Some games, like Final Fantasy VII Remake, Bloodborne, and Demon’s Souls, start with some most difficult initial bosses. These bosses make the beginning of the game super hard and exciting for players. You’ll be shocked that even experienced gamers have been defeated badly by these difficult Initial bosses. To defeat such punishing and troublesome bosses, one needs multiple attempts and better skills in the game. Now let us tell you how relentless these bosses are.
10. Megaera the Fury
Game: Hades 2020
The number ten among difficult initial bosses is Megaera the Fury you will encounter her in Hades, as a boss in the initial area when you trying to escape the underworld. Every fight with the Megaera the Fury is a bit different. If you’re still learning the combat mechanics or figuring out the bonuses you’ve collected, battling Megaera will be a tough challenge.
She can quickly close the distance between you with her lunges and whip attacks. As her health decreases, she’ll use projectiles, powerful flame attacks, and summon minions to make the fight even harder for you. The game is designed to become easier as you attempt more runs, but during your first try and probably several attempts afterwards, fighting Megaera the Fury will be quite difficult.
9. Phantom
Game: Devil May Cry
The Number Nine in the difficult initial bosses list is Phantom from the Devil May Cry game. This game is about a man who hunts monsters and demons. Players may have expected to go up against various deadly foes in Devil May Cry, but we weren’t expecting the first boss to be a giant spider made of stone and magma. The Phantom Boss fight from the first game is certainly where Capcom turns up the heat.
Its large size doesn’t slow it down, and the ferocity with which it unleashes attacks and counterattacks is fierce which would certainly blow you away. It naturally has some detrimental Firebase moves, but you should also be wary of its stinger. Its stone body also means it’s well fortified. High offence and defence and a move set with varied range make this one of the hard initial bosses and probably a big early problem for you.
8. Scorpion Sentinel
Game: Final Fantasy VII Remake 2020
Number Eight is the Scorpion Sentinel from the popular Action RPG game — Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Before Cloud and his newfound allies can destroy their first Mako reactor, You and Barrett must take on a mechanical monstrosity. Even though players knew it was coming, the Scorpion Sentinel received a major boost in power for Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
The boss comes in surprising four phases, all of which use heavy artillery. Between its destructive guns, intimidating tail, and giant claws, it can deal a lot of damage. Meanwhile, you’re merely chipping away at it and surviving until you can build up a heavy blow. Oh, and it can heal during the Final Phase, which is always a pain in a boss fight. I got the number, there goes another; now’s our chance to do some real damage.
7. Engels
Game: NieR: Automata
The next boss is Engels from the NieR: Automata game presents a thrilling yet lengthy opening sequence in the game. There are no checkpoints in this part, culminating in a multi-phase battle against a literal walking building. The immense size of Engels is certainly daunting, and it possesses significant power. Initially, it provides support with gigantic saw blade arms that restrict your safe standing areas.
Dealing with its body minions serves as a brief respite before the onslaught continues. In the Final Phase, Engels becomes more deadly as his saw blades, rockets, and a massive laser come into play. You think you will just perish no, not only this but you’re thrown back to the beginning of the entire stage. So we can say Engel is not just only one Initial.
Related: 7 Hardest Bosses in Ghost of Tsushima and How to Beat Them?
6. Father Gascoigne
Game: Bloodborne
Father Gascoigne from Bloodborne emerges as the first true boss in the game. Fought in a dreary graveyard, he wields an axe and pistol, presenting both short and long-range threats. Being a FromSoftware game, any hit from him significantly impacts your character. At around one-third of Health, he transforms into a beast, becoming quicker and deadlier. Similar to other initial bosses in FromSoftware games, Father Gascoigne compels players to grasp the unforgiving mechanics by repeatedly challenging them.
5. Murai
Game: Ninja Gaiden
At Number Five we have another hard initial boss Marai in Ninja Gaiden, a series known for its high difficulty, this is proven during the first boss encounter. After battling through ninja hordes, Ryu, (Your character name) confronts Marai wielding a nunchaku. Marai swiftly attacks with slicing manoeuvres, discouraging close combat.
He adeptly blocks your hits, executing quick combos or disruptive grabs. Adopting a defensive stance, allowing Marai to approach, proves more effective, enabling dodges and counterattacks. However, Marai’s swift reactions and powerful combos guarantee Ryu faces multiple defeats.
4. The Kayran
Game: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
The Kayran, one of the unexpectedly difficult initial bosses in The Witcher 2, surprises the player with its strength. While still grasping the game’s controls, Geralt encounters this formidable opponent. The Kayran utilises poison sprays and massive tentacles, posing significant threats.
Players need to sever one of the six tentacles or exhibit impeccable timing to survive. Constant movement is key; a single tentacle strike drains health, keeping players on edge.
3. Phrike
Game: Returnal
Phrike in Returnal is a daunting challenge from the get-go. The game doesn’t hold back, thrusting players into a high-stakes battle with numerous elements making it abundantly clear. The difficult initial boss, Phrike, showcases an array of high-damage attacks typically expected from a late-game boss rather than an initial encounter. Many of these attacks are long-range, delivered through projectiles, area-of-effect waves, or ferocious beams.
Across three phases, Phrike assaults become progressively faster and more potent. Post-launch, even the developer, A Modern Dwelling for Gameplay Innovation Housemarque, acknowledged that Phrike caused most player deaths, partly due to limited resources early on. However, underestimating Phrike should never be an option.
Related: 5 Difficult Bosses in Baldur’s Gate 3 to Fight
2. Iudex Gundyr
Game: Dark Souls III
The 2nd spot among difficult initial bosses is Iudex Gundyr in Dark Souls III by FromSoftware stands out as one of the toughest initial encounters in the Dark Souls series. Twice the player’s size and hitting like a juggernaut, Iudex Gundyr surprisingly possesses swifter movements for someone garbed in heavy armour. His attacks cover substantial ground through long-range stabs or sweeping manoeuvres across the battlefield. If hit, healing becomes crucial, as subsequent attacks could prove even more dangerous. The boss AI keeps the pressure on with swift shoulder charges and stunning stomps, making survival a test of endurance.
1. Vanguard Demon
Game: Demon’s Souls
The Vanguard Demon in Demon’s Souls presents a unique challenge as a difficult initial boss that players aren’t meant to defeat initially. Encountered at the tutorial’s end, players are expected to succumb. However, triumphing against it without perishing advances you into the main game.
The subsequent opportunity arises much later, but the initial encounter poses a significantly greater challenge due to acclimating to the game’s difficulty and lack of resources. Despite its slow movements, the Vanguard Demon’s devastating attacks make short work of anything nearby. Conquering the Vanguard Demon during the tutorial is noteworthy among FromSoftware fans.