Boss fights can teach us what it means to keep moving forward in a video game, no matter the obstacles. Their difficulty prompts us to try and try again, even if it feels impossible to defeat them. The more we feel involved in a game’s story, the more we yearn to continue to see the end.
RPG is the video game genre that seems to accomplish this overall idea in the best way possible. We’ve spent so much time being in the shoes of a character that we’ve spent a lot of time with, and these combative figures remind us of the journey taken. From keeping you on your toes to encouraging you to tactfully use your skills, these greatest RPG boss fights are utterly unforgettable.
** MINOR SPOILERS FOR THE FOLLOWING GAMES: Shadow Hearts, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy IV, Final Fantasy VII, Persona 3, Dark Souls, Dark Souls 3, Earthbound, AND Kingdom Hearts II **
10 Seraphic Radiance (Shadow Hearts)
Out of the entirety of the first Shadow Hearts game, the Seraphic Radiance boss is the toughest one to defeat. Even though it’s optional, it’s well worth going through it. After defeating the Seraphic Radiance, Yuri can fuse with the Seraphic Radiance.
This boss isn’t the easiest to find — it only appears in the Graveyard if you have the Stone of Rebirth. Coming across this boss is intimidating from their appearance alone, showing up as a human with red veins and wings from where their ears should be. The fight begins one-on-one with Yuri’s father (Ben Hyuga), later transforming into the odd Seraphic Radiance creature.
9 Hades (Kingdom Hearts II)
Kingdom Hearts II has some of the best bosses in the entire series. While they might’ve not been as hard as the ones from the first game, they still gave players an exciting challenge. However, when it comes to battling Hades, he can feel utterly impossible to beat.
Even though later down the line, you can defeat him after getting Hercules’ godly powers, fighting him initially isn’t a walk in the park. Sora is utterly vulnerable against Hades’ attacks on his own, unable to defend himself against Hades’ invincibility in the Underworld.
8 Gwyn, Lord Of Cinder (Dark Souls)
Deeply depressing boss music aside, Gwyn’s fight is both memorable and devastating. Once known as the Lord of Sunlight, Gwyn sacrificed himself to link the First Flame. It’s no surprise that because of this, he would be the final boss in the game to conquer.
Defeating Gwyn is relatively easy, but it takes a lot of attention. His attacks are unpredictable and aggressive, reacting to your attacks quicker than you’ll realize. If you were able to keep Solaire alive, he could be an amazing help in this fight. After Gwyn has finally been killed, you’re swiftly prompted to choose either the “Dark Lord” or “Link the Fire” ending.
7 The Nameless King (Dark Souls 3)
The Nameless King’s boss fight appears incredibly difficult on the surface. So much so that players endlessly hope to find another player’s summon sign to help them defeat him. However, despite how much having someone else can help, skill and memorization can make you truly win this fight.
He first appears to us riding a wyvern and wielding a huge spear, with his name showing up as “King of the Storm.” However, after killing his wyvern, the second phase of the fight begins, and it changes his name to “The Nameless King.” His fight is optional, his death serving mainly as a way to quickly farm souls.
6 Giygas (Earthbound)
Showcased as the main antagonist of Earthbound and Earthbound Beginnings, Giygas’ battle in Earthbound makes him appear as an all-powerful figure. It isn’t exactly clear what he represents, but theories suggest that he’s the embodiment of evil.
Because of the difficulty of this boss fight, he feels unstoppable unless you find out his weaknesses. Giygas also has infinite HP, making it incredibly hard to deal a good amount of damage. Ultimately, using Pray and Sing is the only way to get Giygas’ HP down low enough to where you can fully survive his attacks.
5 Ornstein And Smough (Dark Souls)
Ornstein and Smough are a wonderful duo, working off of each other’s attacks to try and effectively kill you. At first, since all the bosses before them have been classically difficult, having two enemies to defeat might feel intimidating. Luckily, how this battle pans out entirely depends on what kind of fight you yearn for.
Killing Smough grants you his armor and an easier fight, but killing Ornstein first gives you his armor and tougher combat to go with it. Because of how quickly these two run at you to fight, it’s best to decide which one you want to defeat to get your desirable combat.
4 Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)
Besides being one of the most memorable RPG villains of all time, Sephiroth gives you a mighty boss fight in Final Fantasy VII. He is the true final boss of the game, his combat being showcased cinematically. Changing into three different forms throughout the fight, Sephiroth endlessly keeps you on your toes.
His third and final form, Safer Sephiroth, is your last challenge in the game. With the classic “One-Winged Angel” battle music playing in the background, the last stretch of Sephiroth’s fight is heart-pumping. Interestingly enough, it is impossible to lose in this fight.
3 Nyx Avatar (Persona 3)
Within the Persona series, Nyx Avatar is an utterly iconic boss fight. Pale and ghostly with black holes instead of eyes and a mouth, Nyx’s appearance alone can send chills down anyone’s spine. Nyx also takes the form of several beings, separating its personality and appearance in various directions.
Since it’s the final boss in Persona 3, the build-up to finally facing Nyx is intimidating. But, when you realize that Nyx is a monster who can’t stop itself from destroying the Earth, fighting it feels like a tragedy. However, you can’t kill Nyx Avatar itself. Instead, you must kill its inner being that you had met along the way.
2 Kefka (Final Fantasy VI)
Kefka’s story is a tragedy in itself. As we’ve seen him throughout our journey, we didn’t consider him a serious threat as we should’ve. This caused Kefka to spiral and turn into a ruthless God of Magic. He faces you and your party toward the end as he desires to put an end to existence.
There are several stages that you must go through during this boss fight. He has an attack at the beginning that critically wounds you and your party to the point that everyone’s HP reaches one. Defeating Kefka requires you to use your strongest attacks and spells, encouraging you to be just as ruthless as him.
1 Lavos (Chrono Trigger)
The first time you battle Lavos in Chrono Trigger, you’re guaranteed to lose (unless you’re on NG+). It is extremely strong and has three times as much HP compared to later in the game. The second time you see Lavos, the fight won’t be easier, but you’ll undoubtedly have a greater chance at winning.
Going from facing an enemy who can completely wipe out your HP in one move to getting an actual good fight is a thrilling transition. Lavos is the final boss in the game, taking various forms to intimidate you. But, if you learn anything from losing, you’ll be the one that’s guaranteed to kill your opponent.
