Best Final Boss Battles In Open-World Games, Ranked

Summary

Assassin’s Creed 2 ends with an intense fistfight against the Pope, wrapping up Ezio’s quest for revenge.
The final battle against Calamity Ganon in Zelda: Breath of the Wild allows for immediate fight or preparation.
Minecraft’s end boss, the Ender Dragon, tests survival skills and is hidden in a mysterious dimension.

Open-world games grant players the liberty to discover, tinker, and weave their unique narratives. However, what truly makes an impact is a remarkable final adversary that caps off this adventure with a climactic encounter etched in memory. Ideal final boss battles in open-world games should present a mechanical challenge that puts every lesson learned to the test, yet echo the motifs, hardships, and grandeur experienced throughout the gameplay.

In a similar vein, an ideal final boss should serve as the ultimate challenge for the player, requiring them to apply everything they’ve learned throughout the game. This encounter not only concludes the narrative and thematic threads but also adds emotional weight. Ranging from long-awaited adversaries to apocalyptic dragons or towering figures embodying heavenly ambitions, these endgame battles are as grandiose as the worlds they inhabit. They are assessed based on their storytelling depth, immersive atmosphere, and satisfying conclusion.

6. Pope Rodrigo Borgia – Assassin’s Creed 2

A Quest For Revenge Culminates In Fisticuffs With The Pope

Pope Rodrigo Borgia might not be the most action-packed boss character. Yet, ending Assassin’s Creed 2 with an intense fistfight against a power-hungry pope within the Vatican’s secret vault leaves a lasting impression. Moreover, this dramatic finale concludes Ezio’s long-running quest for vengeance and justice in an exhilarating journey through Renaissance Italy.

The stage is set with the gripping intensity of a taut piano string: the man responsible for Ezio’s family’s death and his rise to papal power confronts an Assassin who carries the weight of an ancient lineage, steadfast companions, and the ideals of freedom over oppression. With dagger opposed to staff, trickery countered by trickery, it represents the thrilling conclusion to political machinations, drama, action, and enigma within one of the most exceptional games in the Assassin’s Creed series.

5. Dagoth Ur – The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

The Heart Of The Dream And The Undreamer

Among the many open-world bosses, few are as enigmatic, visionary, or downright peculiar as Dagoth Ur. Buried deep within the core of a dormant volcano, this ancient deity-like entity communicates through riddles, yearns for freedom, and considers himself a hero, much like the player. Unlike most final adversaries, he indulges in lengthy discourse before allowing the Nerevar to initiate combat with the first strike. In terms of gameplay, it’s a relatively straightforward fight, particularly when considering Morrowind’s combat system hasn’t always been highly praised.

In a storytelling sense, this RPG finale stands out as one of the most unforgettable, particularly for players who invested time in understanding Dagoth Ur’s heartbreaking and transformative past. The adventure through Red Mountain, the chilling Heart Chamber, and the palpable tension all culminate in a clash that feels like entering a legendary moment. What makes Dagoth Ur even more impressive is that you can engage him at any stage of the story (provided you have the necessary skills and knowledge to bypass the Ghost Fence).

4. Calamity Ganon – The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

The Evil At The Center Of The World

In Breath of the Wild, instead of following the traditional pattern of Zelda games where Link battles Ganon after collecting a few magical items, this time Ganon can be fought right away, reflecting a new open-world approach within the series. Unlike other instances where Ganon had a more human appearance, this version of Calamity Ganon might not show as much personality, but the final fight is still thrilling because of this fresh take on gameplay.

From the very start, players can either swiftly attack him or choose to gather resources, allies, and prepare strategically for the ensuing battle. Regardless of assistance from the Guardians, the climactic showdown within Hyrule Castle’s depths and subsequently in the open fields will be nothing short of spectacular. A symphony of otherworldly melodies, a barrage of holy laser bursts, and a whirlwind of arrows and skillfully timed sword strikes are some of the elements that make this finale an unforgettable experience.

3. The Ender Dragon – Minecraft

An Ending Cloaked In Dark Starlight, Hidden Between Worlds

In Minecraft, the final boss, the Ender Dragon, is concealed in another realm, literally. Battling the Ender Dragon necessitates applying all the skills acquired during survival: construction, fabrication, enchanting, and resource allocation. The Ender Dragon dwells within The End, a peculiar, starless void that players must explore, prepare for, and reach by constructing a portal using scarce materials and obscure wisdom they’ve accumulated throughout their adventure.

In Minecraft, having an end boss might seem unusual, considering its free-form, player-driven open world. Yet, what makes it fitting is that it’s secretive, adding a layer of enigma. In a game where players set their own objectives, this peculiar creature remains undiscovered, timelessly lurking in the shadows, challenging those brave enough to seek and confront it.

2. Malus – Shadow Of The Colossus

The Last Giant, And The Final Sacrifice

Shadow of the Colossus may not follow the typical open-world format as seen in modern games by Ubisoft, but it presents a chilling sense of freedom through its vast, desolate landscapes. The final colossus, Malus, serves as an impressive testament to the relentless pursuit and compulsion that guided the player throughout the Forbidden Land, ultimately leading them to this moment. Scaling Malus feels like ascending a living, spiritual cathedral.

In a slow, somber march toward a mixed ending, Malus doesn’t hasten the player. His eyes are heavy with gravity. The battleground he provides is vast and dreary. Following sixteen engagements that blend elegance and violence, the last titan compels players to ponder their actions and weigh if the cost was justified.

1. Legate Lanius – Fallout New Vegas

The Monster Of The East And The Judgement Of Mars

In the same vein as the initial game, Fallout: New Vegas upholds the principles of role-playing games by offering numerous strategies for solving problems, right until the closing credits, even encompassing the Battle of Hoover Dam. Unless your Courier aligns with the Legion, you’ll find yourself confronting the masked threat, Lanius.

In a more simplified expression: Lanius isn’t just a mindless thug; he shares Caesar’s ideology but has chosen a harsher path. What sets Lanius apart is that he might be defeated without resorting to violence. Clever players can sway the Legate with reasoning, leadership, and sheer determination. The conflict (either verbal or physical) represents the culmination of numerous choices and alliances, and in classic Obsidian style, the final outcome rests with the player.

2025-05-30 09:34