Hey everyone! As a huge Soulsborne fan who's been playing these games for years, I've realized the most unforgettable moments often aren't on the main path. We all love the epic, story-mandated clashes, but the true legends? They're hiding in optional corners, waiting to be discovered. These bosses often have the coolest lore, the most unique mechanics, and the most satisfying victories. Let's dive into the best secret fights you absolutely need to experience!

the-secret-best-parts-fromsoftware-s-legendary-optional-bosses-you-might-have-missed-image-0

Dark Souls: The OG Master of Secrets

This game set the template! Despite being one of the shorter FromSoftware journeys, its world is a maze where you can miss so much. I was shocked on my first replay 😲. That terrifying Gaping Dragon blocking Blighttown? Completely skippable with the Master Key! Same for the Capra Demon in that awful little alley. But the real challenges are hidden deeper.

  • Black Dragon Kalameet: One of the HARDEST fights in the game, period. He's tucked away in the DLC area, requiring specific steps just to access his arena. Pure pain, pure glory.

  • Dark Sun Gwyndolin: This trippy, ethereal fight in the endless corridor is a masterpiece of atmosphere. Finding it requires some seriously obscure pathing, but it's worth it for the story and the unique combat style.

Dark Souls II: The Underrated Gem

I know, I know, it's the black sheep 🐑. But hear me out! It has fewer truly optional bosses, but they're cleverly hidden through routing. The Last Giant is usually your first boss, but technically optional if you know another path! The Old Dragonslayer is a fantastic, nostalgic nod to the original game's Ornstein.

The only truly secret area is the Belfry, home to the Belfry Gargoyles... and maybe you should just let them sleep 😅. They're a chaotic, multi-enemy nightmare that tests your crowd control to the limit.

Dark Souls III: Familiar, Yet Full of Secrets

Yes, it feels like a "greatest hits" of Dark Souls, but its optional bosses are top-tier. Some, like the Old Demon King and Champion Gundyr, feel like souped-up versions of earlier fights. But then... there's HIM.

🔥 The Nameless King 🔥

This is arguably one of the BEST boss fights in FromSoftware HISTORY. Finding him is a quest in itself, hidden at the end of a high-level, completely optional arena (Archdragon Peak). No playthrough is complete without facing this storm-wielding king on the back of a dragon. The phase transition, the music, the sheer difficulty—it's iconic. You might need to go farm some overpowered gear just to stand a chance!

Bloodborne: Speedrun Central & Lore Depths

The pace of this game shocked everyone at launch. On replays, what's shocking is how many KEY bosses are optional! A veteran can blitz through the game incredibly fast.

  • The Cleric Beast: One of the most iconic visuals and sounds in gaming... and you can just run right past it on the bridge! Madness.

  • The Final Choice: Without spoilers, you can skip the epic final bosses, Gehrman, The First Hunter and the Moon Presence, with a specific late-game choice. (But why would you?!)

And that's BEFORE the Chalice Dungeons! These procedurally generated labyrinths hide a staggering 21 additional optional bosses. Hunting them all is for the true masochists and lore hunters, unlocking one of the toughest trophies and crucial pieces of the game's mysterious backstory. With remake rumors swirling in 2026, now's the perfect time to dive back in and find them all!

Elden Ring: The Optional Boss King 👑

FromSoftware went absolutely WILD with the open world. If you're just bee-lining for the ending? The number of optional bosses is frankly insane. We're talking field bosses, dungeon bosses, legacy dungeon bosses... it might never be surpassed.

Everyone talks about Malenia, Blade of Miquella—the infamous, goddess of rot secret boss. But think bigger! You only need to defeat two Shardbearers to progress. That means:

  • Starscourge Radahn (the festival guy!) 🎪

  • Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy (TOGETHAAAAA!) 🐍

  • Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon 🌕

  • Even Godfrey/Hoarah Loux!

...are all TECHNICALLY OPTIONAL depending on your route. Skip the catacombs, skip the side areas, skip the massive DLC content... and Elden Ring still has the highest count of secret, high-quality boss encounters hidden in its vast, beautiful world. It's a completionist's dream (and nightmare).

Final Thoughts

The magic of FromSoftware games isn't just in beating them—it's in the journey of discovery. These optional bosses are often where the developers hide their most creative, challenging, and lore-rich content. They reward curiosity and perseverance. So on your next playthrough, in 2026 or beyond, take the path less traveled. Seek out these hidden legends. Your most memorable victories are waiting where you least expect them. 💀✨

What's your favorite optional boss of all time? Mine's still The Nameless King—that fight lives in my head rent-free!