Challenging and climactic boss fights areat the heart of every soulslike experience. Encountering formidable enemies players have no idea how to defeat at first is part of the genre’s charm — but there’s more to it than just the difficulty. Soulslikes often pair these intense battles with rewarding exploration, flexible character-building, and great itemization, attracting players for more than just their boss encounters. Sometimes, though, the rest of the game doesn’t quite measure up.
While the following titles may not be the most expansive or polished in the genre, their boss fights alone make it worthwhile to push through the rest of the game. Unlike thetop-tier soulslikes with numerous bosses, these games have their flaws, but they still offer memorable battles that fans of the genre will appreciate.
Black Myth: Wukongis the latestaction-RPG that has sparked debateover whether it truly fits the soulslike mold. While not as punishing as typical soulslike games and featuring more traditional action-oriented combat, it borrows several elements from the genre. These include a “bonfire” system, healing and stamina management, and a number of challenging bosses. However, due to its somewhat limited exploration and streamlined structure, the game primarily revolves around boss fights, with a new encounter typically every 15 to 20 minutes.
When it comes to these boss fights,Black Myth: Wukongtruly shines. With its fast-paced combat, a variety of spells and transformations, and expertly designed bosses with distinct attack patterns, each fight feels unique with almost no repetition. This boss-rush experience is executed so well that it’s worth playing the game solely for these encounters.
The originalLords of the Fallenwas one of the earliest action-RPGs to fully embrace theDark Soulsformula, though it offered little innovation beyond that. While the overall game lacked distinct features, the boss fights alone could make the journey worthwhile. These imposing enemies, often towering in size and lethally powerful, create an exhilarating experience as players carefully circle them, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Though many bosses inLords of the Fallenshare similar designs and combat strategies, the game’s unique sense of weight in both the protagonist’s and enemies' movements adds a layer of tension to each encounter. This risk-reward dynamic closely mirrors the originalDark Soulsgames, making it a memorable experience for fans of the genre.
Remnant: From the Ashesstands out as one of the first soulslikes to focus heavily on gunplay while also incorporating randomly generated environments. While this procedural approach can sometimes result in levels that feel uninspired or empty compared to more meticulously designed areas, the game’s exceptional boss fights more than make up for it. Thesethrilling encounters (paired with the great rewards they offer) significantly enhance the overall experience.
Finding bosses inRemnant: From the Ashescan be tricky, with many requiring players to discover hidden steps that are not immediately obvious — often necessitating a guide. However, once located, the bosses are diverse, frequently employing ranged attacks and maintaining distance, which forces players to adapt and develop new strategies. It’s in these moments thatRemnantfeels refreshingly distinct from other soulslikes. The game truly shines whenplayed cooperatively with friends, transforming every boss battle into a memorable, exhilarating experience.
Thymesiais amore compact indie soulslike, taking around ten hours to complete. Given its shorter playtime, players shouldn’t expect the depth found in other games regarding itemization or build variety. However, the combat is impressively responsive and fast-paced, featuring an agile protagonist with striking magic skills. The game offers just enough tools and tricks for players to quickly master and feel competent in combat.
Boss fights inThymesiaare fewer in number but far more impactful. Each boss encounter stands out as a thrilling, pulse-pounding event. From agile fighters who match the player’s speed and unpredictability to massive creatures that require unique strategies or gimmicks to defeat, the variety keeps players on their toes.Thymesiaemphasizes aggressive combat, and its rapid-fire boss battles are the game’s clear highlight, making this brief adventure well worth the journey.
Steelrisingis a AA soulslike and the first foray into the genre by Spiders, a studiobetter known for traditional RPGs likeGreedfall. While the overall experience may not be groundbreaking and can feel a bit clunky at times, the game’s unique setting during the French Revolution, combined with an automaton uprising, offers intriguing boss designs that help captivate players.
In the role of the human-like automaton Aegis, players will encounter all sorts of mechanical enemies, like the mechanized Centaur, crafted by war engineers for various purposes. Each of these encounters demands full attention and mastery of the game’s combat system. ThoughSteelrisingmay not reach the heights ofLies of P, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction in overcoming massive, hulking bosses — often towering three times the size of Aegis — within iconic backdrops like the Bastille fortress.
Darksiders 3marked Gunfire Games’early attempt at incorporating soulslike elements, which they later refined in theRemnantseries. As such, it’s no surprise thatDarksiders 3feels like a transitional game — caught between the action roots of theDarksidersseries and some distinct soulslike elements, which at times can feel forced and unnecessary. However, the game’s premise, where players hunt down the Seven Deadly Sins as Fury, lends itself to some truly memorable boss encounters.
Battles against massive Angels and Demons, as well as iconic embodiments of the Seven Deadly Sins — like Envy, Sloth, Lust, and Pride — are thrilling thanks to their distinctive designs and engaging combat mechanics. WhileDarksiders 3may not be the strongest entry in its series or the soulslike genre, the satisfaction of taking down such notorious foes makes it a worthwhile experience in its own right.
