FromSoftware has carved out a niche as a premier developer of action RPGs, creating unforgettable journeys through grimdark worlds teeming with both horror and wonder. While their innovative level and lore design is unparalleled, it's FromSoft's bosses that truly define their legacy: formidable, often terrifying adversaries that push players to their limits.

In their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on this focus. This roguelike-inspired cooperative game is centered entirely around combat, with each playthrough challenging players against an increasingly difficult array of bosses. The first trailer teased the return of iconic foes from the Dark Souls series, including the majestic Nameless King.

This article isn't about listing the most challenging bosses. Instead, it's a celebration of the greatest bosses in FromSoftware's history. We've analyzed battles across their "Soulsborne" games—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy—evaluating not just their difficulty, but also their music, setting, mechanics, lore significance, and many other factors. Here are our top 25 picks, based on these criteria:

25. Old Monk (Demon’s Souls) The Old Monk stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Rather than a traditional AI-controlled boss, this fight can pit you against another player, adding a thrilling unpredictability to the encounter. This unique feature serves as a constant reminder of the looming threat of enemy invasions, even during boss fights.

26. Old Hero (Demon’s Souls) Old Hero represents an early example of FromSoft's puzzle-style encounters. This blind, ancient warrior forces players to employ stealth tactics, as he reacts to sound rather than sight. Though not overly challenging, this fight set the stage for future innovative boss designs in FromSoft's games.

27. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King) Sinh's battle marked a significant evolution in FromSoft's dragon fights, transitioning from early prototypes to epic, fully realized encounters. Set in a poisonous cavern, the fight against Sinh is both challenging and atmospheric, setting a new standard for dragon battles in the series.

28. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne) Ebrietas embodies the Lovecraftian horror that permeates Bloodborne. As the origin point of Blood Ministration and a key figure in the game's lore, she delivers a thematically rich battle. Her attacks, including cosmic energy volleys and Frenzy-inducing blood, make for a memorable and intense confrontation.

29. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2) Fume Knight is renowned for his difficulty and versatility. Wielding both a speedy longsword and a heavy Buster Sword, he combines agility and power, culminating in a fearsome flame sword in his second phase. This fight stands out for its engaging mechanics and the thrill of mastering both speed and strength.

30. Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree) The battle against Bayle the Dread is intensified by the presence of your NPC ally, Igon, whose passionate hatred for the dragon adds a visceral layer to the fight. As one of the toughest encounters in Elden Ring's DLC, this clash against a monstrous dragon is both challenging and deeply memorable.

31. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne) Father Gascoigne serves as an early test of Bloodborne's mechanics. Players must learn to use the environment, manage their aggression, and master parrying to defeat him. This fight is crucial for setting the tone and teaching players the skills necessary to progress through the game.

32. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring) The battle against Starscourge Radahn is a spectacle of epic proportions. Set during a festival of combat, this fight allows players to summon numerous NPCs, adding to the grandeur of the encounter. Radahn's use of gravity magic and the dramatic conclusion make this fight a standout moment in Elden Ring.

33. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls) The fight against Sif is steeped in emotion. As Artorias' loyal companion, Sif's battle is not just a test of skill but a poignant narrative moment. The melancholy of striking down a faithful guardian at its master's grave adds depth to the encounter, making it one of the series' most memorable.

34. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring) Maliketh is the epitome of aggressive boss design. His relentless attacks and swift movements make him a formidable foe. The transition to his true form, Maliketh the Black Blade, ramps up the intensity, demanding precise timing and pattern recognition to overcome.

35. Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3) The Dancer's fight is a visual and mechanical marvel. Her unique, erratic movements and long limbs keep players guessing, while her dance-like combat style adds an eerie beauty to the encounter. This battle is a testament to FromSoft's ability to blend aesthetics with challenging gameplay.

36. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro) Genichiro Ashina's fight is a pivotal moment in Sekiro, testing players' understanding of the game's parry and deflect mechanics. The moonlit field setting and the subsequent rematch atop Ashina Castle provide two distinct and memorable encounters, each pushing players to hone their skills.

37. Owl (Father) (Sekiro) Facing Owl in Sekiro's Purification ending is both emotionally and physically intense. As Wolf's traitorous father, Owl's arsenal of gadgets and aggressive combat style make for a thrilling fight. His ability to teleport using a spectral owl adds a layer of complexity to the battle.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While our focus remains on FromSoftware's "Soulsborne" games, it's worth acknowledging 2023's Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. This game brought the series back into the spotlight with intense boss fights reminiscent of Soulsborne encounters. Notable mentions include AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, each offering unique challenges and cinematic battles.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3) The Soul of Cinder encapsulates the essence of Dark Souls. As the final boss, it represents every Lord who linked the Flame, fighting with a variety of styles. Its second phase, reminiscent of Gwyn, provides a haunting callback to the series' origins, making it a fitting conclusion.

13. Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel) Sister Friede's three-phase fight is one of the most grueling in the Dark Souls series. Her relentless aggression and the addition of Father Ariandel in the second phase create a challenging and memorable encounter. Overcoming this duo is a true test of endurance and skill.

14. Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) The Orphan of Kos is Bloodborne's most notorious boss. Its speed, unpredictable combos, and grotesque appearance make it a nightmare to face. The fight's intensity and the Orphan's unique weapon—a solidified placenta—add to its terrifying reputation.

15. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring) Malenia captured the gaming community's attention with her challenging and visually stunning fight. Her two-phase battle, featuring the deadly Waterfowl Dance and the Goddess of Rot transformation, is a test of skill and a narrative highlight of Elden Ring.

16. Guardian Ape (Sekiro) The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror. Its comedic elements, like poison gas and poop-throwing, contrast with the shocking twist of its second phase, where it fights on even after decapitation. This unexpected turn makes it one of FromSoft's most memorable encounters.

17. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss) Artorias the Abysswalker's tragic backstory and exhilarating fight make him a standout boss. His rapid attacks and complex combos challenge players, while defeating him feels like a rite of passage in mastering Dark Souls.

18. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3) The Nameless King is a masterclass in boss design. His two-phase fight, set atop Archdragon Peak, combines a dragon duel with a thrilling ground battle. His attacks are fair and well-telegraphed, making the fight a satisfying test of endurance and skill.

19. Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls) Ornstein and Smough's fight set the standard for double boss encounters. Their ability to absorb each other's power and transform into a more formidable foe created a legendary challenge that influenced many subsequent games.

20. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Ludwig's fight is a complex and intense battle that evolves as it progresses. His 23 unique attacks and transformation from a frenzied beast to a noble knight wielding the Moonlight Great Sword encapsulate Bloodborne's tragic lore and challenging gameplay.

21. Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City) Gael's fight is a fitting conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy. His transformation from a beast-like creature to a powerful wielder of the Dark Soul, set against a backdrop of orchestral music and the ashes of existence, makes this a truly mythical encounter.

22. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Lady Maria's fight is a masterclass in technical dueling. Her twin swords and pistol, combined with her blood powers, create a battle of escalating intensity. The setting and her tragic backstory add depth to this memorable encounter.

23. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro) Isshin's four-phase battle is the pinnacle of Sekiro's focused combat system. From the initial duel with Genichiro to the climactic fight against Isshin, this battle demands mastery of every technique learned throughout the game. Its precision and elegance make it FromSoftware's finest boss fight.

Our journey through the top 25 FromSoftware bosses is complete. Did we miss your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below and rank these bosses using the IGN Tier List tool.