Conquering Bloodborne's challenging bosses requires strategy. This guide outlines optimal boss fight orders, differentiating between essential and optional encounters. While completing all bosses isn't mandatory for finishing the game, it's highly recommended for optimal rewards.

Table of Contents

• Optimal Boss Order (Non-Optional)
• Optimal Boss Order (All Bosses)
• Detailed Boss Order Breakdown
• The Old Hunters DLC Bosses

Optimal Boss Order (Non-Optional Bosses)

1. Father Gascoigne
2. Vicar Amelia
3. Shadow of Yharnam
4. Rom, the Vacuous Spider
5. The One Reborn
6. Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
7. Mergo’s Wet Nurse
8. Gehrman, the First Hunter
9. Moon Presence (Ending Specific)

Optimal Boss Order (All Bosses)

1. Cleric Beast (Optional)
2. Father Gascoigne
3. Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)
4. Vicar Amelia
5. The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)
6. Shadow of Yharnam
7. Rom, the Vacuous Spider
8. Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)
9. The One Reborn
10. Martyr Logarius (Optional)
11. Amygdala (Optional)
12. Celestial Emissary (Optional)
13. Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
14. Ludwig the Accursed/Holy Blade (DLC/Optional)
15. Laurence, the First Vicar (DLC/Optional)
16. Living Failures (DLC/Optional)
17. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (DLC/Optional)
18. Orphan of Kos (DLC/Optional)
19. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)
20. Mergo’s Wet Nurse
21. Gehrman, the First Hunter
22. Moon Presence (Ending Specific)

Detailed Boss Order Breakdown

The Old Hunters DLC can be accessed after Vicar Amelia, but many recommend tackling it near the game's end. Some debate the placement of the DLC relative to Mergo's Wet Nurse, as it affects certain dialogue.

This section will provide images and descriptions for each boss, similar to the original text, but with minor phrasing adjustments for originality.

Cleric Beast (Optional)

This early boss is aggressive and powerful. Target its hind legs to create openings.

Father Gascoigne

Mastering parries is key to overcoming this challenging hunter.

Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)

Keep your distance and utilize fire or explosive weapons to efficiently reduce its health.

Vicar Amelia

Exploit her self-healing animation for significant damage.

The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)

Her invisibility adds to the challenge. Utilize firearms when she’s visible.

Shadow of Yharnam

Dodge its attacks and exploit openings for effective damage.

Rom, the Vacuous Spider

Prioritize eliminating summoned spiders before focusing on Rom. Defeating Rom alters the game world, so be mindful of any exploration you wish to complete beforehand.

Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)

This hulking beast is best tackled after Rom.

The One Reborn

Manage both its physical and magical attacks, and eliminate summoned enemies promptly.

Martyr Logarius (Optional)

Mastering parries is crucial for success against this challenging boss.

Amygdala (Optional)

Its size and reach make this a formidable opponent.

Celestial Emissary (Optional)

Its speed and grab attacks demand careful maneuvering.

Micolash, Host of the Nightmare

Learn his patterns and exploit his vulnerability when cornered.

The Old Hunters Bosses

The Old Hunters bosses follow a relatively linear progression. After Ludwig, return to the Eye Pendant location to fight Laurence (the only optional boss in this area). Then face Living Failures, Lady Maria, and finally, Orphan of Kos.

Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)

Evade her tentacle and magical attacks.

Mergo’s Wet Nurse

This boss, while challenging, is often considered easier than some preceding encounters.

Gehrman, the First Hunter

Parrying is highly effective against this final non-optional boss.

Moon Presence (Ending Specific)

This true final boss requires obtaining three Umbilical Cords and refusing Gehrman's offer.

This optimized boss order, combined with strategic combat, will significantly enhance your Bloodborne experience. Remember to adapt your approach based on your playstyle and build.