The Best Boss Games

Update : Contra: Operation Galuga added at rank #48.
1

Kero Blaster (2014)

View Similar Games
100
Review score
Logo of Kero Blaster Screenshot of Kero Blaster Screenshot of Kero Blaster Screenshot of Kero Blaster

Android Mac OS PC Windows IOS iPhone

C&F Inc. teleporters are going offline all over the place, and it's up to an intrepid frog employee to fix the situation.


  • platform
  • boss
  • shooter
  • side-scrolling
  • pixel
  • nes
  • retro
  • run-and-gun
  • silent
  • chiptune
  • protagonist
  • shoot-em-up
  • boss-fight
  • scroller
  • controller-support

2

Hollow Knight (2017)

View Similar Games
96
Review score
Logo of Hollow Knight Screenshot of Hollow Knight Screenshot of Hollow Knight Screenshot of Hollow Knight

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

3

DARK SOULSa III (2016)

View Similar Games
95
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
  • difficult
  • battle

4

Cuphead (2017)

View Similar Games
95
Review score
Logo of Cuphead Screenshot of Cuphead Screenshot of Cuphead Screenshot of Cuphead

IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One

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

5

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)

View Similar Games
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

6

DARK SOULSa: REMASTERED (2018)

View Similar Games
93
Review score
Logo of DARK SOULSa: REMASTERED Screenshot of DARK SOULSa: REMASTERED Screenshot of DARK SOULSa: REMASTERED Screenshot of DARK SOULSa: REMASTERED

PC Windows Playstation 3 Xbox 360 Playstation 4 Xbox One Nintendo Switch

Then, there was fire. Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning high-definition detail running at 60fps.

Buy

  • boss
  • rpg
  • platform
  • fantasy
  • online
  • fps
  • combat
  • action
  • challenging
  • first-person
  • multiplayer
  • souls
  • classic
  • battle
  • boss-fight

7

Hyper Light Drifter (2016)

View Similar Games
92
Review score
Logo of Hyper Light Drifter Screenshot of Hyper Light Drifter Screenshot of Hyper Light Drifter Screenshot of Hyper Light Drifter

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

8

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition (2020)

View Similar Games
91
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
  • boss
  • stealth
  • fight
  • boss-fight
  • souls
  • combat
  • difficult
  • battle
  • skill
  • narrative
  • rhythm
  • story
  • supernatural
  • fantasy

9

HUNTDOWN (2020)

View Similar Games
91
Review score
Logo of HUNTDOWN Screenshot of HUNTDOWN Screenshot of HUNTDOWN Screenshot of HUNTDOWN

Android Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One IOS iPhone

Join the action-packed world of HUNTDOWN, a hard-boiled arcade shooter set in a gritty, neon-soaked 80s cityscape ruled by criminal gangs. Take on the role of one of three legendary bounty hunters and lay waste to the underworld to collect your bounty. With unique boss fights and an arsenal of weapons to choose from, HUNTDOWN is a must-play for those who love fast-paced, co-op shooters.


What we like:
  • Pixel art, music, and gameplay are fantastic
  • Perfect gunplay and 80s vibe
  • Packed with addictive carnage
  • Well-designed levels
  • Memorable and funny boss fights.
What could be improved:
  • Bonus objectives are repetitive
  • Difficulty on some bosses can seem off
  • Characters can be hard to follow in intense fights
  • Comedy can go overboard and may disappoint those expecting a more serious tone.

  • cooperative
  • boss-fight
  • cover
  • shooter
  • retro
  • boss
  • cyberpunk
  • arcade
  • hockey
  • pixel
  • action
  • platform
  • dystopian
  • 2d
  • classic

10

Death's Door (2021)

View Similar Games
90
Review score
Logo of Death's Door Screenshot of Death's Door Screenshot of Death's Door Screenshot of Death's Door

Xbox One Nintendo Switch PC Windows

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

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

Not seeing your game?