For those seasoned players who have conquered at least one title from the Souls series, a certain confidence often blooms. This triumph over the daunting challenges embedded in these games equips players with the determination to tackle subsequent titles with renewed vigor. Yet, even with this newfound tenacity, one typically encounters that formidable wall—a boss so skill-demanding that it tests your abilities and resolve. These are the notorious ‘skill-check’ bosses, formidable adversaries that can halt your progression, inviting you to either improve your skills or consider defeat.
Although facing these bosses can incite frustration, they are ultimately memorable battles that impart valuable lessons, refine combat mechanics, and enhance your gameplay prowess, leaving a lasting impression once the credits roll. Join us as we reflect on these critical milestones by ranking the standout skill-check bosses from various games known for their aggressive challenges.
In our selection process, we will spotlight one boss from each title to focus on the games with significant skill-check moments, intentionally excluding titles—like Bloodborne—that present a more gradual difficulty progression. Let’s dive into this challenging arena!
10 Whiteclad Noble
Black Myth: Wukong
We commence our list with the Whiteclad Noble, a true skill check in the linear landscape of Black Myth: Wukong. At the game’s outset, your options are limited, as you can only explore a single transformation and a modest array of spells and weapons. This lack of build diversity means that players must adopt a straightforward approach, facing this boss head-on without any gimmicks to lean upon.
The Whiteclad Noble presents a dynamically challenging encounter—featuring exceptional agility, lethal range attacks, and a diverse set of moves. This fight marks the point where button-mashing won’t suffice; players must carefully learn the boss’s attack patterns. While your Wandering Wight and transformation can aid in the fight, do not underestimate the challenge of this two-phase battle.
9 Commander Honglan
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Transitioning from Wukong, we arrive at the freshly minted title, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and its formidable boss—Commander Honglan. This agile foe forces players to adapt their entire combat strategy, compelling them to master the art of parrying for any chance at victory.
Honglan is astoundingly quick, unleashing a barrage of deadly projectiles that makes any form of retreat perilous. The boss battle unfolds in two intense phases, making it crucial to maintain your composure and tactical awareness. Attempting to heal during this fight is fruitless; mastering timing and counterattacks is the key to survival.
8 Heikea, Intimidation Crab
Another Crab’s Treasure
In the visually charming world of Another Crab’s Treasure, players are gently introduced to combat before encountering their first significant hurdle—Heikea. Initially designed as a beginner-friendly Soulslike, the game takes time to challenge players, but that challenge surges with Heikea.
This boss is notorious for its vicious grab attacks, which are challenging to evade, and its scare tactics leave players vulnerable to spells. With relentless aggression, Heikea forces you to dodge and maneuver effectively, as a single misstep can spell disaster for your crustacean hero.
7 Hornet
Hollow Knight
Welcome to Hollow Knight, a game often hailed as the pinnacle of the Soulsvania genre. In this beautifully crafted world, players encounter Hornet—a true test of skill as they progress into Greenpath. Unlike previous bosses, Hornet is a force to be reckoned with, demanding precision and agility in combat.
Her quick-paced attacks and relentless pursuit will overwhelm unprepared players, necessitating acute timing and thorough knowledge of her movements if you wish to survive. Hornet personifies the elegance and rigorous challenge that defines Hollow Knight, making her battle a standout skill check.
6 King’s Flame Fuoco
Lies of P
In the initial stages of Lies of P, nearly every boss could be seen as a skill check, but none encapsulate this notion quite like King’s Flame Fuoco. This formidable opponent escalates the combat experience with a range of powerful attacks, including laborious strikes and explosive AOE bursts.
Once you transition into Fuoco’s second phase, the battle intensifies as you face a slew of fury attacks, making the need for impeccable timing and dodging crucial. This fight highlights the necessity of mastering parry mechanics, presenting a true test for players eager to advance.
5Blade Phantom
The First Berserker: Khazan
For players who navigate past The First Berserker’s initial boss fight, Yetuga, brace yourselves for the trial that is the Blade Phantom. Unlike its predecessor, this boss is all about rapid strikes and punishing combos, presenting a true skill check.
During the fight, players must stay vigilant, as Blade Phantom escalates the challenge significantly with an array of complex combo attacks and teleporting maneuvers. The battle rewards flawless execution, and losing your rhythm can lead to dire consequences.
4 Flamelurker
Demon’s Souls
Surprisingly, Demon’s Souls holds its own with Flamelurker, an anomaly among its otherwise gimmick-driven foes. This boss demands traditional combat prowess, emphasizing damage avoidance and calculated strikes within a spacious arena.
Flamelurker is both fast and aggressive, with minimal openings for counters. While magic builds may find this encounter less daunting, players adopting a melee approach will discover that Flamelurker is a thoughtful and challenging adversary.
3 Bell Gargoyles
Dark Souls
Dark Souls quickly transitions from introductory foes to formidable challenges, with the Bell Gargoyles serving as a significant skill-check moment. Following the manipulative tactics of the Taurus Demon, players are thrust into a double-boss battle that tests their combat abilities.
Successfully targeting the tail of the Gargoyle not only provides advantageous bonuses but also allows players to focus their efforts, increasing their chances of survival against these two formidable foes. Conquering them paves the way for smoother sailing through subsequent encounters.
2 Genichiro
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
When assessing purely on difficulty, Genichiro reigns supreme as one of the most challenging skill-check bosses in the Souls genre. His relentless nature and unyielding attacks force players to adjust their combat strategies in Sekiro, which prioritizes parrying and precise timing.
Genichiro’s combat style is unforgiving, emphasizing the importance of mastery over your reflexes. He relentlessly tests players’ dedication to adapting their gameplay, making this encounter a true rite of passage for many.
1 Margit The Fell Omen
Ring of Fire
“Put those foolish ambitions to rest.”This phrase became all too familiar during my initial foray into Elden Ring, echoing in my mind as I grappled with the challenges posed by Margit. Despite its open-world design allowing for exploration beyond immediate bosses, players will inevitably face this fierce opponent as they progress.
Margit is notorious for his swiftness and devastating attacks, serving as a harsh introduction that compels players to learn and adapt. With the right strategies, including the use of summons and Margit’s Shackle, players can hope to emerge victorious—but it’s no small feat.
Reflecting on the tumultuous encounters with this boss, players often gain insights into their capabilities, marking Margit as both a hurdle and a gateway to greater skill and understanding within the Souls genre.
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