Top 25 FromSoftware Bosses Ranked

FromSoftware has solidified its reputation as a premier developer of action RPGs, crafting immersive journeys through grimdark worlds brimming with both horror and wonder. Central to their acclaim are their bosses: formidable, often terrifying adversaries that challenge players to the brink of their abilities.

In their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on this focus. This roguelike-inspired co-op title is centered entirely on combat, with each playthrough featuring an escalating series of 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 ranking the toughest bosses but celebrating the greatest boss fights in FromSoftware's history. We've considered battles from their "Soulsborne" lineup, including Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon’s Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. Our criteria extend beyond mere difficulty to include the music, setting, mechanical complexity, and lore significance. Here are our top 25 picks, based on these comprehensive factors.

Old Monk (Demon’s Souls) The Old Monk stands out for its innovative approach to PvP invasions. Rather than a traditional AI boss, you might face another player controlling the Monk, making the encounter unpredictable and thrilling, reinforcing the ever-present threat of invasions.
Old Hero (Demon’s Souls) Despite being overshadowed by later bosses, Old Hero's unique puzzle-style combat remains a highlight. As a blind warrior who relies on sound, this fight turns into a stealth challenge, requiring players to strike and retreat silently.
Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King) Sinh marks a pivotal moment in FromSoftware's dragon fights, blending epic scale with intense difficulty in a poisonous cavern, setting a new standard for dragon encounters in future games.
Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne) Ebrietas embodies the Lovecraftian essence of Bloodborne, being the origin of Blood Ministration and a key figure in the game's narrative. Her attacks, including cosmic rifts and blood-induced Frenzy, are both thematically rich and challenging.
Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2) Fume Knight is renowned for his dual-wielding prowess, seamlessly transitioning between speed and power. His ability to combine weapons into a formidable flame sword makes for a dynamic and engaging battle.
Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree) The battle against Bayle is intensified by the presence of the NPC ally, Igon, whose passionate hatred for the dragon adds emotional depth to an already thrilling encounter.
Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne) Father Gascoigne serves as a pivotal early challenge in Bloodborne, testing players' understanding of the game's mechanics. Mastering the environment and parrying techniques is crucial to overcoming him.
Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring) Radahn's battle is a spectacle of scale and spectacle, with players able to summon numerous NPC allies to join the fray. The encounter culminates in a dramatic, earth-shattering finale.
Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls) Sif's fight is steeped in melancholy, as players must confront Artorias' loyal wolf guarding its master's grave. The emotional weight of this battle makes it one of the most memorable in the series.
Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring) Maliketh is a relentless aggressor, with his second phase unveiling his true form and intensifying the combat. His high-intensity, fast-paced attacks make for an unforgettable encounter.
Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3) The Dancer's unique fighting style and eerie, dance-like movements create a visually stunning and technically challenging fight, pushing players to anticipate her erratic attacks.
Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro) Genichiro's battles are iconic for their setting and intensity, especially the duel atop Ashina Castle. Mastering parrying and deflecting, including against his lightning attacks, is essential.
Owl (Father) (Sekiro) Owl's fight is both emotionally and physically challenging, with his aggressive tactics and lethal gadgets. The second phase, with his spectral owl, adds a thrilling layer of complexity.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While focusing on the "Soulsborne" series, we must acknowledge Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon for its thrilling boss fights. Notable encounters include AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, each showcasing FromSoftware's mastery of cinematic and challenging combat.

Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3) The Soul of Cinder encapsulates the essence of Dark Souls, with its unpredictable fighting styles and a second phase that echoes the original game's final boss, Gwyn.
Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel) Sister Friede's three-phase fight is a grueling endurance test, with the middle phase introducing the formidable Father Ariandel. Overcoming both simultaneously is a true testament to player skill.
Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) The Orphan of Kos is a nightmare-inducing boss, with its fast, unpredictable attacks and grotesque appearance. Its use of its own placenta as a weapon adds to the horror.
Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring) Malenia's battle is a cultural phenomenon, challenging players with two intense phases. Her waterfowl dance and scarlet rot attacks are both visually stunning and deadly.
Guardian Ape (Sekiro) The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, from its comedic farts to its shocking resurrection after decapitation. It's a memorable fight that encapsulates Sekiro's unique tone.
Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss) Artorias is a tragic figure whose rapid attacks and challenging combos make defeating him a rite of passage in Dark Souls. His fight is both thrilling and poignant.
Nameless King (Dark Souls 3) The Nameless King is a paragon of Dark Souls boss design, with a fair yet challenging fight across two distinct phases. His battle atop 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 dual boss fights, with their health-restoring mechanic and intense combat. Their influence on the genre is as significant as the fight itself.
Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Ludwig's fight evolves constantly, requiring players to adapt to his 23 unique attacks. His transformation from a frenzied beast to a tragic figure wielding the Moonlight Great Sword encapsulates Bloodborne's themes.
Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City) Gael's battle is the epitome of a mythical showdown, with his transformation in the second phase and a backdrop that feels like the end of existence. His fight encapsulates the essence of Dark Souls.
Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Lady Maria's duel is a masterclass in technical combat, with her blood powers adding intensity to the fight. Her battle in the clocktower is both challenging and emotionally resonant.
Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro) Isshin's four-phase battle is the pinnacle of Sekiro's combat system, requiring players to master every technique learned throughout the game. His fight is a thrilling, precise dance that culminates in an unmatched sense of accomplishment.

Our ranking of the top 25 FromSoftware bosses reflects the studio's legacy of crafting unforgettable encounters. Whether you agree with our choices or have your own favorites, these battles showcase the artistry and challenge that define FromSoftware's games.