Boss fights in video games are usually the most challenging portion of the experience, with the final boss fight trumping every other enemy before it in difficulty and setting up your biggest battle yet. But sometimes games go in a different direction.
Sometimes, optional boss fights that you can access through side quests end up being more difficult than the actual final baddies. Not only that, but those battles and the depth they add make the exploration beyond the main quest line worth it. For example, a lot of FromSoftware games take this approach, but it’s not exclusive to them. We will explore some titles that do this below.
10 Manus – Dark Souls Remastered
Dark Souls
Platform(s) PS3 , PS4 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , Switch , PC Released September 22, 2011 Developer(s) From Software Publisher(s) Namco Bandai
Manus, Father of the Abyss is technically the final boss of the DLC for the first Dark Souls, it's but not the true final boss, a spot reserved for Gwyn, Lord of Cinder. This started a trend in Soulsborne titles to present more challenging optional bosses than the main ones.
After going through the DLC, you’ll eventually encounter Manus, standing between you and the ending, and boy, is he a difficult fight. Manus is completely ridiculous and his attack patterns and timings are difficult to get consistently good at, becoming tougher than Gwyn.
9 Valkyries – God Of War
God of War (2018)
Platform(s) PS4 , PC Released April 20, 2018 Developer(s) Santa Monica Studio Publisher(s) Sony
Scattered throughout the Norse realm in God of War are nine Valkyries, optional bosses trapped in physical forms by Odin. You can free them, but only after besting them in some of the most intense combat encounters in the entire story.
Their unpredictable moves and attacks far outclass those of the final boss, Baldur, making them a true test of skill and a rewarding challenge for those seeking to beat every aspect of the game. The Valkyrie that will give you the most trouble is Sigrun, and she holds the title of the strongest boss in the God of War reboot — and perhaps even the series as a whole.
8 Detlaff – The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Platform(s) PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Switch , PC Released May 19, 2015 Developer(s) CD Projekt Red Publisher(s) CD Projekt Red
While the Wild Hunt's Eredin serves as Geralt's primary antagonist in The Witcher 3, and we spend most of the game running and fighting them, it's the higher vampire Detlaff who steals the show in terms of difficulty.
Encountered in the Blood and Wine expansion, Detlaff's fast attack speed and multiple phases demand quick reflexes and a well-thought-out strategy. Many players find him to be a much greater challenge than Eredin, cementing his place as one of the toughest bosses in the Witcher universe.
7 Karstaag – Skyrim
Skyrim
Platform(s) PC , PS3 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , Xbox One X , Xbox Series S , PS4 , PS5 , Switch Released November 11, 2011 Developer(s) Bethesda Publisher(s) Bethesda
Deep within the frozen caverns of the Dragonborn DLC for Skyrim is Karstaag, an ancient and powerful frost giant. Summoning him for battle is an optional challenge, but one that proves far more difficult than the main quest's final confrontation with Miraak, Alduin, or Lord Harkon.
The challenge with Karstaag lies in the blizzard that starts soon after spawning him, which deals a lot of continuous damage. His brutal melee attacks make him even more challenging at higher difficulties, forcing you to bring out your absurdly overpowered gear.
6 Nameless King – Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls 3
Platform(s) PS4 , Xbox One , PC Released March 24, 2016 Developer(s) From Software Publisher(s) Bandai Namco Entertainment , From Software
Although technically a boss within the main storyline of Dark Souls 3, the Nameless King is an optional encounter that many consider to be the true final challenge of the game. His two-phase battle, complete with a dragon mount and lightning attacks, is significantly more difficult than the final battle with the Soul of Cinder.
The difficulty of the Nameless King increases in his second phase, with his weirdly timed attacks that betray your muscle memory. Beating him definitely gives you a badge of honor.
5 Emil – Nier Automata
NieR: Automata
Released March 7, 2017 Developer(s) Platinum Games Publisher(s) Square Enix Franchise NieR
Hidden beneath Emil's friendly exterior lies a secret boss battle that pushes the limits of Nier: Automata's combat. Triggered through a side quest, this encounter features multiple phases and a heartbreaking backstory.
Beyond the sheer difficulty, the battle against Emil is a poignant and emotional experience. As players fight him, they uncover fragments of his memories, revealing his deep sorrow and the sacrifices he has made. To even attempt Emil, you’ll have to grind to Level 50 and upgrade your weapons to the max.
4 Demon Of Hatred – Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Platform(s) PS4 , PC , Xbox One Released March 22, 2019 Developer(s) From Software Publisher(s) Activision
While the final battle against Isshin, the Sword Saint, is no walk in the park, it's the Demon of Hatred who truly tests your skills by abandoning everything unique about Sekiro’s combat it has taught you so far and becoming a different boss type entirely.
This Demon of Hatred is an extremely aggressive boss with powerful attacks and multiple phases. His high damaging attacks make him only slightly more challenging than Isshin, demanding perfect parries and patience to find the best attack windows.
3 Sans – Undertale
Undertale
Platform(s) PS4 , PS Vita , Xbox One , Switch , PC Released September 15, 2015 Developer(s) Toby Fox Publisher(s) Toby Fox , 8-4
One of the most iconic bosses and characters in gaming history that found its way into pop culture, you fight against Sans in Undertale's genocide route. What seemed to be a lazy skeleton actually has a hidden power allowing him to break the fourth wall and address the player directly.
His boss battle is notorious for its difficulty, featuring attacks that require precise timing to avoid. Sans's fight is far more challenging than the final encounter with Asgore or Flowey, making him a punishing hurdle for those who choose the path of destruction — and it's accompanied by a killer soundtrack!
2 Ebony Warrior – Skyrim
Skyrim
Platform(s) PC , PS3 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , Xbox One X , Xbox Series S , PS4 , PS5 , Switch Released November 11, 2011 Developer(s) Bethesda Publisher(s) Bethesda
For players who have conquered every dragon, delved into every dungeon, and mastered every skill in Skyrim, the Ebony Warrior stands as the ultimate challenge that you face after reaching Level 80.
The Ebony Warrior is more than just a boss, he is a representation of the player himself, also looking for a final challenge after seeing everything the world of the Elder Scrolls has to offer. His existence provides a final test for those who crave it, a chance to prove their worth against the best Skyrim has to offer.
1 Malenia – Elden Ring
Elden Ring
Platform(s) PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One , Xbox One X , PC Released February 25, 2022 Developer(s) From Software Publisher(s) Bandai Namco Entertainment , From Software
In Elden Ring, Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is an optional boss whose difficulty has become a huge selling point of the game, with countless memes and pop culture references to how tough she is. Her Waterfowl Dance and unique healing ability make her an incredibly tough opponent, often considered more challenging than the final boss of the main story.
Overcoming Malenia requires mastery of the game's mechanics and a healthy dose of perseverance. You’ll hear her say that she has never known defeat more times than you can count before your triumph, and you’ll need a combination of skill and luck to eventually beat her.
