Experiencing a thrilling journey in a video game only to be let down by a lackluster final boss battle can be one of the most frustrating aspects of gaming. Players invest countless hours exploring intricate worlds, completing quests, and developing their characters, only to face a climactic encounter that feels disappointing or anticlimactic.
Some subpar boss fights are so disappointing that they can tarnish the overall gaming experience. When a player enters a boss battle feeling overpowered, it can be just as disheartening as when the encounter itself is poorly designed. To help gamers steer clear of frustration, we’ve curated a list of some of the most highly-rated open-world video games that feature exceptionally disappointing boss fights.
The definition of a terrible boss fight can be subjective; however, our criteria focus on its narrative significance and the anticlimactic nature of the battle itself. Here are the games to watch out for:
10 Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Tons of Player Customization Didn’t Make It to the Boss
Despite its captivating world and deep player customization options, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning falls flat during its final boss battle against Tirnoch. This encounter, while heavily foreshadowed, proves to be underwhelming due to Tirnoch’s lack of unique abilities and engaging combat mechanics. Many players left the battle feeling unfulfilled, considering it one of the weakest moments in the game.
9 Middle-earth: Shadow of War
They Did The Witch-King Dirty
As a fan of the Lord of the Rings franchise, Middle-earth: Shadow of War was an exciting venture. However, the battle against the iconic Witch-King of Angmar left much to be desired. Players expect a fierce duel, given his legendary status, but the encounter is disappointingly easy and lacks the challenge fitting a character of his caliber. The developers squandered a golden opportunity to create a memorable and challenging fight.
8 Batman: Arkham Knight
Deathstroke, But In a Tank
In Batman: Arkham Knight, the highly anticipated confrontation with Deathstroke disappointing fans due to his unconventional choice of combat vehicle—a tank. This decision undermines Deathstroke’s character as a master combatant, severely detracting from the immersion and narrative integrity of the game. Fans of the franchise deserve a more engaging and immersive fight against one of Batman’s greatest foes.
7 Ghost of Tsushima
Just Another Heavy Brute
Ghost of Tsushima masterfully immerses players in its breathtaking world and engaging combat mechanics. However, the showdown with Khotun Khan culminates in a frustratingly anticlimactic battle that fails to capture the intensity built up throughout the journey. Instead of a thrilling duel, players encounter a mere brute, resulting in a disappointing finale.
6 Dying Light
Death by QTE
The anticipation building to face Rais, the final boss of Dying Light, is ultimately deflated by an underwhelming Quick Time Event (QTE) battle that lacks the depth and excitement found throughout the rest of the game. Instead of using the skills honed throughout the game, players are relegated to a reflex-based knife fight, rendering the climactic encounter disappointing.
5 Ring of Fire
Clunky Hit Boxes Do Not a Great Boss Fight Make
Elden Ring sets the bar high with its well-crafted boss encounters, yet Maliketh’s battle presents frustrating design flaws. Players are met with awkward hitboxes that lead to an unsatisfying experience, detracting from the otherwise exceptional gameplay. As one of the vital bosses restricting story progression, Maliketh’s design fails to live up to players’ high expectations.
4 Horizon: Zero Dawn
Just a Program in the Same Suit We Fought Before
While Horizon Zero Dawn dazzles players with its vibrant world and compelling storyline, the showdown with Hades ultimately disappoints. After battling a challenging Deathbringer, players find that defeating Hades requires merely overriding a program, lacking the innovative design and thrilling challenge expected from a final boss encounter.
3 Cyberpunk 2077
All Talk and No Power
Players initially perceive Adam Smasher, the final boss in Cyberpunk 2077, as a formidable foe, but the battle ultimately proves to be disappointingly easy due to balance issues. As the hype builds around his character, players find that he fails to deliver a memorable challenge, leaving many feeling let down after such a riveting buildup.
2 Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
Narratively Lots of Fun but Dash Attacks Are Just Cheesy
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla often feels more like a Viking simulator than an installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The dramatic confrontation with Loki starts off with significant narrative weight but devolves into a frustrating encounter characterized by repetitive dash attacks that can be overwhelming for players who haven’t tailored their characters accordingly, detracting from both immersion and enjoyment.
1 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
All That Trouble for an Easy Fight
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is deemed a landmark of its generation, yet its final battle against Alduin serves as a glaring flaw. After embarking on numerous quests to bolster their power, players discover that Alduin, while significant to the plot, presents minimal challenge. With no unique mechanics that distinguish him from other dragons, this climactic moment falls short, rendering it one of the most disappointing boss fights in gaming history.
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