Conquering Bloodborne's challenging bosses requires strategy. This guide outlines the optimal boss order, differentiating between mandatory and optional encounters. While completing all bosses isn't strictly necessary to finish the game, it yields significant rewards. Therefore, tackling as many as possible is strongly recommended.
Table of Contents
- The Best Boss Order for Bloodborne
- Best Boss Order for Non-Optional Bosses in Bloodborne
- Best Boss Order for All Bosses in Bloodborne
- Our Best Boss Order Explained
- Cleric Beast (Optional)
- Father Gascoigne
- Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)
- Vicar Amelia
- The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)
- Shadow of Yharnam
- Rom, the Vacuous Spider
- Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)
- The One Reborn
- Martyr Logarius (Optional)
- Amygdala (Optional)
- Celestial Emissary (Optional)
- Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
- The Old Hunters Bosses
- Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)
- Mergo’s Wet Nurse
- Gehrman, the First Hunter
- Moon Presence (Ending Specific)
The Best Boss Order for Bloodborne
Several approaches exist, as not all bosses are mandatory. However, defeating most offers substantial rewards. This guide presents both non-optional and complete boss orders, followed by a detailed breakdown.
The game features 17 main bosses and 5 DLC bosses from The Old Hunters. Chalice Dungeon bosses are excluded. The DLC can theoretically be started after Vicar Amelia, but many players recommend delaying it until the game's later stages. The optimal timing for tackling the DLC before or after Mergo's Wet Nurse can influence certain dialogue.
Best Boss Order for Non-Optional Bosses in Bloodborne
- Father Gascoigne
- Vicar Amelia
- Shadow of Yharnam
- Rom, the Vacuous Spider
- The One Reborn
- Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
- Mergo’s Wet Nurse
- Gehrman, the First Hunter
- Moon Presence (Ending Specific)
Best Boss Order for All Bosses in Bloodborne
- Cleric Beast (Optional)
- Father Gascoigne
- Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)
- Vicar Amelia
- The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)
- Shadow of Yharnam
- Rom, the Vacuous Spider
- Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)
- The One Reborn
- Martyr Logarius (Optional)
- Amygdala (Optional)
- Celestial Emissary (Optional)
- Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
- Ludwig the Accursed/Holy Blade (DLC/Optional)
- Laurence, the First Vicar (DLC/Optional)
- Living Failures (DLC/Optional)
- Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (DLC/Optional)
- Orphan of Kos (DLC/Optional)
- Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)
- Mergo’s Wet Nurse
- Gehrman, the First Hunter
- Moon Presence (Ending Specific)
Our Best Boss Order Explained
Each boss encounter is detailed below, providing strategies and context within the overall progression.
Cleric Beast (Optional)
This early boss is aggressive and deals significant damage. Target its hind legs to trip it, then focus on its head.
Father Gascoigne
A challenging early encounter. Mastering parries is crucial for efficient damage output.
Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)
This boss hits hard and has high health. Maintain distance and utilize fire/explosive weapons.
Vicar Amelia
A large creature with melee attacks and self-healing abilities. Exploit its immobility during self-healing.
The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)
This fight involves both the witch and her minions. Utilize firearms when she's visible.
Shadow of Yharnam
Dodge its attacks, target its head with firearms, and slash its legs to create openings.
Rom, the Vacuous Spider
Beware of poisonous and physical attacks, and quickly eliminate summoned spiders. Defeating Rom alters the game world.
Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)
A large, powerful creature. Recommended after Rom.
The One Reborn
Deals physical and magical attacks. Prioritize eliminating summoned enemies.
Martyr Logarius (Optional)
A tough boss dealing Arcane damage. Mastering parries is advantageous.
Amygdala (Optional)
A large, challenging boss with a long reach and varied attacks.
Celestial Emissary (Optional)
Fast-moving with powerful arm swings. Roll towards its legs to avoid attacks.
Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
This boss hides in fog and summons underlings. A common strategy involves poison knives.
The Old Hunters Bosses
The Old Hunters DLC bosses are fought in a relatively linear order.
Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)
Uses tentacles and magical attacks. Beware of its head slam attack.
Mergo’s Wet Nurse
Attacks with tentacles and water projectiles. Avoid damage during fog phases.
Gehrman, the First Hunter
The final non-optional boss. Parrying is highly effective.
Moon Presence (Ending Specific)
The true final boss, requiring three Umbilical Cords and refusing Gehrman's offer.
This comprehensive guide provides a strategic approach to conquering Bloodborne's challenging roster of bosses. Remember, adaptation and learning from each encounter are key to success.
