Best Bloodborne Boss Order Revealed: All In-Game Bosses Ranked

*Bloodborne* presents a thrilling challenge with its array of formidable bosses, and understanding the ideal sequence to tackle them can greatly enhance your gaming experience. This guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of the suggested boss order for *Bloodborne*, detailing where and when to confront the game's various challenges.

The Best Boss Order for BloodborneBest Boss Order for Non-Optional Bosses in BloodborneBest Boss Order for All Bosses in BloodborneOur Best Boss Order, ExplainedCleric Beast (Optional)Father GascoigneBlood-Starved Beast (Optional)Vicar AmeliaThe Witch of Hemwick (Optional)Shadow of YharnamRom, the Vacuous SpiderDarkbeast Paarl (Optional>The One RebornMartyr Logarius (Optional)Amygdala (Optional)Celestial Emissary (Optional)Micolash, Host of the NightmareThe Old Hunters BossesEbrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)Mergo’s Wet NurseGehrman, the First HunterMoon Presence (Ending Specific) The Best Boss Order for Bloodborne

There are several ways to approach the boss list in Bloodborne, as not all bosses are mandatory for completing the game. However, defeating as many bosses as possible can enrich your gameplay with valuable rewards. Below, you'll find the recommended order for both non-optional and all bosses, followed by a detailed breakdown.

Bloodborne features 17 main bosses and an additional 5 from the The Old Hunters DLC. This guide focuses on the main game and DLC bosses, excluding Chalice Dungeon bosses. While the DLC can be accessed after defeating Vicar Amelia, it's advisable to wait until nearing the game's end. The timing of when to tackle the DLC can influence certain dialogues, with some players suggesting before and others after facing Mergo’s Wet Nurse.

Best Boss Order for Non-Optional Bosses in Bloodborne

Here's the recommended order for tackling the non-optional bosses in Bloodborne:

Father Gascoigne Vicar Amelia Shadow of Yharnam Rom, the Vacuous Spider The One Reborn Micolash, Host of the Nightmare Mergo’s Wet Nurse Gehrman, the First Hunter Moon Presence (Ending Specific) ### Best Boss Order for All Bosses in Bloodborne

For those aiming to conquer every boss in Bloodborne, here's the suggested order:

Cleric Beast (Optional) Father Gascoigne Blood-Starved Beast (Optional) Vicar Amelia The Witch of Hemwick (Optional) Shadow of Yharnam Rom, the Vacuous Spider Darkbeast Paarl (Optional) The One Reborn Martyr Logarius (Optional) Amygdala (Optional) Celestial Emissary (Optional) Micolash, Host of the Nightmare Ludwig the Accursed/Holy Blade (DLC/Optional) Laurence, the First Vicar (DLC/Optional) Living Failures (DLC/Optional) Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (DLC/Optional) Orphan of Kos (DLC/Optional) Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional) Mergo’s Wet Nurse Gehrman, the First Hunter Moon Presence (Ending Specific) Our Best Boss Order, Explained

Cleric Beast (Optional)

Here is the best Bloodborne Boss Order - All Bosses in game Image via FromSoftware Area: Central Yharnam

The Cleric Beast is one of the initial bosses you encounter in Bloodborne, located in Central Yharnam. Known for its speed and aggression, it can inflict significant damage if you're not cautious. To defeat it, focus on staying behind and targeting its hind legs to destabilize it, then aim for its head for maximum damage.

Father Gascoigne

Here is the best Bloodborne Boss Order - All Bosses in game Image via FromSoftware Area: Central Yharnam

Father Gascoigne is a formidable hunter whose quick movements and frequent use of firearms present a significant challenge. Mastering the parry timing is key to swiftly defeating him, making this fight more manageable once you understand his patterns.

Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)

Here is the best Bloodborne Boss Order - All Bosses in game Image via FromSoftware Area: Old Yharnam

Found in the Church of the Good Chalice in Old Yharnam, the Blood-Starved Beast is a challenging foe due to its strength and resilience. Maintain your distance and utilize fire or explosive weapons to bring it down more easily.

Vicar Amelia

Here is the best Bloodborne Boss Order - All Bosses in game Image via FromSoftware Area: Cathedral Ward

Vicar Amelia, a towering beast with self-healing abilities, is located in Cathedral Ward. Exploit her immobility during self-healing to land critical hits, but be wary of her powerful melee attacks.

The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)

Here is the best Bloodborne Boss Order - All Bosses in game Image via FromSoftware Area: Hemwick Charnel Lane

The Witch of Hemwick, found in Hemwick Charnel Lane, is accompanied by henchmen and becomes visible only at close range. Strategize around her corner-hugging behavior and use your firearm effectively when she's in sight.

Shadow of Yharnam

Here is the best Bloodborne Boss Order - All Bosses in game Image via FromSoftware Area: Forbidden Woods

The Shadow of Yharnam, wielding a large club, can be defeated with a strategic approach. Dodge its swings, shoot its head with your gun, and slash at its legs to expose its vulnerable underbelly.

Rom, the Vacuous Spider

Here is the best Bloodborne Boss Order - All Bosses in game Image via FromSoftware Area: Moonside Lake

Located at Moonside Lake in Byrgenwerth, Rom's poisonous and physical attacks, along with summoned spiders, demand quick action. Prioritize eliminating the spiders and attack Rom aggressively before he relocates.

Beating Rom alters the game world, potentially causing you to miss certain elements if not previously addressed.

Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)

Here is the best Bloodborne Boss Order - All Bosses in game Image via FromSoftware Area: Hypogean Gaol

Darkbeast Paarl resides in Yahar’gul, the Unseen Village, and is best faced after defeating Rom. This hulking creature requires a thoughtful approach to overcome its brute strength.

The One Reborn

Image via FromSoftware Area: Yahar’gul Unseen Village

Encountered in Yahar’gul Unseen Village, The One Reborn employs both physical and magical attacks. Maintain distance, dodge when necessary, and quickly deal with summoned minions before focusing on the boss.

Martyr Logarius (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware Area: Forsaken Castle Cainhurst

Martyr Logarius, found in Forsaken Castle Cainhurst, is a challenging boss due to his Arcane damage. Parry him to deal significant damage, though perfecting the timing may take practice.

Amygdala (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware Area: Nightmare Frontier

Amygdala, a giant with numerous tentacles, is a daunting boss due to her size and reach. Her varied attacks require constant vigilance and strategic movement to survive.

Celestial Emissary (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware Area: Upper Cathedral Ward

The Celestial Emissary's rapid movements and arm swings necessitate careful dodging and counterattacks. Stay vigilant even when it's downed, as it can still execute damaging grabs.

Micolash, Host of the Nightmare

Image via FromSoftware Area: Nightmare of Mensis

Micolash's fight involves navigating his arena and dealing with his tactics like magical fog and summoned minions. Once cornered, be cautious of his potent attacks, or use poison knives for a quicker victory.

The Old Hunters Bosses

In The Old Hunters DLC, the boss order is more linear. After Ludwig, retrieve Laurence's Skull to battle Laurence, then proceed to face Living Failures, Lady Maria, and the Orphan of Kos. Each fight is challenging and requires readiness.

Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware Area: Altar of Despair

Ebrietas uses tentacles and magical attacks. Be cautious of her head-slamming move, which can cause substantial damage.

Mergo’s Wet Nurse

Image via FromSoftware Area: Nightmare of Mensis

Mergo’s Wet Nurse's fight involves dodging tentacles and water projectiles, with the added challenge of fog-induced obscured vision. After defeating her, complete any remaining tasks in Bloodborne, including the DLC if not yet done.

Gehrman, the First Hunter

Image via FromSoftware Area: Hunter’s Dream

Gehrman, the final non-optional boss, wields a scythe and firearms. Master parrying to overcome him, marking the end of the main game.

Moon Presence (Ending Specific)

Image via FromSoftware Area: Hunter’s Dream

The true final boss, Moon Presence, requires three of the four One Third of Umbilical Cords before facing Gehrman. Refuse Gehrman's offer and defeat him to face Moon Presence. Her attacks with tails, claws, and orbs of darkness are manageable with the skills honed throughout the game.

And that's the best Bloodborne boss order!

For more news on Bloodborne, check out our Bloodborne PSX, a brutal fan-made PS1 demake. For cool FromSoftware stuff in general, 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 information about the various bosses, provide a high-level summary of the boss order, and to include the bosses from the Old Hunters DLC.