6 of the Greatest Video Game Boss Battles of All Time
Some boss battles test your skill, others blow your mind with cinematic spectacle, and some are just unforgettable set pieces that stick with you long after the fight is over. On this week’s episode of Good Playing With You, we looked back at some of the best boss fights we’ve ever encountered. Here are six of the best boss battles in video game history, each one a unique and thrilling experience.
1. Monster Hunter World – Kulve Taroth
Does anyone have the number of who does her hair?
Big bosses are a staple of the Monster Hunter franchise, but Kulve Taroth takes it to another level. This massive, golden dragon isn’t just a visual spectacle—it’s a multi-phase fight that requires teamwork, strategy, and endurance. The battle starts in an underground cavern where players chip away at its gold-plated armor, only for the fight to transition into a dangerous volcanic showdown. With rare materials to collect and the ever-present threat of a full-party wipe, this fight is as rewarding as it is intense.
2. Bloodborne – Cleric Beast
This cleric doesn’t cast cure light wounds.
Bloodborne wastes no time in setting the tone for what players can expect. The Cleric Beast is the game’s first major boss, and for many players, it’s a brick wall that must be smashed through. This towering, hair-covered monstrosity is aggressive, unpredictable, and utterly brutal. Defeating it is a true Bloodborne rite of passage—one that leaves players feeling like they’ve climbed a mountain of challenge and come out victorious.
3. God of War (2018) – The Stranger (Baldur)
Baldur? I don’t even know her.
Few games introduce their main antagonist as dramatically as God of War (2018). The fight against "The Stranger" (later revealed as Baldur) is an unforgettable cinematic experience. What starts as a tense standoff outside Kratos’ cabin quickly escalates into a god-tier brawl, with Kratos getting punched across the map as the environment breaks apart around them. The game’s signature single-shot camera style makes every blow feel visceral, delivering a boss fight that feels more like a Hollywood action sequence than a standard encounter.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Colgera
She’s an airhead.
A great boss fight isn't just about difficulty—it’s about creativity. Tears of the Kingdom’s Colgera fight is a perfect example of this, as it takes place entirely in midair. Set in the Wind Temple, players must glide through the sky, dodging icy attacks while aiming for the boss’s obvious weak spots. What makes this battle so unique is that there’s more than one way to take down Colgera. You can shoot arrows at its weak points (which I did the first two times I battled him), but if you’re daring enough, you can dive straight through them for a more stylish (and satisfying) attack.
5. Shadow of the Colossus – Phalanx
It’s giving “pick me” energy.
Every boss fight in Shadow of the Colossus is a puzzle, but Phalanx is the one that truly stands out. As the largest colossus in the game, this sky-bound beast soars through the desert, making players feel tiny in comparison. To even begin the fight, you have to ride alongside it on horseback and shoot its weak points, forcing it to dip low enough for you to leap onto its back. From there, you must climb across its massive body, clinging to its fur as it tries to shake you off. The scale, the music, and the pure exhilaration of taking down something so massive make this one of the most breathtaking boss fights ever designed.
6. Returnal – Any Boss Fight
More arms for more hugging.
Some games are designed to test your reflexes, patience, and resilience, and Returnal is one of the toughest out there. Every boss in this game is a fast-paced, bullet-hell nightmare, where one wrong move can mean total failure. The thrill of finally taking one down after countless attempts is unmatched. If you manage to beat even one Returnal boss, you deserve a medal.
What Are Your Favorite Boss Battles?
Did we miss any legendary fights? What’s the boss battle that had you screaming in frustration—or joy—when you finally won? Let us know in the comments or hit us up on social media!
And if you love discussions like this, be sure to check out our podcast, Good Playing With You, where we break down the best and worst of video games every week.
Sound off below and let me know what you think!