Hardest Boss Runs in Dark Souls 2: Will You Survive?

Among FromSoftware’s acclaimed “Soulsborne” collection, it’s clear that “Dark Souls 2” has been the most controversial. Many of its criticisms are valid, such as the occasional questionable hitboxes, less-than-inspiring boss battles, and challenging adversaries that can be frustrating. However, despite these issues, “Dark Souls 2” remains a largely entertaining game, and in fact, it enhances the original in various aspects. The standout feature is the Power Stance mechanic, which was later incorporated into “Elden Ring”.

As a dedicated fan of Dark Souls 2, I can’t deny that it’s both cherished and cursed by many. Most players would concur that the game’s most challenging aspect is undoubtedly the grueling runbacks against its formidable bosses. Though the bosses in Dark Souls 2 might not be as tough as their counterparts in later Soulsborne games, the arduous journey veteran players must traverse just to reach these epic battles can certainly test one’s patience to its limits.

10. Ruin Sentinels

Next to Impossible without Taking Damage

Upon reaching the Lost Bastille and overcoming The Pursuer, players will encounter their next test: the Ruin Sentinels. This tough three-enemy skirmish could prove challenging because of the occasional fall damage you’ll take during the fight. Although one Sentinel can be quickly defeated, taking down all three simultaneously can be quite a task.

Though it may not be the longest boss battle in the game, it can be equally challenging, even as tough as some of the most difficult ones. Players face a dilemma between battling through hordes of enemies or carefully navigating a precarious jump into a narrow opening that’s easy to miscalculate. Despite encountering longer and tougher boss battles later in the game, this early-game battle is particularly unforgiving.

9. Lost Sinner

Hard-Hitting Enemies Can End Players Quickly

The Boss Known as “The Lost Sinner” is one of the most challenging early-game opponents players will encounter, boasting swift attacks that inflict substantial damage. But prior to engaging with this unsettling adversary, gamers need to overcome a variety of lethal foes first.

In this boss fight, you can dodge some of the adversaries by swiftly rolling, but be warned, they have the ability to inflict heavy damage on the player. The most significant threat comes from the Flexile Sentry, submerged in the water following the lift. To navigate safely, players should tread cautiously through the area, ensuring they steer clear of this large, rapid-striking enemy. Furthermore, the region is strewn with undead enemies that explode upon contact, potentially ruining any boss run.

8. The Duke’s Dear Freja

Long and Fraught with Perils

One significant foe you’ll face in the game is the massive spider known as The Duke’s Pet Spider, Freja. Despite having a straightforward set of actions, this enemy’s attacks have the potential to shatter your armor and weapons, which makes it a formidable challenge to overcome.

In this boss fight, you’ll encounter one of the longest runbacks in the game, filled with a series of adversaries to overcome. To progress, players need to conquer a substantial portion of the level repeatedly, navigating through numerous spider-like enemies. Before they can reach the fog wall, they must carefully move past these foes. Although most of the enemies can be quickly dispatched, their large numbers necessitate a cautious and strategic approach on every try.

7. Smelter Demon

Fast Attacking Enemies above Molten Lava

In the game Dark Souls 2, the Iron Keep stands as one of its most challenging and unyielding areas. Overcoming the first boss in this section can seem like a hard-earned triumph. Starting from the bonfire, gamers encounter numerous knights who suddenly appear, wielding swords that swiftly attack for significant damage. It’s crucial for players to dodge multiple archers as well.

Though the boss fight may not be the longest in terms of physical space, mastering the area typically requires multiple tries. However, when conquered successfully, the Smelter Demon becomes one of the game’s more impressive bosses, wielding a powerful sword capable of dishing out significant damage.

6. Ancient Dragon

Battle Large Enemies to Face a Difficult Dragon

Different from other bosses listed here, the Ancient Dragon initially does not assault players upon first encounter. Instead, this Non-Player Character (NPC) offers players the Ashen Mist Heart, an item that enables access to various memories scattered across the game by overgrown giant bodies.

Instead, engaging the Ancient Dragon triggers a challenging boss fight followed by a difficult escape mission if players don’t succeed. Players must traverse the entire level, battling numerous powerful Drakekeepers who can dish out heavy damage. Interestingly, the Dragon Knights in this region will only attack the player if they flee from the Drakekeepers. The grueling boss run to confront the Ancient Dragon is one of the most difficult in the core game, as it boasts a vast health pool and hard-to-dodge attacks upon reaching it.

5. Darklurker

Challenging Enemies Lay in Wait

In the game “Dark Souls 2,” The Darklurker serves as an optional, secretive boss character that may prove challenging to find. Before battling this formidable foe, gamers must advance through the ranks of the Pilgrims of the Dark Covenant, illuminating various candles scattered throughout the game.

After finishing, players move forward into the ominous depths, encountering multiple adversaries resembling invaders along the way. Given their difficulty level, these formidable foes can swiftly eliminate careless players trying to charge through the zone. Therefore, it’s advisable to approach this area cautiously and methodically. It’s also worth noting that each attempt requires a precious Human Effigy, making this one of the costliest boss battles within the game.

4. Sir Alonne

A Memorable Boss At the End of a Frustrating Level

In the lore of the Old Iron King, during the Crown of the Old Iron King DLC in Dark Souls 2, Sir Alonne is known as one of the most challenging boss fights within the game. His swift attacks give him a feel reminiscent of bosses encountered in later Souls series games.

In addition, it’s not just the fight that’s challenging; the journey back can be quite perilous as well. Every attempt requires players to navigate through an entire level, confronting numerous adversaries along the way. Although many of these foes can be defeated easily, their sheer number often wears down players before they reach the fog wall. For those with patience, a strategy that involves waiting for enemies to disappear (despawn) is effective in this part of the game.

3. Blue Smelter Demon

Numerous Enemies Chipping Away at Health

In the thrilling Crown of the Old Iron King DLC, I came across the formidable Blue Smelter Demon – an optional adversary nestled within the Iron Passage. This agile and stronger variant of the Smelter Demon harnesses magic as its power source, making it largely impervious to most sorceries. Despite the exhilarating nature of this boss fight, I found myself frequently frustrated by the tedious task of returning after each attempt.

Just as in the challenging runs of Dark Souls 2, its level of difficulty arises from the multitude of adversaries obstructing the player’s path. Alongside regular foes, there are others who impede the player’s progress by slowing their movement, thereby increasing the complexity of these runbacks.

2. Afflicted Graverobber, Ancient Soldier Varg, and Cerah the Old Explorer

A Dangerous Gauntlet of Narrow Passages

In Dark Souls 2, these optional adversaries, sometimes mockingly referred to as The Gank Squad, demand players to navigate through one of the most challenging boss reappearances. Located within the Cave of the Dead in the Crown of the Sunken King DLC, gamers encounter a labyrinth of passages and precipices, teeming with various foes and spitting statues that spew poison.

Engaging with your superiors translates to battling three challenging adversaries simultaneously. In the Souls series, these encounters, known as “Gank fights,” are notoriously tough and may seem unfair, more so for a single player. However, there are two optional aid calls available during this section of the game that can assist in diverting some enemies, making the long, intricate return journey less daunting.

1. Frigid Outskirts

An Extra-Long Runback Filled With Enemies

In the additional content for Dark Souls 2, you’ll find some of the most challenging zones within the game. These areas are packed with difficult adversaries, exceptionally formidable bosses, and grueling treks back, pushing players to their absolute limits.

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit that nothing quite compares to the aggravating ordeal of the Frigid Outskirts runback. This seemingly endless sprint is more like running a marathon, and trust me, it’s no walk in the park. Enemies pop up left and right along the way, making them tricky obstacles that test my reflexes to the limit. After all that effort, the bosses at the end feel underwhelming, almost like they’re reskinned versions of enemies I’ve already defeated, leaving me wondering if it was worth the struggle.

2025-04-14 03:10