminating in an unmatched feeling of accomplishment.

Our journey through FromSoftware's greatest boss battles concludes here. Did we miss any of your favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and feel free to rank these bosses using the IGN Tier List tool.