Optimal Bloodborne Boss Sequence Revealed

Bloodborne presents a challenging array of bosses, each with unique strategies and rewards. Understanding the best order to tackle these encounters can significantly enhance your gaming experience. This guide outlines the optimal boss order for Bloodborne, including both non-optional and optional bosses, as well as those introduced in the The Old Hunters DLC.

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 multiple paths to its conclusion, and while not all bosses are mandatory, defeating them can lead to valuable rewards. We recommend tackling as many bosses as possible to fully experience the game. Below, we'll detail the non-optional and complete boss orders, followed by detailed strategies for each encounter.

In total, there are 17 regular bosses and five additional bosses from The Old Hunters DLC. Note that this guide excludes Chalice Dungeon bosses. Although the DLC can be accessed post-Vicar Amelia, it's advisable to engage with it closer to the game's end, ideally before or after facing Mergo’s Wet Nurse, as this choice can impact certain dialogues.

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 a complete experience, here's the suggested order to face all bosses in Bloodborne:

• 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 first encounters in Bloodborne, located in Central Yharnam. This boss is known for its speed and aggression, capable of dealing significant damage. To defeat it, focus on attacking its hind legs to make it stumble, then aim for its head.

Father Gascoigne

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Area: Central Yharnam

Father Gascoigne is a formidable hunter who challenges players early in the game. Mastering parry timing is crucial for this fight, as it allows you to quickly diminish his health.

Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Old Yharnam

Located in the Church of the Good Chalice, the Blood-Starved Beast requires a strategy that involves keeping your distance and using fire or explosive weapons to exploit its vulnerabilities.

Vicar Amelia

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Cathedral Ward

Vicar Amelia is a large beast with healing capabilities. Attack her when she's immobilized by her healing process, but be cautious of her powerful melee attacks.

The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)

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Area: Hemwick Charnel Lane

The Witch of Hemwick becomes visible when you approach her, often hiding in corners. Use your firearm to deal with her and her summoned minions effectively.

Shadow of Yharnam

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Forbidden Woods

This boss wields a large club and can be defeated by dodging its swings, shooting its head, and slashing its legs to expose its underbelly.

Rom, the Vacuous Spider

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Area: Moonside Lake

Rom's fight requires caution due to his poisonous and physical attacks. Prioritize killing the summoned spiders to focus on damaging Rom himself. Note that defeating Rom alters the game world, potentially locking you out of certain areas if not explored beforehand.

Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Hypogean Gaol

Darkbeast Paarl resides in Yahar’gul, the Unseen Village. It's recommended to face this boss after Rom, as it's a challenging encounter due to its size and brute force.

The One Reborn

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Area: Yahar’gul Unseen Village

The One Reborn uses both physical and magical attacks. Maintain distance, dodge when it raises its arms, and quickly deal with the smaller enemies it summons.

Martyr Logarius (Optional)

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Area: Forsaken Castle Cainhurst

Martyr Logarius is tough due to his Arcane damage. Mastering parry timing can significantly ease this fight.

Amygdala (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Nightmare Frontier

Amygdala is a formidable boss with long reach and multiple attacks. Stay cautious and use learned strategies to navigate this challenging encounter.

Celestial Emissary (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Upper Cathedral Ward

The Celestial Emissary is fast and dangerous even when grounded. Dodge its attacks and strike back when safe.

Micolash, Host of the Nightmare

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Area: Nightmare of Mensis

Micolash requires you to chase him through his arena, dealing with magical fog and summoned minions. Use poison knives or direct attacks when you corner him.

The Old Hunters Bosses

Image via FromSoftware

The bosses in The Old Hunters DLC follow a linear order. After Ludwig, use Laurence’s Skull to fight Laurence, then proceed to face Living Failures, Lady Maria, and Orphan of Kos. Each fight is demanding, so be prepared.

Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Altar of Despair

Ebrietas uses tentacle and magical attacks. Be wary of her head-slam attack, which can cause significant damage.

Mergo’s Wet Nurse

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Nightmare of Mensis

Mergo’s Wet Nurse uses tentacles and water projectiles. When she obscures your vision with fog, prioritize evasion. After defeating her, ensure you complete any remaining tasks before proceeding.

Gehrman, the First Hunter

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Hunter’s Dream

Gehrman is the final non-optional boss. His use of a scythe and firearms can be challenging, but parrying can make the fight manageable.

Moon Presence (Ending Specific)

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Hunter’s Dream

To face the Moon Presence, gather three of the four One Third of Umbilical Cords and use them before fighting Gehrman. Refuse Gehrman’s offer and defeat him to engage the Moon Presence, using caution against her attacks.

This comprehensive guide should help you navigate the complex world of Bloodborne bosses in the most strategic order, ensuring an optimized and rewarding playthrough.

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.