FromSoftware has carved out a niche as a leading developer of action RPGs, crafting unforgettable journeys into grimdark lands filled with equal parts horror and wonder. Despite their renowned level and lore design, it's the studio's bosses that have cemented their legacy—deeply challenging, often horrific enemies that test players' skills to their limits.

With their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on the boss-centric experience. This roguelike-inspired co-op game is all about combat, with each run featuring a gauntlet of increasingly difficult bosses. The first trailer hinted at the return of some iconic foes from the Dark Souls series, including the majestic Nameless King, promising an exciting blend of nostalgia and new challenges.

This list isn't about the most difficult bosses; it's a celebration of the greatest bosses in FromSoftware's history. We've considered battles from their "Soulsborne" games—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon’s Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy—evaluating not just the challenge, but also the music, setting, mechanical complexity, lore significance, and other details. Here are our top 25 picks, based on these criteria.

25. Old Monk (Demon’s Souls) The Old Monk stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Instead of facing a traditional AI-controlled boss, you might encounter a real player controlling the Monk. This unique twist not only heightens the 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) Old Hero is a testament to Demon’s Souls' puzzle-style boss encounters. This blind, ancient warrior attacks wildly but can be easily evaded if you stay silent, turning the fight into a quasi-stealth experience. While not the most difficult, it's a unique and memorable encounter that laid the groundwork for future esoteric bosses.

23. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King) Sinh marks a turning point in FromSoftware's dragon fights, setting a new standard for epic clashes. Fought in a poisonous cavern, this battle is accompanied by swelling music and intense difficulty, making it a prototype for the thrilling dragon encounters in later games.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne) Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne’s Lovecraftian themes, being the worshipped creature behind the Healing Church’s Blood Ministration. Though not as challenging as her backstory might suggest, her attacks, including cosmic energy volleys and Frenzy-inducing blood, create a thematically rich showdown.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2) Fume Knight is a standout for its blend of speed and power, dual-wielding a longsword and a massive Buster Sword-like blade. His ability to combine them into a giant flame sword adds a thrilling layer to an already challenging fight, making him one of the most fun and difficult encounters in Dark Souls 2.

20. 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 passionate cries add a layer of excitement to an already intense fight against a formidable dragon. It's one of the hardest and most memorable encounters in the Elden Ring DLC.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne) Father Gascoigne serves as Bloodborne’s early proving ground, challenging players to master the game's mechanics. His ability to counter with gunfire and visceral attacks forces players to use the environment and parry effectively, setting the stage for later, harder fights.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring) Radahn's battle is a spectacle of scale and spectacle, set against a festival battlefield. The ability to summon NPC companions like Blaidd and Iron First Alexander adds an epic feel to the fight, culminating in a visually stunning conclusion that reveals new layers of Elden Ring's world.

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls) Sif's fight is laden with emotional weight, as players are tasked with defeating Artorias’ loyal wolf companion guarding its master's grave. While not the most challenging, its atmosphere and story implications make it one of the most memorable and heart-tugging encounters in the series.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring) Maliketh is a masterclass in aggressive boss design, with his relentless attacks and long combos keeping players on edge. His transition to the Black Blade form is particularly memorable, making this one of the most intense battles in Elden Ring.

15. Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3) The Dancer is visually and technically unique, wielding curved blades with erratic movements that keep players guessing. Her dance-like combat style and eerie animations make her a standout boss in Dark Souls 3.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro) Genichiro's battles, both in the field of reeds and atop Ashina Castle, are memorable for their intensity and the introduction of Sekiro’s parry and deflect mechanics. Deflecting lightning back at him is a highlight of the game’s mythical swordsman fantasy.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro) Facing Owl, your traitorous father, is an emotionally charged and physically demanding fight. His aggressive attacks and use of gadgets like shuriken and smoke add to the thrill, making this one of Sekiro’s most exhilarating encounters.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6 While focusing on "Soulsborne" games, it's worth mentioning Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. This game features intense boss fights that echo the Soulsian tradition of pattern memorization and strategic retaliation. Standout bosses include AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, each showcasing FromSoftware’s flair for dramatic and cinematic encounters.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3) The Soul of Cinder embodies the essence of Dark Souls, with its unpredictable array of combat styles reflecting the series' history. The second phase, echoing the original Dark Souls' final boss, Gwyn, makes for a haunting and beautiful conclusion to the trilogy.

11. Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel) Sister Friede is an endurance test spanning three phases, each more punishing than the last. Her relentless aggression, combined with the chaotic middle phase involving Father Ariandel, makes this one of the most challenging fights in the Dark Souls series.

10. 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 its horror, making it one of Bloodborne’s most infamous foes.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring) Malenia defined the cultural zeitgeist of Elden Ring, challenging players with her two-phase fight at the Haligtree. Her waterfowl dance and Goddess of Rot form are both visually spectacular and deeply rooted in Elden Ring’s lore, making her a memorable and formidable opponent.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro) The Guardian Ape combines comedy and horror, attacking with poison gas and feces before pulling off a shocking resurrection trick. This unexpected twist, coupled with its intense second phase, makes it a standout and memorable fight in Sekiro.

7. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss) Artorias is a tragic figure in Dark Souls lore, and his fight is exhilarating. His rapid attacks and tricky combos make defeating him feel like a rite of passage, encapsulating the essence of mastering Dark Souls.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3) The Nameless King is a perfect Dark Souls boss, balancing difficulty with fairness. His two-phase fight, set atop Archdragon Peak, is a thrilling spectacle, underscored by one of the series’ best musical themes.

5. Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls) Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights in FromSoftware games. The dynamic of absorbing the fallen ally's power makes for an unforgettable and influential encounter that has inspired similar fights in later games.

4. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Ludwig is a complex and challenging boss, evolving throughout the fight with a variety of attacks. His tragic backstory and connection to Bloodborne’s lore, along with wielding the Moonlight Great Sword, make him one of FromSoftware’s greatest creations.

3. Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City) Gael is the ultimate test of skill, concluding Dark Souls 3 with a mythic battle. His transformation and the epic setting make this fight a fitting and memorable end to the trilogy.

2. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Lady Maria is a technical masterpiece, with her duel in the Astral Clocktower showcasing Bloodborne’s combat at its finest. Her use of twin swords and blood powers creates an intense and satisfying battle.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro) Isshin encapsulates everything that makes Sekiro special. His four-phase battle is a thrilling culmination of the game’s focused combat system, requiring players to master every technique learned throughout their journey. Conquering Isshin provides an unmatched sense of accomplishment, making him FromSoftware’s finest boss battle.

Our list of the top 25 FromSoftware bosses celebrates the studio's ability to create challenging, memorable, and emotionally resonant encounters. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know your picks in the comments, and feel free to rank these bosses using the IGN Tier List tool below.