Best Final Fantasy Boss Fights With Multiple Phases

Best Final Fantasy Boss Fights With Multiple Phases

Key Takeaways

  • Some Final Fantasy boss battles bring epic, cinematic moments with multi-phase fights that up the stakes.
  • Many fans enjoy the power fantasy of defeating iconic villains like Ardyn, Exdeath, Zemus, and Yunalesca.
  • Boss battles like Barnabas and Kefka in Final Fantasy series offer challenging multi-phase encounters.

As a long-time fan of the Final Fantasy series, I have to say that the final boss rush in Final Fantasy VIII is hands down my favorite. The epic storyline and stunning graphical improvements in this game were enough to keep me hooked, but it was the battle against Ultimecia that truly sealed the deal for me.


The “Final Fantasy” collection offers unforgettable and dramatic scenes that will linger in the minds of players even after they’ve completed these captivating games. As the series established its pattern, fans could rely on experiencing the most thrilling moments within each game, which would often feature multi-stage battles with bosses, escalating the tension to unprecedented heights.

In some thrilling game moments, enemies may present multiple stages that leave players questioning how they can finally defeat these antagonists permanently. These fights are consistently exciting to experience, as the graphics and soundtrack build up to offer players a spectacular scene in gaming history.

8 Ardyn

Number Of Phases: 3

From a storytelling perspective, defeating Ardyn and preventing him from causing an untimely destruction of the world is incredibly gratifying. Yet, even experienced Final Fantasy 15 players would acknowledge that the gameplay can sometimes make Ardyn’s phases appear simpler than they should be.

While it may not be inherently negative, many players would probably relish the opportunity to wield superpowered Noctis to rapidly drain Ardyn’s vitality. It’s important to note that destroying his physical body isn’t the final act; instead, at the game’s conclusion, Noctis must enter a limbo state and obliterate Ardyn’s spiritual form to eradicate the Starscourge threat from Eos permanently.

7 Exdeath & Neo Exdeath

Number Of Phases: 2

Exdeath is a wicked villain who constantly chases the heroes from Final Fantasy 5, aiming to destroy the world by sending it into nothingness (the Void). After an exhausting journey through a portal between dimensions, players reach the final battle against this formidable foe. At this point, Exdeath transforms into a tree that embodies evil, having grown in the realm between worlds.

Following the reduction of the tree, Exdeath gets thrown into the Abyss, taking in its ominous energy to reemerge as Neo Exdeath. This intense boss battle is where players demonstrate their proficiency with the job system, aiming to defeat this menacing adversary and save the world one final time.

6 Zemus & Zeromus

Number Of Phases: 2

In Final Fantasy 4, a compelling storyline is one of its highlights, though some may find Zemus’s sudden appearance as the ultimate antagonist surprising. However, his cunning maneuvers make him an effortless character to despise as players battle him on the moon. Important characters like Golbez and Fusoya then emerge, ultimately vanquishing this evil for good.

True to the style of classic JRPGs, this adversary’s intense rage results in its transformation into Zeromus, lashing out at the entire party, bringing them close to defeat. Yet, the heartfelt prayers and aspirations of their comrades inspire the heroes to regain their strength, overpowering this enemy, and thwarting its wicked schemes, thus saving the world from its malicious intentions.

5 Yunalesca

Number Of Phases: 3

Discovering that Spira was ensnared in a loop of disorder due to deceptions from Yunalesca and Yevon’s doctrines, the heroes of Final Fantasy 10 set out resolutely to challenge Lady Yunalesca, defying her wishes. As anticipated, this formidable adversary doesn’t tolerate such defiance and responds by engaging the party in a monumental battle.

Yunalesca is a tough enemy who extends across three different levels. Not only does she not shy away from attacking, but her third phase is particularly challenging. Players should be cautious as her Mega Death attack can end the fight. To overcome this, players must either have immunities or use the Zombie status.

4 Barnabas

Number Of Phases: 3

Barnabas stands out as one of the most formidable boss battles in Final Fantasy 16, which says a lot considering the game’s general ease. Many players believe he surpasses the final battle against Ultima, with three demanding phases that are notoriously difficult.

The unique aspect of this boss fight is that players have full control over their actions, rather than being guided along a predetermined path where defeat is inevitable. Instead, it becomes a challenging showcase of the player’s dexterity as they skillfully dodge unpredictable attacks and strategically deploy various Eikonic Abilities to ultimately defeat this formidable foe.

3 Jenova Synthesis, Bizarro Sephiroth, & Safer Sephiroth

Number Of Phases: 3

The climactic battle against Sephiroth in the video game “Final Fantasy 7” had been building tension since Cloud recovered his memories. Navigating the Northern Crater is a challenging task, as players must confront the game’s most formidable enemies before finally engaging Sephiroth.

Prior to engaging in the initial clash against Cloud’s adversary, gamers are required to assume Jenova’s ultimate form. This confrontation sets the stage for an epic showdown with Bizarro Sephiroth. Once this challenge is met, players will engage in the climactic battle against Safer Sephiroth, a memorable encounter in the world of Final Fantasy. Subsequently, there’s a single combat between Cloud and Sephiroth, but technically, this isn’t part of the final boss rush in Final Fantasy 7, as it’s impossible for players to lose here.

2 Statue Of The Gods & Kefka

Number Of Phases: 4

Many consider Final Fantasy 6 as the finest game within the Final Fantasy franchise. The narrative is as grand as they get, and the effort put into reuniting the party in the World of Ruin can potentially lead to a climactic confrontation with Kefka, following his tower’s ascent.

In the style of classic SNES-era Final Fantasy games, this battle represents the grandest, most film-like final showdown against a boss. The players gradually climb towards heaven, clashing with each part of the Statue of the Gods along the way. As team members fall, they are temporarily replaced until the ascent is complete and players confront Kefka in an epic battle that showcases the visual and auditory peak of Final Fantasy 6, leaving a lasting impression.

1 Ultimecia, Griever, Ultimecia-Griever, & Ultimecia’s Final Form

Number Of Phases: 4

Despite some organizational issues with the storyline and Junction system of Final Fantasy 8, fans who played it back then may have overlooked these flaws due to the significant graphical enhancements compared to its previous version. The battles were more stunning and dramatic than ever before, particularly during the final boss rush.

The struggle against Ultimecia involves a prolonged conflict during which players engage her using party members who can quickly swap out before she summons Griever. Defeating the Guardian Force results in its amalgamation with Ultimecia, marking the third phase. Players who think the battle is over after this fusion will soon realize their mistake when Ultimecia unveils a final form that can be extremely difficult to overcome.

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2024-11-17 19:34