FromSoftware's Epic Finales: Ranking Soulsborne's Final Bosses in 2025

In the gaming world, endings matter tremendously. They represent the culmination of our journey - both narratively and in gameplay terms. Few developers understand this better than FromSoftware, whose ability to craft memorable final encounters has cemented their legendary status among gamers worldwide.

For more than 15 years, this studio has consistently delivered unforgettable final boss battles that often stand as the highlight of their respective games. Their mastery of creating these climactic moments deserves celebration, especially as we look back on their impressive portfolio in 2025.

7. Nashandra (Dark Souls 2)

Dark Souls 2 remains a masterpiece despite its flaws, but unfortunately, its final boss represents the weakest finale in the Soulsborne series. While Nashandra's lore significance is substantial, the actual combat experience falls disappointingly flat.

What makes this encounter so underwhelming?

• Limited attack patterns

• Noticeably slow movements

• Too many damage opportunities without consequences

The result? A battle that ends almost as quickly as it begins. Nashandra boasts one of the trilogy's most impressive aesthetic designs, but the fight itself simply doesn't deliver the challenge or satisfaction players expect from a FromSoftware finale.

6. Old King Allant (Demon's Souls)

As the franchise's first final boss, Old King Allant deserves more recognition than he typically receives. While not particularly challenging by today's standards, this encounter successfully delivered on all its promises back in 2009.

What makes Allant memorable:

• Graceful, cinematic combat movements

• Distinctive wind effects that enhance the atmosphere

• A magnificent soundtrack that elevates the experience

• Brutal difficulty for its era

For FromSoftware's first attempt at a Soulsborne finale, Old King Allant established a strong foundation that later games would build upon. His iconic aesthetic and fluid combat design remain impressive even in 2025.

5. Radagon & Elden Beast (Elden Ring)

Despite divided opinions within the community, Elden Ring's final boss duo has gradually earned recognition as a truly underappreciated masterpiece. After experiencing this fight with numerous character builds across multiple playthroughs, its brilliance becomes increasingly apparent.

Radagon challenges players with complex, lightning-fast attack patterns, while Elden Beast delivers a spectacular visual feast of magical effects and vibrant colors. Together, they create a perfectly balanced finale that serves as a fitting climax to Elden Ring's epic journey.

The departure from the typical humanoid final boss format initially drew criticism, but time has revealed the true genius of this design choice. The audiovisual spectacle alone justifies their placement, creating a majestic finale worthy of Elden Ring's vast scale.

4. Gwyn, Lord of Cinder (Dark Souls)

Few gaming moments rival the emotional impact of encountering Gwyn in the Kiln of the First Flame. Accompanied by one of gaming's most haunting musical scores, this battle transcends its mechanical elements to deliver something truly profound.

Everything about Gwyn's presentation contributes to his incomparable aura:

• The desolate, ash-covered arena

• The challenging journey to reach him

• The stories told about him throughout the game

• The melancholic piano theme that reveals his true state

The realization that you're perpetuating a meaningless cycle creates a bittersweet conclusion that exemplifies peak storytelling in games. If not for being only FromSoftware's second attempt at a Soulsborne finale (with some resulting mechanical roughness), Gwyn would likely claim the top position based on lore and emotional resonance alone.

3. Soul of Cinder (Dark Souls 3)

Dark Souls 3 concludes the trilogy with a magnificent love letter to fans, perfectly embodied in the Soul of Cinder. This amalgamation of all previous Undead who linked the flame (including our own characters from previous games) represents one of the series' most significant encounters.

The brilliance of this fight lies in its two-phase structure:

1. First facing a being that mimics various player builds and fighting styles

2. Then witnessing Gwyn's lingering soul possess the empty shell, repeating his iconic moves while his theme plays once more

This thoughtful implementation of fan service demonstrates FromSoftware's deep understanding of their universe and respect for player investment across the trilogy. The Soul of Cinder stands as one of the most emotionally satisfying conclusions in gaming history.

2. Gehrman, The First Hunter (Bloodborne)

While Bloodborne's base game has inconsistent boss quality, its finale delivers one of gaming's most unforgettable encounters. The duel with Gehrman, The First Hunter, perfectly combines everything that makes FromSoftware exceptional.

This battle achieves perfection through:

• Fast-paced, beautifully choreographed combat

• An indescribably emotional soundtrack

• A breathtaking arena filled with white flowers (representing fallen Hunters)

• The honor of facing an opponent with identical tools and abilities

The contrast between the visceral combat and the serene, flower-filled setting creates a profound sense of beauty and tragedy. Defeating Gehrman leaves players with the unmistakable feeling of having experienced one of gaming's greatest achievements.

1. Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice)

Throughout Sekiro's challenging campaign, players face increasingly difficult bosses that seem impossible to surpass. Yet somehow, FromSoftware saved their absolute masterpiece for last with Isshin, the Sword Saint - arguably the perfect boss fight.

What makes Isshin the ultimate Soulsborne finale:

• Meticulously designed, telegraphed attack patterns that remain challenging but fair

• Multiple distinct phases requiring constant adaptation

• A dynamic environment that evolves throughout the battle

• A soundtrack that perfectly complements the escalating tension

• A satisfying test of every skill learned throughout the game

Describing Isshin as flawless isn't hyperbole - this encounter succeeds in every aspect of boss design. While Gehrman could justifiably claim this top position on any given day, Isshin ultimately represents the pinnacle of FromSoftware's boss-crafting expertise.

As we look back on these magnificent encounters in 2025, it's clear that FromSoftware's ability to create memorable final bosses remains unmatched in the industry. Each of these fights, regardless of ranking, demonstrates the studio's commitment to delivering climactic conclusions that challenge, inspire, and leave lasting impressions on players.

What's your favorite Soulsborne final boss? Has your opinion changed over time? The beauty of these encounters is how they can be appreciated differently with each playthrough, continuously revealing new layers of brilliance in their design. 🎮✨

The content is derived from articles by PC Gamer, a leading source for comprehensive reviews and in-depth features on the Soulsborne series. PC Gamer's retrospectives on FromSoftware's boss design often emphasize the emotional weight and mechanical mastery present in finales like Isshin, the Sword Saint, and Gehrman, The First Hunter, reinforcing their status as benchmarks for the genre.