FromSoftware has consistently delivered some of the most acclaimed expansions in gaming history, creating experiences that often rival or surpass their base games. From the iconic Artorias of the Abyss to the latest Shadow of the Erdtree, each downloadable content (DLC) release is unique, primarily distinguished by its memorable and challenging boss encounters.
The Soulsborne series owes much of its identity and allure to these expansions, highlighting their exceptional quality and design. It is only fitting that we take the time to evaluate the ten most challenging Soulsborne DLC bosses.
10 Burnt Ivory King
A Fight Turned Into War
| Game | Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Ivory King |
| Location | Old Chaos |
Although Dark Souls 2 is often perceived as having some of the easier bosses in the franchise, the Burnt Ivory King rises above the rest. In fact, I argue he’s the toughest in the sequel, outmatching even the formidable Fume Knight.
The encounter begins the moment you enter Eleum Loyce, where recovering knights to aid you in the battle is crucial. The agility of the Burnt Ivory King, combined with his high damage output and relentless assault, sets a stark contrast to the slower, more forgiving combat typical of the base game.
While Dark Souls 2 may not be renowned for its boss challenges, the Burnt Ivory King serves as a prime example of the rigorous tests its expansions can offer.
9 Knight Artorias
| Game | Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss |
| Location | Royal Wood |
Dark Souls is well-known for its deliberate pacing and strategic combat, where timing and situational awareness are pivotal. However, upon confronting Artorias in Oolacile, everything learned in the base game is put to the test, as he embodies relentless aggression and speed.
This fight demands flawless execution; any mistake will result in a swift demise. His attack patterns and durability outperform many other bosses, and he cannot be parried, which adds another layer to the challenge. This is a battle that rewards only those who can master it under pressure.
8 Ludwig, The Accursed
A Beast and A Knight
| Game | Bloodborne: The Old Hunters |
| Location | Hunter’s Nightmare |
While I may be part of a minority that finds Ludwig, the Accursed slightly easier compared to others, he remains a formidable boss, and his design reflects high quality. His first phase can be quite punishing, yet his second phase’s grace and predictability offer a reprieve.
Ultimately, he exemplifies a challenging yet rewarding encounter, never tipping into unfair territory, making him a standout within the expansive roster of Bloodborne bosses.
7 Messmer the Impaler
You Will Know Defeat Once Again
| Game | Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree |
| Location | Shadow Keep |
Despite the numerous attempts it took to conquer Messmer the Impaler, my feelings toward the fight are convoluted. Although I faced him more times than any other boss in the main game, I always felt equipped to succeed.
Unlike other renowned challenges like Malenia, Messmer’s brilliantly choreographed design allows players to learn and adapt, making him my favorite boss in Elden Ring despite the frustrations he brought.
Is It Darkeater 6 ?
The Hardest Soulsborne Dragon
| Game | Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City |
| Location | The Ringed City |
It is rare for a boss to leave me so challenged that I couldn’t return to the game for weeks, yet Darkeater Midir achieved just that. Located in Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City, this imposing dragon is a relentless foe.
Unlike other dragons in the series, Midir demands a head-on battle—no hiding beneath him for an easy victory here. His attacks come at breakneck speed, leaving little opportunity to recover or catch your breath. If anyone can embody the sheer frustration of difficulty within this franchise, it’s Midir.
5 Sister Friede
A Three-phase Headache
| Game | Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel |
| Location | Painted World of Ariandel |
Many players, including myself, credit Dark Souls 3 with cementing the trilogy’s status as a modern classic, thanks in large part to the formidable Sister Friede.
After overcoming her punishing second phase, the sheer heartbreak of her rising once again creates frustration like few others in the Soulsborne series. Defeating her third phase remains an elusive victory for even the most skilled players, underscoring her status as a true challenge throughout the game.
4 Slave Knight Gael
The Most Relentless Foe
| Game | Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City |
| Location | Filianore’s Rest |
Dark Souls 3’s DLC showcases some of the most intricately designed encounters in gaming, with Slave Knight Gael reigning supreme.
He is perhaps the most complete challenge you will face throughout the trilogy, demonstrating remarkable speed, resilience, and aggressive AI. Like Artorias, he demands perfection; however, Dark Souls 3 elevates the tempo, amplifying the sense of urgency in every encounter.
3 Laurence, The First Vicar
A Punishing Nightmare
| Game | Bloodborne: The Old Hunters |
| Location | Grand Cathedral |
Laurence, The First Vicar, stands alongside Sister Friede as a boss that has compelled me to step away from the game, returning only after weeks of frustration. His relentless aggression and unique attack patterns demand a different kind of strategy compared to the core game.
Unlike the battle with Amelia, finding openings against Laurence is nearly impossible, especially during his frantic second phase. This encounter punishes any underestimation, making it a true test of skill.
2 Orphan of Kos
The Only Fight That Never Gets Easy
| Game | Bloodborne: The Old Hunters |
| Location | Fishing Hamlet Coast |
No matter how many times I’ve tackled The Old Hunters or experimented with different builds, facing the Orphan of Kos remains an unrelenting challenge. His chaotic behavior and unpredictable second phase test your nerves in a way few others can mimic.
This encounter transcends typical boss fights, emphasizing survival over skill, making each attempt both exhilarating and sweats-inducing. His movements are swift, and the high-risk stakes further contribute to the tension, marking him as a true nightmare in the franchise.
1 Promised Consort Radahn
The Maximum Exaggeration of Difficulty
| Game | Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree |
| Location | Enir-Ilim |
Despite over a decade of engaging with Soulsborne games, Promised Consort Radahn stands out as an unparalleled challenge for me. His return in Shadow of the Erdtree was both unexpected and a fierce test of endurance.
In my experience, he is unmatched, with numerous mechanics making each encounter uniquely challenging. Unlike other formidable foes like Malenia or the Orphan of Kos, Radahn’s fight is characterized by blinding visuals and relentless attack patterns, ultimately proving a brutal experience.
Thankfully, Radahn was balanced in his final iteration, creating a memorable experience as the icon of the game. Yet, the struggle it took—over 100 attempts—remains forever etched in memory as the climax of struggle for any FromSoftware enthusiast.
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