Ever wondered which FromSoftware levels the fans truly consider the GOAT? 🤔 Well, the results are in, and let's just say they're... spicy! 🔥 A recent deep dive by the community saw players revisiting every major Soulsborne title — from the OG Demon's Souls all the way to the colossal Elden Ring — to crown the ultimate fan-favorite level from each game. We're talking meticulous voting, heated debates, and some genuinely shocking outcomes. Forget the hype; this is pure, unfiltered community consensus. So, grab your Estus Flask and prepare for a journey through the most beloved (and sometimes controversial) locations in gaming history!
🏆 The Fan-Voted Champions: A Level-by-Level Breakdown
Let's kick things off with the winners. This table gives you the quick scoop before we dive into the juicy details and fan reasoning:
| Game | Winning Level | Why It Won (According to Fans) |
|---|---|---|
| Demon's Souls | Prison of Hope | Spooky vibes, iconic atmosphere of Latria. 🕯️ |
| Dark Souls | Anor Londo | The undisputed peak, culmination of DS1's design. ☀️ |
| Dark Souls 2 | Brume Tower | Stunning visuals & home to the legendary Fume Knight. ⚔️ |
| Bloodborne | Central Yharnam | Masterclass in interconnected shortcuts & atmosphere. 🌙 |
| Dark Souls 3 | Irithyll of the Boreal Valley | Breathtaking aesthetic (though controversial!). ❄️ |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Fountainhead Palace | Unforgettable beauty & epic final boss setting. 🏯 |
| Elden Ring | Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree | Shock victory! Challenging design over pure looks. 🌸 |
Alright, now let's get into the real talk. The journey began where it all started for many...
The Starting Line: Demon's Souls & The Power of Atmosphere
While Boletarian Palace got major love as the gateway to the entire genre, the community's heart ultimately belonged to the Prison of Hope. Why? It's all about that MOOD. From the haunting soundtrack to the eerie, labyrinthine halls filled with mind-flaying monsters, this level from the Tower of Latria is a masterclass in oppressive atmosphere. It proves that FromSoftware's genius isn't just about combat or shortcuts—it's about making you feel the dread in every corridor.

Fans argued that it set a tone and standard for horror-tinged environments that the series would revisit again and again.
The Undisputed King & The Underdog
Then came Dark Souls, and honestly, was there ever any doubt? 🏰 Anor Londo swept the vote. This majestic, sun-drenched city represents the absolute pinnacle of the first game's interconnected world design. The infamous archer section, the breathtaking reveal after Sen's Fortress, and the epic Ornstein & Smough showdown—it's a perfect storm of level design, challenge, and awe. It's the level every other Souls level is measured against.
But then came the curveball: Dark Souls 2. In a game often debated by fans, the choice for its best level was surprisingly unified: Brume Tower. This DLC area won not just for its striking, industrial aesthetic of iron and ash, but because it houses one of the series' most celebrated boss fights: the Fume Knight. Fans praised its verticality and tough-as-nails enemy placement, proving substance can win big.
The Masterpiece & The Beauty Contest
Bloodborne's result was another no-brainer. 🩸 Central Yharnam is frequently cited as perhaps the single greatest level FromSoftware has ever crafted. It's a dense, intricate web of streets, shortcuts, and secrets that teaches players the "Bloodborne way" through sheer, brutal excellence. Every alley connects, every ladder leads somewhere meaningful. It's the gold standard for the studio's shortcut system.
However, Dark Souls 3 sparked the first major debate. The winner, Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, is undeniably gorgeous. That first glimpse of the snowy, moonlit city after exiting the Catacombs is an all-timer moment. ❄️ But many fans argued it won on aesthetic alone, claiming that Lothric Castle had superior structural design but was simply "too short" to claim the crown. Was this a case of style over substance?
The Final Showdowns: Beauty vs. Brawn
The debate raged into Sekiro. The final showdown was between the adrenaline-pumping, combat-heavy Ashina Castle and the serene, otherworldly Fountainhead Palace. In a close vote, beauty won again! Fountainhead Palace took the title for its unforgettable visuals, unique setting, and for hosting what many call the game's best boss encounter. Sometimes, a place that leaves you breathless is just as powerful as one that tests your reflexes.
And then... ELDEN RING. 💍 This was the biggest shocker of all. Everyone expected the royal capital of Leyndell or the introductory masterpiece Stormveil Castle to win. But no! The community chose Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. This endgame area is brutal—a punishing vertical climb filled with the toughest enemies. Fans respected its relentless, challenging design and intricate layout. It was a victory for hardcore design principles over first-impression grandeur. A massive statement from the hardcore fanbase!
🎤 The Community Speaks: Key Takeaways & Future Battles
So what does this all tell us? FromSoftware fans value a potent mix:
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Atmosphere & Mood (Prison of Hope)
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Interconnected World Design (Central Yharnam, Anor Londo)
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Memorable Boss Integration (Brume Tower)
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Breathtaking Visuals (Irithyll, Fountainhead Palace)
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Brutal, Rewarding Challenge (Elphael)
The results show a fascinating evolution in taste, from atmospheric beginnings to aesthetic peaks, and finally, a return to punishing, complex design being crowned as the ultimate achievement.
And the battle isn't over! With the colossal Shadow of the Erdtree DLC now released in 2026, the question on everyone's mind is: Will the Haligtree's crown be stolen? 🤴 The DLC has introduced sprawling new legacy dungeons that are already being hailed as some of FromSoftware's best work ever. The community is actively debating whether a new king (or queen) of levels has arrived. One thing's for sure: the debate over FromSoftware's best level is a forever war, and that's exactly how the fans love it. The only thing better than playing these masterpieces is arguing about them! 🗣️💥