Summary
- Dark Souls offers a thrilling action-adventure experience with challenging boss fights and deep lore.
- Boss introductions in the game are thunderous and memorable, setting a brilliant stage for epic encounters.
- Each boss in Dark Souls offers a unique and intimidating experience, making them memorable additions to the game.
Dark Souls is one of the best video game trilogies of all time, letting players enjoy an action-adventure title for the ages where they tackle tough bosses and explore a dying world with incredible lore. The story isn't thrust into the player's face. Instead, slowly piecing together the puzzle uncovers tragic tales that show Dark Souls' worldbuilding at its very best.
The bosses in this game may stand in the player's way and impede their progress, but most of these characters have suffered and are either forced to wield their weapons or are too mad to comprehend the nature of their actions. These boss fights are thunderous and memorable, especially when they come with a fun introduction that sets the stage brilliantly.
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With several Dark Souls bosses appearing in Elden Ring Nightreign's trailer, these other series bosses would also be welcome additions to the game.
8 Chaos Witch Quelaag
Becomes More Intimidating As More Of Her Frame Appears
- Appears in: Dark Souls
Chaos Witch Quelaag is an imposing boss fight who appears at the end of the dreaded Blighttown section. After such a grueling level, players will be glad to know that the boss herself isn't too challenging. She can be taken out handily as long as players don't make basic mistakes.
However, there's no denying that this boss makes a great first impression with the way she's presented. The body of a spider is scary enough, only for her true body to reveal itself, which confuses players right before this fiery encounter begins.
7 Dancer Of The Boreal Valley
Watching Her Appear From The Ceiling Causes A Feeling Of Dread
- Appears in: Dark Souls 3
The Dancer of the Boreal Valley is a unique boss fight that can be triggered earlier than intended if players kill Emma and loot her body to acquire the item that triggers this battle. Watching her appear from the ceiling is quite harrowing, and makes it clear that the player is in for a tough time.
If the encounter plays out as intended, then players can't help but be intimidated, since this intro is extended to show Emma's involvement. This lithe foe is no joke and peppers the Ashen One with combos. The player must defeat this enemy to unlock the path that leads to Lothric Castle.
6 Nashandra
The Final Boss Of Dark Souls 2 Has An Intimidating Introduction
- Appears in: Dark Souls 2
Most Dark Souls 2 boss cutscenes feature a red pulse before every scene that can get tiring to watch after a point. However, it's clear that players who reached the end of the game have tuned out this annoying visual detail. This lets them enjoy an amazing introduction before the final fight against Nashandra.
10 Hardest Demon Bosses in the Dark Souls Series
Across the Dark Souls games, there are plenty of horrifying demons that players must face.
This deathly being wields a scythe and uses dark magic in her true form as she addresses the player. It is a sinister moment that sets the stage for an epic battle. Players must be ready for a grueling encounter, especially since she can one-shot the Bearer of the Curse with her powerful abilities.
5 Abyss Watchers
Watching These Fallen Knights Kill Each Other Is Tragic
- Appears in: Dark Souls 3
The boss fight against the Abyss Watchers may be tragic, but players won't feel that when they step into the arena for the first time. The Ashen One witnesses these mad brothers-in-arms killing each other before one of these attackers focuses their attention on the player.
It's an imposing sight that strikes fear in the players' hearts, so it's a source of relief for players that this enemy's attention is diverted by other Abyss Watchers that spawn into the arena. However, this respite isn't available in Phase 2, where the strongest Abyss Watcher buffs himself up to take on the player in a battle for the ages.
4 Lothric, Younger Prince & Lorian, Elder Prince
Despite The Curse, These Brothers Pull No Punches
- Appears in: Dark Souls 3
Lothric and Lorian are brothers who love each other, to the point where they shoulder each other's burdens at the cost of their lives. Fighting them in Lothric Castle may seem intimidating, but the fight is laced with tragic undertones if players are up-to-date with the lore surrounding these figures.
Watching one brother address the Ashen One as the other skulks from the shadows on his knees is an intimidating sight that fans love every time. It's easily one of the most epic boss fights in Dark Souls 3 that arrives near the end.
3 Ornstein & Smough
Introduces Both Boss Fights, Showing That Players Are In For A Bad Time
- Appears in: Dark Souls
Players who reach Anor Londo and manage to make meaningful progress in this area will find themselves hitting a brick wall when they reach the Ornstein and Smough encounter. The cutscene makes it seem like Smough is the only one that the Chosen Undead will fight, only for Ornstein to appear from above and fall to team up with this giant.
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What follows is a grueling boss encounter that does justice to their intimidating introduction. Players will be on the edge of their seats as they try to defeat the duo by any means necessary. Many players became Dark Souls fans because of this epic encounter alone.
2 Great Grey Wolf Sif
Can Change Depending On The Player's Actions
- Appears in: Dark Souls
While Sif may not be the most challenging boss fight in Dark Souls, his introduction certainly makes him seem like a force to be reckoned with. He's loyal to his master even after his demise and protects Artorias' grave from any defilers, including the Chosen Undead.
However, players can unlock a whole new introduction to this boss if they save Sif in the Artorias of the Abyss expansion. Since that story took place in the past, the Chosen Undead can approach this encounter only to find out that Sif recognizes his savior. The two share a moment before the wolf begrudgingly picks up Artorias' blade, clearly having mixed emotions as he enters this legendary fight.
1 Artorias The Abysswalker
The Once-Great Knight In His Maddened State
- Appears in: Dark Souls
One of the most important figures in the lore of Dark Souls, the prospect of fighting Artorias in the DLC is something that fans look forward to immensely. This knight made a valiant effort to stop the abyss from spreading, only to succumb to its madness.
This turns him into a mad knight who's a shell of his former self when the Chosen Undead encounters him in the past. His menacing, deadly introduction makes it clear that he's a serious threat, with this boss fight comfortably placing itself as the toughest encounter in Dark Souls.
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Dark Souls
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9 /10Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end- Released
- September 22, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITAL- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Platform(s)
- Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Soulslike, Adventure
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
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Dark Souls 2
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9 /10Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end- Released
- March 11, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALPHYSICAL -
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Dark Souls 3
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8 /10Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end- Released
- March 24, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALPHYSICAL- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
