FromSoftware has established itself as a premier developer of action RPGs, renowned for crafting immersive journeys into dark and mysterious worlds filled with both horror and wonder. Central to their acclaim are the bosses—challenging, often terrifying adversaries that test players' skills to their limits. In their upcoming game, Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware is doubling down on this aspect, creating a roguelike co-op experience where players confront an escalating series of bosses, including iconic foes like the Nameless King from the Dark Souls series.

This article isn't just about the toughest bosses; it's a curated list of the greatest boss encounters in FromSoftware's history. We've considered battles from across their "Soulsborne" titles—Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon's Souls, and the Dark Souls trilogy. Our criteria for selection go beyond mere difficulty, encompassing music, setting, mechanical complexity, lore significance, and other nuanced elements. Here are our top 25 favorites:

25. Old Monk (Demon’s Souls) The Old Monk stands out for its innovative approach to PvP multiplayer invasions. Instead of a traditional AI-controlled boss, players may face another human controlling the Old Monk. This adds an unpredictable layer of challenge, reminding players that invasions can occur even during boss fights, making it a unique and memorable encounter.

24. Old Hero (Demon’s Souls) Old Hero is a fascinating example of FromSoftware's early puzzle-style bosses. This blind, ancient warrior swings wildly but relies on sound to detect players, turning the fight into a stealth challenge. Despite its simplicity, it's a pioneering encounter that influenced later esoteric bosses in subsequent games.

23. Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon (Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King) Sinh represents a pivotal moment in FromSoftware's dragon fights, transitioning from early prototypes to epic confrontations. Set in a poisonous cavern with dramatic music, this battle against the slumbering dragon is a thrilling and challenging encounter.

22. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Bloodborne) Ebrietas embodies Bloodborne's Lovecraftian themes, being the worshipped entity behind the Healing Church's blood ministration. Despite her lore significance, the fight itself is less challenging but rich in thematic elements, with her attacks reflecting cosmic horror.

21. Fume Knight (Dark Souls 2) Fume Knight is one of Dark Souls 2's toughest bosses, combining speed and power with dual-wielded weapons. His ability to merge these into a single flaming sword adds to the intensity, making for an engaging and formidable duel.

20. Bayle the Dread (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree) The battle against Bayle the Dread is heightened by the passionate NPC ally, Igon, whose intense hatred adds a unique layer to the fight. This encounter is one of the most memorable in Elden Ring, both for its difficulty and its emotional depth.

19. Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne) Father Gascoigne serves as an early test of Bloodborne's mechanics, requiring players to master parrying and environmental tactics. This fight is crucial for understanding the game's combat system, making it a standout encounter.

18. Starscourge Radahn (Elden Ring) Radahn's battle is a spectacle, taking place on a vast festival battlefield. Despite being less challenging post-patch, the fight's scale and the ability to summon multiple NPC allies make it a memorable and epic confrontation.

17. Great Grey Wolf Sif (Dark Souls) Sif's fight is emotionally charged, as players must confront Artorias' loyal wolf companion guarding its master's grave. The encounter's melancholy atmosphere and moral complexity make it a poignant moment in the series.

16. Maliketh, the Black Blade (Elden Ring) Maliketh is an aggressive boss whose relentless attacks keep players on their toes. The transition to his true form as the Black Blade intensifies the fight, making it a high-intensity and memorable battle.

15. Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3) The Dancer's fight is visually stunning and technically unique, with her erratic, dance-like movements challenging players' timing and positioning. This encounter showcases FromSoftware's animation prowess.

14. Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro) Genichiro's fight is memorable for its setting and the introduction of Sekiro's parrying mechanics. The rematch on Ashina Castle escalates the intensity, requiring players to master deflection and lightning redirection.

13. Owl (Father) (Sekiro) Owl's fight is both emotionally and physically challenging, as players confront their traitorous father. His aggressive tactics and teleportation add to the thrill, making it a standout encounter.

Honorable Mention: Armored Core 6

While focusing on "Soulsborne" games, it's worth mentioning Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. Its boss fights, such as AA P07 Balteus, IA-02: Ice Worm, and IB-01: CEL 240, showcase FromSoftware's continued mastery of challenging encounters.

12. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3) As the final boss of Dark Souls 3, the Soul of Cinder embodies the series' essence with its varied combat styles. Its second phase, reminiscent of the original Dark Souls' final boss, provides a haunting conclusion to the trilogy.

11. Sister Friede (Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel) Sister Friede's three-phase fight is one of the most punishing in the Dark Souls series. The middle phase, with the addition of Father Ariandel, adds complexity and intensity to an already challenging battle.

10. Orphan of Kos (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) The Orphan of Kos is notorious for its speed and unpredictable attacks. Its grotesque design and relentless aggression make it a nightmare-inducing encounter.

9. Malenia, Blade of Miquella (Elden Ring) Malenia's fight is a cultural phenomenon, challenging players with her two punishing phases. Her visual spectacle and deep connection to Elden Ring's lore make her a standout boss.

8. Guardian Ape (Sekiro) The Guardian Ape combines humor with horror, using poison gas and feces in its attacks. The unexpected second phase, where it fights headless, adds a shocking twist to the encounter.

7. Knight Artorias (Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss) Artorias' fight is both a test of skill and a tragic narrative moment. His rapid attacks and emotional backstory make this a memorable and challenging encounter.

6. Nameless King (Dark Souls 3) The Nameless King is a fair yet challenging boss, with well-telegraphed attacks. The two-phase fight, set atop Archdragon Peak, is enhanced by one of the series' best musical themes.

5. Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough (Dark Souls) Ornstein and Smough set the standard for double boss fights, with one absorbing the other's power upon defeat. Their influence on the genre and the intensity of the fight make them iconic.

4. Ludwig, The Accursed/Holy Blade (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Ludwig's fight evolves with new attacks, requiring players to adapt quickly. His tragic backstory and connection to Bloodborne's lore add depth to this challenging encounter.

3. Slave Knight Gael (Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City) Gael's fight is a mythical conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy, with his transformation in the second phase adding new layers of challenge. His connection to the series' lore makes the victory feel monumental.

2. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (Bloodborne: The Old Hunters) Lady Maria's fight is a masterclass in dueling, with her blood powers adding intensity to the encounter. Her technical prowess and the fight's setting make it a standout battle.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro) Isshin's fight encapsulates everything that makes Sekiro special. The four-phase battle, requiring mastery of Sekiro's combat system, is a thrilling and satisfying climax to the game.

Our list of the top 25 FromSoftware bosses reflects the studio's mastery of creating engaging and challenging encounters. Each fight is a testament to their commitment to storytelling, mechanics, and atmosphere. Did we miss one of your favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to rank these bosses using the IGN Tier List tool below.