Best Boss Fights In Dark Souls With Multiple Phases, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Dark Souls boss fights feature intense multiphase encounters that challenge players to adapt to new tactics.
Notable bosses like Iudex Gundyr and Sister Friede keep players on their toes with unexpected twists in battle.
Players must strategize and execute precise dodges and attacks to overcome the powerful bosses in the series.

As someone who’s spent countless hours battling my way through the treacherous lands of Lordran and beyond, I can confidently say that these multiphase boss fights are some of the most challenging and exhilarating encounters in all of gaming. Each battle tests your skills, reflexes, and patience to the absolute limit, and I’ve certainly had my fair share of frustrations (and victories) over the years.

As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but express my excitement over the unleashing of Dark Souls. This extraordinary series has granted us gamers the privilege to engage in some of the most electrifying boss battles ever crafted within the realm of gaming. The sheer magnitude of these epic confrontations leaves me awestruck, as I stand ready, heart pounding, to vanquish a formidable adversary and advance further in my journey.

In some battles against the series’ bosses, they possess unexpected strategies when a player’s health reaches a particular threshold. These multi-phase encounters can quickly elevate a player’s heart rate as they strategize to endure these challenging, intense situations.

8 Iudex Gundyr

Intimidates Players With His Transformation

Appears In:Dark Souls 3
Number of Phases: 2

As a seasoned gamer, diving into Dark Souls 3, I found myself squaring off against Iudex Gundyr right from the get-go – and let me tell you, this fight wasn’t your average tussle! It started out seeming like a run-of-the-mill boss, but then, things took a turn for the gruesome when it transformed into an unspeakable horror that ramped up its ferocity to new heights.

In essence, experienced players of “Dark Souls” should be able to handle the second phase, but beginners might struggle to discern his attacks since much of his form is obscured by a dark mass that warps his appearance. This mirrors the faster-paced boss battles in “Dark Souls 3,” where a passive approach no longer works effectively.

7 Burnt Ivory King

Starts As A Chaotic Gank Fight Before The King Steps Into The Picture

Appears In:Dark Souls 2
Number of Phases: 2

In Dark Souls 2, there are numerous battles against multiple enemy bosses, yet even so, players often make exceptions for the Burnt Ivory King. This is due to the unique feature in the DLC boss encounter where gamers have to enter the arena with at least three knights to close a portal that summons an endless stream of burnt adversaries, providing an engaging gameplay experience.

If players struggle in this area, battling the Charred Ivory King could turn out to be quite challenging. Given that he’s already a difficult opponent, the added stress of encountering unexpected enemies that might ambush the Curse-Bearer doesn’t make things any easier.

6 Fume Knight

Two Challenging Phases That Can Smash Players To Smithereens

Appears In:Dark Souls 2
Number of Phases: 2

In the downloadable content (DLC) for Dark Souls 2, you’ll encounter some of its toughest and memorable battles, and the Fume Knight is no exception. The fight begins with this fearsome boss wielding both a greatsword and longsword, setting the stage for a tough battle ahead.

As a gamer, when the swords unite to create an overwhelming ultra-greatsword enveloped in ominous flames, it’s time for me to be on high alert. Mastering evasive maneuvers and seizing attack opportunities tactfully becomes crucial to avoid excessive deaths during Fume Knight’s second phase.

5 Abyss Watchers

The First Phase Can Be Dealt With Passively, But The Second Half Is Challenging

Appears In:Dark Souls 3
Number of Phases: 2

A unique boss fight that shows how Artorias’ knights have succumbed to madness, the Abyss Watchers encounter is both epic and tragic. At the start of this fight, Abyss Watchers will spawn continuously and fight each other, allowing players to be more passive in this phase.

In Phase 2, the game becomes quite challenging. An Abyss Watcher, armed with a flaming sword, will zero in on the player and can inflict significant damage. To retaliate effectively while avoiding being caught off guard by its unforeseeable attacks, quick dodges and precise strikes are essential.

4 The Nameless King

A Tough, Cinematic Boss Who Must Be Unseated From His Dragon

Appears In:Dark Souls 3
Number of Phases: 2

In Dark Souls, although The Nameless King isn’t mandatory, he plays a crucial role in the game’s lore and is one of the most challenging bosses encountered in the third installment. This becomes apparent when this enigmatic figure, riding a dragon (the Dragon-riding Mysterious King of the Storm), makes his appearance.

After dislodging this formidable foe from its perch, the genuine battle against The Nameless King commences. His lightning-infused assaults are no mere jest; they can obliterate players in an instant. Agile strikes and judicious evasions are crucial to match his speed and vanquish the banished firstborn of Gwyn.

3 Sister Friede

Three Phases Of Pure, Unadulterated Adrenaline

Appears In:Dark Souls 3
Number of Phases: 3

In the “Ashes of Ariandel” expansion, some players feel it might not be FromSoftware’s finest DLC, but they agree that one of the most impressive multi-phase boss battles in the series is found here. Players engage in combat against Sister Friede, who has enlisted Ariandel to her side.

In this rephrased version, let me present a more casual and engaging interpretation: When Friede is cornered, this giant with a cauldron emerges to join the fray. However, vanquishing the pair doesn’t guarantee victory in the battle. After a tense pause, Darkflame Friede leaps into action, compelling players to give their best to defeat one of the most legendary bosses from the series.

2 Slave Knight Gael

A Great Farewell To The Dark Souls Series

Appears In:Dark Souls 3
Number of Phases: 3

In the third and final game’s DLC, players delved into The Ringed City – a reversion to form – offering an opportunity to traverse a doomed urban landscape brimming with enjoyable gear and some of the most challenging adversaries the game had to offer. Darkeater Midir poses quite a hassle, but those yearning for the epic showdown fans expect from the closing act of the Dark Souls trilogy will find Slave Knight Gael an engaging opponent.

Initially, the first stage is manageable, but once Gael transforms into a Hollow, he becomes a difficult adversary to handle. Players should dodge his swift assaults and maintain their offensive strategy, but be cautious as there’s an attack in the third phase that can end the fight if dodged incorrectly. During this phase, the boss unleashes multiple homing missiles. If timed poorly, these could prove lethal to the Ashen One.

1 Ornstein & Smough

The Surviving Foe Transforms Into A Tougher Variant

Appears In:Dark Souls
Number of Phases: 2 (The second phase differs based on who survives)

A highly acclaimed boss battle that continues to captivate fans even today, Ornstein & Smough represents a challenging dual encounter that put players’ skills and understanding of the game to the test at that stage. The two opponents harmoniously employ distinct move sets, and those who manage to deplete one fighter’s health will be rewarded with an unexpected twist in the fight.

Currently, the remaining boss amplifies its comrade’s power, growing larger and launching more powerful attacks than ever witnessed. Players find themselves fleeing for safety, striking back only when a suitable opportunity arises. While both Super Ornstein and Super Smough are challenging adversaries, many players opt for the latter due to his slower pace, making him somewhat predictable compared to his agile Dragonslayer counterpart.

2024-11-18 02:35