Games developed by FromSoftware are renowned for their challenging gameplay, with boss encounters often standing out as the pinnacle of difficulty. These critical moments amplify both the narrative and gameplay, creating memorable experiences for players.
However, contrary to popular belief, the difficulty in these games does not consistently escalate, and it’s worth noting that the final bosses are not always the most formidable.
There are numerous instances where players find mid-game or optional bosses to be even more punishing than the game’s ultimate adversary. In this piece, we celebrate these tough combatants with a curated selection of the ten Soulsborne bosses that surpass the final boss in difficulty.
For clarity, this list excludes bosses from downloadable content (DLC), as they tend to be designed with increased difficulty, catering to the expectations of seasoned Souls fans.
10 Velstadt, The Royal Aegis
An Endurance Test
| Game | Dark Souls 2 |
| Location | Undead Crypt |
Dark Souls 2 is often criticized for having an easier roster of bosses, making it easy to consider various candidates for this list. However, among the few exceptions is Velstadt, the Royal Aegis, a significant challenge.
Although it may not align with FromSoftware’s typical standards, Velstadt’s remarkable resilience surprises players, especially those used to vanquishing enemies with just a few strikes. Since Nashandra is relatively straightforward, Velstadt’s endurance battle feels particularly strenuous, as any misstep can reset progress back at the bonfire.
9 Four Kings
A Problem With a Single Solution
| Game | Dark Souls |
| Location | Abyss |
From my initial encounter with the Four Kings, I faced numerous struggles. Their combat mechanics are deceptively simple, yet the execution is far trickier.
The challenge is compounded by the presence of multiple foes and a disorienting camera, making dodging and attacking a real test of skill. Personally, I’ve only achieved consistent success with Havel Armor, relying on its defensive capabilities. Without this strategy, my attempts would have likely faltered compared to my experiences with Gwyn, Lord of Cinder.
8 Looking Glass Knight
An Impenetrable Threat
| Game | Dark Souls 2 |
| Location | King’s Passage |
Similarly, the Looking Glass Knight offers a commanding challenge in Dark Souls 2, equipped with a shield that absorbs much damage.
The encounter atop Drangleic Castle is lengthy, exacerbated by the knight’s high health and the potential for an NPC ally to join the fight, complicating the battle significantly. His basic attack patterns seem manageable, yet the unpredictable hitboxes from his lightning strikes, combined with summoned phantoms, make this fight more difficult than it appears.
7 Darklurkers
The Most Demanding Dual Fight
| Game | Dark Souls 2 |
| Location | Dark Chasm of Old |
Dark Souls 2 struggles with multiple enemy bosses, often skewing either dull or excessively hard. However, Darklurker presents a perfect case of balancing difficulty, providing a seamless transition into its second phase that feels formidable yet fair.
The only drawback is the arduous path to reach it, which features one of the most frustrating boss runs across all Soulsborne titles. Despite being one of my favorites, I’ve only fought Darklurker once due to this hassle. Regardless, it ranks among the most challenging bosses in Dark Souls 2, far exceeding the easier Nashandra.
6 Morgott, The Omen King
A Glass Cannon Build
| Game | Fire Ring |
| Location | Leyndell, Royal Capital |
Morgott, the Omen King showcases the variability in Elden Ring’s challenges based on character levels. My initial encounter ended so smoothly, I had to restart to enjoy the fight, while the latest battle left me feeling defeated after several attempts.
This inconsistency stems from Morgott’s intricate attack patterns, often challenging even seasoned players. Despite being exhausting to face, it largely depends on your character’s strength, which is why it ranks lower on this list.
5 Ornstein & Smough
The Icons of Terror
| Game | Dark Souls |
| Location | Anor Londo |
While many bosses across the Dark Souls series can feel relatively easy, Ornstein and Smough consistently rise above in terms of reputation for their fierce difficulty. Despite my capability to defeat them with relative ease now, I can never underestimate their prowess.
During my first playthrough, they vanquished me far more times than Gwyn, forcing me to question my ability to succeed in the game. Even with Solaire’s assistance, I found their relentless onslaught challenging.
The memory of Ornstein’s charge and Smough’s approach remains vivid, fueling anxiety each time I step into their arena.
4 Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos
Yharnam’s True Nightmare
| Game | Bloodborne |
| Location | Upper Cathedral Ward |
While Bloodborne’s base game features relatively manageable bosses, Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos stands as a stark exception, combining a haunting presence with an intense combat experience.
The first phase seems straightforward, but the ensuing chaos introduces beams of light, relentless headbutts, and airborne attacks, quickly sending you back to the Hunter’s Dream if you aren’t careful.
In contrast to Gehrman, The First Hunter, who can be parried, Ebrietas requires dodging and precise timing to avoid her devastating moves.
3 Nameless King
Thank God It’s An Optional Boss
| Game | Dark Souls 3 |
| Location | Archdragon Peak |
As I maintain, Dark Souls 3 features the most consistently challenging bosses in the Soulsborne series, and Nameless King exemplifies this trend.
This battle is particularly significant for its optional nature, as it was the most challenging boss for me to conquer. With its dual phases and immense attack power, the unpredictability adds to the danger.
While Soul of Cinder presents its own unique difficulties as the trilogy’s most arduous final boss, a number of its phases are navigable. The Nameless King, in contrast, is unforgiving from the beginning to the end.
Though some may label it the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3, I believe its optional status ensures players’ progression through the campaign isn’t hindered by its presence.
2 Demon of Hatred
A Fight From Another World
| Game | Axe: Shadows Die Twice |
| Location | Ashina Castle Gate |
The battle against the Demon of Hatred might feel like it’s in another universe due to its stark differences in gameplay style compared to the rest of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
This enemy challenges established gameplay mechanics, compelling you to adapt quickly. Unlike Isshin, the Sword Saint, who tests your mastery of the game, the Demon of Hatred places you in a disorienting position without offering guidance.
Personally, I managed to defeat him with the strategy of toppling him using a well-known trick, employing a whistle to stun him multiple times. Otherwise, I would likely have steered clear of this formidable foe.
1 Malenia, Blade of Miquella
A Sekiro Boss Sneaked Into Elden Ring
| Game | Fire Ring |
| Location | Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree |
While I may not have struggled significantly against Malenia, Blade of Miquella, the level of challenge she provides far outweighs that of Radagon and the Elden Beast.
Malenia poses a unique test of skill and mastery not encountered in previous FromSoftware games. Her optional status is not surprising given her overwhelming nature, even for veteran players.
Quick and devastating, she regenerates health rapidly, and has several near-unavoidable attacks. Coupling this with her arena’s challenging layout, the threat of scarlet rot, and an unpredictable fighting style makes her one of the toughest bosses players will face, often requiring hundreds of attempts for first-time victory.
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