In the expansive universe of Soulsborne games, one of the most essential features is undoubtedly the tutorial sections.
These introductory phases are renowned for their mixed approach, gracefully guiding new players while simultaneously delivering challenging gameplay. FromSoftware has crafted these openings to leave a substantial impact, especially for newcomers entering their haunting worlds.
At the heart of many of these tutorial experiences are formidable bosses, purposefully placed to reinforce the game’s mantra: embrace suffering, learn, and most importantly, improve.
While each tutorial boss showcases unique characteristics and teaching methods, they collectively reflect the studio’s distinctive design philosophy, enriching the gaming experience. Thus, let’s pay homage to these memorable introductory encounters with a comprehensive ranking of Soulsborne tutorial bosses.
Note that this list excludes Dark Souls II and Bloodborne, as neither title features a proper tutorial boss, and their initial foes do not align with the criteria set forth.
5 Grafted Scion
A Swift Demise
With Elden Ring, players quickly learn they are destined to face death, particularly due to the menacing presence of the Grafted Scion.
Upon entering The Lands Between, this challenging foe halts your progress through rapid and unexpected attacks. Unlike previous FromSoftware tutorials, this encounter offers little room for player development, starkly highlighting the game’s seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Despite Elden Ring being hailed as one of the greatest RPGs ever, and as a devout fan of the studio, I feel the boss fight, paired with the introductory area, feels truncated and offers minimal opportunity for exploration.
There’s a case to be made for the Cave of Knowledge being Elden Ring’s true tutorial zone; however, since Soldier of Godrick is merely a basic enemy with enhanced health, it would rank lowest on this list.
4 Vanguard
An Effective Introduction
The Vanguard serves as a deceptively simple yet imposing early-game boss, deserving of recognition for what it represents in the Soulsborne series.
While the original Demon’s Souls may have some rough edges, it uniquely captures the essence of its world, and the Vanguard provides an outstanding introduction to the game’s immersive atmosphere and challenging mechanics.
With time, FromSoftware refined their approach to tutorial bosses, but the Vanguard still imparts invaluable lessons about stamina management, the significance of attacking from behind, and maintaining distance.
3.Genichiro Ashina
The Start of a Great Adventure
In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, mastering the intricate combat system is essential for progressing through the narrative.
From the very first enemy encounter, the level of precision and understanding required is apparent, but Genichiro Ashina serves as an enlightening gateway to the complexities of gameplay.
Although the battle may end almost as soon as it begins, the brief showdown is enough to convey the depth of skill you must cultivate to conquer future encounters.
Through learning to deal with red-sealed attacks, prioritizing the stance bar, and appreciating the duel’s stunning cinematography, this exchange becomes enlightening and exquisite.
When players face him again later on, the experience becomes a true test of how much they have progressed on their journey.
2 Asylum Demon
The Quintessential Tutorial Experience
Playing Dark Souls for the first time instantly highlights why this franchise is revered as one of the finest trilogies ever, particularly due to its outstanding tutorial.
The Northern Undead Asylum is a brilliantly crafted area that vastly improves upon Demon’s Souls in terms of structural design, thematic depth, and boss quality.
As a result, the Asylum Demon acts as a superior variant of the Vanguard, providing players with an initial encounter that is not only challenging but also encourages exploration and adaptation in Lordran.
Once equipped, the game offers a plunging attack to facilitate combat, along with a balanced pattern and deliberately slow pacing, fostering a sense of power after the humbling earlier fight.
While the Asylum Demon may seem somewhat dated today, with its limited mobility, it remains a remarkable example of effective boss and tutorial design.
1 Judge Gundyr
An Exemplary Encounter
In sharp contrast to bosses like the Grafted Scion, Vanguard, and Genichiro, the fight against Iudex Gundyr in Dark Souls 3 continues until you emerge victorious, leading to a much richer learning experience.
This formidable adversary boasts a dynamic yet discernible moveset, complete with dual phases and a generous health pool, making him a perfectly calibrated tutorial boss.
While he poses a challenge for newcomers, Gundyr also offers ample opportunities for attack and counterplay, especially as players navigate through his transitions between phases.
His engaging lore, striking transformation, and the area’s emphasis on consumable usage to combat specific foes highlight the meticulous design behind every aspect of this encounter.
Moreover, revisiting the area to face Champion Gundyr in his peak form offers seasoned players a glimpse into the depths of challenge, solidifying Gundyr’s legacy as a quintessential tutorial boss.
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