13 Best Optional Bosses In FromSoftware Games Overall (2024)

Most games only feature a handful of optional bosses that require a ton of extra work to challenge them. Since FromSoftware launched Demon's Souls for the PlayStation 3 in 2009, the developer has hidden a cavalcade of secret boss fights in its games to encourage you to explore every corner and use obscure items or tricks to initiate the encounter.

From Dark Souls to Elden Ring and everything in between, some of the best boss fights in these games are the ones you must seek out on your own. Whether they have unique backstories, breathtaking environments, or punishing attacks, these are some of the best optional boss fights hiding in games developed by FromSoftware.

Updated on July 29, 2023, by Kyle Chamaillard: There are so many optional bosses hiding in FromSoftware games that we've decided to update this list to include even more who are worth seeking out.

13 Regal Ancestor Spirit - Elden Ring

Life Sprouts From Death

There are so many bosses in Elden Ring that it's easy to miss some if you don't know what to do or where to go to find them. The Regal Ancestor spirit can be found in the upper area of Siofra River, just outside Nokron, Eternal City. Once you have lit all the obelisks in the area surrounding Hallowhorn Grounds, the remains of this beast will begin to glow, and interacting with it will transport you to this boss fight.

Although the Regal Ancestor Spirit isn't even close to being the hardest boss in the game, the haunting aesthetic of the creature and dazzling visuals make it one of the most memorable. The music is so peaceful, and the beast bounds through the air before slamming on top of you and spewing blue fire. Just be aware that it will sap the health of both you and the other spirit animals in the area to heal itself.

12 Darklurker - Dark Souls 2

Dark Pilgrimage

Dark Souls 2 is often considered the outcast of the trilogy, but it's still full of excellent optional boss fights like Darklurker. Like other encounters, it will take some work to initiate the battle, but it's worth it for one of the best and most challenging boss fights in the entire game.

To face this mysterious angel, you must complete Darkdiver Grandahl's Pilgrims of Dark questline. After joining the covenant and lighting all the fires in the Dark Old Zones, you'll be able to face Darklurker. Keep your wits about you, because not only can it turn invisible and surprise you with powerful magic attacks, but it will split into two for some double trouble after a few hits.

11 Black Dragon Kalameet - Dark Souls

Bringer of Calamity

It's not uncommon for FromSoftware games to receive post-game DLC, providing daunting new worlds to explore and terrifying bosses to conquer. Dark Souls started this trend with Artorias of the Abyss, a 6-8 hour adventure with three required boss fights - Sanctuary Guardian, Knight Artorias, and Manus, Father of the Abyss - and one optional encounter against Black Dragon Kalameet.

You'll face plenty of dragon-like bosses throughout the core Dark Souls experience, but none come close to being as agile, powerful, or relentless as this one. With plenty of lethal attacks, Kalameet will keep you on your toes through the entire battle, and one wrong move on your part can result in a Game Over before you know what hit you.

10 Demon of Hatred - Sekiro

Hateful Orangutan

Most of the bosses throughout Sekiro feel unique to its world. You'll face generals of war and mystical creatures, but nothing comes close to the scale or supernatural horror of the Demon of Hatred. This monstrosity feels like it should be in Bloodborne or Elden Ring, but instead, it awaits you toward the end of your adventure as an optional fight if you're up to the challenge.

Fought in the same area where you faced Gyoubu Oniwa at the beginning of the game, this massive demon doesn't waste time setting everything on fire and assaulting you with a flurry of deadly attacks. Watching the fire burn against the night sky creates the perfect atmosphere for this epic encounter that will make you rethink everything you've learned as you take down an old friend.

9 Amygdala - Bloodborne

Grant Us Insight

Bloodborne is overflowing with nightmarish creatures, but Amygdala feels like the embodiment of the game's eldritch themes and tone. It's named after the part of the human brain responsible for processing fear, and for good reason. These monsters are scattered throughout the world, but you won't be able to see them until you have gained enough insight.

While most Amygdalas serve only to enhance the unsettling atmosphere or act as portals, the one you'll fight is in the Nightmare Frontier. While this creature is terrifying, its moves are predictable. Keeping your distance invites sweeping attacks from its many arms and lasers shot from its many eyes while staying under it comes with the threat of being jumped and slammed on.

8 Champion Gundyr - Dark Souls 3

The Belated Champion

Iudex Gundyr is the first boss you'll encounter in Dark Souls 3, and you'll be able to take him on in his prime in the hidden Untended Graves optional area. Despite being the same man, this fight is much harder. Champion Gundyr has additional attacks and is incredibly aggressive and agile in comparison.

You only have to fight Champion Gundyr if you're aiming for the "End of Fire" ending, making him simultaneously optional and necessary depending on your goals. He will constantly rush you with unpredictable combos that require complete concentration to avoid and counter, making this confrontation one of the toughest in the game.

7 Crossbreed Priscilla - Dark Souls

Guardian of the Painted World

Not only is Crossbreed Priscilla one of the more memorable and fascinating optional boss encounters in Dark Souls, but she waits for you at the end of a completely optional area - the Painted World of Ariamis. If you approach the giant painting in Anor Londo with the Peculiar Doll in your inventory, you'll be absorbed into the level with no way out until you reach the half-dragon.

This fight is one of a kind, as Priscilla genuinely means you no harm. You can pass her to leave or attack her to initiate a fight. She will turn invisible if you choose to attack her, so you'll need to look out for her footprints in the snow to figure out where she is.

6 Lady Butterfly - Sekiro

An Old Friend

Like most FromSoftware games, Sekiro has multiple endings that lead you toward different boss fights that are completely optional depending on which ending you pursue. Sekiro has four different endings, and you'll need to do some extra work to get one of the better ones, like traveling back in time to the Hirata Estate to confront Lady Butterfly.

Lady Butterfly's age may have you thinking you're in for an easy fight, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. She will test everything you've learned so far, while simultaneously teaching you new strategies with her magic-based attacks. Lady Butterfly is incredibly tough, but you'll feel more confident in your abilities after taking down Sekiro's former teacher.

5 Dragonlord Placidusax - Elden Ring

Ancient Elden Lord

Dragons have been a staple in nearly every FromSoftware title, and Elden Ring is no exception. Before the age of the Erdtree, dragons ruled the Lands Between, and Placidusax was their leader. After their god fled and the war with Marika's Golden Order effectively ended the age of the dragons, Placidusax retreated to his seat at Farum Azula to await his deity's return.

You can only access this area late in the game after a major decision has been made, and the spot to reach the Dragonlord is easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for. Once you find it, you'll be transported back in time and into the eye of the storm to fight this formidable foe. Though not in his prime, Placidusax won't go down easy, making it no wonder he reigned for as long as he did.

4 Owl (Father) - Sekiro

The Parent is Absolute

If you're looking for one of the hardest challenges that Sekiro has to offer, then Owl (Father) is your man. This is one of two versions of this warrior you can face, but to get the Purification ending you'll have to fight your adoptive father in his prime back at the Hirata Estate once you've defeated Lady Butterfly and progressed the story.

While his other fight as Great Shinobi Owl is nothing to scoff at, confronting Owl (Father) will give you daddy issues on another level. He has an arsenal of heavy attacks, sneaky maneuvers, and a summoned owl that you'll also have to keep an eye on. It will take extreme patience and determination to take down this false role model.

3 Starscourge Radahn - Elden Ring

A Shell of a Consort

Starscourge Radahn is one of seven Shardbearers found throughout Elden Ring, but you only need to defeat two of these special bosses to reach the end of the game. While you could play through the entire game without seeing this giant man and his tiny horse, it's a battle unlike anything else in The Lands Between and worth the time and effort to get to it.

You'll find this titan secluded in the Wailing Dunes of Caelid, though you can only reach this area once the Radahn Festival has begun. And what a festival it is! Once you enter the arena, you'll find the ground littered with gold NPC summon signs like Iron Fist Alexander and Blaidd the Half-Wolf who will help you take down this scarlet rot-infested general. If you manage to get through his initial barrage of arrows, that is.

2 Malenia, Blade of Miquella - Elden Ring

The Goddess of Rot

Malenia is another Sharbearer in The Lands Between, and could be considered the face of Elden Ring. The story trailer depicts the fierce battle between her and Radahn, and the collector's edition of the game even comes with a statue of the One-Armed Valkyrie. With that said, it may come as a surprise that she is an optional boss, and fairly hidden away at that.

This demigod is found at the base of Miquella's Haligtree, north of the Consecrated Snowfield, and the snowfield can only be accessed once you have both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion. It's an arduous journey, but it's worth the hype. Malenia puts up an extremely punishing fight, with fast movement, high-damage output that heals her, massive range, and the ability to inflict scarlet rot. If you manage to clip her wings, you should be able to take on anything FromSoftware throws at you.

1 Moon Presence - Bloodborne

Eldritch Horror

Every nightmare has an ending, and Bloodborne's true conclusion sits behind the encounter with the Moon Presence. After defeating Gehrman, the First Hunter, you will see this Great One descend from the sky. The monstrosity grabs you as you approach it, intending to enslave you as it did Gehrman. However, if you've consumed three One Third of Umbilical Cords before defeating the old hunter, you can resist the Moon Presence, prompting it to attack you.

Everything about this fight works seamlessly together to create an amazing and memorable atmosphere. Dueling the Moon Presence in a field of flowers as the full red moon looms over you is a fantastic set piece, and the minimalist music provides a chilling sense of dread. The Moon Presence is the embodiment of darkness and the perfect way to finish this horrific journey.