Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses Ranked

FromSoftware has solidified its reputation as a leading developer of action RPGs, crafting unforgettable journeys through grimdark landscapes filled with both horror and wonder. Central to their acclaim are their bosses: challenging, often terrifying foes that test the limits of player skill. With the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, a roguelike co-op game focused entirely on combat, FromSoftware is doubling down on these iconic encounters, even bringing back beloved adversaries like the Nameless King from the Dark Souls series.

This list isn't about the toughest bosses, but rather the greatest in FromSoftware's history. We've considered battles from their "Soulsborne" games, including Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. Our criteria encompass not just difficulty, but also the music, setting, mechanical complexity, and lore significance. Here are our top 25 favorites:

25. Old Monk (Demon's Souls)

    The Old Monk stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Rather than facing a computer-controlled boss, players might encounter another player controlling the Monk. This dynamic element heightens the tension, reminding players that invasions can occur at any moment, even during a boss fight.

26. Old Hero (Demon's Souls)

    Old Hero's unique challenge lies in its puzzle-like nature. This blind ancient warrior attacks wildly but relies on sound to locate you, turning the fight into a stealth encounter. It's a less difficult battle but a memorable one, setting the stage for future creative boss designs.

27. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King)

    Sinh represents a pivotal moment in FromSoftware's dragon battles. Set in a poisonous cavern, this fight combines epic music with intense difficulty, setting the standard for future dragon encounters.

28. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

    Ebrietas embodies the Lovecraftian themes of Bloodborne, being worshipped by the Healing Church and central to the game's narrative. Her attacks, from cosmic energy blasts to Frenzy-inducing blood, make for a thematically rich battle.

29. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

    Fume Knight's combination of speed and power, along with his ability to wield two distinct weapons and later fuse them into a flaming sword, makes him one of the most challenging and engaging fights in Dark Souls 2.

30. Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)

    Bayle the Dread's fight is elevated by the presence of NPC ally Igon, whose intense hatred for the dragon adds a unique layer to the battle. This, combined with Bayle's difficulty, makes it one of Elden Ring's most memorable encounters.

31. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

    Father Gascoigne serves as an early test of Bloodborne's mechanics, requiring players to learn parrying and environmental use. His transformation and the need for strategic play make him a standout boss.

32. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

    Radahn's battle is a spectacle, set in a vast festival battlefield. The ability to summon numerous NPC allies adds an epic feel, culminating in a dramatic, earth-shattering conclusion.

33. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

    Sif's fight is laden with melancholy, as players must confront Artorias' loyal companion guarding his grave. It's an emotionally charged encounter that highlights FromSoftware's storytelling prowess.

34. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

    Maliketh is a relentless aggressor, with his true form unleashing devastating combos. The high-intensity battle from start to finish makes him a standout in Elden Ring.

35. Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3)

    The Dancer's visually stunning fight with her erratic movements and long limbs keeps players on their toes. Her dance-like combat is both eerie and technically impressive.

36. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

    Genichiro's encounters, especially the epic duel atop Ashina Castle, test players' mastery of Sekiro's parrying and deflecting mechanics. The fight against him is both a thrilling challenge and a narrative high point.

37. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

    Facing Owl is emotionally charged, as players must confront their mentor. His aggressive attacks and use of gadgets make for a thrilling and challenging battle.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While focusing on Soulsborne games, we can't overlook Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. Its boss fights, like AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, showcase FromSoftware's ability to blend Soulsian mechanics with mech combat.

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 Dark Souls 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, turning it into a dynamic and challenging encounter.

14. Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)

    The Orphan of Kos is notorious for its speed and unpredictable combos, embodying the nightmares of Bloodborne with its grotesque appearance and relentless attacks.

15. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

    Malenia's battle is a cultural phenomenon, challenging players with her waterfowl dance and scarlet rot attacks. Her visual spectacle and deep lore connection make her unforgettable.

16. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

    The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, with its comedic fart and poop attacks contrasted by its shocking resurrection. It's a memorable and surprising encounter.

17. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss)

    Artorias' tragic backstory and exhilarating combat make him a standout. Defeating him feels like a rite of passage for Dark Souls players.

18. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

    The Nameless King's fair yet challenging fight, combined with its epic setting and music, makes it a perfect Dark Souls boss. His two-phase battle is a thrilling spectacle.

19. Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls)

    Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights, with their dynamic where one absorbs the other's power. Their influence on the genre is profound.

20. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)

    Ludwig's complexity and evolution throughout the fight, combined with his tragic lore, make him one of Bloodborne's most memorable bosses. His use of the Moonlight Great Sword adds to his legendary status.

21. Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City)

    Gael's fight is mythical, with his transformation and the epic setting making it a fitting conclusion to the Dark Souls series. His connection to the lore enhances the battle's impact.

22. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters)

    Lady Maria's technically accomplished fight, combined with her tragic backstory, makes her one of Bloodborne's most iconic bosses. The intensity of her battle is unmatched.

23. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

    Isshin's four-phase battle encapsulates everything that makes Sekiro special. His relentless yet elegant combat, combined with the need to master all of Sekiro's mechanics, makes him FromSoftware's finest boss battle.

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.