Dark Souls bosses are a huge part of why people love the Souls series so much, myself included. Even after all these years, they continue to have an impact, influencing some of the boss designs in later games. Here, we not only intend to tell you who the Dark Souls bosses are but where you can find them, how to defeat them, what items they drop, and offer some insight into their lore.
If you’re after more content like this, take a look at our guides on Hollow Knight bosses, Cuphead bosses, best Zelda bosses, and Terraria bosses. Oh, and don’t forget to check out our Dark Souls bonfire guide; you’re going to need all the help you can get facing these bosses, and that includes leveling up.
Understanding the Boss Count in Dark Souls
Overall, there are 26 bosses in Dark Souls, which encompasses both optional bosses and the DLC. Among these, only 13 are mandatory Dark Souls bosses that players must defeat to progress through the game. This balance of required and optional encounters adds depth and replayability to the experience, allowing players to explore various strategies and builds.
Exploring the Hardest Bosses in Dark Souls
The hardest boss in Dark Souls varies from player to player because it largely depends on individual skill and character build. For many players, Ornstein and Smough are the hardest duo to face, as their movesets complement each other perfectly. While Gwyn can be a nuisance, especially for new players, those who master the parry mechanic may find him manageable. It’s also important to note that the Four Kings can become overwhelming if not dealt with swiftly, as their numbers can quickly escalate the challenge.
Here are all of the Dark Souls bosses:
- Asylum Demon
- Bell Gargoyle
- Quelaag
- Iron Golem
- Ornstein and Smough
- Pinwheel
- Nito
- Dark Souls' Sif
- Four Kings
- Seath
- Ceaseless Discharge
- Bed of Chaos
- Gwyn
- Taurus Demon
- Capra Demon
- Moonlight Butterfly
- Gaping Dragon
- Stray Demon
- Gwyndolin
- Crossbreed Priscilla
- Demon Firesage
- Centipede Demon
- Sanctuary Guardian
- Artorias
- Manus
- Black Dragon Kalameet
Mandatory Bosses in Dark Souls
Asylum Demon
Drops:
- 2,000 souls
- One humanity
Defeating the Asylum Demon a second time grants you the big pilgrim’s key. If you opt to fight it immediately upon encountering it and succeed, you can find the key on Oscar of Astora, who gives you the Estus flask.
Additionally, you can earn the demon’s great hammer by defeating it on your first encounter.
Lore and Strategy:
Within the first few minutes of gameplay, players encounter a large, hammer-wielding demon. Initially absent from the room, it drops in just as players are weaponless, creating tension. After finding your starting weapon and the Estus flask, drop back into the arena to face the demon.
Performing a plunging attack upon entering the fight deals significant damage. Baiting the demon to jump will create openings for you to strike. Don’t be intimidated by its size; it can be defeated with patience and strategy.
Bell Gargoyle
Drops:
- 10,000 souls
- One twin humanities
- Gargoyle’s halberd
