The Best Boss Games

Update : The First Berserker: Khazan added at rank #38.
1

Hollow Knight (2017)

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96
Review score
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Xbox One Linux Mac OS PC Windows

Explore the depths of a forgotten kingdom teeming with cute but creepy creatures and epic adventure in the classic side-scrolling action game, Hollow Knight. Tightly tuned controls allow you to dash, dodge and slash your way through ferocious beasts and ancient knights. With over 130 enemies, 30 epic bosses and a vast interconnected world to explore, every playthrough is unique. Top it off with hauntingly beautiful visuals and an evocative soundtrack, and you've found your new go-to game.


What we like:
  • Beautiful and breathtaking visuals and soundtrack
  • Non-linear gameplay with exploration and challenging platforming
  • Rich lore and vast world with secrets
  • Difficulty offers a satisfying challenge
  • Remarkable amount of content for the price
What could be improved:
  • Difficulty, not for everyone

  • metroidvania
  • boss
  • boss-fight
  • platform
  • exploration
  • hand-drawn
  • difficult
  • cute
  • bug
  • action-adventure
  • 2d
  • frame-by-frame
  • souls
  • fight
  • difficult-to-pull-off

2

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)

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95
Review score
Logo of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Screenshot of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Screenshot of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Screenshot of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows stadia

In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, you are the one-armed wolf protagonist, tasked with fighting off demonic roosters, drunken ogres and other foes in a purgatory-like world. You will need to use your grappling hook and stealth skills to survive the difficult encounters that await you.


What we like:
  • Challenging yet fair gameplay
  • Unique blend of stealth and action
  • Verticality introduced via grappling hook
  • Vibrant love letter to Feudal Japan
  • Posture system adds new dynamic to combat
What could be improved:
  • No online integration
  • Difficult bosses require skill and technique to beat
  • Dragonrot disease affects NPCs upon death - halting their questlines until you cure them

  • stealth
  • boss
  • ninja
  • boss-fight
  • combat
  • fight
  • battle
  • difficult
  • skill
  • challenging

3

Devil May Cry 5 (2019)

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95
Review score
Logo of Devil May Cry 5 Screenshot of Devil May Cry 5 Screenshot of Devil May Cry 5 Screenshot of Devil May Cry 5

Playstation 4 Android PC Windows Xbox One

The ultimate Devil Hunter is back in style, in the game action fans have been waiting for.


  • demons
  • hack-and-slash
  • action
  • fight
  • boss
  • combat
  • combo
  • spectacle
  • boss-fight
  • battle
  • gothic
  • character
  • classic
  • difficult
  • stylized

4

DARK SOULS: REMASTERED (2018)

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95
Review score
Logo of DARK SOULS: REMASTERED Screenshot of DARK SOULS: REMASTERED Screenshot of DARK SOULS: REMASTERED Screenshot of DARK SOULS: REMASTERED

Playstation 4 Xbox One PC Windows Nintendo Switch

Dark Souls: Remastered is an improved version of the classic action role-playing game from the last generation. It includes all the content from the original game, as well as some additional features such as improved visuals and dedicated servers for smoother online play. You can expect intense bosses, beautiful areas to explore, and an incredibly rewarding experience.


What we like:
  • Improved visuals
  • Dedicated servers for smoother online play
  • Additional content in Artorias of the Abyss DLC
  • Matchmaking system closer to Dark Souls III
  • Supports 32:9 aspect ratio on PC
What could be improved:
  • Cutscenes slightly zoomed in compared to original version

  • boss
  • boss-fight
  • rpg
  • fantasy
  • difficult
  • combat
  • dark
  • action
  • souls
  • battle
  • online
  • challenging
  • fight
  • exploration

5

DARK SOULSa III (2016)

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94
Review score
Logo of DARK SOULSa III Screenshot of DARK SOULSa III Screenshot of DARK SOULSa III Screenshot of DARK SOULSa III

PC Windows

Dark Souls continues to push the boundaries with the latest, ambitious chapter in the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series. Prepare yourself and Embrace The Darkness!

Buy

  • boss
  • boss-fight
  • combat
  • rpg
  • fight
  • battle
  • difficult

6

Cuphead (2017)

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94
Review score
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Xbox One IOS iPhone PC Windows Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Mac OS

Step into the world of Cuphead and Mugman and experience a classic run and gun action game with visually stunning graphics and original jazz recordings. Take on multiple boss battles, traverse bizarre worlds, and uncover hidden secrets as you try to pay back your debt to the devil. With the option of single-player or local co-op, Cuphead is a game that brings back the nostalgia of the 1930s cartoons and promises countless hours of fun and adventure.


What we like:
  • Challenging gameplay
  • Plenty of content
What could be improved:
  • Difficulty could be a turn-off for some player

  • boss
  • boss-fight
  • platform
  • run-and-gun
  • cooperative
  • hand-drawn
  • difficult
  • shooter
  • side-scrolling
  • fight
  • bullet-hell
  • battle
  • local

7

Death's Door (2021)

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93
Review score
Logo of Death's Door Screenshot of Death's Door Screenshot of Death's Door Screenshot of Death's Door

PC Windows Xbox Series X Xbox One Android Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Playstation 5

Death's Door is an action-adventure game that follows a crow reaping souls. You must explore the world of doors, find each one and battle enemies while unlocking new skills and magic powers. The game features smooth controls, great aesthetics and an in-depth story that will keep you engaged for hours.


What we like:
  • Challenging boss battles
  • Meaningful dialogue about life and death
  • Excellent exploration and hidden areas
  • Fluid and accessible combat
  • Beautiful art style and graphics
What could be improved:
  • Lack of a map can be frustrating
  • Can rely too much on obnoxious enemy waves
  • Linear

  • boss
  • dungeon
  • isometric
  • zelda
  • action-adventure
  • boss-fight
  • combat
  • exploration
  • souls
  • puzzle
  • adventure
  • platform
  • fight
  • challenging
  • battle

8

Streets of Rage 4 (2020)

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93
Review score
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Android Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One IOS iPhone

Streets of Rage 4 is the long awaited fourth entry into the classic Sega franchise. It features a blend of old and new, with classic characters such as Axel and Adam Hunter returning alongside a new main character, Cherry. All characters have unique playstyles, from Axel's powerful punches to Cherry's speedy strikes. There are tons of unlockables to discover and it has an amazing soundtrack.


What we like:
  • Satisfying combat
  • Incredible music and visuals
  • Tons to unlock
  • Simple yet rewarding combat mechanics
What could be improved:
  • Lack of 4 player online
  • Occasionally too easy to get cornered

  • brawler
  • boss
  • classic
  • cooperative
  • side-scrolling
  • retro
  • combo
  • beat-em-up
  • fight
  • online
  • old-school
  • arcade
  • hand-drawn
  • crime
  • combat

9

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition (2019)

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93
Review score
Logo of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition Screenshot of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition Screenshot of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition Screenshot of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition

Xbox One PC Windows Playstation 4

Step into the shoes of the 'one-armed wolf' in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, a thrilling journey set in 1500s Sengoku Japan. Engage in fluid combat, master stealth, and use deadly prosthetics to protect a young lord. With an ingeniously designed world and a skill-based gameplay, this game is a test of your honor and vengeance.

Buy

What we like:
  • Intense and rewarding combat
  • Engaging stealth mechanics
  • Deep and intriguing narrative
  • Innovative boss designs
  • Satisfying progression system
What could be improved:
  • High difficulty level
  • Requires grind for upgrades
  • Occasional camera issues

  • ninja
  • stealth
  • boss
  • boss-fight
  • fight
  • souls
  • combat
  • difficult
  • battle
  • skill
  • swordplay
  • narrative
  • story
  • action
  • supernatural

10

Hyper Light Drifter (2016)

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92
Review score
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IOS iPhone Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One

Hyper Light Drifter is an atmospheric action RPG set in a gorgeous pixel art world with a superb score. You are a Drifter fighting your way through enemies while piecing together the story of the world around you.


What we like:
  • Atmospheric soundtrack
  • Gorgeous visuals
  • Superb gameplay
  • Unique Zelda-like experience
What could be improved:
  • Difficulty spikes when there are too many enemies around you

  • pixel
  • boss
  • boss-fight
  • combat
  • post-apocalyptic
  • narrative
  • exploration
  • dungeon
  • rpg
  • difficult
  • action
  • platform
  • battle
  • challenging
  • retro

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