Top 10 Most Frustrating Mob Enemies in Soulsborne Games

In the expansive universe of Soulsborne games, players encounter a plethora of mobs, but not all are intended to enhance the gameplay experience. Some foes are deliberately designed to challenge players, while others seem to exist solely to frustrate. For example, while I can tolerate knights with devastating one-hit kills or archers that can take me down from great distances, there’s a significant frustration factor when teleporting dogs and suddenly spawning reindeer enter the fight.

With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list that encapsulates my grievances regarding the ten most irritating Soulsborne mob enemies that players have come to dread.

10. Basilisk

The Icon of Annoyance

An image of the Basilisk enemy from the Dark Souls franchise

First Appearance	Dark Souls
Location(s)	Depths, The Great Hollow, Ash Lake

The Basilisk stands out as a notorious figure in the Dark Souls series, feared by many. My initial encounter with them in The Depths filled me with anxiety, largely due to the risk of being cursed and having half of my health stripped away.

That said, the community may overstate their annoyance. Despite attacking in packs, their low health makes them relatively easy to dispatch. Nevertheless, they are synonymous with irritation in the Soulsborne community, justifying their inclusion here.

9. Frozen Reindeer

Hatred’s Embodiment

An image of the Frozen Reindeer enemy from Dark Souls 2

First Appearance	Dark Souls 2
Location(s)	Frigid Outskirts

While I praise Dark Souls 2 as an underrated masterpiece, the Frozen Reindeer in the Frigid Outskirts are undoubtedly a colossal letdown. Regardless of my build, traversing this DLC area remains a monumental hassle due to these powerful foes, who appear unexpectedly and make panic-inducing sounds.

Though their presence is optional, the real challenge lies in the poor visibility of the area rather than their design, which thankfully keeps them from ranking higher on this list.

8. Jailer

Say Goodbye to Your Health Bar

An image of the Jailer enemy from Dark Souls 3

First Appearance	Dark Souls 3
Location(s)	Irithyll Dungeon

Among the many frustrating elements in Dark Souls 3, Jailers in Irithyll Dungeon take the cake. Their ability to execute near-instant death from a grab attack can leave players feeling powerless. With so many enemies lurking around, it’s nearly impossible to navigate without chalking up several deaths.

7. Blowdart Sniper

An Inopportune Placement

An image of the Blowdart Sniper enemy from Dark Souls

First Appearance	Dark Souls
Location(s)	Blighttown

Enemies like the Blowdart Snipers from Dark Souls can be particularly vexing due to their strategic placement and razor-sharp accuracy. In an already challenging environment with poor visibility, having these foes shoot from the shadows adds another layer of frustration.

Equipping a Blooming Purple Moss Clump is essential if you plan to navigate Blighttown safely—failure to do so can lead to a frustrating experience.

6. Lesser Runebear

Harder Than Many Major Bosses

An image of the Lesser Runebear enemy from Elden Ring

First Appearance	Fire Ring
Location(s)	Open field areas, forests, and caves

While some enemies can be surprisingly tough, Lesser Runebears in Elden Ring manage to be more challenging than numerous bosses. With broad, erratic attacks and hefty damage output, encountering them outside a designated boss arena feels like an unwelcome surprise.

Despite the option to ride Torrent during these encounters, engaging them can be perilous due to their relentless charges. It’s easy to understand why their upcoming role in Shadow of the Erdtree elevates them to boss status.

5. Bonewheel Skeleton

A Frightening Spin of Fate

An image of the Bonewheel Skeleton enemy from Dark Souls

First Appearance	Dark Souls
Location(s)	The Catacombs, Painted World of Ariamis

The infamous Pinwheel may be deemed an easy boss, but the relentless Bonewheel Skeletons certainly make up for it with their chaotic speed and relentless attacks. Despite having years of experience with the Soulsborne formula, I still tremble at the thought of encountering them in The Catacombs or the Painted World of Ariamis.

4. Imp

A Race of Irritating Beings

An image of the Imp enemy from Elden Ring

First Appearance	Fire Ring
Location(s)	Catacombs

Imps in Elden Ring combine the frustrations of both the formidable Lesser Runebear and the erratic Bonewheel Skeleton. These mischievous foes ambush players and are adept at dodging attacks, often throwing projectiles from unreachable locations. The presence of multiple Imps only heightens the annoyance.

3. Revenant

The Ultimate Roll-Catcher

An image of the Revenant enemy from Elden Ring

First Appearance	Fire Ring
Location(s)	Ruins, castles, and catacombs

Despite the impressive combat mechanics of Elden Ring, Revenants infuriate players with their speed, poison clouds, and unpredictable teleports. Even those who spam the roll button can find themselves caught in their deadly grasp, making them one of the most formidable foes to face.

Healing Incantations can make a significant difference, but for those relying on melee combat, the best strategy is often to flee, especially given their limited appearances throughout The Lands Between.

2. Starved Hound

Dogs Are Not Anyone’s Best Friend

An image of the Starved Hound enemy from Dark Souls 3

First Appearance	Dark Souls 3
Location(s)	Cemetery of Ash, Firelink Shrine, High Wall of Lothric, Undead Settlement, Road of Sacrifices, Cathedral of the Deep, Untended Graves

While dogs have often proven to be a nuisance in many Soulsborne titles, the Starved Hounds of Dark Souls 3 truly elevate frustration to an art form. These relentless canines seem to teleport directly behind players, making escape nearly impossible. Their rapid movements make them some of the most despised foes in the game.

Ultimately, whether engaged in battle or attempting to flee, facing these dogs can lead to inevitable death, establishing them as irrefutably irritating enemies.

1. Winter Lantern

Generational Trauma

An image of the Winter Lantern enemy from Bloodborne

First Appearance	Bloodborne
Location(s)	Nightmare Frontier, Nightmare of Mensis, Fishing Hamlet

As a fan of Bloodborne, there are two elements I find particularly frustrating: the tedious farming for vials and the utterly terrifying Winter Lanterns. These enemies are intentionally positioned to evoke annoyance and represent the true horror of Yharnam.

With their ability to inflict Frenzy—a status effect that is notoriously aggravating—it’s clear that Winter Lanterns reign supreme as the most infuriating mob enemy in the Soulsborne franchise.