Bloodborne is renowned for its challenging bosses, and understanding the optimal sequence to tackle them can greatly enhance your gaming experience. This guide outlines the best boss order for Bloodborne, detailing both the non-optional and all bosses, including those from the The Old Hunters DLC, to help you navigate the game's challenges effectively.

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

Bloodborne offers various paths to victory, and while not all bosses are mandatory to complete the game, defeating them can unlock valuable rewards. We strongly recommend tackling as many bosses as possible to enrich your playthrough. This guide presents both the non-optional and complete boss orders, providing insights into the best approach.

In total, Bloodborne features 17 regular bosses and 5 additional bosses from The Old Hunters DLC. While you can access the DLC after defeating Vicar Amelia, it's generally advised to engage with it closer to the game's end. There's a debate on whether to start the DLC before or after Mergo's Wet Nurse, as it can impact certain dialogues.

Best Boss Order for Non-Optional Bosses in Bloodborne

Here's the recommended order for 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 aiming to conquer every boss, here's the suggested sequence:

• 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)

The Cleric Beast, located in Central Yharnam, is one of the first bosses you'll encounter. It's fast, aggressive, and can deal significant damage. To defeat it, focus on staying behind it and targeting its hind legs to destabilize it. Once it falls, aim for its head.

Father Gascoigne

Father Gascoigne, a frenzied hunter in Central Yharnam, poses a significant challenge. He moves quickly and frequently uses his gun. Mastering the parry timing is crucial, as it allows you to deal substantial damage and overcome him more swiftly.

Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)

Located in Old Yharnam's Church of the Good Chalice, the Blood-Starved Beast is a formidable foe with high health and powerful attacks. Maintain your distance and utilize fire or explosive weapons to bring it down efficiently.

Vicar Amelia

Vicar Amelia, found in Cathedral Ward, is a massive creature with melee attacks and a self-healing ability. When she heals, she becomes immobile, providing a perfect opportunity for attack. Be cautious of her glowing body during healing phases before striking.

The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)

The Witch of Hemwick in Hemwick Charnel Lane is accompanied by henchmen. She remains invisible at a distance but becomes visible up close, often hiding in corners. Use your firearm effectively once you spot her.

Shadow of Yharnam

The Shadow of Yharnam in Forbidden Woods wields a large club. To defeat it, dodge its swings, shoot its head with your gun, and slash its legs with your knife to expose its vulnerable underbelly.

Rom, the Vacuous Spider

Rom, located at Moonside Lake in Byrgenwerth, requires careful management of its poisonous and physical attacks. It also summons spiders during battle; prioritize killing them quickly to focus on Rom. Note that defeating Rom alters the game world, potentially causing you to miss certain elements if not explored beforehand.

Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)

Darkbeast Paarl resides in Yahar'gul, the Unseen Village, and is best fought after defeating Rom. This large brute can be challenging, but a strategic approach will help you prevail.

The One Reborn

The One Reborn in Yahar'gul Unseen Village employs both physical and magical attacks. Keep your distance, dodge when necessary, and strike during its vulnerable moments on the ground. Be prepared to deal with summoned enemies during the fight.

Martyr Logarius (Optional)

Martyr Logarius in Forsaken Castle Cainhurst is a formidable adversary with Arcane damage capabilities. Learning to parry him effectively is key to dealing significant damage and overcoming his challenging attacks.

Amygdala (Optional)

Amygdala in the Nightmare Frontier is a giant creature with a single eye and multiple tentacles. Her size and reach make her a daunting boss, but strategic positioning and evasion can lead to victory.

Celestial Emissary (Optional)

The Celestial Emissary in Upper Cathedral Ward is fast and uses arm swings to attack. Dodge towards their legs to avoid hits and counterattack. Be cautious of their grabbing attacks, even when they're downed.

Micolash, Host of the Nightmare

Micolash in the Nightmare of Mensis requires you to chase him through his arena, dealing with magical fog and summoned minions. Once you corner him, watch for his potent attacks and use poison knives strategically.

The Old Hunters Bosses

The bosses in The Old Hunters DLC follow a linear sequence. After defeating Ludwig, use Laurence's Skull to fight Laurence, the only optional boss in this area. Proceed to battle Living Failures, Lady Maria, and the Orphan of Kos, all of which are challenging encounters.

Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)

Ebrietas in the Altar of Despair uses tentacles and magical attacks. Be vigilant when she slams her head down, as it can cause massive damage.

Mergo’s Wet Nurse

Mergo's Wet Nurse in the Nightmare of Mensis uses tentacles and water projectiles, with fog obscuring vision later in the fight. Focus on evasion to survive her attacks. After defeating her, ensure you complete any remaining tasks in Bloodborne, as you're nearing the game's end.

Gehrman, the First Hunter

Gehrman, the final non-optional boss in Hunter's Dream, wields a scythe and firearms. Mastering parries is essential to defeating him and progressing to the game's conclusion.

Moon Presence (Ending Specific)

To face the Moon Presence, the true final boss, you must collect three of the four One Third of Umbilical Cords before fighting Gehrman and refuse his offer. The Moon Presence uses tails, claws, and orbs of darkness. While challenging, she is generally considered less difficult than Gehrman.

And that's the best Bloodborne boss order! For more Bloodborne news, explore our coverage of the Bloodborne PSX, a fan-made PS1 demake. For more FromSoftware content, 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.