Brace Yourselves, Tarnished: Revisiting the Greatest Soulsborne Boss Battles - Part II: Bloodborne

“Great Champion, Would You Allow Me To Hold You, But Briefly?”

At least, that’s what I was hoping to be asked after finishing part I of our favourite Soulsborne boss battles. I mean, who wouldn’t need some comfort after a dalliance with Sif, or Artorias - for different reasons, of course. 

Anyway, let’s move onto some of the astoundingly good Bloodborne bosses, as we continue our reflection on the great battles in FromSoftware’s myriad of excellence. 

A Hunt Through Yharnam: Top 5 Bloodborne Boss Fights

Bloodborne, the gothic masterpiece from FromSoftware, throws players into a world ravaged by a horrific plague. The game's combat is fast-paced and brutal, demanding aggression and mastery of the unique risk-reward parry system. But what truly elevates Bloodborne are its boss encounters. These fights are meticulously crafted spectacles that combine atmosphere, music, enemy design, attack patterns, and a heavy dose of gothic horror to create unforgettable nightmares. Here's a look at the top 5 Bloodborne boss fights that perfectly capture the essence of the hunt:

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5. The Cleric Beast:

Your introduction to the horrors of Yharnam is a baptism by fire – literally. The Cleric Beast is a hulking monstrosity, a twisted amalgamation of flesh and bone that serves as the twisted guardian of the city. The fight takes place in a dark and oppressive plaza, the flickering flames from burning barrels barely illuminating the grotesque spectacle before you. The Cleric Beast's attacks are a mix of powerful swipes and lunges, forcing you to master the art of dodging and counter-attacking. The sheer scale of this beast, coupled with the desperation of a newly arrived hunter facing such a monstrosity, makes this fight a memorable introduction to the world of Bloodborne.

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4. Vicar Amelia:

Vicar Amelia is a tragic figure, a once-benevolent healer twisted by the horrors of the Bloodborne plague. The fight takes place amidst the burning ruins of the Cathedral Ward, with haunting music that underscores the atmosphere of decay and despair. Amelia's initial form is a slow but powerful beast, wielding her limbs and a giant cleaver with devastating force. The second phase sees her transform into a more agile and aggressive creature, forcing you to stay on your toes and exploit openings. The fight's narrative weight, tied to the city's descent into madness, and the shift in Amelia's fighting style makes this encounter a challenging and memorable experience.

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3. Ludwig, the Holy Blade:

A colossal figure shrouded in tattered robes, Ludwig's fight is a symphony of sorrow and rage. The first phase sees him mounted on a colossal, corrupted steed, raining down fire and fury from atop the crumbling streets of Yharnam. The second phase reveals a more agile and aggressive Ludwig, wielding a massive Moonlight Greatsword. The melancholic music throughout the fight underscores the tragedy of Ludwig's descent, making it a truly memorable encounter. Learning to dodge Ludwig's relentless attacks and find your way in to properly attack in both phases is key to overcoming this formidable foe.

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2. Orphan of Kos:

This fight is a descent into pure cosmic horror. Set in a nightmare fishing hamlet ravaged by the Great Ones, you face the Orphan of Kos, a grotesque, wailing creature fueled by grief. The Orphan's attacks are frantic and unpredictable, forcing players to stay constantly on the move. The unsettling atmosphere and the creature's disturbing design solidify this fight as one of the most nightmarish in the entire Soulsborne series. The music throughout the fight is particularly haunting, capturing the raw emotion and sheer desperation of the Orphan. Conquering this foe is a true test of skill and resilience, making it one of the trickiest encounters across the game.

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1. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower:

A graceful yet deadly hunter, Lady Maria embodies the gothic horror aesthetic of Bloodborne. The fight takes place amidst the decaying grandeur of the Astral Clocktower, with haunting music that sets the stage for a desperate dance of blades. Maria's initial flurry of attacks is relentless, forcing players to master the art of parrying and dodging. Her second phase unleashes even more aggressive moves, culminating in a desperate final stand that tests your mastery of Bloodborne's combat system. The atmosphere, the music, and the sheer skill of Lady Maria as an opponent make this fight a highlight of the Bloodborne experience.

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Later this week we'll finish our trip down Soulsborne lane with a look at memorable bosses from the gigantic Elden Ring. Farewell, thoust given me good service.