Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses Ranked

FromSoftware has solidified its reputation as a premier developer of action RPGs, crafting unforgettable journeys into dark and mysterious worlds filled with both horror and wonder. Central to these experiences are the bosses—challenging, often terrifying adversaries that test players' skills to their limits. In their upcoming title, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on this focus, creating a roguelike co-op game centered around intense boss battles. The first trailer showcased the return of iconic foes like the Nameless King from the Dark Souls series, signaling a thrilling experience for fans.

This article isn't just about the toughest bosses; it's a celebration of the greatest boss encounters in FromSoftware's history. We've analyzed battles from across their "Soulsborne" games—including Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy—evaluating them on multiple criteria such as challenge, music, setting, mechanical complexity, and lore significance. Here are our top 25 picks, ranked by these comprehensive standards.

25. Old Monk (Demon’s Souls) The Old Monk stands out for its innovative PvP approach. Rather than a traditional AI boss, the Old Monk can be controlled by another player, turning the encounter into a dynamic and unpredictable challenge that underscores the ever-present threat of invasions.

26. Old Hero (Demon’s Souls) Old Hero offers a unique puzzle-like fight against a blind ancient warrior. His inability to see forces players to engage in stealth tactics, making this encounter a memorable and distinct experience in FromSoftware's catalog.

27. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King) Sinh marks a significant evolution in dragon boss fights, presenting a thrilling battle in a poisonous cavern. This encounter set the standard for the epic dragon clashes that followed in FromSoftware's games.

28. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne) Ebrietas is a testament to Bloodborne's Lovecraftian influences, offering a battle rich in thematic depth. Her attacks, including a devastating cosmic volley and blood-induced Frenzy, encapsulate the game's eerie atmosphere.

29. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2) The Fume Knight is renowned for its dual-wielding prowess, combining speed and power in a challenging yet enjoyable fight. This battle showcases FromSoftware's ability to create engaging duel-style encounters.

30. Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree) The battle against Bayle the Dread is intensified by the passionate NPC ally, Igon, whose hatred for the dragon adds an unforgettable layer of excitement to this already tough encounter.

31. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne) Father Gascoigne serves as an early proving ground in Bloodborne, challenging players to master the game's mechanics. Success here hinges on using the environment and learning to parry, setting the stage for future battles.

32. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring) Radahn's battle is a spectacle of epic proportions, with a festival-like atmosphere and the ability to summon NPC allies. This fight's scale and innovation make it a standout in Elden Ring.

33. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls) Sif's fight is steeped in melancholy, as players must confront Artorias' loyal wolf guarding his grave. The emotional weight and story implications make this encounter deeply impactful.

34. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring) Maliketh is a relentless aggressor whose high-intensity battle tests players' ability to memorize and counter complex attack patterns. This fight is a highlight of Elden Ring's challenging boss design.

35. Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3) The Dancer's fight is visually striking and mechanically unique, with erratic movements and long limbs that keep players guessing. Her dance-like combat style is both eerie and memorable.

36. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro) Genichiro's encounters in Sekiro, from the serene field of reeds to the epic duel atop Ashina Castle, are pivotal tests of the game's parry and deflect mechanics. Deflecting lightning back at him epitomizes Sekiro's swordplay fantasy.

37. Owl (Father) (Sekiro) The fight against Owl is emotionally charged and physically demanding. His aggressive tactics and surprising agility make this a thrilling and challenging encounter.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While this list focuses on FromSoftware's "Soulsborne" games, it's worth noting 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 intense, cinematic battles within a different genre.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3) The Soul of Cinder embodies the essence of Dark Souls, using an unpredictable array of fighting styles. Its second phase, echoing the original game's final boss, makes for a poignant and challenging finale.

13. Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel) Sister Friede's three-phase battle is a grueling test of endurance. Her relentless aggression and the chaotic middle phase with Father Ariandel create an unforgettable fight.

14. Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) The Orphan of Kos is notorious for its speed and unpredictable combos, making it a nightmare to face. Its grotesque appearance and use of its own placenta as a weapon add to the horror.

15. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring) Malenia has become a cultural icon within the gaming community. Her two-phase battle, featuring the devastating Waterfowl Dance and the Goddess of Rot transformation, is both visually stunning and incredibly challenging.

16. Guardian Ape (Sekiro) The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, using toilet humor before unleashing a shocking twist with its reanimated corpse. This unexpected turn makes for a memorable and intense fight.

17. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss) Artorias' battle is a rite of passage for Dark Souls players. His tragic backstory and rapid, challenging attacks make for an exhilarating and emotionally resonant fight.

18. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3) The Nameless King is a perfect Dark Souls boss, combining fair yet challenging mechanics with a thrilling two-phase battle. Fought amidst a storm, this encounter is both visually and musically spectacular.

19. Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls) Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights, with one absorbing the other's power upon defeat. This battle's influence on the genre is as significant as its challenge.

20. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Ludwig's battle is a testament to Bloodborne's aggressive combat style, evolving through multiple phases with a complex array of attacks. His tragic backstory and the iconic Moonlight Great Sword add depth to this encounter.

21. Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City) Gael's fight is the ultimate conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy, blending intense combat with a deeply intertwined narrative. His transformation and the epic setting make this a legendary battle.

22. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Lady Maria's fight is a masterclass in technical dueling, escalating in intensity as she channels her blood powers. Her battle is both a thrilling challenge and a poignant moment in Bloodborne's narrative.

23. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro) Isshin's four-phase battle encapsulates everything that makes Sekiro's combat special. This fight's precision, elegance, and relentless pace make it the pinnacle of FromSoftware's boss design, offering an unmatched sense of accomplishment upon victory.

This list represents our choices for the top 25 FromSoftware bosses, celebrating the creativity and challenge that define these iconic encounters. If you have other favorites, share your thoughts in the comments below.