Dark Souls 3, the final entry in FromSoftware’s beloved trilogy, is widely known for its punishing boss fights, many of which test the patience, skill, and perseverance of players. Under the creative direction of Hidetaka Miyazaki, the game took difficulty to new heights.
All Dark Souls titles have hard bosses, but Dark Souls 3 has arguably the hardest boss fights in the entire series. But Miyazaki’s genius isn’t just in making hard bosses but rewarding patience and strategy. The bosses of Dark Souls 3 have earned a reputation as some of the hardest in video game history.
Hidetaka Miyazaki Has Brought Us So Much Pain and Happiness at the Same Time
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Miyazaki knew exactly what his players needed from his games
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Pontiff Sulyvahn holds a special place in the hearts of FromSoftware fans.
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At the top of this daunting list is the Nameless King, an optional but unforgettable boss. Found in Archdragon Peak, the Nameless King is the embodiment of Miyazaki’s unforgiving design philosophy. His two-phase battle begins with a mounted fight where players must defeat his wyvern.
He’s been called the Firstborn, the God of War, and one of the hardest boss in DS3, but we simply know him as the Nameless King. Learn more of his story in this video by VaatiVidya! 👉🏽 https://t.co/3bD8rIfbKe pic.twitter.com/7sXrAbARsN
— Dark Souls (@DarkSoulsGame) December 13, 2017
The real nightmare begins when the Nameless King dismounts and battles on foot. His enormous health pool, paired with his destructive spear and lightning strikes, make every hit a life-or-death scenario. Many fans agree that the boss perfectly defines the signature die, learn, improve gameplay loop.
Another legendary fight is with Slave Knight Gael, the final boss of the Ringed City DLC and a fitting end to the Dark Souls trilogy. With his massive health bar and three phases, Gael’s speed and strength keep players on edge throughout the fight.
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Gael’s final form is the hardest part as he uses several lightning attacks that are hard to dodge even with experience. The fight is not just challenging but also symbolizes the end of the Dark Souls series, making it an unforgettable encounter for long-time fans.
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Another boss who joins this list in Dark Souls 3 is Sister Friede, the final boss of the Ashes of Ariandel DLC. She brings everything that makes Dark Souls boss fights so hard. Multiple phases, fast attacks, and confusing movements. In her second phase, she is joined by Father Ariandel, who turns the fight into a chaotic nightmare.
It’s More Than Just Bashing Your Head Again and Again
Perhaps the most iconic fight in Dark Souls 3 is against Darkeater Midir, the dragon from The Ringed City DLC. While dragons are common in Dark Souls, Midir has become the most known one.
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Midir’s quick and powerful moves make him a nightmare for players. Unlike many other dragons in the Souls series, Midir’s unpredictability and huge damage output make this fight particularly hard. And that’s not just for new players but for seasoned ones too.
Miyazaki’s genius in crafting these boss fights lies in the fact that they are not simply tests of brute force or memorization. Every boss has distinct phases, patterns, and weaknesses, requiring players to study their attacks and make split-second decisions. For many, defeating these bosses was a badge of honor. It’s a process of trial and error that makes every victory feel earned.
While some may argue that the difficulty is too much, for many, it is exactly this sense of overcoming impossible odds that makes Miyazaki’s games one of the most beloved and respected titles in gaming history.
What do you think of the bosses in Dark Souls 3? Let us know in the comments!
