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 progressively tougher bosses. 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:

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.
Old Hero (Demon’s Souls) Old Hero is a fascinating puzzle-style boss fight that showcases FromSoftware's early experimentation with unique mechanics. This blind, ancient warrior relies on sound to locate you, turning the battle into a stealth challenge. While not the most difficult, it's a memorable encounter that paved the way for later esoteric bosses.
Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King) Sinh represents a turning point in FromSoftware's dragon fights, transitioning from early prototypes to epic, cinematic battles. Fought in a poisonous cavern with dramatic music, Sinh sets the standard for the awe-inspiring dragon encounters that followed.
Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne) Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian themes, being a central figure in the game's lore. Her battle is rich with thematic elements, from her tentacled form to her devastating cosmic attacks that inflict Frenzy, reflecting the game's narrative of eldritch horror.
Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2) Fume Knight is renowned for its difficulty, combining speed and power in a thrilling duel. Wielding two weapons that he later merges into a formidable flame sword, this boss offers a challenging yet enjoyable fight that showcases FromSoftware's mastery of combat design.
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 a unique layer of intensity. This fight is not only one of the hardest in the DLC but also one of the most memorable in the entire series.
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 pivotal encounter that sets the tone for the game's challenges.
Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring) Radahn's battle is a spectacle of scale and spectacle, set against a festival battlefield. The ability to summon numerous NPC allies adds to the epic feel, culminating in a dramatic, earth-shattering conclusion that reveals new layers of Elden Ring's world.
Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls) Sif's fight is emotionally charged, as players must confront Artorias' loyal wolf guarding his master's grave. The battle's melancholic atmosphere and narrative depth make it a standout moment in the series, highlighting FromSoftware's storytelling prowess.
Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring) Maliketh is a relentless, aggressive boss whose high-intensity combat keeps players on their toes. His transformation into the Black Blade phase is particularly memorable, demanding precise timing and strategy to overcome.
Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3) The Dancer's unique, dance-like combat style and visually stunning design make her a standout boss. Her unpredictable attacks and eerie animations create a challenging and memorable fight.
Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro) Genichiro's battles, set in a moonlit field and atop Ashina Castle, are pivotal moments in Sekiro. They test players' mastery of parrying and deflecting, culminating in an epic duel that encapsulates the game's swordplay fantasy.
Owl (Father) (Sekiro) Owl's fight is both emotionally and physically intense, as players confront their traitorous father. His aggressive tactics and use of gadgets make for a thrilling battle that challenges players' skills and emotions.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

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

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 and haunting conclusion to the trilogy.
Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel) Sister Friede's three-phase battle is one of the most punishing in the series. Her relentless aggression and the addition of Father Ariandel in the second phase create a formidable challenge that tests players' endurance and strategy.
Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) The Orphan of Kos is a nightmarish foe known for its speed and unpredictable attacks. Its grotesque design and challenging combat make it a standout boss that haunts players' memories.
Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring) Malenia's fight is a cultural phenomenon, known for its difficulty and visual spectacle. Her two-phase battle, featuring the iconic Waterfowl Dance and the Goddess of Rot transformation, is a testament to FromSoftware's ability to create memorable and challenging encounters.
Guardian Ape (Sekiro) The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, using poison gas and feces in its attacks. Its shocking second phase, where it fights headless, is one of the most memorable twists in FromSoftware's history.
Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss) Artorias is a tragic figure whose fight is both exhilarating and emotionally charged. His rapid attacks and challenging combos make defeating him a rite of passage for Dark Souls players.
Nameless King (Dark Souls 3) The Nameless King is a perfect example of a Dark Souls boss, offering a fair yet challenging fight. His two-phase battle, set against a storm on Archdragon Peak, is accompanied by one of the series' best musical themes.
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 upon defeat. This iconic battle has influenced countless games and remains a defining moment in the series.
Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Ludwig's complex, evolving fight showcases Bloodborne's aggressive combat style. His transformation and tragic backstory make him a standout boss that encapsulates the game's themes.
Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City) Gael's fight is a mythical conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy. His transformation and the epic setting make this battle a fitting and memorable end to the series.
Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Lady Maria's fight is a masterclass in technical dueling, with her twin swords and blood powers creating a thrilling and intense battle. Her lore and setting add depth to an already exceptional encounter.
Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro) Isshin's four-phase battle is the pinnacle of Sekiro's focused combat system. His relentless attacks and the need to master every technique learned throughout the game make this fight the ultimate test of skill and the best boss fight FromSoftware has ever created.

Our journey through the top 25 FromSoftware bosses is complete. Did we miss one of your favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments below.