Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses Ranked

FromSoftware has established itself as a premier developer of action RPGs, renowned for crafting immersive journeys into dark, grim worlds filled with both terror and wonder. While their innovative level and lore design are unparalleled, it's the bosses that truly define the FromSoftware experience—challenging, often terrifying, and pushing players' skills to their limits.

In their upcoming title, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on the boss-centric gameplay. This roguelike-inspired co-op game focuses heavily on combat, challenging players with increasingly difficult bosses on each run. The first trailer showcased some iconic returning foes from the Dark Souls series, including the majestic Nameless King, setting high expectations for this new venture.

Rather than focusing on the most difficult bosses, we're here to celebrate the greatest boss fights FromSoftware has crafted across their "Soulsborne" games, including Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. We've evaluated these battles based on their challenge, music, setting, mechanical complexity, lore significance, and overall impact. Here are our top 25 picks:

25. Old Monk (Demon's Souls) The Old Monk stands out with its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Instead of a traditional AI-controlled boss, it may be controlled by another player, adding an unpredictable element to the fight. This concept effectively reminds players that enemy players can invade at any time, even during a boss battle.

26. Old Hero (Demon's Souls) Old Hero offers a unique puzzle-style fight, featuring a blind ancient warrior whose attacks you must evade by exploiting his reliance on sound rather than sight. This stealth-based encounter paved the way for other innovative boss designs in FromSoft's later games.

27. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King) Sinh marks a pivotal moment in FromSoftware's dragon battles, setting a new standard for epic and challenging encounters. Fought in a poisonous cavern with dramatic music, Sinh epitomizes the thrilling and terrifying nature of dragon fights in FromSoft's games.

28. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne) Ebrietas embodies the Lovecraftian horror at the heart of Bloodborne. As the origin of Blood Ministration and a key figure in the game's lore, she provides a thematically rich fight with devastating attacks that reflect the game's cosmic themes.

29. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2) Fume Knight is a standout for his dual-wielding prowess and challenging combat. Combining speed with heavy damage, he offers a thrilling duel that exemplifies FromSoft's signature boss design.

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 intense hatred for the boss adds a memorable layer to an already thrilling encounter. This fight is one of the toughest in Elden Ring's challenging DLC.

31. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne) Father Gascoigne serves as a crucial early test of Bloodborne's mechanics. Mastering the use of environment, timing, and parrying is essential to overcoming this formidable foe, setting the stage for the game's later challenges.

32. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring) Starscourge Radahn's battle is a spectacle of epic proportions, set in a vast festival battlefield. The ability to summon numerous NPC allies adds to the grandeur, culminating in a dramatic and memorable conclusion.

33. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls) Sif's fight is steeped in emotion, as players must confront Artorias' loyal companion guarding his grave. This battle is less about difficulty and more about the poignant storytelling that FromSoftware excels at.

34. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring) Maliketh is a masterclass in aggressive boss design. His relentless attacks and complex combos make for an intense fight that remains one of Elden Ring's most memorable encounters.

35. Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3) The Dancer's unique fighting style and eerie dance-like movements create a visually stunning and challenging battle. Her unpredictable attacks keep players on their toes, showcasing the technical prowess of FromSoft's animation team.

36. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro) Genichiro Ashina's fight is a test of Sekiro's parrying and deflecting mechanics. The epic duel atop Ashina Castle, complete with the ability to deflect lightning, encapsulates the mythical swordsman fantasy of the game.

37. Owl (Father) (Sekiro) The battle against Owl is emotionally charged and mechanically challenging. His aggressive tactics and lethal gadgets make for a thrilling confrontation that tests the player's mastery of Sekiro's combat system.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While this list focuses on FromSoftware's "Soulsborne" games, it's worth noting the impact of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. Its boss fights, like AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, showcase the studio's ability to create intense and cinematic battles that resonate with the Soulsian tradition.

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

13. Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel) Sister Friede's three-phase battle is an endurance test that combines relentless aggression with strategic complexity. The fight's middle phase, involving Father Ariandel, adds a unique layer of challenge and spectacle.

14. Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) The Orphan of Kos is a nightmarish foe known for its speed and unpredictability. Its grotesque appearance and challenging combat make it one of Bloodborne's most infamous bosses.

15. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring) Malenia has become a cultural icon due to her challenging nature and deep connection to Elden Ring's lore. Her two-phase battle tests players' skills and showcases FromSoft's ability to craft visually spectacular and narratively rich encounters.

16. Guardian Ape (Sekiro) The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, from its comedic antics to its shocking resurrection. This fight exemplifies FromSoft's ability to surprise and engage players.

17. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss) Artorias' tragic backstory and exhilarating combat make him a memorable boss. His fight is a rite of passage for Dark Souls players, challenging them to master the game's mechanics.

18. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3) The Nameless King offers a fair yet challenging fight, with clearly telegraphed attacks and a thrilling two-phase battle. Fought in the eye of a storm, this encounter is both visually and musically unforgettable.

19. Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls) Ornstein and Smough set the standard for dual boss fights in the genre. Their dynamic where one absorbs the other's power after defeat adds an extra layer of challenge and strategy.

20. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Ludwig's fight is a showcase of Bloodborne's fast-paced combat and tragic lore. His transformation and use of the Moonlight Great Sword make this battle a standout in FromSoft's catalog.

21. Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City) Gael's fight is a fitting end to the Dark Souls series, with its epic setting and connection to the game's lore. His transformation and powerful abilities make this a memorable and challenging encounter.

22. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Lady Maria's fight is a technical masterpiece, with her use of twin swords and blood powers creating a thrilling duel. Her battle encapsulates the elegance and intensity of Bloodborne's combat.

23. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro) Isshin's four-phase battle is the pinnacle of Sekiro's focused combat system. His variety of techniques and the need to master every aspect of the game's mechanics make this fight the ultimate test of skill and precision.

Our journey through FromSoftware's greatest bosses concludes here. Did we miss any of your favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments, and feel free to rank these 25 bosses using the IGN Tier List tool below.