FromSoftware has solidified its reputation as a premier developer of action RPGs, crafting immersive journeys into grim, dark worlds filled with equal parts horror and wonder. Despite the studio's unparalleled approach to level and lore design, it's the bosses that have cemented FromSoftware's enduring legacy. These formidable adversaries are not just challenging but often embody the essence of horror, pushing players' skills to their limits.

In their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on its focus on bosses. This roguelike-inspired co-op game is designed to be entirely combat-focused, with each playthrough presenting players with an escalating series of boss encounters. The first trailer hinted at the return of iconic foes from the Dark Souls series, including the majestic Nameless King, promising a thrilling experience for fans.

This list is not about the most difficult bosses, but rather the greatest bosses in FromSoftware's history. We've considered battles from across their "Soulsborne" style games—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon’s Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. Our evaluation goes beyond mere difficulty, encompassing every aspect of these encounters: the music, the setting, the mechanical complexity, the lore significance, and more. Here are our top 25 picks based on these criteria.

25. Old Monk (Demon’s Souls)

Conceptually, the Old Monk from Demon’s Souls is a standout for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Instead of facing a traditional AI-controlled boss, players might encounter another player controlling the Old Monk. This unique twist not only adds an unpredictable challenge but also serves as a constant reminder that other players can invade your game at any moment, even during a boss fight.

24. Old Hero (Demon’s Souls)

While many of Demon’s Souls' bosses have been outshined by later, more refined designs, its puzzle-like encounters remain a highlight in FromSoftware's catalog. Old Hero is a prime example: a towering, glowing ancient warrior who is blind, relying on sound to locate you. This transforms the battle into a stealth challenge, requiring players to sneak and strike strategically, laying the groundwork for future unique boss designs in games like Elden Ring and Sekiro.

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

Dragons have always been formidable in FromSoftware's games, but early dragon battles felt like prototypes compared to the epic confrontations in later titles. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon from Dark Souls 2's Sunken Crown trilogy, marked a turning point. Set in a poisonous cavern with dramatic music, this battle against the slumbering beast set a new standard for dragon fights in FromSoftware's portfolio.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

Bloodborne's journey through Yarnham involves battling numerous eldritch beings, but none embody the game's Lovecraftian themes as vividly as Ebrietas. As the creature revered by the Healing Church and the origin of Blood Ministration, she's central to the game's narrative. Her attacks, such as opening the cosmos to unleash arcane energy and inflicting Frenzy with her blood, reflect the game's thematic depth and horror.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

Often considered the toughest fight in Dark Souls 2, Fume Knight is a masterclass in dual-wielding. With a longsword for swift attacks and a massive Buster Sword for heavy damage, he later combines them into a formidable flame sword. His challenging yet fun combat style showcases FromSoftware's ability to create engaging duel-style encounters.

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

Bayle the Dread stands out not only for its difficulty but for the memorable presence of NPC ally Igon. His intense hatred for Bayle, expressed through guttural cries, adds a unique layer of excitement to this already thrilling dragon battle, making it one of the most memorable fights in Elden Ring.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

Every FromSoftware game has an early boss that serves as a proving ground. In Bloodborne, Father Gascoigne is a perfect example. His fight tests players' understanding of the game's mechanics, requiring strategic use of the environment and parrying to overcome his aggressive tactics. Mastering these skills is essential for succeeding in Bloodborne's later challenges.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

Elden Ring is renowned for its grand spectacles, and the battle against Starscourge Radahn epitomizes this. This oversized, gravity-manipulating warrior on a tiny steed is both comical and terrifying. The ability to summon numerous NPC allies adds an epic feel to the fight, culminating in a dramatic, earth-shattering conclusion that reveals new layers to the game's world.

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

FromSoftware's games are steeped in melancholy, and the battle against Great Grey Wolf Sif is one of the most emotionally charged. As the loyal companion of Artorias, Sif guards his master's grave, wielding a greatsword. The fight's atmosphere and story implications leave a lasting emotional impact, highlighting the nuanced morality in FromSoftware's narratives.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

Maliketh is a prime example of FromSoftware's aggressive boss design. Even in his first phase, he relentlessly attacks, using rocks and quick movements. His transformation into Maliketh, the Black Blade, escalates the intensity, with long, unpredictable combos that demand perfect timing. The high-intensity nature of this battle makes it one of Elden Ring's most memorable encounters.

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

Dancer of the Boreal Valley is a visually and mechanically unique boss. Her long limbs and erratic fighting style, combined with her curved blades, create a challenging and unpredictable battle. The animation team's work in crafting her dance-like movements adds an eerie beauty to this encounter.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

Genichiro Ashina's initial encounter on a moonlit field of reeds is brief but memorable. The rematch atop Ashina Castle, however, is one of the most epic duels in FromSoftware's history. Mastering parrying and deflecting, including redirecting lightning, is crucial to overcoming him, making this fight a true test of Sekiro's core mechanics.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

As Sekiro's story branches toward the Purification ending, players face Owl (Father), a formidable and emotionally charged opponent. His aggressive tactics, combined with lethal gadgets and a second phase featuring teleportation via a spectral owl, create a thrilling and challenging fight. Confronting your father in such a dynamic battle is a unique and intense experience.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While we focus on FromSoftware's "Soulsborne" games, it's worth acknowledging 2023's Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. This game brought FromSoftware's signature boss fight design to the mech genre, featuring battles like AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, each showcasing the studio's flair for dramatic and cinematic encounters.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

As the final boss of Dark Souls 3, Soul of Cinder embodies the essence of the series. This amalgamation of all Lords who linked the Flame fights with a variety of styles, from elegant swordplay to piercing spear lunges. The second phase, echoing the original Dark Souls' final boss, Gwyn, provides a haunting reflection of the trilogy's beginnings.

11. Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel)

Hidden in the Ashes of Ariandel DLC, Sister Friede is a grueling three-phase battle. Her relentless aggression, combined with the middle phase's introduction of Father Ariandel, creates an endurance test. Overcoming this duo's ice and fire attacks is a memorable challenge in the Dark Souls series.

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

Orphan of Kos is Bloodborne's most infamous boss, haunting players with its speed and unpredictable combos. Its grotesque appearance and use of its own placenta as a weapon add to the horror. The fight's intensity and difficulty make it a standout in FromSoftware's catalog.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

Malenia, Blade of Miquella, became a cultural phenomenon upon Elden Ring's release. Her challenging two-stage fight, featuring her deadly waterfowl dance and transformation into the Goddess of Rot, tests players' skills to the limit. Her deep connection to the game's lore and stunning visual design make her a memorable boss.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

Sekiro's Guardian Ape combines comedy with horror. Its primal rage and comedic moments, like farting poison gas and throwing poop, contrast with the shocking twist of its reanimated corpse phase. This battle's unpredictability and emotional impact make it a standout in FromSoftware's library.

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

Artorias the Abysswalker is a tragic figure in Dark Souls' lore, and his boss fight is equally exhilarating. His rapid attacks and tricky combos make defeating him feel like a rite of passage, showcasing the depth and challenge of Dark Souls' combat.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

Nameless King exemplifies the perfect Dark Souls boss. His two-phase fight, featuring a dragon duel followed by a thrilling ground battle, is set against a storm on Archdragon Peak. With clearly telegraphed moves and a memorable musical theme, this battle is a highlight of the series.

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

Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights in FromSoftware's games. Their unique mechanic of absorbing the fallen ally's power adds a layer of challenge and strategy. This iconic battle's influence on the genre makes it a legendary encounter.

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

Ludwig's complex battle evolves as you progress, with 23 unique attacks across two phases. His transformation from a frenzied beast to a tragic figure wielding the Moonlight Great Sword encapsulates Bloodborne's themes. Overcoming his relentless aggression is a significant achievement.

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

Slave Knight Gael's battle is the ultimate test of skill in Dark Souls 3. His transformation in the second phase, gaining the power of the Dark Soul, leads to an intense, multifaceted fight. Set against a backdrop of orchestral music and a desolate battlefield, defeating Gael feels like a monumental achievement.

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

Lady Maria's battle is a masterclass in technical dueling. Her twin swords and pistol, combined with escalating blood powers, create an intense fight. Set in her horological throne room, this encounter is a testament to Bloodborne's combat finesse.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

Isshin, the Sword Saint, encapsulates everything that makes Sekiro special. His four-phase battle, beginning with a duel against Genichiro, is a whirlwind of precise parries and deadly strikes. Conquering Isshin on this beautiful battlefield provides an unmatched sense of accomplishment, making it FromSoftware's finest boss battle.

Our ranking of the top 25 FromSoftware bosses reflects the studio's mastery in creating unforgettable encounters. If you have a favorite that didn't make the list, share your thoughts in the comments below. You can also rank these bosses yourself using the IGN Tier List tool.