Navigating the challenging world of *Bloodborne* can be daunting, especially when it comes to facing its formidable bosses. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the best boss order for *Bloodborne*, ensuring you tackle these encounters effectively and maximize your gameplay experience.
Table of contents
The Best Boss Order for BloodborneBest Boss Order for Non-Optional Bosses in BloodborneBest Boss Order for All Bosses in BloodborneOur Best Boss Order, ExplainedCleric Beast (Optional)Father GascoigneBlood-Starved Beast (Optional)Vicar AmeliaThe Witch of Hemwick (Optional)Shadow of YharnamRom, the Vacuous SpiderDarkbeast Paarl (Optional)The One RebornMartyr Logarius (Optional)Amygdala (Optional)Celestial Emissary (Optional)Micolash, Host of the NightmareThe Old Hunters BossesEbrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)Mergo’s Wet NurseGehrman, the First HunterMoon Presence (Ending Specific) The Best Boss Order for Bloodborne
Bloodborne offers multiple paths and boss encounters, not all of which are necessary to complete the game. However, defeating as many bosses as possible can significantly enhance your rewards and overall experience. Below, you'll find recommended orders for both non-optional and all bosses, followed by detailed explanations.
In total, Bloodborne features 17 regular bosses and five additional bosses through The Old Hunters DLC. This guide excludes Chalice Dungeon bosses. While you can start the DLC after defeating Vicar Amelia, it's advisable to approach it near the end of the game. Timing the DLC between or after specific boss fights like Mergo's Wet Nurse can impact certain dialogues and outcomes.
Best Boss Order for Non-Optional Bosses in Bloodborne
Here's the recommended sequence for tackling the 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
For those looking to conquer every boss in Bloodborne, follow this order:
- 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
Cleric Beast (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware Area: Central Yharnam
The Cleric Beast is one of the first bosses you'll encounter in Bloodborne, found in Central Yharnam. This fast and aggressive beast can deal significant damage, so it's crucial to position yourself behind it, targeting its hind legs to cause it to stumble. Once down, aim for its head to finish it off.
Father Gascoigne
Image via FromSoftware Area: Central Yharnam
Father Gascoigne, a crazed hunter in Central Yharnam, presents an early challenge. He's swift and frequently uses his firearm. Mastering the parry timing is key to defeating him quickly and efficiently.
Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware Area: Old Yharnam
Located in the Church of the Good Chalice in Old Yharnam, the Blood-Starved Beast is a formidable foe. Its high damage and health make it challenging, but using fire or explosive weapons while keeping your distance can lead to victory.
Vicar Amelia
Image via FromSoftware Area: Cathedral Ward
Vicar Amelia in Cathedral Ward is a large beast with melee attacks and a self-healing ability. Attack her when she's immobile during self-healing, but be cautious of her glowing body signaling this action.
The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware Area: Hemwick Charnel Lane
The Witch of Hemwick, found in Hemwick Charnel Lane, is accompanied by henchmen. She becomes visible only at close range and often hides in corners. Use your firearm when you spot her to gain the upper hand.
Shadow of Yharnam
Image via FromSoftware Area: Forbidden Woods
In the Forbidden Woods, the Shadow of Yharnam wields a large club. Dodge its swings to counter-attack, use your gun to target its head, and slash at its legs to expose its vulnerable underbelly.
Rom, the Vacuous Spider
Image via FromSoftware Area: Moonside Lake
Rom, located at Moonside Lake in Byrgenwerth, uses poison and powerful physical attacks, and summons spiders. Quickly dispatch the spiders to focus on damaging Rom before he repositions.
Beating Rom alters the game world, potentially causing you to miss certain elements if not explored beforehand.
Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware Area: Hypogean Gaol
Darkbeast Paarl, found in Yahar'gul, the Unseen Village, is a hulking creature. It's advisable to face it after Rom for a smoother progression.
The One Reborn
Image via FromSoftware Area: Yahar’gul Unseen Village
The One Reborn in Yahar'gul Unseen Village uses both physical and magical attacks. Keep your distance, dodge when necessary, and strike when it's grounded. Manage the smaller enemies it summons before focusing on it.
Martyr Logarius (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware Area: Forsaken Castle Cainhurst
Martyr Logarius in Forsaken Castle Cainhurst is challenging due to his Arcane damage. Parrying him effectively can lead to significant damage, though mastering the timing is essential.
Amygdala (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware Area: Nightmare Frontier
Amygdala in the Nightmare Frontier is a giant with tentacles and a single eye, using various damaging attacks. Its size and reach make it a difficult encounter, but understanding its attack patterns is crucial.
Celestial Emissary (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware Area: Upper Cathedral Ward
The Celestial Emissary in Upper Cathedral Ward is fast and dangerous, even when grounded. Roll towards its legs to avoid its swings and attack swiftly, mindful of its grabbing attacks.
Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
Image via FromSoftware Area: Nightmare of Mensis
Micolash in the Nightmare of Mensis involves chasing him and dealing with his magical fog and summoned minions. Once cornered, be cautious of his potent attacks. Poison knives can be an effective strategy against him.
The Old Hunters Bosses
The Old Hunters DLC bosses follow a more linear sequence. After defeating Ludwig, use Laurence's Skull to fight Laurence. Then, proceed through the Living Failures, Lady Maria, and the Orphan of Kos. Each encounter is challenging, requiring preparation and skill.
Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware Area: Altar of Despair
Ebrietas in the Altar of Despair uses tentacles and magical attacks. Be wary when she slams her head on the ground, as it can cause massive damage.
Mergo’s Wet Nurse
Image via FromSoftware Area: Nightmare of Mensis
Mergo's Wet Nurse in the Nightmare of Mensis uses tentacles and a fast-moving water projectile, eventually obscuring your vision with fog. Focus on evasion during this phase.
After defeating Mergo, ensure you complete any remaining tasks in Bloodborne, as the endgame is near. If you haven't tackled the DLC bosses, now's the time.
Gehrman, the First Hunter
Image via FromSoftware Area: Hunter’s Dream
Gehrman, the last non-optional boss, wields a scythe and firearms. His difficulty can be mitigated with effective parrying, once you master the timing.
Moon Presence (Ending Specific)
Image via FromSoftware Area: Hunter’s Dream
The true final boss, the Moon Presence, requires three of the four One Third of Umbilical Cords consumed before fighting Gehrman. These can be obtained from Mergo's Wet Nurse, the Abandoned Workshop, Arianna's questline, or Iosefka after defeating Rom. Refuse Gehrman's offer to confront the Moon Presence, using her attack patterns to your advantage.
And that's the optimal Bloodborne boss order! By following this guide, you'll navigate the game's challenges effectively, unlocking the full potential of your journey through Yharnam.
For more on Bloodborne, explore our coverage of the fan-made PS1 demake, Bloodborne PSX. For other FromSoftware titles, check out Armored Core VI.
Related: How to Access the Hunter’s Nightmare for Bloodborne DLC on Attack of the Fanboy
Update: This article was updated on 2/3/2025 by Escapist Editorial to enhance details on boss strategies, provide a comprehensive summary of the boss order, and include insights on the Old Hunters DLC bosses.
