Of all FromSoftware’sbrilliantSoulsborneseries,Dark Souls 2is, by far, the most divisive. With some questionable hitboxes, uninspired boss battles, and frustrating enemies, many of the criticisms are well-founded. However,Dark Souls 2remains a largely enjoyable game and even improves on the original in several ways. Most notably with the Power Stance mechanic that would later reappear inElden Ring.
Dark Souls 2is equally loved as it is loathed, however, and most players would agree that many of its boss runbacks are the game at its most frustrating. WhileDark Souls 2bosses may not be as tough as laterSoulsbornegames, the gauntlet players must run to attempt these boss battles can push even veteran players’ patience
10Ruin Sentinels
Next to Impossible without Taking Damage
Once players have progressed to the Lost Bastille, after defeating The Pursuer, their next challenge will be the Ruin Sentinels. This three-enemy battle can be a tricky prospect, partially due to the unavoidable fall damage players will receive during the fight. While a single Ruin Sentinelcan be easily killed, all three at once is a handful.
While this isn’t the longest boss run in the game, it can be just as frustrating as some of the worst. Players must choose between a horde of enemies to fight through, or a tricky fall into a small open doorway that can easily be misjudged. While there are certainly longer and harder boss runs later on, this is one of the most unforgiving in the early game.
9Lost Sinner
Hard-Hitting Enemies Can End Players Quickly
The Lost Sinner is one of the toughest early-game bosses players will face, with fast attacks that deal large amounts of damage. However, before facing this disturbing boss, players must face anassortment of deadly enemies.
While the enemies in this boss run can be avoided with some quick-rolling, each one has the potential to deal the player lots of damage. The main danger is the Flexile Sentry, lurking in the waters after the lift. Players must slowly wade through the area while avoiding this large, fast-attacking enemy. The section is also littered with exploding undead enemies that can put a quick end to any boss attempt.
8The Duke’s Dear Freja
Long and Fraught with Perils
One of the major bosses in the game is the colossal spider, The Duke’s Dear Freja. While this enemy has a simple moveset, its attacks can break the player’s armor and weapons, making it adangerous encounter.
The runback on this boss is also one of the longest in the game, with a gauntlet of enemies to get past. Players must complete a large section of the level every time, making their way past numerous spider enemies, before reaching the fog wall. While many of the enemies are easily killed, their significant numbers mean players must be slow and methodical on every attempt.
7Smelter Demon
Fast Attacking Enemies above Molten Lava
The Iron Keep is one of the toughest and unforgiving sections inDark Souls 2. Reaching the first boss can feel like a victory in itself. Beginning at the bonfire,players must battlenumerous knights that appear out of nowhere, with fast-swiping swords for quick damage. Players must also avoid several archers.
While this boss run isn’t the longest in terms of distance, the area will often take several attempts to perfect. Once completed, Smelter Demon is one of the better bosses in the game, with a heavy-hitting sword that can deal lots of damage.
6Ancient Dragon
Battle Large Enemies to Face a Difficult Dragon
Unlike the other bosses on this list, the Ancient Dragon will not attack players when first encountered. This NPC will give players the Ashen Mist Heart, which allows access to memories via overgrown giant bodies found throughout the game.
However,attacking the Ancient Dragonwill initiate a boss battle and an equally tricky runback if players fail. Players must progress through the entire level, taking on several large enemies known as Drakekeepers, that can deal lots of damage. The numerous Dragon Knights found in this area will not attack the player unless they run from the Drakekeepers. This long and arduous boss run is one of the toughest in the base game, with the Ancient Dragon enjoying a large health pool and tough-to-avoid attacks when players eventually reach it.
5Darklurker
Challenging Enemies Lay in Wait
The Darklurker is an optional, hidden boss inDark Souls 2and can be one of the most frustrating to reach. Before taking on the gauntlet of enemies, players must progress through the Pilgrims of the Dark Covenant, lighting various sconces around the game.
Once completed, players can progress into the dark, where they will face several invader-typeenemies waiting in the depths. These tough opponents can quickly kill players who are attempting to rush the area, so it is best completed slowly and carefully. In addition, players must use a valuable Human Effigy on each attempt, making this one of the most costly boss fights in the game.
4Sir Alonne
A Memorable Boss At the End of a Frustrating Level
Found in the Memory of the Old Iron King, duringDark Souls 2’sCrown of the Old Iron KingDLC, Sir Alonne is one of the toughest boss battles in the game. With his fast attacks, he feels like a boss from laterSoulsgames.
However, it is not just the battle that is tough. The runback is notoriously treacherous. Each attempt means players must proceed through the entire level, making their way past numerous enemies. While most of these can be easily beaten, the sheer volume means most players will be worn down before they reach the fog wall. For players with patience, taking the time to despawn the enemies is a sound strategy for this section of the game.
3Blue Smelter Demon
Numerous Enemies Chipping Away at Health
Encountered during theCrown of the Old Iron KingDLC, the Blue Smelter Demon is an optional boss located in the Iron Passage. This faster and tougher version of the Smelter Demon is powered by magic and is resistant to most sorceries. However, this fun boss battle is made worse by its frustrating runback.
Like all the hardest runbacks inDark Souls 2,its difficulty is due to the numerous enemies in the player’s way. In addition to standard enemies, some will even slow the player’s movement, making the runback that much more difficult.
2Afflicted Graverobber, Ancient Soldier Varg, and Cerah the Old Explorer
A Dangerous Gauntlet of Narrow Passages
These optional bosses, not-so-affectionally known as The Gank Squad, require players to endure one of the worst boss runbacks inDark Souls 2. Found in the Cave of the Dead, in theCrown of the Sunken KingDLC, players are faced with a maze of tunnels and drops, filled with numerous enemies and poison-spitting statues.
Reaching the bosses then means taking on three tricky enemies at once. Gank fights are always hard inSoulsgames and often feel unfair, especially as a solo player. There are two optional summons for this section of the game, which can help in distracting some of the enemies on this long run, complicated runback.
1Frigid Outskirts
An Extra-Long Runback Filled With Enemies
Dark Souls 2’s DLCs are some of the hardest areas of the game. With tough enemies, tougher bosses, and even harder runbacks, these sections will test players to breaking point.
Maybe the most frustrating of these is the notorious Frigid Outskirts runback. This exceptionally long run is more akin to a marathon, with several tricky enemies spawning along the way. Once completed, the underwhelming bosses are simple reskins of a previously fought enemy, making the long runback barely worth the effort.
