Best Puzzle Bosses In Soulslike Games

As a seasoned adventurer who has battled myriad beasts and fiends across countless realms, I must say that the boss fights in the Dark Souls series are truly unparalleled. Each encounter is a test of skill, wit, and stamina that leaves one’s heart racing and palms sweating.

Souls-like video games vary in form and structure, yet they all share a commitment to intricate gameplay and ominous lore that makes them appealing across multiple gaming platforms. What sets these games apart is their focus on epic boss battles. These battles serve as the culmination of exploration, a test of skill and damage, or else an obstacle in the player’s journey towards crucial aspects of their adventure.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but admire the exceptional qualities that set each boss in the Dark Souls Trilogy apart. The epic battles these bosses offer are nothing short of spectacular and grandiose. Among these formidable foes, the ones that spark the most debate – be it positive or negative – are the puzzle bosses. These unique adversaries stand out as the cream of the crop among soulslike games, with their intriguing gimmicks and overall enjoyment factor playing a significant role in determining their rankings.

8 Curse-Rotted Greatwood

A Terrifying Boss With An Interesting Battle System

Best Puzzle Bosses In Soulslike Games

Game: Dark Souls 3
Location: Undead Settlement

Without a doubt, while the Curse-Rotted Greatwood isn’t strictly necessary, it is indispensable for those aiming to acquire boss weapons in Dark Souls. This formidable foe not only embodies the qualities of an exceptional boss but also manages to surpass expectations by executing its role flawlessly.

In this battle, the boss cannot be harmed except at its weak points. However, the inhabitants of the Undead Settlement make the fight more thrilling by adding complexity. As for the second phase, it transforms into a typical boss encounter without any puzzles to solve, but it remains challenging and engaging, with a rich backstory attached to it.

7 Crossbreed Priscilla

A Boss Battle That Tests Players’ Perception

Game: Dark Souls 1
Location: Painted World of Ariamis

The enigmatic, eerie yet chilling realm of Ariamis from the initial Dark Souls game stands as a remarkable example of world-building and game design for enthusiasts who value such aspects. Crossbreed Priscilla is an intriguing riddle-like boss battle, as she often mimics common boss fight dynamics.

The character is not excessively large or exploiting weak spots, and the playing field remains constant and compact, which are aspects typically avoided by puzzle bosses in game design. However, unlike most characters, she can become invisible, making it difficult for players to overcome her without relying on their own keen observation skills. Players must rely on their intuition to identify subtle clues, such as footprints, that reveal her position.

6 Ancient Wyvern

A Gauntlet Of Terrifying Foes With A Great Finish

Game: Dark Souls 3
Location: Archdragon Peak

Archdragon Peak boasts some fascinating history for enthusiasts of the Dark Souls franchise, and it ranks among the finest regions within the game. In truth, it’s an entirely original area, not a revisit from Dark Souls 1! Completing the area leads you to the Ancient Wyvern, who challenges conventional expectations about bosses in this series by offering something fresh and unexpected.

Rather than confronting the dragon head-on, players are advised to navigate through a series of devotees worshipping dragons on their way to Archdragon Peak. Once atop, they’re expected to perform a brave plummet attack, aiming for the wyvern’s vulnerable spot – its head – and deliver a decisive, fatal strike.

5 Executioner’s Chariot

A High-Speed Incredibly Lethal Boss

Game: Dark Souls 2
Location: Huntsman’s Copse

The Executioner’s Chariot is an impressive title with a remarkable design. While Dark Souls 2 is frequently criticized for its boss appearance relying too heavily on men in heavy armor, this battle offers a fresh and intriguing twist to that aesthetic.

Based on whether players successfully assault the chariot or exploit the surroundings to unsettle the horses, this boss encounter might conclude in multiple scenarios, creating an exciting, fluid fight where players must focus more on an enemy’s pace than its raw power.

4 Yhorm The Giant

A Cinematic Boss Fight Of Large Scale

Game: Dark Souls 3
Location: Profane Capital

Just like other battles in this list, the encounter with Yhorm the Giant may take different paths based on your actions as a player. In particular, if you’ve progressed through Siegward of Caterina’s questionable storyline, you can have him join you for the fight.

Instead of being solely a contest of raw strength, this is more about testing the players’ timing skills. The swords wielded by the players can deplete approximately a sixth of Yhorm’s health with each strike, but they require a significant charging time for the players to coordinate their attacks carefully, avoiding the massive and lethal blows of the Giant king.

3 Folding Screen Monkeys

A Tricky Game Of Cat And Mouse (Cat And Monkey?)

Game: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Location: Senpou Temple

A boss fight with a sense of humor but also some fairly high dangers to avoid. This battle is a test of Wolf’s stealth and timing more than any amount of brute force. This is a tricky puzzle battle focused on chasing down some trickier primates.

In summary, there are a total of four monkeys, and each one requires a unique strategy for capture. These monkeys are skillfully camouflaged throughout the playing field, sometimes becoming invisible, and victory is achieved when all four have been successfully defeated.

2 Dark Sun Gwyndolin

A Moody, Grim Boss Battle

Game: Dark Souls 1
Location: Anor Londo

Among the most striking battles in the series takes place with Dark Sun Gwyndolin, who emerges following players solving the enigma of eliminating the illusionary sun in Anor Londo, quite a challenge itself. This battle tests endurance rather than brute force – players cannot simply rush towards Gwyndolin to claim victory.

Despite his vulnerability, the length of this boss’s corridor knows no bounds, requiring players to be precise in their attacks as he steadily advances along the hallway. Hasty attempts to engage him will drain their energy, leaving them powerless to evade his numerous long-range assaults.

1 Deacons Of The Deep

An Utterly Atmospheric And Challenging

Game: Dark Souls 3
Location: Cathedral of the Deep

Among the richest and most atmospheric boss battles you’ll encounter in the game, the Deacons of the Deep presents a challenging puzzle rather than giving players the chance to mindlessly slaughter hordes of enemies, maintaining the satisfying release of catharsis that comes from overcoming obstacles.

In the initial stage of the combat, it’s crucial for participants to remain standing and maintain continuous movement as they pursue the malicious spirit haunting the deacons. This conflict emphasizes managing crowds and nimbleness over inflicting concentrated damage.

2024-11-29 09:34