Dark Souls 3 marks the third installment in FromSoftware’s challenging series of open-world role-playing games. This game is filled with relentless foes, tricky traps, and unforgiving boss encounters. The Dark Souls 3 bosses are so formidable that they make the characters from Cuphead seem almost comical in comparison.
It’s no surprise that fans have a deep appreciation for the game. What would a true Souls experience be without an abrupt encounter with a monstrous creature, eager to take you down? With that in mind, we present to you an extensive guide to the Dark Souls 3 bosses, complete with helpful tips to ensure you survive these intense battles.
Dark Souls 3 Bosses In Order
As with any worthy installment in the Dark Souls series, Dark Souls 3 is packed with formidable bosses eager to send you to your demise in no time. From the first encounter with Iudex Gundyr to the intense battle against the Soul of Cinder, not to mention the numerous optional bosses scattered throughout, this game presents a challenging lineup of adversaries.
Here is a comprehensive list of all the bosses in Dark Souls 3, presented in chronological order.
- Iudex Gundyr
- Vordt of the Boreal Valley
- Curse-Rotted Greatwood
- Crystal Sage
- Deacons of the Deep
- Abyss Watchers
- High Lord Wolnir
- Old Demon King
- Pontiff Sulyvahn
- Yhorm the Giant
- Aldritch, Devourer of Gods
- Dancer of the Boreal Valley
- Dragonslayer Armour
- Oceiros, the Consumed King
- Champion Gundyr
- Lothric, Younger Prince and Lorian, Elder Prince
- Ancient Wyvern
- Nameless King
- Soul of Cinder
Dark Souls 3 Areas In Order
There’s no denying that Dark Souls 3 is an expansive game, featuring a wide array of locations that span from the introductory Cemetery of Ash to the relentless challenges found in the Cathedral of the Deep. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the areas in Dark Souls 3, organized sequentially.
- Cemetery of Ash (Iudex Gundyr)
- Firelink Shrine
- High Wall of Lothric (Vordt of the Boreal Valley; Dancer of the Boreal Valley)
- Undead Settlement (Curse-Rotted Greatwood)
- Road of Sacrifices (Crystal Sage)
- Cathedral of the Deep (Deacons of the Deep)
- Farron Keep (Abyss Watchers)
- Catacombs of Carthus (High Lord Wolnir)
- Smouldering Lake (Old Demon King)
- Irithyll of the Boreal Valley (Pontiff Sulyvahn)
- Anor Londo (Aldrich, Devourer of Gods)
- Irithyll Dungeon
- Profaned Capital (Yhorm the Giant)
- Consumed King’s Garden (Oceiros, The Consumed King)
- Untended Graves (Champion Gundyr)
- Lothric Castle (Dragonslayer Armour)
- Grand Archives (Lothric, Younger Prince and Lorian, Elder Prince, Crystal Sage)
- Archdragon Peak (Ancient Wyvern, The Nameless King)
- Kiln of the First Flame (Soul of Cinder)
Dark Souls 3 – All Side Quests In Order
Dark Souls 3 is packed with numerous side quests for aspiring adventurers to explore. However, similar to other titles in the Souls series, locating these side quests can be somewhat challenging.
In this section of our Dark Souls 3 guide, we’ll provide you with information on how to initiate these quests. Keep in mind that this guidance is based on a relatively straightforward progression through the game’s bosses and areas, as detailed in our earlier lists.
- Fire Keeper (Area – Cathedral of the Deep)
- Siegward of Catarina (Area – Cathedral of the Deep)
- Irina of Carim, Eygon of Carim and Karla (Area – Cathedral of the Deep)
- Anri of Astora (Area – Cathedral of the Deep)
- Leonhard (Area – Cathedral of the Deep)
- Sirris of the Sunless Realms (Area – Farron Keep)
- Yoel of Londor, Yuria of Londor, Anri of Astoria and Lord of Hollows (Area – Farron Keep)
- Orbeck of Vinheim (Area – Farron Keep)
- Hawkwood (Area – Farron Keep)
- Anri of Astora (Area – Catacombs of Carthus)
- Anri of Astora (Area – Smouldering Lake)
- Anri of Astora Part 2 (Area – Smouldering Lake)
- Greirat of the Undead Settlement (Area – Irithyll of the Boreal Valley)
- Sirris of the Sunless Realms (Area – Irithyll of the Boreal Valley)
- Anri of Astora and Yuria of Londor (Area – Irithyll of the Boreal Valley)
- Siegward of Catarina and Greirat of the Undead Settlement (Area – Irithyll of the Boreal Valley)
- Siegward of Catarina (Area – Irithyll Dungeon)
- Hawkwood (Area – Irithyll Dungeon)
- Siegward of Catarina (Area – Profaned Capital)
- Anri of Astora (Area – Anor Londo)
- Sirris of the Sunless Realms (Area – Anor Londo)
- Leonhard (Area – Anor Londo)
- Greirat of the Undead Settlement (Area – Lothric Castle)
- Irina of Carim and Eygon of Carim (Area – Lothric Castle)
- Sirris of the Sunless Realms (Area – Lothric Castle)
- Fire Keeper (Area – Untended Graves)
- Hawkwood (Area – Archdragon Peak)
- Fire Keeper (Area – Kiln of the First Flame)
- Hawkwood (Area – Firelink Shrine)
- Greirat of the Undead Settlement (Area – High Wall of Lothric)
- Leonhard (Area – High Wall of Lothric)
- Greirat of the Undead Settlement (Area – Undead Settlement)
- Cornyx of the Great Swamp (Area – Undead Settlement)
- Siegward of Catarina (Area – Undead Settlement)
- Irina of Carim and Eygon of Carim (Area – Undead Settlement)
- Yoel of Londor (Area – Undead Settlement)
- Yuria of Londor (Area – Undead Settlement)
- Leonhard (Area – Undead Settlement)
- Irina of Carim and Eygon of Carim (Area – Road of Sacrifices)
- Anri of Astora and Horace the Hushed (Area – Road of Sacrifices)
- Sirris of the Sunless Realms (Area – Road of Sacrifices)
- Hawkwood (Area – Road of Sacrifices)
- Orbeck of Vinheim (Area – Road of Sacrifices)
- Unbreakable Patches (Area – Cathedral of the Deep)
- Unbreakable Patches Part 2 (Area – Cathedral of the Deep)
Every Single Dark Souls 3 Boss In Order
1. Iudex Gundyr
In Dark Souls 3, the initial boss encounter is a pivotal moment in the game. Conquering this foe allows players to access Firelink Shrine, a crucial hub for leveling up and interacting with various NPCs in a secure environment. The battle begins when you extract the Coiled Sword from Iudex’s chest, a necessary action to ignite the bonfire that grants entry to Firelink Shrine.
This battle consists of two distinct phases. Initially, Iudex wields a weapon akin to a halberd, allowing him to perform sweeping and slicing attacks. Once he reaches the halfway point of his health, the second phase begins, and a lizard-like monster bursts forth from within him, significantly increasing his attack range and making the encounter even more perilous.
2. Vordt Of The Boreal Valley
This massive creature wields a hefty mace, and it’s definitely not the insect repellent kind. Vordt has the ability to charge straight at you multiple times in rapid succession, so it’s crucial to monitor your stamina closely. If you exhaust your stamina before he completes his charges, you could meet a swift end.
Once he reaches half health, Vordt empowers himself, making it harder to inflict significant damage. He also begins to unleash an icy breath attack that spreads out in a wide arc in front of him, so be sure to position yourself behind him!
3. Curse-Rotted Greatwood
Located in the Undead Settlement and revered by the locals, the Curse-Rotted Greatwood is an enormous tree that delivers significant damage. This Dark Souls 3 boss features a variety of slam attacks and can spew out a corrosive liquid, so it’s crucial to steer clear of those hazardous puddles during the fight.
Once you inflict enough damage on its vulnerable areas, you and the Greatwood will tumble into a pit, signaling the start of the second phase of the encounter.
At this stage of the encounter with the Dark Souls 3 bosses, the foe has the capability to inflict even more severe damage by crashing down onto the ground or by using its limbs in a spinning and rolling motion towards you.
For those who prefer a ranged approach, utilizing spells like Pestilent Mist and Pyromancy can be quite effective in this battle, as their area-of-effect attacks can target several vulnerable points simultaneously.
4. Crystal Sage
The Crystal Sage, a notable among Dark Souls 3 bosses, is characterized by her large-brimmed hat and her skill to teleport. She employs various spell attacks that can inflict significant damage. To effectively engage in this battle, focus on staggering the boss, which will create opportunities for you to deliver several hits in quick succession.
Be cautious! In the second phase of the Crystal Sage encounter, this boss can create duplicates of itself that inflict significant damage. Utilizing ranged attacks is essential for managing these copies, as players who focus solely on melee builds may find themselves at a disadvantage against this formidable foe.
5. Deacons Of The Deep
Once you gain access to the Cathedral of the Deep, you’ll find yourself facing a group of clerics who protect the wandering essence of the Archdeacon. Throughout the encounter, one of the Deacons will be marked by a red glow, indicating that it possesses a soul.
To advance to the second phase of the battle, it’s crucial to focus on the Deacon holding that soul. From this point on, only one Deacon will retain the soul for the remainder of the fight, while the others will attempt to shield him from your attacks. To effectively navigate this challenge, try to maneuver around them or strike multiple Deacons at once.
6. Abyss Watchers
At the conclusion of Farron Keep, you’ll encounter the Abyss Watchers, who embody the essence of a Lord of Cinder. Initially, you face a single sword-fighting adversary, but it won’t be long before two additional foes join the fray. This is the essence of Dark Souls 3 bosses, where challenges frequently escalate with multiple opponents appearing in battle.
After defeating one of the Dark Souls 3 bosses, it will come back to life, while another corpse, with its bright red eyes, will launch an assault on both the main boss and the other fallen foe. Once you take down the primary boss, it will rise for a second phase, transforming the battle into a true one-on-one encounter, with the Watcher’s sword now engulfed in flames.
7. High Lord Wolnir
At the conclusion of the Catacombs of Carthus, players will encounter one of the formidable Dark Souls 3 bosses: a massive skeleton. This opponent boasts a variety of powerful attacks that can easily defeat you if you don’t stay vigilant. He has the ability to summon undead minions at any moment and wields a colossal sword that he can swing directly into your path.
To effectively conquer High Lord Wolnir, it’s crucial to destroy his shackles, as each one you break reduces his health by a third. While it is possible to defeat him without addressing these shackles, it is not advisable given his significant health pool. Enlist the help of your allies to make this battle easier.
8. Old Demon King
Located in the depths of Smouldering Lake and encircled by the remains of demons, the Old Demon King stands as a formidable foe among the Dark Souls 3 bosses. This blazing adversary has the ability to summon rings of fire, unleash streams of lava, and rain down fireballs upon players by swinging his massive hammer or crashing it into the terrain.
The initial phase presents a greater challenge compared to the second phase, where the boss showcases a clearer attack sequence. In the latter phase, you’ll encounter a series of close-range strikes followed by a ranged assault. Believe it or not, there’s a battle in Dark Souls 3 that becomes simpler as you progress.
9. Pontiff Sulyvahn
To reach the final area of Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, players must conquer Pontiff Sulyvahn, one of the formidable Dark Souls 3 bosses. He wields both a Fire Sword and a Magic Sword, making him a particularly menacing opponent. Ensuring your stamina is well-managed will greatly enhance your chances of survival in this intense battle.
In the second stage of the fight, Pontiff Sulyvahn is accompanied by a phantom doppelgänger that serves to distract and overwhelm you. It’s crucial to maintain your concentration on Pontiff himself while evading the attacks from his clone. Staying focused will help you navigate the chaos of the encounter more effectively.
10. Yhorm, The Giant
The name of this formidable foe says it all. Yhorm, a Lord of Cinder, is an enormous boss known for his earth-shaking attacks. He can unleash powerful stomps that shake the battlefield and has the ability to swipe backward if you’re positioned behind him, so exercise caution when attempting to approach stealthily!
A particularly effective strategy for taking down Yhorm involves using the Storm Ruler, a powerful weapon located close to his throne that inflicts significant damage on this Lord of Cinder. The optimal opportunity to strike is immediately following one of his attacks, so be sure to focus your aim on his head for the best results.
Utilizing the Storm Ruler can turn the tide in battles against Dark Souls 3 bosses, especially when you capitalize on their attack patterns.
11. Aldritch, Devourer Of Gods
Aldritch, a name that evokes fear, truly lives up to its reputation as one of the more formidable Dark Souls 3 bosses. As a Lord of Cinder, he presents a significant challenge with his mix of long-range assaults, including arrows and soul spears, alongside spin attacks that can siphon health from players.
Targeting his tail is crucial since it can inflict substantial damage, and repeated strikes can stagger him. To emerge victorious, focus your efforts on that weak spot while ensuring you keep moving during the entire encounter.
12. Dancer Of The Boreal Valley
The Dancer of the Boreal Valley can be encountered in Dark Souls 3 through two different methods: either by vanquishing three Lords of Cinder, which triggers a teleportation to face her, or by eliminating Emma, the High Priestess located in Lothric Castle.
Regardless of the approach taken, players will find this boss to be quite challenging, particularly due to her fiery sword and fluid attack patterns that resemble elegant dance moves.
In the realm of Dark Souls 3 bosses, the second phase introduces a new layer of challenge as the Dancer wields an ash sword, transforming her into a formidable dual-wielding adversary. If you possess the necessary skills, you have the opportunity to break her poise, effectively interrupting her attacks.
13. Dragonslayer Armour
Brought to life by the Pilgrim Butterflies, this hollow suit of armor possesses lethal strikes and devastating attacks. Despite its fearsome appearance, it often proves to be more bluster than true threat.
While the Dragonslayer Armour may seem like a daunting opponent, its greataxe, though intimidating, is not its most dangerous weapon; the greatshield it wields can inflict significantly more damage.
If you’re not careful, you might find yourself on the receiving end of two or three-hit combinations. In the second phase of the encounter, the Pilgrim Butterflies will begin launching projectiles from either side of the bridge. Thankfully, these can be easily dodged by rolling away.
14. Oceiros, The Consumed King
Oceiros, one of the more vocal Dark Souls 3 bosses, is found tucked away in the garden below Lothric Castle. He often speaks about a fictional baby he cradles, but this does not stop him from launching fierce attacks with his staff or swinging his tail at you.
To effectively dodge his assaults during both phases of the fight, it’s advisable to stay directly beneath him while keeping your shield raised. In his second phase, however, Oceiros becomes more unpredictable, employing his claws and fangs in erratic patterns and unleashing crystal breaths whenever the opportunity arises.
15. Champion Gundyr
Do you recall Iudex Gundyr, the initial boss encounter in Dark Souls 3? He makes a return in the form of Champion Gundyr, bringing a significantly more intense challenge than before. Once you have triumphed over Oceiros, you’ll be able to advance into the Untended Graves, where you can confront Champion Gundyr as he waits in the shadows.
Facing Champion Gundyr, one of the challenging Dark Souls 3 bosses, can be quite daunting due to his seemingly unending flurry of swift attacks and powerful strikes. As you progress into his second phase, his rapid-fire combos may seem unyielding, but with time, you’ll start to recognize his attack patterns. Utilizing the parry technique is arguably the most effective strategy against Champion Gundyr, as successfully timing it can stun him and create opportunities for you to strike back.
16. Lothric, Younger Prince
Before you face the final boss in Dark Souls 3, you’ll encounter Lothric, the Younger Prince, who serves as the last Lord of Cinder. This formidable foe wields immense magical abilities, and he is not alone in the battle.
His brother, Lorian, the Elder Prince, joins him, making the fight even more challenging. Lothric may have only three distinct attacks, but each one unleashes powerful magical projectiles. Coupled with Lorian’s swift sword strikes, this duo can be quite overwhelming for any player.
The battle against the Dark Souls 3 bosses begins on a relatively simple note before escalating in difficulty over time. In the first phase, Lothric offers ample opportunities for players to strike. As the fight transitions to phase two, he tends to take a breather after casting spells. Players will find that Lothric is particularly exposed when Lorian is at a distance, allowing for strategic attacks during the intervals of his combo moves.
17. Ancient Wyvern
Among the various optional Dark Souls 3 bosses, the Ancient Wyvern stands out as one of the more straightforward challenges to conquer. You can take it down using the classic bow and arrow strategy or by quietly maneuvering to the left side.
There’s a path that guides you to a ledge positioned directly above the Wyvern’s head. When it lowers its head, you can leap down for an assured victory. Although defeating the Wyvern may seem easy, its attacks are certainly lethal. Be wary of its fiery breath, which can incinerate you in seconds, and its powerful tail swipe, which can knock you out if you let your guard down.
18. Nameless King
The Nameless King stands out as an optional boss in Dark Souls 3, presenting a formidable challenge for players seeking an extra test of skill. During the initial phase of the fight, he soars through the sky on his wyvern, unleashing powerful attacks that include fire, wind, and lightning strikes. Additionally, he wields a spear for close-quarters combat, making him a tough opponent to overcome.
After defeating the wyvern, the character previously known as the “King of the Storm” transforms into the Nameless King and unleashes a series of intensified lightning strikes. Despite his speed, it’s possible to stagger him, making lighter gear a preferable choice to effectively dodge his swift attacks.
19. Soul Of Cinder
In Dark Souls 3, the ultimate challenge awaits players in the form of the Soul of Cinder, which represents a fusion of all the Lords of Cinder. This climactic encounter is known for its intensity, presenting a formidable test of skill that, while challenging, can certainly be overcome with the right strategy.
Similar to several other formidable foes, the Soul of Cinder features two distinct phases during the battle. In its initial phase, it possesses a passive healing ability, allowing it to regain up to one-third of its total health.
To effectively decrease the Soul of Cinder’s health and progress to the second phase, dealing substantial damage is essential. During this latter phase, it channels the essence of Gwyn, the first Lord of Cinder and the ultimate adversary from the original Dark Souls.
20. Champion’s Gravetender And Gravetender Greatwolf
Upon stepping into the artwork featured in the initial downloadable content for Dark Souls 3, titled Ashes of Ariandel, you will be relentlessly pursued by a Greatwolf. This formidable beast lets out a haunting howl, calling forth additional wolves to join the assault. To put an end to this onslaught, you must brave the icy expanse of the DLC and defeat the beast yourself.
Initially, your challenge will involve facing the Gravetender, and the encounter resembles a typical NPC invader battle. However, the Greatwolf will soon enter the fray, unleashing its chilling breath. While this fight can prove to be quite challenging, you should have enough resources at your disposal to tackle this duo of Dark Souls 3 bosses effectively.
21. Sister Friede
If you’re a fan of challenging encounters, you’ll appreciate the complexity of the Dark Souls 3 bosses, especially Sister Freide. This formidable foe presents not just one or two, but three distinct phases in her battle. Initially, you’ll face her solo, but soon her father will enter the fight, complicating the encounter. In the final stage, you’ll once again confront Freide, but this time she has incorporated new, fiery attacks that will test your skills even further.
In the world of Dark Souls 3, one boss stands out for its significant inspiration from Bloodborne, showcasing a rapid combat style and unyielding ferocity. For a considerable time, this encounter was regarded as one of the toughest in the game, rivaling the difficulty presented by the Nameless King, solidifying her status as a formidable opponent within the series.
22. Demon In Pain, Demon From Below, And Demon Prince
The Ringed City, the second and concluding DLC for Dark Souls 3, features twice as many bosses as its predecessor, making each encounter truly unforgettable. Your initial challenge will be against the Demon Prince, a formidable foe that presents a two-phase battle reminiscent of the iconic conflict with Ornstein and Smough.
In Dark Souls 3, players encounter a unique challenge when battling two demons at once: the Demon in Pain and the Demon from Below. The order in which you defeat these foes significantly impacts your encounter with the Prince, altering his attack patterns and adding a dynamic element to the fight. This variability enhances the experience, making it more engaging compared to other bosses that tend to follow a more predictable approach.
23. Halflight, Spear Of The Church
As you step into the boss arena for Halflight, you may face a straightforward but challenging NPC invader-style battle, or you might find yourself up against a real player who is taking on the role of the boss.
This unique twist occurs because members of the Spears of the Church covenant can be summoned to act as the boss during this essential part of Dark Souls 3. If you’re not familiar with player-versus-player combat, you may find this encounter particularly tough.
Should you find yourself struggling, consider switching the game to offline mode, allowing you to continuously face Halflight. Although this option prevents you from summoning other players for assistance, by this point in your journey through Dark Souls 3, you should possess sufficient strength to take on this boss with relative ease.
24. Darkeater Midir
In the DLC The Ringed City, players encounter various challenges, but facing Darkeater Midir is not essential for experiencing the full content or the final battle. However, if you’re in search of a true draconic test among the Dark Souls 3 bosses, Midir is sure to deliver, particularly if the Ancient Wyvern didn’t satisfy your cravings for a formidable foe.
The battle closely mirrors a confrontation from the DLC of Dark Souls 2, especially with Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon. This serves as both a nod to an exceptional encounter and an enhancement of that experience, making it a fitting contender for one of the most challenging battles among Dark Souls 3 bosses in the entire series.
25. Slave Knight Gael
The journey through the DLCs of Dark Souls 3 culminates in a defining battle against one of the most formidable Dark Souls 3 bosses: Slave Knight Gael. This character serves as the ultimate challenge, marking the end of your adventures in The Ringed City and the game itself.
Gael embarks on his own mission to locate the Dark Soul, and unlike the Soul of Cinder, which represents all those who have linked the fire, Gael embodies the essence of those striving to extinguish it.
Gael stands out as the ultimate test among Dark Souls 3 bosses, boasting a relentless moveset and fierce aggressiveness that even puts the Nameless King to shame. As you face him, be prepared to give it everything you’ve got.
The expansive arena offers plenty of space for movement, allowing various gameplay styles to flourish in what is arguably the most unforgettable battle in the franchise.
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source: Gamerode
