Navigating the challenging world of Bloodborne requires a strategic approach, especially when it comes to tackling its formidable bosses. This guide outlines the optimal order for facing these adversaries, ensuring you maximize your rewards and minimize frustration.
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
In Bloodborne, you don't need to defeat every boss to complete the game, but doing so can unlock valuable rewards. We highly recommend facing as many bosses as possible during your playthrough. Here, we'll provide both the non-optional and complete boss orders, along with detailed explanations.
The game features 17 regular bosses and 5 additional bosses in the The Old Hunters DLC. This guide excludes Chalice Dungeon bosses. You can technically start the DLC after defeating Vicar Amelia, but it's generally recommended to tackle it near the end of the game. Some players suggest playing the DLC before facing Mergo’s Wet Nurse, while others prefer after, which can impact certain in-game dialogues.
Best Boss Order for Non-Optional Bosses in Bloodborne
For a streamlined approach, focus on these non-optional bosses in the following order:
- 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
If you're aiming to conquer every boss, follow this comprehensive 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 your initial encounters in Bloodborne, found in Central Yharnam. Known for its speed and aggression, this boss can inflict heavy damage. To defeat it, focus on staying behind and targeting its hind legs to destabilize it, then aim for its head when it's down.
Father Gascoigne
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Central Yharnam
Father Gascoigne is a formidable hunter whose agility and use of firearms pose early challenges. Mastering the parry mechanic is crucial here, as it allows you to quickly dispatch him.
Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Old Yharnam
Located in the Church of the Good Chalice, the Blood-Starved Beast is a formidable foe with high health and potent attacks. Maintain distance and utilize fire or explosive weapons for an easier victory.
Vicar Amelia
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Cathedral Ward
Vicar Amelia, a large beast, uses melee attacks and can self-heal, becoming vulnerable during this process. Watch for her glowing body to strike when she's immobilized.
The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Hemwick Charnel Lane
The Witch of Hemwick is elusive, appearing invisible from a distance. Approach her to reveal her position, often in room corners, and use your firearm to take her down while managing her summoned henchmen.
Shadow of Yharnam
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Forbidden Woods
This boss wields a large club and can be defeated with a strategic approach: dodge its swings, shoot its head, and slash its legs to expose its vulnerable underbelly.
Rom, the Vacuous Spider
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Moonside Lake
Found at Byrgenwerth, Rom's poisonous and physical attacks, along with summoned spiders, require quick action. Eliminate the spiders swiftly and focus on Rom. Be aware that defeating Rom alters the game world, potentially affecting other quests.
Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Hypogean Gaol
Darkbeast Paarl, residing in Yahar’gul, the Unseen Village, is a towering brute best faced after defeating Rom. Its electrified attacks demand careful timing and positioning.
The One Reborn
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Yahar’gul Unseen Village
The One Reborn combines physical and magical attacks. Keep your distance, dodge when it raises its arms, and take advantage of its grounded moments to attack. Clear out its summoned minions before focusing on it.
Martyr Logarius (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Forsaken Castle Cainhurst
Logarius is a challenging boss with Arcane damage. Parrying him is key to dealing significant damage, though mastering the timing can be tricky.
Amygdala (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Nightmare Frontier
A colossal creature with tentacles and a single eye, Amygdala's size and reach make her a formidable opponent. Be wary of her various attacks that can quickly drain your health.
Celestial Emissary (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Upper Cathedral Ward
The Celestial Emissary's speed and long arms pose a threat. Roll towards its legs to dodge attacks and counterattack. Stay vigilant of its grabbing moves even when it's down.
Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Nightmare of Mensis
Micolash requires a chase through his arena, dealing with his magical fog and summoned minions. Once cornered, be cautious of his potent attacks. Poison knives can be an effective strategy.
The Old Hunters Bosses
The Old Hunters DLC bosses follow a linear progression. After defeating Ludwig, retrieve Laurence’s Skull to fight Laurence, the only optional boss in the DLC. Then, face the Living Failures, Lady Maria, and the Orphan of Kos, all of which are challenging encounters.
Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Altar of Despair
Ebrietas uses tentacles and magical attacks. Be especially cautious when she slams her head down, as it can cause significant damage.
Mergo’s Wet Nurse
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Nightmare of Mensis
Mergo’s Wet Nurse uses tentacles and fast-moving water projectiles, and can obscure your vision with fog. Focus on evasion during these moments. After defeating her, complete any remaining tasks in Bloodborne as you near the endgame.
Gehrman, the First Hunter
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Hunter’s Dream
Gehrman, the final non-optional boss, wields a scythe and firearms. Master parrying to overcome his attacks and end the game.
Moon Presence (Ending Specific)
Image via FromSoftware
Area: Hunter’s Dream
To fight the Moon Presence, collect three of the four One Third of Umbilical Cords before defeating Gehrman. Refuse Gehrman's offer to trigger this final battle. The Moon Presence uses tails, claws, and dark orbs, but with caution and experience, you should prevail.
And that’s the best Bloodborne boss order!
For more news on Bloodborne, check out our Bloodborne PSX, a brutal fan-made PS1 demake. For cool FromSoftware stuff in general, 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 include more information about the various bosses, provide a high-level summary of the boss order, and to include the bosses from the Old Hunters DLC.
