FromSoftware has solidified its reputation as a master of action RPGs, crafting immersive journeys into dark, mysterious worlds teeming with both horror and wonder. The studio's signature touch in level and lore design is unparalleled, yet it is their bosses that have truly cemented their legacy. These encounters are not just challenging; they are often terrifying and push players to their limits.

In their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on this focus. This roguelike-inspired co-op game centers entirely on combat, challenging players with a gauntlet of increasingly difficult bosses. The first trailer unveiled familiar faces from the Dark Souls series, including the formidable Nameless King, promising a thrilling experience for fans.

This article delves into the greatest boss fights FromSoftware has created across their "Soulsborne" games—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon’s Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. We considered various aspects of each battle, including the challenge, music, setting, mechanical complexity, and lore significance, to compile our list of the top 25 boss fights in FromSoftware's history.

25. Old Monk (Demon’s Souls)

The Old Monk stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Rather than facing a traditional AI-controlled boss, players might encounter another player controlling the Monk. The challenge varies with the skill of the summoned player, creating a dynamic and unpredictable fight that underscores the ever-present threat of invasions.

24. Old Hero (Demon’s Souls)

Old Hero represents a unique puzzle-style encounter in FromSoftware's catalog. This blind, ancient warrior relies on sound to track players, turning the fight into a stealth challenge. While not the most difficult, it sets a precedent for innovative boss design seen in later games.

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

Sinh marks a pivotal moment in FromSoftware's dragon fights. Set in a poisonous cavern with epic music, this battle against the slumbering dragon sets the standard for the thrilling dragon encounters in future titles.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne)

Ebrietas embodies the Lovecraftian horror that permeates Bloodborne. As a key figure in the game's lore, she unleashes devastating cosmic attacks and inflicts Frenzy, making her a thematically rich and challenging opponent.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2)

The Fume Knight is renowned for its difficulty and unique combat style. Dual-wielding a longsword and a massive Buster Sword, he later combines them into a formidable flame sword, offering a thrilling and demanding fight.

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

Bayle the Dread stands out not just for its difficulty but for the memorable presence of NPC ally Igon, whose passionate hatred for the dragon adds depth and excitement to this epic confrontation.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

Father Gascoigne serves as an early test of Bloodborne's mechanics. Players must master parrying and environmental tactics to overcome his aggressive attacks, setting the stage for future challenges.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring)

Radahn's battle is a spectacle of scale and spectacle, set against a vast battlefield. The ability to summon numerous NPC allies adds an epic feel to the fight, culminating in a dramatic and memorable conclusion.

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls)

Sif's fight is steeped in emotion and story. Guarding Artorias' grave, this loyal wolf wields a greatsword in its jaws, creating a poignant and challenging encounter that resonates deeply with players.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring)

Maliketh is a masterclass in aggressive boss design. His relentless attacks and complex combos make for an intense battle that remains one of Elden Ring's most memorable.

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

The Dancer's visually stunning and unpredictable combat style keeps players on their toes. Her eerie dance-like movements and long reach create a unique and challenging fight.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro)

Genichiro's fight is memorable for its setting and mechanics. From a moonlit field to a dramatic duel atop Ashina Castle, mastering parrying and deflecting is crucial to overcoming this formidable opponent.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro)

Facing Owl in Sekiro is a thrilling and emotionally charged battle. His aggressive tactics and lethal gadgets, combined with the narrative weight of fighting a traitorous father, make for an unforgettable encounter.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While focusing on Soulsborne games, we must acknowledge the impact of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. Its bosses, like AA P07 Balteus and IA-02: Ice Worm, showcase FromSoftware's ability to craft cinematic and challenging fights.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

The Soul of Cinder encapsulates the essence of Dark Souls. Its unpredictable fighting style and homage to the series' first boss, Gwyn, make it a fitting and haunting conclusion to the trilogy.

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

Sister Friede's three-phase fight is a brutal test of endurance. Her relentless aggression and the chaotic middle phase with Father Ariandel create a challenging and memorable battle.

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

The Orphan of Kos is a terrifyingly fast and unpredictable boss. Its grotesque form and relentless attacks make it one of Bloodborne's most infamous and challenging encounters.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring)

Malenia is renowned for her difficulty and the spectacle of her fight. Her waterfowl dance and scarlet rot attacks, combined with a deep narrative connection to Elden Ring's world, make her a standout boss.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro)

The Guardian Ape combines humor and horror. Its comedic moments are overshadowed by the shocking twist of its resurrection, turning a seemingly ended fight into a frantic battle against its headless corpse.

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

Artorias' tragic backstory and exhilarating combat make him a beloved boss. His rapid attacks and challenging combos make defeating him a rite of passage for Dark Souls players.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)

The Nameless King is a perfect example of a balanced yet challenging boss. His well-telegraphed attacks and epic setting make for a memorable and thrilling fight.

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

Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights. Their dynamic health absorption and challenging combat have made them a legendary encounter in the series.

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

Ludwig's complexity and evolution throughout the fight make him one of Bloodborne's most challenging bosses. His tragic lore and ferocious attacks encapsulate the game's themes.

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

Gael's battle is a fitting conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy. His transformation and the epic setting, combined with his connection to the series' lore, make this fight a monumental achievement.

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

Lady Maria's fight is a masterclass in technical combat. Her elegant yet deadly moves and the intense escalation of the battle make her one of FromSoftware's top-tier bosses.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro)

Isshin's fight encapsulates everything that makes Sekiro special. His multi-phase battle demands mastery of the game's mechanics, resulting in a thrilling and satisfying conclusion.

Our ranking of the top 25 FromSoftware bosses reflects the studio's ability to create deeply engaging and challenging encounters. Did we miss your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below and rank these bosses using the IGN Tier List tool.