Optimal Bloodborne Boss Sequence Revealed

Bloodborne is a challenging game with a variety of formidable bosses that players must conquer to progress. Understanding the optimal order in which to face these bosses can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. This guide outlines the best sequence for tackling Bloodborne bosses, both optional and mandatory, to ensure a smooth and rewarding journey through 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
  • 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

In Bloodborne, completing the game doesn't require defeating every boss, but doing so can unlock valuable rewards and enrich your experience. We recommend tackling as many bosses as possible during your playthrough. Below, you'll find suggested orders for both non-optional and all bosses, followed by detailed explanations of each encounter.

The game features 17 regular bosses and an additional 5 from The Old Hunters DLC. While you can access the DLC after defeating Vicar Amelia, it's generally advised to explore it closer to the game's end for the best experience. The timing of entering the DLC can impact certain dialogues and outcomes.

Best Boss Order for Non-Optional Bosses in Bloodborne

To progress through the main storyline, you must defeat these bosses in the following order:

• 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 challenge Bloodborne offers, here's the recommended 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)

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Central Yharnam

The Cleric Beast is one of the first challenges you'll encounter in Bloodborne, located in Central Yharnam. This boss is known for its speed and aggression, capable of inflicting significant damage. To defeat it, focus on attacking its hind legs to destabilize it, then aim for the head when it falls.

Father Gascoigne

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Central Yharnam

Father Gascoigne, a deranged hunter, presents a formidable early challenge. His quick movements and frequent use of his gun make parrying crucial. Mastering the parry timing will allow you to quickly overcome this obstacle.

Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Old Yharnam

Found in the Church of the Good Chalice in Old Yharnam, the Blood-Starved Beast is a formidable foe with powerful attacks. Keeping your distance and using fire or explosive weapons can simplify this encounter significantly.

Vicar Amelia

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Cathedral Ward

Vicar Amelia, a beastly creature, uses melee attacks and can heal herself. Her healing leaves her vulnerable, so strike when she's immobile. Be cautious of her glowing body during healing phases.

The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Hemwick Charnel Lane

The Witch of Hemwick is unique, often invisible at a distance. She hides in corners and uses henchmen. Approach closely to reveal her, and use your firearm to deal damage effectively.

Shadow of Yharnam

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Forbidden Woods

The Shadow of Yharnam wields a large club and can be defeated with strategic dodging and attacking. Dodge its swings, shoot its head, and slash its legs to expose its vulnerable underbelly.

Rom, the Vacuous Spider

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Moonside Lake

Rom is found in Moonside Lake and uses poisonous and physical attacks, along with summoning spiders. Quickly eliminate the summoned spiders and attack Rom when possible. Be aware that defeating Rom changes the game world, potentially locking out certain areas or items.

Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Hypogean Gaol

Darkbeast Paarl, located in Yahar'gul, the Unseen Village, is a hulking beast. It's advisable to face this boss after defeating Rom for a smoother progression.

The One Reborn

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Yahar’gul Unseen Village

The One Reborn uses both physical and magical attacks. Keep your distance, dodge when it raises its arms, and attack when it's down. Be ready to deal with smaller enemies it summons.

Martyr Logarius (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Forsaken Castle Cainhurst

Martyr Logarius is challenging due to his Arcane damage. Parrying him is key to dealing significant damage, though mastering the timing can be tricky.

Amygdala (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Nightmare Frontier

Amygdala's large size and tentacle attacks make her a tough opponent. Her various attacks can quickly reduce your health, requiring careful strategy and movement.

Celestial Emissary (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Upper Cathedral Ward

The Celestial Emissary uses fast arm swings and can grab you from a distance. Roll towards its legs to avoid attacks and strike back effectively.

Micolash, Host of the Nightmare

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Nightmare of Mensis

Micolash requires you to chase him through his arena, dealing with magical fog and summoned underlings. Once cornered, his attacks are potent, but using poison knives can simplify the fight.

The Old Hunters Bosses

The Old Hunters DLC bosses follow a linear progression. After defeating Ludwig, use Laurence's Skull to fight Laurence, the only optional boss in the area. Then, face Living Failures, Lady Maria, and the Orphan of Kos in sequence. Each fight is demanding, so prepare thoroughly.

Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Altar of Despair

Ebrietas uses tentacle and magical attacks. Be cautious when she slams her head on the ground, as it can cause 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. Her fog attack can obscure your vision, so focus on evasion during this phase. After defeating her, complete any remaining tasks before proceeding to the game's end.

Gehrman, the First Hunter

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Hunter’s Dream

Gehrman, the final non-optional boss, wields a scythe and firearms. Mastering parrying is essential for a successful fight against him.

Moon Presence (Ending Specific)

Image via FromSoftware
Area: Hunter’s Dream

To face the Moon Presence, collect three of the four One Third of Umbilical Cords before fighting Gehrman, then refuse his offer and defeat him. The Moon Presence uses tails, claws, and dark orbs. While challenging, applying the skills learned throughout the game should help you prevail.

This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for conquering Bloodborne in the most effective order, ensuring you can experience all the game has to offer.

For more news on Bloodborne, explore our coverage of Bloodborne PSX, a fan-made PS1 demake. For broader FromSoftware updates, 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.