Aside from its gripping narrative and excellent graphics, the God of War series has also become widely recognized for its sensational boss battles. Each new installment since the original PS2 game back in 2005 has had at least one or more unforgettable encounters against truly formidable opponents. From the Hydra to the Colossus of Rhodes and even Cronos, God of War is home to some of the grandest, most epic fights in the games industry.

However, while the above examples are truly sights to behold, some of the more memorable and intense encounters to actually play are the one-on-one battles, pitting players against one lethal or two adversaries. These fights are focused less on spectacle and more on locking gamers into relentless fights that test quick reflexes and combat maneuvers. The following battles are the epitome of what God of War and its many boss fights strive to be: action-packed, challenging, and larger than life.

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Ares - God of War (2005)

ares god of war boss fight

Ares, the God of War, is Kratos' target for the entire duration of the PS2 original adventure. Kratos is a violent, skilled combatant, but it is hyped up throughout the game that he learned a great deal of what he knows from Ares. The game's climax is a titanic showdown between Ares and Kratos after he gains some extra height thanks to the magic in Pandora's Box. The battle is a great conclusion filled with fast-paced one on one combat and some stellar narrative beats as well.

Sisters of Fate - God of War 2 (2007)

The Sisters of Fate stand in Kratos's way in God of War II

Similar to above, the Sisters of Fate are the prime goal for Kratos during his journey in God of War 2. Upon reaching them and asking to be sent back in time, they refuse to cooperate, which naturally results in Kratos resorting to communicating in alternative, more brutal methods. A gauntlet comprised of not just one or two, but three boss fights in a row, the Sisters of Fate are sure to leave even the most seasoned hack and slash gamers nearly breathless by the time it's all over. Even then, it's still not over, as immediately afterward, the final confrontation with Zeus awaits.

Zeus - God of War 3 (2010)

kratos vs zeus god of war 3

Although the climactic battle with Zeus at the end of God of War 2 is excellent in its own way, the rematch at the end of God of War 3 is truly the pinnacle of the original trilogy. Every moment and clash has led to this, with Kratos rushing Zeus with unprecedented rage in an attempt to bring down Olympus once and for all. Zeus is no pushover, however, putting up a formidable fight against Kratos in a battle that rages throughout multiple locations and tests players to put together all the skills acquired during the game.

Poseidon - God of War 3 (2010)

God of War features countless boss battles throughout its length, but not wanting to be outdone, God of War 3 attempts to outshine its predecessor in its opening moments. The fight against Poseidon was a graphical marvel for the PlayStation 3 at the time and still looks pretty good today. The battle has players soaring across the sky, battling the King of the Seas on a variety of different platforms. Taking him down piece by piece, Kratos' victory proves the tried and true mentality that the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

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The Stranger - God of War (2018)

god of war kratos baldur boss fight

After a few years away from the spotlight, the franchise returned to the forefront of PlayStation exclusives in a big way with 2018's God of War. Serving as a soft reboot for the series, the game introduced players to a new combat style and camera setup, with an over-the-shoulder perspective similar to The Last of Us. Needing to sell older fans on the new combat style, the game wastes no time before throwing players into the first major brawl in the game. A stranger attacks Kratos at his home, resulting in one of the most brutal rounds of fisticuffs ever seen in the series.

Magni and Modi - God of War (2018)

Magni and Modi gang up on Kratos in God of War

Fighting one of Thor's sons is a daunting task, but two of them at once is another ball game. Appearing later in the game and challenging Kratos to combat them, and what results is one of the most explosive encounters in the entire game and series as a whole. Properly keeping an eye on both Magni and Modi, while balancing between defensive and offensive attacks is a careful balancing act for players to pull off. With no breathing room or time to think, it's all about wits and split-second reactions to survive this bout.

Sigrun – God Of War (2018)

god of war sigrun no-hit

Arguably considered to be the most difficult boss battle in the entire series, facing off against Sigrun the Queen of the Valkyrie is actually completely optional. Those who are brave enough to challenge her are in for an exhausting duel to the death against an adversary that pushes every skill gamers have to the maximum. Players need to face eight other Valkyrie in the game before facing Sigrun, but any of them will be a cakewalk by comparison, as she is more difficult on her own than facing all eight others at once. God of War fans curious to take Sigrun on would be wise to upgrade gear and level up as high as possible, as it will be needed in this unforgettably intense boss fight.

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