Optimal Bloodborne Boss Sequence Revealed

Navigating the challenging world of Bloodborne requires a strategic approach to its formidable bosses. This guide outlines the ideal boss order to enhance your gameplay experience and maximize rewards. Whether you're aiming to complete the main story or tackle every boss, including those from The Old Hunters DLC, this sequence will help you conquer Yharnam.

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

The Best Boss Order for Bloodborne

Bloodborne offers flexibility in boss encounters, with some being optional. Completing as many bosses as possible enriches your gameplay and rewards. Here, we provide two boss orders: one for non-optional bosses and a comprehensive list including all bosses and the DLC additions.

In total, there are 17 regular bosses and 5 DLC bosses. While the DLC can be started post-Vicar Amelia, it's advisable to tackle it near the game's end for a smoother experience.

Best Boss Order for Non-Optional Bosses in Bloodborne

1. Father Gascoigne
2. Vicar Amelia
3. Shadow of Yharnam
4. Rom, the Vacuous Spider
5. The One Reborn
6. Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
7. Mergo’s Wet Nurse
8. Gehrman, the First Hunter
9. Moon Presence (Ending Specific)

Best Boss Order for All Bosses in Bloodborne

1. Cleric Beast (Optional)
2. Father Gascoigne
3. Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)
4. Vicar Amelia
5. The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)
6. Shadow of Yharnam
7. Rom, the Vacuous Spider
8. Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)
9. The One Reborn
10. Martyr Logarius (Optional)
11. Amygdala (Optional)
12. Celestial Emissary (Optional)
13. Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
14. Ludwig the Accursed/Holy Blade (DLC/Optional)
15. Laurence, the First Vicar (DLC/Optional)
16. Living Failures (DLC/Optional)
17. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (DLC/Optional)
18. Orphan of Kos (DLC/Optional)
19. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)
20. Mergo’s Wet Nurse
21. Gehrman, the First Hunter
22. Moon Presence (Ending Specific)

Our Best Boss Order, Explained

Cleric Beast (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Central Yharnam

The Cleric Beast is one of the first bosses you'll encounter, located in Central Yharnam. It's fast and aggressive, so focus on staying behind it to attack its hind legs, which can trip it up. Once downed, target its head for maximum damage.

Father Gascoigne

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Central Yharnam

Father Gascoigne, a crazed hunter, presents an early challenge. Mastering the parry timing is crucial to quickly defeating him as he moves swiftly and uses his gun frequently.

Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)

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Area: Old Yharnam

Found in the Church of the Good Chalice in Old Yharnam, the Blood-Starved Beast is tough but manageable with distance and fire/explosive weapons.

Vicar Amelia

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Area: Cathedral Ward

Vicar Amelia, a large beast with self-healing abilities, is vulnerable when healing. Attack her during this time but watch for her glow, signaling when she's healing.

The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)

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Area: Hemwick Charnel Lane

The Witch of Hemwick is tricky due to her invisibility at a distance. Approach her to reveal her position, especially in corners, and use your firearm to attack.

Shadow of Yharnam

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Area: Forbidden Woods

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

Rom, the Vacuous Spider

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Area: Moonside Lake

Rom's poisonous and physical attacks, along with summoned spiders, require you to prioritize killing the spiders quickly before focusing on Rom. Beating Rom alters the game world, so ensure you've completed necessary tasks beforehand.

Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Hypogean Gaol

Located in Yahar'gul, the Unseen Village, Darkbeast Paarl is recommended after Rom. This large creature requires careful timing to avoid its attacks.

The One Reborn

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Area: Yahar’gul Unseen Village

The One Reborn uses physical and magical attacks. Keep your distance, roll to dodge, and attack when it's down. Manage the smaller enemies it summons.

Martyr Logarius (Optional)

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Area: Forsaken Castle Cainhurst

Martyr Logarius is challenging due to his Arcane damage. Parrying him effectively is key to dealing significant damage, though timing is crucial.

Amygdala (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Nightmare Frontier

Amygdala, a giant with tentacles, has a wide range of attacks. Her size and reach make this fight difficult, requiring careful maneuvering.

Celestial Emissary (Optional)

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Area: Upper Cathedral Ward

The Celestial Emissary's fast movements and arm swings necessitate rolling towards its legs for safety. Be cautious of its grab attacks.

Micolash, Host of the Nightmare

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Area: Nightmare of Mensis

Micolash requires chasing him around his arena, dealing with his fog and summoned underlings. Once cornered, watch out for his potent attacks; poison knives are a common strategy.

The Old Hunters Bosses

The Old Hunters DLC bosses follow a linear progression. After Ludwig, use Laurence's Skull at the Eye Pendant location to fight Laurence. Then, face the Living Failures, Lady Maria, and the Orphan of Kos, all of which are tough encounters.

Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Altar of Despair

Ebrietas uses tentacle and magical attacks. Be wary when she slams her head on the ground, as it deals massive damage.

Mergo’s Wet Nurse

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Nightmare of Mensis

Mergo's Wet Nurse uses tentacles and a fast-moving water projectile, with fog obscuring vision later in the fight. Focus on evasion during these moments.

After defeating Mergo, complete any remaining tasks before proceeding to the endgame, including the DLC if not done.

Gehrman, the First Hunter

Image via FromSoftware

Area: Hunter’s Dream

Gehrman, the final non-optional boss, uses a scythe and firearms. Mastering parry timings can ease this fight significantly.

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 facing Gehrman, and refuse his offer. The Moon Presence's attacks include tail swipes, claw strikes, and dark orbs, but with caution and learned skills, this fight is manageable.

This comprehensive guide to Bloodborne boss order will help you navigate through Yharnam's challenges effectively. For more updates on Bloodborne, explore Bloodborne PSX, a fan-made PS1 demake, and stay tuned for FromSoftware's latest, including 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.