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 based on 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, 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 represents a fascinating puzzle-style encounter in FromSoftware's catalog. This blind, ancient warrior relies on sound to track players, turning the fight into a stealth challenge. While not the most difficult, it's a unique and memorable experience that paved the way for future esoteric bosses.

27. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King) Sinh marks a turning point in FromSoftware's dragon fights, transitioning from earlier prototypes to epic, challenging encounters. Fought in a poisonous cavern with dramatic music, Sinh sets 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.

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

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 depth and excitement to an already challenging fight.

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 memorable early boss.

32. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring) Radahn's battle is a spectacle of scale and spectacle, with the ability to summon numerous NPC allies adding to the epic feel. The fight's conclusion is one of Elden Ring's most dramatic moments.

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 make it a poignant and enduring moment in the series.

34. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring) Maliketh is a relentless, aggressive boss whose high-intensity combat and complex attack patterns make for a memorable and challenging fight.

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 encounter.

36. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro) Genichiro's fights, both in the field of reeds and atop Ashina Castle, are pivotal tests of Sekiro's parrying and deflecting mechanics, culminating in an epic duel.

37. Owl (Father) (Sekiro) Owl's fight is both emotionally and physically intense, with his aggressive tactics and lethal gadgets making for a thrilling encounter.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While focusing on the "Soulsborne" series, we must acknowledge Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, which brought FromSoftware's signature boss design to the mech genre. Notable bosses include AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, each showcasing the studio's flair for dramatic and challenging encounters.

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

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

14. Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) The Orphan of Kos is a terrifyingly fast and unpredictable boss, whose grotesque appearance and relentless attacks make it a nightmare to face.

15. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring) Malenia's fight is a cultural phenomenon, challenging players with her two punishing phases and visually stunning attacks, deeply rooted in Elden Ring's lore.

16. Guardian Ape (Sekiro) The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, surprising players with its resurrection after apparent defeat, making for a memorable and shocking encounter.

17. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss) Artorias' tragic backstory and challenging combat make his fight a rite of passage for Dark Souls players, encapsulating the series' themes of struggle and perseverance.

18. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3) The Nameless King is a perfect Dark Souls boss, offering a fair yet challenging fight with memorable phases and an iconic musical theme.

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 making them a legendary encounter.

20. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Ludwig's complex and evolving attack patterns, combined with his tragic lore, make him one of Bloodborne's most challenging and memorable bosses.

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 epic setting making it a fitting and emotional finale.

22. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Lady Maria's technically accomplished duel, combined with her intense blood powers, creates a thrilling and memorable fight.

23. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro) Isshin's four-phase battle is the pinnacle of Sekiro's focused combat system, requiring mastery of all learned techniques. His relentless yet elegant offense makes this fight the ultimate test of skill and the best boss fight FromSoftware has ever crafted.

Our ranking of the top 25 FromSoftware bosses is complete. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know your picks in the comments. You can also rank these 25 bosses yourself using the IGN Tier List tool below.