Since the release of Dark Souls, the Souls-like subgenre has been experiencing an upward trend of growth. Although Demon's Souls started it all, it was Dark Souls that put the sub-genre on the map. It is characterized by action RPG elements, a combat style that borrows from hack and slash, and grueling boss fights.
The best boss fights of Souls-like games are among the most memorable in history. It was impossible to contain every epic boss fight across a variety of games in the sub-genre, this list contains some of the most memorable.
Updated on April 23, 2022 by Michael Llewellyn: The Souls-like or Soulsborne has become a sub-genre that was popularized by the Japanese studio FromSoftware Entertainment. The studio's success has continued with their recent hit Elden Ring and thanks to its open-world structure and more accessible mechanics it's arguably their biggest hit yet. Of course, the popularity of the Souls-like genre has opened the door for other developers to create their spin on the genre. Of course, it wouldn't be a Souls-like game if there weren't epic boss fights to conquer. This list has been updated to include FromSoft's titles and games from other studios.
12 Starscourge Rahdan - Elden Ring
- Release: 2022
- Developer: FromSoft
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
As one of the main bosses in Elden Ring, Starscourge Rahdan is a battle of epic proportions. The fight has a sense of scale as the player can summon the many NPCs that they may have encountered throughout the game to fight him in unison.
Rahdan is fast and powerful, but he's also a lot of fun to fight. Right from the outset, he launches giant spears at the player's character. The fight is a lot easier for players that have the Ash of War called The Bloodhound Step, but it is also made more enjoyable in that it looks like an epic fight in an anime.
11 Archangel Eli - The Surge 2
- Release: 2019
- Developer: Deck 13
- Platform: PC, PS4 and Xbox One
The Surge series is a science fiction Souls-likes that implement strategic and brutal combat. Thanks to the implementation of limb targeting and For Honor-style deflections, the combat is never boring.
The Surge games are heavily influenced by The Dark Souls series and the final boss fight with Archangel Eli looks like it came straight from the minds of the FromSoft's developers. It is a splendid fight that ends the second game in the series on a high point.
10 The Penetrator - Demon's Souls (2020)
- Release: 2020
- Developer: Bluepoint Games
- Platform: PS5
Before Artoroias of the Abyss, there was the Penetrator from Demon's Souls. Unfortunate name aside, this is one of the best boss fights in the history of the Souls series. It was always a great fight but the 2020 remake on the PS5 elevates this fight to the next level.
The armor design looks better than ever and one can even hear the warrior breathing like Darth Vader under his helmet. It's a memorable one-on-one fight test of skill that's reminiscent of the Devil May Cry series. As with all the fights in Demon's Souls, the Penetrator is difficult but there's a huge feeling of accomplishment when he falls.
9 Tower Knight - Demon’s Souls
- Release: 2009 and 2020
- Developer: FromSoftware and Bluepoint Games
- Platform: PS3 and PS5
The game that started the Souls series was met with a mixed reception in Japan. However, Demon's Souls became a commercial success in North America. The game's grueling boss fights posed a significant challenge for seasoned gamers.
The Tower Knight is found in a courtyard at the end of the Boletarian Palace. This formidable figure leans over the protagonist as you try to defeat him. This is the quintessential example of how a Souls-like boss should appear. Thanks to the PS5 remake of Demon's Souls the Tower Knight encounter is even more epic with some incredible sound design on display.
8 Dreamer/Nightmare - Remnant: From The Ashes
- Release: 2019
- Developer: Gunfire Games
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
The Dreamer/Nightmare encounter happens at the end of Remnant: From the Ashes. It begins by fighting Dreamer in Ward 17, and then the boss transforms into Nightmare, an even more powerful form.
Remnant: From the Ashes has several grueling boss fights, yet this boss fight is when the player falls into chaos. Destroying the mobs of enemies will help deplete Nightmare's health. Once in the Shadow Realm, take the portal to get back to the boss fight.
7 Lady Butterfly - Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- Release: 2019
- Developer: FromSoftware Games
- Platform: PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One
"In that case... Lose yourself in my illusions." Fighting Lady Butterfly in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was not easy during the first playthrough. The game tested your ability to dodge and strategize on how to beat her.
There was a ton of depth to this battle since you had to use Snap Seeds, Perilous Attacks, and find whatever way possible to cheese this boss. Lady Butterfly took numerous tries for the most experienced Souls-like players, making it one boss fight to remember.
6 Yatsu-No-Kami - Nioh 2
- Release: 2020
- Developer: Team Ninja
- Platform: PC, PS4 and PS5
Early in Nioh 2, players had to face one of the game's most difficult bosses. This serpent god has blades sticking out of its forehead, but it is the noxious poison that poses a problem for most players. Be prepared with a stockpile of antidotes if you plan to beat this boss successfully.
Yatsu-no-Kami creates pools of poison and has a sweeping tail attack covering a significant area. Answer back with a long-reaching weapon that can attack his head when it glows.
5 The Second Sister - Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
- Release: 2019
- Developer: Respawn Entertainment
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
The Second Sister, previously known as Trilla Suduri, is considered the most memorable boss fight in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The lead-up to this fight brought us to the planet Nur when the Second Sister steals the Holocron.
The level design is linear rather than open-world like other levels, but it's the boss battle that was more memorable. Trilla meets an untimely demise at the hands of a powerful Sith Lord, but not before you face her in one last heated lightsaber battle.
4 Great Grey Wolf Sif - Dark Souls
- Release: 2011
- Developer: FromSoftware
- Platform: PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, Xbox 360, and Xbox One
He is a giant wolf wielding a giant sword in his mouth. The concept might not have looked good on paper, but put it together with the setting, and it seemed to work. Sif was Artorias the Abysswalker's partner, according to Dark Souls lore.
While battling the Great Grey Wolf Sif, ominous tombstones are surrounding the player. This gloomy atmosphere worked for this boss fight and thanks to lore connected to the beast it packs quite the emotional punch.
3 Gehrman, The First Hunter - Bloodborne
- Release: 2015
- Developer: FromSoftware
- Platform: PS4
The Bloodborne bosses are darker and more Gothic than other Souls-like games, and one that stands out is Gehrman, The First Hunter. This cloaked figure is one of the three possible final bosses in the game, so not everyone got a chance to face him.
There are some obvious comparisons to the grim reaper since he wields a scythe. Hopefully, you chose the "Refuse" option after fighting Gehrman to combat one of Bloodborne's deadliest foes.
2 Guardian Ape - Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- Release: 2019
- Developer: FromSoftware
- Platform: PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One
Fighting the Guardian Ape (the first time) in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice really gave you a sense of the game. After finally depleting one of the boss' health bars, players needed to defeat his next form.
The Guardian Ape becomes decapitated, picks up his head, and continues fighting with the sword in his other hand. Hats off to FromSoftware for creating one of the greatest fights in Souls-like history.
1 Gwyn, Lord Of Cinder - Dark Souls
- Release: 2011
- Developer: FromSoftware
- Platform: PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, Xbox 360, and Xbox One
The final boss in Dark Souls and Dark Souls: Remastered ends the game on a high note or a low note for those who could not defeat him. Even in a game like Dark Souls, Gwyn Lord of Cinder has no equal.
He is one of the greatest gods in Dark Souls lore, also known as the Lord of Sunlight. Don't praise the sun; you've found him, and he's angry. Watch out for this foe's fast and aggressive fire attacks. Upon beating Gwyn Lord of Cinder, the game automatically ends.