Dark Souls Bosses That Are Only Difficult The First Time You Fight Them

Dark Souls Bosses That Are Only Difficult The First Time You Fight Them

Key Takeaways

  • Dark Souls emphasizes gameplay over graphics, challenging players to succeed.
  • Boss strategies vary, requiring players to adapt and learn game mechanics.
  • The Dark Souls series’ bosses demand patience and skill, rewarding players who persevere.

As a seasoned traveler of the Lands Between, I must say that the bosses in Dark Souls 3 have left quite a mark on me. Among them all, Pontiff Sulyvahn, the Abyss Watchers, and the Dancer of the Boreal Valley stand out as the most formidable adversaries.


In my book, Dark Souls stands tall as one of the all-time best video games. It demonstrates what truly matters in gaming – delivering exceptional gameplay above all else, and respecting us, the players, by presenting a formidable challenge that makes us feel like we’re part of something extraordinary. The tantalizing hints of lore lay the foundation for FromSoftware to build upon this series’ legacy and offer us an epic trilogy that will go down in gaming history as a masterpiece.

Each installment in the Dark Souls franchise offers an exhilarating gaming experience, complete with a decent number of tough boss battles that could prove nightmarish for newcomers. Yet, seasoned players of these games are well-versed in the strategies required to overcome even the most formidable adversaries that might initially cause trouble for novice gamers.

8 Asylum Demon (Dark Souls)

A Tutorial Boss That Seems Impossible Until Players Know What To Do

Dark Souls Bosses That Are Only Difficult The First Time You Fight Them
Health825
LocationUndead Asylum
Souls2,000
DropsHumanity, Big Pilgrim’s Key, Demon’s Great Hammer

For the initial meeting with the Asylum Demon, players will find it hard to forget, as their damaged weapon seems hardly effective against such an imposing adversary. What players may not realize, though, is that they should initially bypass this boss and pass through a narrow entrance instead. Upon doing so, they can discover a suitable collection of gear before engaging the demon in a more strategic battle.

Newcomers learn the diving strike method, which swiftly handles a boss that initially appeared unbeatable. Experienced players can start with Black Firebombs to rapidly diminish the boss’s health at the first encounter, gaining the potent Demon’s Grand Mallet as a reward.

7 Ornstein And Smough (Dark Souls)

A Notorious Boss That Becomes Easier To Deal With For Veterans

Dark Souls Bosses That Are Only Difficult The First Time You Fight Them
Health1,642 (Ornstein), 2,645 (Smough), 2,981 (Super Ornstein) & 4,094 (Lightning Smough)
LocationAnor Londo
Souls50,000
DropsLeo Ring, Soul of Ornstein, Soul of Smough

In the game Dark Souls, Anor Londo stands out as one of its most captivating locales. This regal setting provides a delightful adventure for players navigating through it, filled with formidable adversaries such as the Silver Knights who can take down the Chosen Undead from a distance. Yet, the challenge posed by this location is mild compared to the intense battle that awaits players here.

In the challenging video game “Dark Souls,” Dragonslayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough are two particularly difficult adversaries for players to defeat. Defeating one enemy strengthens the other and restores its health, but expert players can skillfully dodge during the first phase, ensuring that Smough survives to Phase 2 because his supercharged form is more manageable than Ornstein’s.

6 Bell Gargoyles (Dark Souls)

The Addition Of A Second Gargoyle Can Throw Players Off Their Rhythm If They Don’t Expect It

Dark Souls Bosses That Are Only Difficult The First Time You Fight Them
Health999 & 480
LocationUndead Parish
Souls10,000
DropsGargoyle’s Halberd, Gargoyle’s Shield, Gargoyle Helm, Gargoyle Tail Axe, Twin Humanities, Homeward Bone

In this game, a challenging boss fight awaits players who aim to sound the bells that unlock Anor Londo’s gate. The path ahead requires defeating a pair of gargoyles that block the way. Fighting one gargoyle can be handled, but the real challenge comes when you have to confront both simultaneously.

It’s advantageous for those skilled in managing multiple foes within the game ‘Dark Souls’, as evading effectively and delivering swift strikes are crucial for success in this tough battle.

5 Throne Watcher And Throne Defender (Dark Souls 2)

Players Who Know The Trick To This Boss Will Waste No Time Depleting Both Their Health Bars

Dark Souls Bosses That Are Only Difficult The First Time You Fight Them
Health3,910 (Watcher) & 2,760 (Defender)
LocationThrone of Want
Souls68,000
DropsThrone Watcher Soul, Throne Defender Soul

In Dark Souls 2, there is an extensive roster of bosses, but not all of them live up to expectations. The Throne Watcher and Defender pair have sparked debate among players, particularly because a player’s initial battle with these adversaries can be incredibly frustrating if they are unprepared for the challenge.

If players concentrate on a single enemy during this boss battle, they’ll be frustrated when the defeated foe regenerates its health. To avoid this, players should keep an eye on the health of both enemies and try to eliminate them swiftly in succession to prevent the resurrection mechanism from activating.

4 Mytha, The Baneful Queen (Dark Souls 2)

Draining The Poison And Learning The Fight Makes This Boss Fight Simpler To Deal With

Dark Souls Bosses That Are Only Difficult The First Time You Fight Them
Health3,570
LocationEarthen Peak
Souls20,000
DropsMytha, the Baneful Queen Soul

In simpler terms, dealing with Mytha, the Toxic Queen can be quite challenging for those unaware that they could drain the poison from the boss arena before combat begins. Engaging in battle with decreasing health and a boss who gradually restores her health in a toxic pool is certainly aggravating.

To get rid of the toxic pond nearby Central Earthen Peak’s bonfire, players should ignite the windmill across from it. This action makes the boss battle more manageable, as smart dodges and utilizing attack opportunities are key strategies for defeating this enemy without much difficulty.

3 Pontiff Sulyvahn (Dark Souls 3)

A Flashy, Challenging Boss Who Is More Doable Once Players Know What To Do

Dark Souls Bosses That Are Only Difficult The First Time You Fight Them
Health5,106
LocationIrithyll of the Boreal Valley
Souls28,000
DropsSoul of Pontiff Sulyvahn

In Dark Souls 3, the intense battle system might pose challenges for players accustomed to passive combat strategies. However, even though a cautious approach could be beneficial initially, you’ll likely find yourself changing your tune once you encounter Pontiff Sulyvahn on the battlefield.

This formidable opponent, with his captivating arsenal of magical abilities and astonishing speed, can be overwhelming for those who prefer to stay at a distance. The most effective strategy to manage him is by mirroring his aggressive style, something that skilled players from Dark Souls 3 are adept at mastering.

2 Abyss Watchers (Dark Souls 3)

Letting The Abyss Watchers Beat Themselves Up Makes The Encounter More Manageable

Dark Souls Bosses That Are Only Difficult The First Time You Fight Them
Health1,548 (Main Watcher) & 367 (Other Watchers)
LocationFarron Keep
Souls18,000
DropsCinders of a Lord, Soul of the Blood of the Wolf

In the series, the fight against the Abyss Watchers stands out as one of the most dramatic encounters, following players who have navigated a toxic region typical of FromSoftware games. Inexperienced players might find it tough to confront the repeatedly respawning Abyss Watchers during the initial phase.

Once players become familiar with the rhythm of this battle, they’ll come to understand that the Watchers have gone mad and are attacking one another. In such a situation, it’s strategic for players to allow these foes to defeat each other, as this offers an opportunity before the second phase begins when players must intensify their efforts.

1 Dancer Of The Boreal Valley (Dark Souls 3)

Players Who Remember This Boss’ Moveset Can Time Their Dodges To Perfection

Dark Souls Bosses That Are Only Difficult The First Time You Fight Them
Health5,111
LocationHigh Wall of Lothric
Souls60,000
DropsSoul of the Dancer

Among the unforgettable battles in the Dark Souls series, none are as ruthless as the Dancer of the Boreal Valley. In my gaming experience, she leaves no room for error, slicing through the Ashen One with her swift, deadly combos like a dance of doom.

Skilled players, aware of the persistent nature of the Dancer’s combos, can strategically manage their energy levels, exhausting it only when necessary to dodge the continuous onslaught of attacks she launches. The battle against the Dancer is challenging, but those who avoid overindulging in attacks and are familiar with her move set can defeat her more efficiently with repeated attempts.

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2024-11-06 05:34