8 Final Boss Fights That Are Actually Optional

In most games, the final battle serves as the climax, doesn’t it? However, what if certain skirmishes became optional, meaning you could avoid them if you preferred or if you hadn’t met specific, less obvious prerequisites in the game’s earlier stages?

In some video games, instead of having the traditional final boss encounter, the real final boss is concealed by complex conditions or events, or the player is given the opportunity for a peaceful resolution when facing the main antagonist.

Today, we’re exploring a selection of games featuring an interesting twist: the option to skip the final boss battle. Here are some titles that offer this intriguing feature.

Games meeting the criteria offer an option for players to bypass the final boss encounter, should they prefer. These games hail from various genres and may even feature multiple endings or conclusions that exclude certain boss battles.

8. The Witcher 2

Let Letho Live

As a gaming enthusiast, let me tell you that The Witcher 2 is an incredible journey packed with countless decisions that shape your experience. Reaching the climax, I found myself squaring off against Letho, and what followed was a captivating conversation before the ultimate showdown. This choice, among others, truly left an indelible mark on my adventure in this fantastic game.

In the course of our conversation, you might choose to release Letho since it’s apparent that he isn’t the true embodiment of evil within this world, but rather a piece being manipulated by more powerful entities.

Picking this alternative means concluding the game, but in The Witcher 3, it provides an opportunity for another encounter with him and potentially recruiting him for a massive fight. In simpler terms, keep Letho alive!

7. Bloodborne

The Moon Presence Awaits

In a natural and easy-to-understand manner: “Bloodborne” stands out as one of the most exceptional and peculiar games available, so it’s not unexpected that reaching its final boss requires players who are either avid explorers or those who opt to use a guide.

See for most people, they will fight Gehrman and that’ll be how their story ends.

For those fortunate ones who gathered every fragment of the umbilical cord, they’ll choose to forgo the lunar presence’s comforting arms and instead engage in a decisive last stand.

This fight may not be too challenging, however, it unveils the genuine finale of the game, making it essential for any dedicated player who desires to complete every aspect of their gaming experience.

6. Nier Automata

False Endings

As a devoted fan, let me tell you, playing Nier: Automata was an exhilarating rollercoaster ride! I must confess, prior to diving into this game, I had no prior knowledge of the series. I assumed that after defeating Eve, the game would come to an end. But boy, was I wrong! It turned out to be just the beginning of a captivating narrative with many twists and turns along the way.

In another scenario, if we consider the second playthrough as 9S, it might seem similar due to the change in perspective. However, once this playthrough is completed, wouldn’t you have wrapped things up entirely?

Indeed, there’s another round coming up – the grand finale – where all the action builds to a climactic battle. You get to select between characters 9S and A1 for this showdown.

Although many gamers may choose not to attempt it, it’s the authentic ultimate boss fight within the game and an outstanding climax indeed.

5. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Press the Button

The captivating video game titled “Deus Ex: Mankind Divided” wraps up rather swiftly, leaving some players unaware that they’re fighting the final boss, Marchenko, at the end.

Half-finished game aside, there is a way to beat the game without ever fighting him.

Before the battle commences, you might find Marchenko’s Kill Switch at either the London Apex Center or Hangar 2 of the D.I.H facility.

Obtaining this item allows for its immediate activation during the scene with Marchenko. This action results in an instant defeat for him.

You can also activate it during the fight itself if you prefer.

4. Sekiro

The Sword Saint Won’t Wait

The game Sekiro is shrouded in mystery, with its narrative and overall setting being quite enigmatic. There are several conclusions to discover within it. Interestingly, while there is a single genuine final adversary, you aren’t obligated to confront him directly.

Should you opt for the unfavorable Shura conclusion, you’ll bypass several battles, yet still reach the end credits.

As a gamer, I’ve come to realize that to unlock this specific ending, all I need to do is go toe-to-toe with Emma, the Graceful Swordsman, and once she’s defeated, Isshin will manifest before me in his human guise.

Beating both of them will get you the Shura ending, and skip the actual final boss of the game.

As a player, I can’t help but feel it’s a bit too simple compared to the relentless toughness this game usually offers, but let’s face it, it sure does make progressing through the levels a breeze!

3. Lies of P

Do You Want Your Freedom?

The game, “Lies of P”, borrows extensively from the strategy guide of FromSoftware, one of which is its intricate and non-essential collection of hidden bosses.

To reach the ultimate enemy in the game, you should decline Gepetto when he requests your heart during the game’s finale.

As a devoted enthusiast, I must confess it’s a challenging decision I find myself grappling with. The heart-wrenching narrative of Geppetto and his biological son is undeniably grueling, and turning down the challenge means squaring off against the Nameless Puppet – the most formidable adversary in this game, hands down.

If you agree, you surrender your heart and spirit to Gepetto, allowing him to essentially breathe life into his son by using Pinocchio as a vessel. This unusual turn of events eliminates the need to face the final boss, instead offering a unique perspective on where the narrative might lead next. The conclusion may be unsettling, but it’s an intriguing deviation from the typical storyline.

2. Mass Effect

Saren Can Be Broken

One of the greatest gaming franchises ever made is Mass Effect, where your storyline decisions truly hold weight. In the initial installment, despite all the events culminating in a momentous showdown with Saren at the citadel, you have the option to bypass an entire segment of the fight.>

If you’ve successfully persuaded him during the standoff on Virmire and possess the right balance of Paragon or Renegade points, you’ll gain access to unique choices that may lead Saren to take his own life.

This situation takes us aback, yet it seems logical given the circumstances: Saren has reached such a state of delusion, and revealing the truth to him might compel him to carry out your tasks instead.

1. Dragon’s Dogma

Take the Deal

Dragon’s Dogma stands out among other role-playing games due to its intricate, non-linear storyline and decisions made by players that subtly impact the plot’s progression.

It’s primarily centered around combat scenes, but when you reach the climactic battle against Grigori, the Dragon, a crucial decision presents itself.

Grigori presents a choice that has been given to others ahead of you: surrender your love and become immortal by pretending to have slain the dragon, or engage in battle against it.

If you decide to fight, you get a lengthy boss combat and the possibility to get the true ending.

Should you accept the agreement, it leads to an alternate outcome. In this new scenario, you forsake your affection and achieve significant renown, yet you bypass confronting the ultimate adversary entirely.

2025-04-03 18:40