Since the release ofDark Souls, the Souls-like subgenre has been experiencing an upward trend of growth. AlthoughDemon’s Soulsstarted it all, it wasDark Soulsthat 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.
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Thebest boss fights of Souls-like gamesare 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 June 09, 2025 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 hitElden Ringand 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.
12Starscourge Rahdan - Elden Ring
As one of the main bosses inElden 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 havethe 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.
11Archangel Eli - The Surge 2
TheSurgeseries is a science fiction Souls-likes that implement strategic and brutal combat. Thanks to the implementation of limb targeting andFor Honor-style deflections, the combat is never boring.
TheSurgegames are heavily influenced byThe Dark Soulsseries 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.
10The Penetrator - Demon’s Souls (2020)
Before Artoroias of the Abyss, there was the Penetrator fromDemon’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 theDevil May Cryseries. As with all the fights inDemon’s Souls,the Penetrator is difficult but there’s a huge feeling of accomplishment when he falls.
9Tower Knight - Demon’s Souls
The game that started theSoulsserieswas met with a mixed reception in Japan. However,Demon’s Soulsbecame a commercial success in North America. The game’s grueling boss fights posed a significant challenge for seasoned gamers.
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The Tower Knight is found in a courtyard at the end of the Boletarian Palace. This formidable figure leans over the protagonist as you attempt to defeat him. This is the quintessential example of how a Souls-like boss should appear. Thanks to the PS5 remake ofDemon’s Soulsthe Tower Knight encounter is even more epic with some incredible sound design on display.
8Dreamer/Nightmare - Remnant: From The Ashes
The Dreamer/Nightmare encounter happens at the end ofRemnant: 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 Asheshas several grueling boss fights, yet this boss fight iswhen 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.
7Lady Butterfly - Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
“In that case… Lose yourself in my illusions.” Fighting Lady Butterfly inSekiro: Shadows Die Twicewas 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.
6Yatsu-No-Kami - Nioh 2
Early inNioh 2, players had to face one of thegame’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.
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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.
5The Second Sister - Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
The Second Sister,previously known as Trilla Suduri,is considered the most memorable boss fight inStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.The lead-up to this fight brought us to the planet Nur when the Second Sister steals the Holocron.
Thelevel design is linear rather than open-worldlike 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.
4Great Grey Wolf Sif - Dark Souls
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 toDark Soulslore.
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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.
3Gehrman, The First Hunter - Bloodborne
TheBloodbornebosses 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 tocombat one ofBloodborne’sdeadliest foes.
