Conquering Bloodborne's challenging bosses requires a strategic approach. This guide outlines the optimal boss order, categorized for both completionists and those aiming for a standard playthrough. We'll also delve into individual boss strategies.
Table of Contents
- Optimal Boss Order (Non-Optional)
- Optimal Boss Order (All Bosses)
- Detailed Boss Strategies
- The Old Hunters DLC Bosses
Optimal Boss Order (Non-Optional Bosses)
This order prioritizes a smooth progression through the main storyline:
- 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)
Optimal Boss Order (All Bosses)
This order includes optional bosses, enhancing the overall experience and providing valuable rewards:
- 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)
Detailed Boss Strategies
Several key bosses warrant specific tactical considerations:
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Cleric Beast (Optional): Target its hind legs to stagger it, then focus on head attacks.
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Father Gascoigne: Master parrying for efficient damage.
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Blood-Starved Beast (Optional): Maintain distance and utilize fire/explosive weapons.
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Vicar Amelia: Exploit her self-healing animation for critical hits.
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The Witch of Hemwick (Optional): Utilize firearms and target her when visible.
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Shadow of Yharnam: Dodge its attacks, target the head with firearms, and slash its legs.
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Rom, the Vacuous Spider: Prioritize spiderlings, then focus on Rom, dodging poison attacks. Defeating Rom alters the game world, so explore beforehand.
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Darkbeast Paarl (Optional): A powerful brute; focus on dodging and inflicting consistent damage.
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The One Reborn: Maintain distance, exploit ground-down opportunities, and eliminate summoned enemies.
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Martyr Logarius (Optional): Parrying is highly effective.
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Amygdala (Optional): A challenging boss with long-range attacks; prioritize dodging and strategic attacks.
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Celestial Emissary (Optional): Roll towards its legs to avoid attacks.
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Micolash, Host of the Nightmare: Chase him, deal with summoned enemies, and be prepared for potent attacks. Poison knives can be effective.
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Mergo’s Wet Nurse: Dodge tentacles and water projectiles, and focus on attacks during fog.
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Gehrman, the First Hunter: Mastering parrying is crucial.
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Moon Presence (Ending Specific): Dodge tail and claw attacks, and be cautious of dark orbs.
The Old Hunters Bosses
The Old Hunters DLC bosses are generally fought in a linear sequence after defeating Ludwig, the Accursed/Holy Blade. Laurence, the First Vicar is optional within this DLC.
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Note: This guide was updated on 2/3/2025 to include additional details and DLC boss information.