Top 10 Best Boss Arenas in the Souls Series

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After ranking the best bosses in dark souls and remastering the best, worst, hardest, and easiest bosses in the souls series, I thought it'd be fun to rank the best and worst areas in Souls with you all submitting your votes. And so we did. Then someone suggested ranking the worst and best boss arenas in the Dark Souls series and I thought...why not?
It was a bit of a weird ranking to try and split what I think about a boss vs. the arena it's in, but it was a lot of fun to work out. I hope you enjoy the video, and if you do, be sure to subscribe for more top 10's, boss rankings, and other great gaming content.
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Sources:
Dark Souls 2 Footage - / @taitenator1949

[@theDeModcracy]

I am immensely hyped for Death Stranding and excited to keep churning out the Metal Gear Solid boss rankings, but wanted to round back and finish the boss arenas for Souls! Hope you enjoy, and be sure to install Raid for Free ✅ IOS: clik.cc/9VjcI ✅ ANDROID: clik.cc/XJFn6 Start with💰50K silver and get a Free Epic Champion 💥 on day 7 of “New Player Rewards” program!

[@cmlya9086]

theDeModcracy I hope you will talk about elden Ring bosses. I especially want to know your Glaive Master Hodir impression

[@Sci-Fi_Freak_YT]

I’m super hyped for Death Stranding as well 👍

[@apocalyptic_0019]

theDeModcracy the alternate name you made for Curserotted Greatwood is godly.

[@scrollkeeper5272]

Archdragon Peak's arena is just perfect. It highlights how you might as well be facing it literal storm through the Nameless King and gives a feeling of hopeless defeat you have to overcome.

[@quiringuenther6594]

you forgot to mention that if you die to Gael you can 1v2 him

[@elzar5987]

Ornstein and smough aren't the only pair in that area that get me ecstatic

[@avunz125]

Try rear ahead

[@yourally2664]

Try finger but hole

[@sham1428]

Amazing chest ahead

[@corporatelettings1786]

Try tounge but hole

[@ggc4183]

you mean Aldrich and the half-eaten Gwyndolin? Yea me too

[@demonhunter651]

Kinda feel like Orphan's desolate shoreline deserved a spot...

[@pyramidhead8968]

I cannot agree more my friend

[@solidsnake9898]

It did. Especially when you get to fight on top of Kos' body.

[@batbot2577]

Totallly

[@megashark1013]

Absolutely. Looks beautiful.

[@joesheridan9451]

100% that's then only one he missed that I think definitely should be on there. Nothing else like it in the whole series

[@azza8504]

Getting PTSD from the executioners chariot respawn run from the bonfire

[@theDeModcracy]

That dude guarding the gate has permanent residence in my nightmares

[@javierc.5837]

Yeah no kidding, I was trying so desperately to kill it on the first go.

[@ASmartNameForMe]

@Colin Stewart it's because of that that I hated the chariot. On repeat runs I don't think it's as bad but still, Those damn whip guys would hit me as I'm entering and I'd be fucked each time. I'd run out of stamina and wouldn't be able to run for a good 3 seconds!

[@cheesecake3036]

I easily dodged the invader but those string bean assholes gave it to me raw countless times. I felt so defeated because I though you had to beat EC to progress.

[@REvoLverj98]

That's the true boss

[@jaredliebergen1179]

Probably just for aesthetics and the music, I like the Divine Dragon's arena.

[@bigbonesicle]

Jared Liebergen might sound a little overboard but the divine dragon was quite literally, beautiful

[@NatesPlayzGamez]

i agree with both of you...i was sure the divine dragon would have been number one..the fight itself is ridiculously easy, but the setting is fantastic :)

[@honkyjesuseternal]

Weird. I played all Souls games several times and never faced a Divine Dragon boss. Are you sure it was in a Souls game?

[@jaredliebergen1179]

@@honkyjesuseternal Sekiro, which I guess is souls-like, not strictly Souls

[@Picksqueal]

@@honkyjesuseternal womp womp

[@Siegward0fCatarina]

I'm honestly Suprised the True Corrupted monk wasn't on here.

[@DomBarGames]

Eh, I'd argue that the branches that allow you to skip phase 2 entirely don't help in boss arena design. And while the aesthetics are great, and encountering this boss you've fought before (but now not an apparition) after the surprising cutscene of being spirited away by a giant rope thing is great, the boss arena itself isn't that great.

[@TimsGamesDoneHard]

@@DomBarGames That mechanic was entirely intentional. It was skipping phase 1 that was unintentional. In a sense, it's partly a puzzle boss. They're turning the usual boss formula on its head and letting you think like a shinobi. Using branches to get up high to find the real Corrupted Monk during the illusions, then stealth strike her. So I think it's a great arena.

[@Barristan14]

my second favourite sekiro boss and boss arena: first is obviously isshin

[@whatislife6101]

It was an intentional mechanic and since both the phases 1 and 2 are basically similar the game just rewards you by doing something more clever, its always been like that in sekiro, the game always rewarded the patient and stealthy players because you know, sekiro is a shinobi afterall

[@jonathon7109]

He is, and the sign of his corruption takes form as a Raid Shadow Legends ad.

[@blakeritchie9088]

3:12 No, it's "SoulsBorne: Elden rings die twice"

[@omerdirekci8857]

This is probably the best way to do it

[@floofbirb4436]

Elden? Look, Tamriel has nothing to do with this, now let me kick that fan.

[@jesterinadeck_2980]

Ömer Direkci. Best way to do it is call it Souls series. As it started with the Souls game.

[@booboo75842]

It should be called the Soft Series because they're from FromSoftware and because it's also ironic

[@Oliver-hd5fk]

Elden soulsborne dies twice

[@VOLTZ1990]

No love for Pinwheel's arena? Filled with books whose pages are tougher than he?

[@dropbear2616]

My tissues are tougher than he is

[@TheSlammurai]

I shouldn't have read this while drinking.

[@jme8134]

It was an amazing moment, entering the Four Kings Arena the first time. Nothing but Darkness. Only the abyss.

[@theDeModcracy]

That's another really good one! Love the drop into nothingness

[@kikiphallin]

That is exactly what I was going to say, one of the most memorable, if not the most memorable.

[@yahia5476]

blacc

[@soulsplayingidiot]

The abyss really throws off my perception of how close I am to the kings.

[@KeDe1606]

@@soulsplayingidiot true. That purple projectile especially is the worst

[@codyhayes3179]

My favorite, by far is Sir Alonne There's just something about it The A E S T H E T I C

[@doncoria9505]

the floor, of course

[@codyhayes3179]

@@doncoria9505 Yes

[@grimhunter4648]

Sir Alonne, master of the sacred art of clean floors

[@soulreaverable]

Squeaky clean floor

[@jonathandevers6609]

Hehe shiny floor

[@LordConstipation]

I love the arenas that are large and barren, namely Gael and Orphan of Kos. There's something so haunting about them. Fighting desperately on the edge of some expanse of nothingness, where the entire universe feels dead and dark, except for you and the monstrous being you have to kill. [SPOILER] Speaking if which, I'm actually a bit surprised Orphan's arena isn't on this list

[@_Atlas.]

I am also surprised. It is not only beautiful and open, but it also gives the player an advantage if they fight on the water. Isshin's grass makes it hard to see his gun and the chairs in freide's arena can get in the way.

[@kaidinlambert4429]

James Coulter Petnic that and moon side lake both deserved a spot imo

[@honkyjesuseternal]

Orphan isn't in a Souls game. It is in the action game Bloodborn.

[@honkyjesuseternal]

@Suni Victor Why not include Lords of the Fallen or Ashen?

[@poffzihavenoidea531]

@@honkyjesuseternal Its a soulslike game by fromsoft

[@_2fcd_978]

Honestly, Midir's arena is one of my favorites. Unlike most bosses in the Fromsoft series, (Which is what I call it instead of the Souls series) Midir is clearly programmed with his arena in mind. They use his wings to have complete control of his positioning so he can do certain attacks and reset whenever he needs to.

[@zoldyck9610]

_ 2FCD _ 100%

[@ascended313]

Also his arena is where the pygmies are seen in the first cutscene in DS1

[@aX0n777]

Agreeeeeeed plus, aesthetics

[@senounatsuru6453]

The fact that you put him there, wounding his pride by doing so, is also what makes me love it.

[@silenceundying]

Sinh the Slumbering Dragon of DS2 was done first and is also a fine example of an arena used well

[@touhouguyII]

I'm surprised Pontiff's fight wasn't mentioned, that arena is drop-dead gorgeous!

[@hydroshock1853]

I agree, even though the benches are a bit of a flaw. Oh, and the Twin Princes, I loved that arena, arguably more than O&S.

[@crimsonbehemoth]

demod: Who's to say your cause is more just? 99% of players: My what?

[@bmg6229]

Wait, did I had a cause, I was just killing more Bosses

[@ggc4183]

you mean Kos, or some say Kosm?

[@help_not_enough_time]

Our cause is just

[@billveusay9423]

"In contrast to revisiting the place where it first began, you're instead revisiting the place where it first ended" Right, but I don't think they would have done the game a favor by setting the final boss in the Undead Asylum :p

[@isaiahhackett7187]

In a way, I could see how that could be really cool. Imagine the whole asylum destroyed (making space for the battle) and the flame is located in the are where your cell would've been.

[@assassinkillerelite]

@@isaiahhackett7187 that's exactly what they did with the twin demon prince boss fight. That whole arena is the original firelink shrine layed to waste and buried.

[@HydragonofDeath]

fun fact gaels red particle effects coming off his cloak in phase 2 are skull shaped while midirs when hes about to do the pulse attack are ghost shaped

[@thejoke1092]

Don't they look like the humanity sprites from ds1?

[@joesheridan9451]

Pretty sure midirs are humanity

[@thejoke1092]

@Abserd O apparently like my girlfriend's text messages

[@Hainekolol]

@@thejoke1092 OOF

[@TheStraightestWhitest]

@@thejoke1092 Need a hug bro?

[@TarbenXsi]

Honorable mention to Sif - fighting on top of Artorias' grave, his master's sword in his mouth, the broken weapons of the dozens who have tried before you...

[@taterskins1033]

In honor of our #1 pick: At the end of the final Age of Fire, the last two undead of an ashen wasteland fight for the last and most ancient of the artifacts. This is their song. At the end of time the ancient dragons have fallen alongside the gods who slew them. The once great lords are nought but cinder - their heirs only maddened beasts. The world is left but ash and ruins. One of dark, only fit for cannon fodder, mad with the power the very gods feared. The other of ash, not fit to even be cinder, wielding the strength that toppled the gods themselves. Both unyielding in their purpose. Both destined to break the shackles the gods placed upon them. Two nobodies, fighting over nothing, in the middle of nowhere: a battle no one will remember, for a cause long forgotten. One last time Fire will do battle with the Dark, at the end of the world. It is the end of the final Age of Fire. The last two undead of an ashen wasteland fight for the last and most ancient of artifacts. This is their song. It ends in fire and blood, in lighting and dust, in rust and dunes of ash, stretching across the infinite horizon. The world ends not with a feeble whisper, or a gentle breeze, or a fleeting final breath. It ends in a Gael.

[@yoloytgames4047]

OH MY GOD THAT WAS REALLY COOL

[@aX0n777]

Fighting over "nothing"? I suppose if you adopt the theory that the ashen one jumped through time to fight Gael then yes, "the dark soul" (or its pigment) is basically meaningless in THE CURRENT TIME but that's the thing, time is convoluted and if the dark soul doesn't matter "now" it most definitely matters in the past, the past that YOU CAN GET BACK TO, so i don't really think they're fighting over nothing, at least not in the current time

[@aX0n777]

Wonderful comment btw

[@scottbecker4367]

*Applause*

[@ohburgermucks6287]

midir>gael

[@zero0092]

The guardian ape from sekiro has a beautiful arena

[@potatomatop9326]

I remember missing that plunge attack jump and died. The ancient wyvern's like are you a meth head? Fun times

[@theDeModcracy]

We've all been there. Me more times than I'd care to admit

[@annythekettle7031]

I died so many times to that fucking flappy lizard! I keep messing up the plunge ;(

[@wescole5979]

One time, I had the dragon stuck on the other side of the boss arena, so it was literally impossible for me to plunge.

[@annythekettle7031]

@@wescole5979 nooo :(

[@krenze1164]

"Tonight, Gehrmann joins the hunt"

[@tallgeese8752]

Glad to see the Executioner's Chariot getting some love. It's the only "puzzle boss" that I really like in these games.

[@yunus-bo2vv]

Best gimmick boss. What a shame the runback is an absolute grind...

[@NamTran-uy6wg]

Most important arena: Bed of chaos without the arena, there is no boss

[@honkyjesuseternal]

Still beats all the Bloodborn boss arenas which is a pretty low action bar.

[@cucumber7199]

@@honkyjesuseternal You can't even spell the name of the game you're hating on. Idiotic troll

[@SamsarasArt]

@@honkyjesuseternal I honestly enjoyed most of bloodborne's boss. But then again i prefer a frenetic pace to my bosses and I love the victorian horror setting

[@honkyjesuseternal]

@@SamsarasArt Yeah, but you are a weeb.

[@kaelinfrancis4965]

@@honkyjesuseternal you make no sense

[@karimelmalt1673]

My top 3 arena's are: 1. Soul of cinder 2. Isshin, the sword saint/Gehrman, the first hunter 3. Orstein and Smough

[@tactic4795]

What about gaels arena

[@karimelmalt1673]

The greattactictictac Liked it, would've been nr.4

[@TheStraightestWhitest]

@@karimelmalt1673 Nameless King?

[@jesterinadeck_2980]

Straight White Male. Areas literally fog and some statues pretty bland.

[@rangedweevil6150]

Aldrich's Arena is the dame as Ornstein and Smough, and I like the ruined, polluted aesthetic better than the clean chapel look

[@darkwraith9548]

That one dislike is from Bed of Chaos

[@Paulito-ym4qc]

oh no, there are 15 beds now, quick, help me killing them!

[@waveburner1254]

@@Paulito-ym4qc Yeah... No! I'm not dealing with them, good luck on your own. However, if they're not as cheap as the original, I'm willing to help.

[@grfrjiglstan]

No Old Iron King arena? 0/10, unsubbed, uninstalled Raid Shadow Legends

[@williesamdavis503]

MattheJ1 was looking for this comment 😂

[@jamiefenwick8359]

That small hole in the floor is the real boss fight there...

[@gokulnaths2352]

That hole killed me more times than boss 😂😂😂

[@epithet052]

"#9 Gyoubu Oniwa" Demon of Hatred: am I a joke to you

[@cosmic2750]

Aren't they the same arenas?

[@nolanc9432]

@@cosmic2750 yeah that’s what the joke was

[@nolanc9432]

but Gyoubu fits the arena more than the Demon Of Hatred does, despite the fire ring looking absolutely amazing.

[@Mr1makkawi]

Corrupted Monk arena at the bridge is beautiful

[@JEST3R_]

Swear to God if soul of cinder isn't on here imma lose it

[@JEST3R_]

Also it should be called the "Sekiro-Souls-Borne" series

[@thetommytrontommyrose6497]

JEST3R Both versions of the Kiln were always a couple of my favorite arenas in the series (especially in Dark Souls 1, since it had those pillars to shield yourself from Gwyn).

[@gullraiznadeem2548]

@@thetommytrontommyrose6497 true men stand in the middle and parry him repeatedly

[@markzsebedics7573]

@@gullraiznadeem2548 Thats the easier way

[@thetommytrontommyrose6497]

Gullraiz Nadeem Well, I’m just saying, if you don’t want to parry him, or if you need to run away from him to heal, the pillars are good for blocking him. But hey, at least I have gotten to defeat him with just parries.

[@octupleye3489]

Gascoigne's arena was amazing. It allows you to take control of the situation, and at the same time if he gets you into a wall you can just as well put down your controller. Really liked the design of the area as well. Iconic, practical and fun.

[@GtaRockt]

Friede is one of my favourite bossbattles ever.. When I first "beat her" (as in the 2nd phase) with like no Estus left... and wondering why there is no bonfire popping up.. and then she entered phase 3 I was like "oh shit" it was glorious

[@kabyabanerjee7858]

"When the ashes are two, a flame alighteth..." Damn I still get goosebumps from that dialogue and then Friede rises.. The health bar fills up..." Blackflame Friede"... And then she does the double spinning combo in the air with the stunning drop AoE attack.. Damn I was in awe!!

[@Nazo-kage]

When it came to slave knight Gaal there’s one aspect to him that always filled me with dread. If/when you die to him on the first try each subsequent attempts as soon as soon as you go through the door you can look off in the distance and see him very quickly coming at you. Just watching hem run at you on all fours always filled me with the sense of “he is so going to kill me.”

[@waveburner1254]

I have some favorites I miss here: Ludwig the Holy accursed The walk to the arena is horrifying. It may have not the best layout, but seeing these piles of corpses that are still alive and the horrifying intro gives you the feeling that you're gonna have a hard time with what's coming next. High Lord Wolganor (If you get the reference, you're awesome) The first time you're walking in this pitch black arena to the only light source just to get spooped is amazing. While Wolnir is a pushover, they did a great job with the arena. Wolnir tries to escape the abyss while the abyss tries to consume him and you. And the only way to survive is staying in front of Wolnir to be save from the abyssal Fog. It may not be the best mechanic but it did a great job with Wolnirs lore. And you as a player feel and fear it too. And last Pontiff Sulyvahn The Music, the Cathedral, gosh anything about this boss! I love it so much! The Music perfectly fits the arena and the fight with him is without doubt one of the best in the entire BloodSoulsEldenSekiro franchise.

[@lukenolin1105]

Still think the room at the top of the Clocktower where you fight Lady Maria is easily the coolest looking arena. Love the atmosphere of that fight.

[@cyclespx2434]

i can't be the only one who loves taurus demon's arena, i really love how you're forced to look for other options as with the boss's strong attacks and your small little bridge, you don't have much room to work with, causing you to look to the tower for a plunging attack (or just be my friend and spam firebombs from up there)

[@theapprentice2058]

Waiting for top 10 trees next

[@gerritdeman6410]

Believe it or not but this madlad over here (Indeimaus, maybe you know of him) already sort of did it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpLTiIaKqd99hsU He also has two top 10 dark soul stones, top 10 dark souls lightsources and more.

[@doomer2electricboogaloo730]

2: Firelink Shrine DS1

[@GOD-mp7zf]

Honestly I thought the place where you fought father gasgouine would be on here since it gives a lot of lore of his family like how he went there to kill beasts and ended up murdering his wife, then after this Henryk came searching for daughter who was murdered by his step son and brother in arms. Aside from that the arena gives you lots of advantages like the tomb stones to hide from Gascoigne in his first stage and another way to defend yourself Is by using the note box that is given to you by one of his two daughters I know why I didn't get on this list since it doesn't look great and it's more of away to separate two areas but but it is one of the most important areas in the game

[@joesheridan9451]

Yeah that arena is awesome. Straight out of a gothic horror film

[@GOD-mp7zf]

@@joesheridan9451 yeah I think that fight was actually got me into the entire franchise tbh

[@ChrisPerrault]

"doesn't look great", idk man...personally I really love the claustrophobic feel with the tightly placed tombstones, the dim lighting with fog, and of course his theme. It also effectively serves as a great transition from Yarnham to Cathedral Ward, both aesthetically and as a way of saying "if you can't beat this guy, you're fucked"

[@juliocapeles1889]

Yea you being able to use the tombstones during his first phase was clutch but completely goes out the window once he transforms, I thought that was a cool touch

[@wamas1234]

@@GOD-mp7zf I'm pretty sure that Father g went out hunting and when his wife went out to find him she got kill by the beasts in yharnnam and when father g saw his wife the beast took over and drove him mad to the point where he couldn't see the difference between friend or foe. That's why in the cutscene we see him kill the beast that killed his wife and why when we play the music it speeds up his transformation, because when he hears the music it reminds him of his dead wife and that drives him into beasthood.

[@assassinkillerelite]

Slave knight Gael was by far my favorite arena honestly. Souls of cinder was a great end to a series, but slave knight Gael gives you a look at a world you've been fighting through for three games now completely void of life or light, what makes it that much more whole is having both Anor Londo and Drangleic Castle visible in the back ground, giving further proof that several eras were merging together like you saw in the dreg heap.

[@profesor_ignor6282]

Those times when it was just Soulsborne...now we're at Elden-ekiro-blood-souls. I'm so proud at our community

[@crow.p828]

You should do a Top 10 Best Soundtrack in the Soul Series next

[@lifetroubles1601]

I just put this comment down without scrolling... you did it first😂

[@seandewell9319]

Is any soundtrack better than Gwyn's theme?

[@jesterinadeck_2980]

Sean Dewell. I liked King Vendricks. The track you get when you first walk into his arena is depressing and fits so well with what you are witnessing.

[@hyhy2235]

Sean Dewell For me gwyn and ludwig phase 2 are the best.

[@joelharrison4654]

Nah bruhs nameless song on the ds1 credits is best song

[@georgethomas4567]

For me it would be Demon Prince's arena. It's similar to O@S in the fact that it starts as a gank only to end fighting a super version of one of them and the arena has the massive size to be able to handle this. But also the fact that the arena is the OG firelink shrine. Right down to the well, hollowed out trapdoor that ol' skin flaps comes out from, and the circle in the center where the bonfire used to belong. It's kinda uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time to see it but also see that's it's all in ruins. Just my personal opinion but I fell in love with it because it just fits the dark souls theme of everything comes to end but part of it still lives on in one way or another.

[@mcuniboob5751]

I think it’s amazing how on every single top 10 [blank] in the souls series, Gael has appeared in the top 5 on all of them apart from the ones before the dlc

[@kurtallen12]

Great list and great video. Personally, I value aesthetics and overall uniqueness/feel a lot. Some arenas that would be considerations for my list not mentioned here would be Sir Alonne's, Nameless King, Lothric and Lorian, False King Allant, Divine Dragon, Orphan of Kos, Ancient Dragon, the series just has so many great ones. Keep the videos coming my man!

[@bradensmith8682]

I really enjoyed Sir Alonnes arena with the light peaking in and the reflective, shiny floor. It seemed like an eerie perch to watch the horrors of the iron keep be created.

[@fightme3360]

Bed of chaos number one LMAO 🤦‍♂️

[@enjoyer2227]

Well, it actually isn't that bad to look at. If you're willing to forget about the bullshit taking place there.

[@niggadogeater]

I love orphans arena. The moon is gorgeous along with him staring out past all the shipwrecks.

[@tommyhamilton907]

The first one I truly feel in love with was abyss watchers . I just wish he had more life and the fight lasted a bit longer but seeing that battle arena knowing what they are there for and it looking like a PvP arena was amazing. Glad you get to go back and fight in it again against hawkwood

[@zachcarr6345]

I love how Gael's arena is so big that Shira's arena is inside of it

[@rngesusthethird5082]

God i love this video. It expresses everything i want to say myself into something beautiful. Not only that you hit the nail on the head with everything. In the end its about how the stage ultimattely compliments the boss, even if its just aesthetics. May i also say i love the new tone in the opening. Idk if you noticed or even intended for it, but the music in the intro mixed with your energy is something amazing. Keep up the fantastic work. -Nick

[@theDeModcracy]

Thanks for the really thoughtful comment! I do try to match the energy in the beginning with the tunes I choose, so I'm glad it came across well. Cheers!

[@rngesusthethird5082]

@@theDeModcracy Cheers!

[@doom7850]

I like how the “soulstubers” I watch have their own connections to Gael, like he uses a broken sword like zerolenny and is an old man with a similar face under the hood to limitbreakers

[@mathiaskrell4655]

Chilling video Dmod! Made me relieve the feels of every one of these boss encounters like the first time but from another perspective!! Keep it going 💪🏽

[@chaoskiller6084]

We don't deserve so many DeMod uploads in such a short time! This is to good to be real!

[@DaMann707]

No love for Sir Allone, Rom, Orphan, Nameless King, Midir, Divine Dragon? Fromsoft really outdid themselves with the area design that I figure they deserve a little shoutout. Good list by the way.

[@TheConspiratorist]

It’s funny he won’t mention those, but he’ll praise 4 final boss arenas, even though they’re basically the same empty, bland, uninspired arena. To add to your list, The Looking Glass Knight and The Ancient Wyvern have absolutely stellar boss arenas.

[@thelaststeakbender3150]

@@TheConspiratorist you gotta admit, the Isshin Sword Saint fight is pretty goddamn cool. Returning to the place where it began and the tiny details, such as a fluff of the grass rising during the cutscene, showing that Kurt has fallen. The way the arena evolves throughout the fight is just awesome. Especially final phase, with all the lightning and wind.

[@irvancrocs1753]

9:40 Now you said that, imagine how nightmarish Gael fight if they use Capra Demon's arena..

[@TheCompleteMental]

I absolutely love the photegenic position of champion gundyr before the fight, appearing ceremonial, then the arena transforming from a shrine to a ring you two have a bout in. It fits with his lore and his mechanics/fighting style in game as a coming of skill, even comparable to fighting your master. Iudex prepares you for the game, Champion tests how far you've come, and the desolate age of dark his arena takes place in shows just how meaningful this test is

[@Hinaatje]

Great list as always man! Also very happy to see burnt ivory king in there. I love that boss and the knights u bring

[@ArbitraryGravity]

The hidden temple of Hirata Estate is one of my favorites. Throughout Sekiro, the symbols of Buddha and fire both represent death, so what better place for Wolf to have died for the first time than a room filled with flames, beneath a gigantic Bodhisattva statue. The significance of this arena increases exponentially when it is reused for the showdown with Owl, resulting in arguably the most personally important victory for Wolf. It's fitting that the very first shot of the reveal trailer showed this room.

[@squidly3480]

Gyoubu Oniwa To me has an amazing intro. Just the feeling of this massive dude storming out on horse back screaming is pretty damn amazing to me. It really makes the fight feel that more epic.

[@randomdudeonthenet6574]

Man I love your rankings videos. Good job

[@AEGISDEFENSE]

What makes Gaels story more amazing is that he knew he would not return and he needed the player to complete the Dark Soul and give it to his lady.

[@semiotikos1576]

Gwyn's will always be my favorite. Everything from the black knights that succumbed to the darkness protecting the final flame to the hollow husk of a cavern containing the final dregs of a bygone era made it easily the greatest scene in Fromsoft history for me. I love each of the top 3, but I just can't justify taking aesthetics (even if it is often packaged with a lot of lore significance) over the incredible atmosphere of the Kiln of the First Flame.

[@Milanv0908]

Why am i so sad... i never get that feeling of playing a souls game again... i want back in time

[@thelongestdongrod190]

I love the looking glass knight arena, the combination of the night and rain on top of a black castle was just beautiful

[@TheConspiratorist]

Literally. Probably best boss arena in the series, mechanics and all.

[@pieterjacobusmuller3353]

Great video, thanks Demod! I loved the Orphen of Kos boss arena as well.

[@dad6765]

Sir alonne, Rom, looking Glass Knight, and midir all have very nice looking arenas that look nicer than most arenas. But I like how your list focuses on more than just looks. So I ain't mad, in fact I agree with you

[@TheConspiratorist]

Which is weird of you to say considering he chose 4 final boss arenas, and each of those arenas are essentially the same uninspired arena-no obstacles, no arena mechanics, not even interesting thematically. It worked with Gwyn, but it fell flat with the rest. Neshandra at least had the decency to build up her fight with you, including being relevant to the entire story of the game, having an interesting design and unique mechanics, and occupying a markedly unique final boss arena in comparison to say the Soul of Cinder, Gascoigne, and Genichiro (essentially all those three have the same final boss room).

[@alexnowak4921]

Every time I see Gael’s fight in a video, I just wanna go fight him again and again.

[@Darkyan97]

I specifically made a separate backup save file ony my desktop so I can fight him over and over again.

[@NewMetallica]

DeMod always awesome to see a new souls ranking video! One new idea: What about a top 10 best boss SOUNDTRACKS? The Souls series has such great soundtracks... for example Gehrman, Abyss Watchers, Gwyn etc. Don't know if you are one for listening to the music, but damn I love it. Perhaps one based on a fan poll?

[@Cirkusleader]

Honestly I think my favorite boss arena (and boss in general) is Midir. Fighting a massive abyss-tainted dragon in an equally abyss-tainted lake inside a cavern is just so amazing to me. The best word I can use to describe it is "haunting". There's a dark, sad beauty to that boss. You're putting down a dragon who suffered for the good of everyone and went berserk in the process. In his one area of tranquility you storm in to perform "knighthoods highest calling" and put him out of his misery. Gods above I love that cave.

[@zoldyck9610]

Colton Shiffer He’s my favorite boss i miss him 😔

[@jackgentry3731]

First time I went into his arena, nothing happened and then I hear "MY NAME IS GYOUBU MASATAKA ONIWA" in Japanese not realizing the subtitles, I pissed my pants

[@mattvolle580]

Only one I disagree with is Pursuer. The boss was a great boss and I agree that the arena was fantastic. However, in my opinion, I would have put Yhorm's arena in its place in this list. I just feel that his arena better compliments the boss itself than Pursuer. There's just something about walking into what is truly a massive Great Hall covered in corpses and shadow with pillars that dwarf you running the span of it and to have the giant king who rules it rise from the throne and approach, ready for combat. Also, from a mechanics perspective I believe it compliments the boss as well. The Pillars and narrow space between them provide ample opportunity to avoid Yhorm, allowing you to charge your attacks from the one weapon that he was weak to, which he kept next to his throne always. The fight isn't particularly hard or anything like that but the intensity and gravity of the fight, especially if you have Seigward fighting alongside you, are greatly shown through the arena in which the fight takes place. Just my opinion though.

[@theDeModcracy]

Well said! I didn't even have Yhorm on my short list when drafting the ranking, but you make a great case for why he should've been on there. I think for me it's a matter of playstyle. I've always charged the Storm Ruler right under him, so I didn't think to make use of the pillars as much. Always interesting to see how playstyles differ!

[@mattvolle580]

@@theDeModcracy yeah. I've always found the mad dash to grab and equip storm ruler and then backing away to charge the weapon while rolling and sprinting between pillars as Yhorm bears down on you to be extremely fun. If you have Seigward with you, he does the same thing, and I just have always thought the ability to use the arena to constrain his movements with the environment added to the feeling that you are truly facing down a giant. The fight isn't very difficult or complicated but it's always held a special place for me because of the arena and the atmosphere the arena brings to the fight along with the lore

[@The1of1000]

Just beat Gael an hour ago. One of the best boss fights I’ve ever had in a video game. The arena when the dust picks up and the lightning starts to strike is absolutely fucking amazing.

[@slinpel3801]

Lovely video, keep up the good work dmod

[@milansubotic7674]

To be honest I was expecting Looking Glass Knight but now that I think about it, other that the ASTHETICS it's kinda small and when it's a gank it can become overwhelming so I do agree. P. S. Thanks for the awesome content keep it up Demod!

[@battlemummy007]

I like mergo’s wet nurse’s boss arena and orphan of kos’s I just wish that for the end of Bloodborne dlc instead of fighting orphan the boss would b the greatest beast from soft could imagine in order to bring u back to your roots of hunting beasts instead of great ones

[@bdizzle7072]

Loved the list. Hard to contest this. There are so many good ones to choose from though. Like Orphan of Kos and Ludwig for example. Both aesthetically pleasing and fitting for the bosses. Ludwig's stairs make for an interesting mechanic in the fight too (albeit a relatively minor one) and dancing on the corpse of Kos? Mmm. Similarly Logarius and the slope/towers made for a really cool casting fight, one of the few casting bosses done that well in any franchise. The Dancer I think deserves mention because of the flaming pillars when you hit them with a fire attack. Tarus Demon because of your ability to fight him in whichever place you prefer:bridge or tower, and also potentially get a plunging attack. I loved that arena after I figured out Tarus would follow you up the ladder. Divine Dragon for aesthetics. Just.... So many good arenas.

[@DarthStalkers]

The Four Kings abyss is so cool. I know it’s just blackness, but damn it’s so haunting when you drop down, wait a little in darkness and silence. Then the choir goes nuts as a Four King is spawned all the way on the other side. Love it!

[@myshkin_7951]

I agree with all of this, but I'm a little sad to not see the Demon of Hatred on here ngl :/ (oh and also Kos)

[@DomBarGames]

I mean, the Demon of Hatred's arena is on this list, just not on fire ;)

[@pyramidhead8968]

ORPHAN YESSSSSSSSS

[@myshkin_7951]

@@DomBarGames true but that fire adds a lot for me

[@YoloMcCheesy]

Loved how the way to the arena looked with all the fire/scratches and the dialogue about the sculpture/demon

[@ZexionII]

Do a boss ranking of Raid: Shadow Legends, since it is apparently worth endorsing. Tell us exactly what you think of the bosses in that game, how challenging and engaging they are.

[@jober1905]

*Angry Orphan of Kos noises* C’mon! Fighting the Orphan on top of it’s dead mother, with the wind and the rain hitting you harsh, while the sunken ships sway in the background is beautiful!

[@Alice-dp7nv]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the building storm in the background of isshin. It's cool enough on its own but the way it perfectly matches the increasingly chaotic battle is incredible

[@alessandrovittorio1087]

Divine Dragon from Sekiro? Where is it?

[@TheStraightestWhitest]

In the same place as the Namless King's arena; forgotten.

[@NobleLeader6]

It's a bland arena honestly. Mostly clouds, with where the dragon was. A great boss fight, music is amazing, cinematic as all hell, but a bland arena.

[@thelaststeakbender3150]

You have to reach the Fountainhead palace and progress up the mountain to the fight.

[@Dragon-King1232]

Hey DeMod! Love the videos!

[@SamsarasArt]

What I loved most about gaels arena was it was literally the whole area. It's absolutely massive and epic as fuck. Like you said Gael is a reflection of the player and the world is their battlefield.

[@soulless6804]

Most beautiful arena in soul series - Midir's Cave (in my opinion)

[@zoldyck9610]

Kutazzz z He’s my favorite boss 😔 i miss him

[@lordmouldybutt2712]

Ludwig’s definitely should have been in this wtf, his intro alone deserves him a spot

[@vincentlasante23]

I like the Lady Butterfly arena from Sekirop a lot. In my own opinion the size is perfect, big enough to let you maneuver and escape some attacks while small enough to let you get back to her quickly. And the pillars cleverly placed to serve you right to evade her summoned butterflies while not in your way when you don't need them. And the aestetic aspect like the fire on the roof that let go of some burning ashes to remind you of the burning village on the surface, the dirt floor and worn out wooden pillars and stone statues on the sides everything is nice and feel it belongs there.

[@Dankumemes]

I loved the orphan of kos stage. The eerieness of the whole stage with kos corpse just laying there while the orphan wails and cries when fighting you and the big moon in the background really sold it to me

[@sickomobamba9619]

I play Raid and non of those champion names at the begging match the actual champions lol

[@mitchelldaly4161]

I personally feel like Rom should've been on the list, but otherwise well done.

[@theDeModcracy]

Ooooh that's a good one.

[@mitchelldaly4161]

@@theDeModcracy Yeah, plus the story significance is really high. Orphan of Kos should've been in contention too.

[@igormenegat5425]

Its like cursed rotted greatwood, has a Nice arena but Its a terrible Bossfight

[@mitchelldaly4161]

@@igormenegat5425 In all honesty Rom was not terrible. At very least the giant potato had HUGE story significance in holding back the blood moon and definitely was a better boss overall that Puss Balls the Tree.

[@TheStraightestWhitest]

@@mitchelldaly4161 Rom's bossfight is in my opinion the second worst in the entire Soulsborne-Die Twice series to date, after the Bed of Chaos of course. The Defiled Chalice version is literally the hardest and most unfair boss as well.

[@swimminguniverse8606]

9:55 looked like the moon presence there for a sec

[@ivoarmstrong9894]

The beach of kos is one that I've always really liked, with how nice the view of the darkened sun looks with an endless sea filled with ship wrecks and the corpse of an alien below it. I also like how the arena is enormous but you just can't tell which causes you to think that you're much more constricted in places to go while orphan is yeowing towards you at breakneck pace.

[@nicmanza4657]

Ds1's kiln was the most beautiful, imposing thing ever

[@Voidkin_]

To me Slave Knight Gael has: Best Boss Arena Best OST Best Bossfight Gael is the best in everything. Gael is the best.

[@theblacksky9516]

My boy Gael tanked both Sister Friede and Demon Prince for me. When I find out I had to put him down, I shed a tear.

[@Voidkin_]

@@theblacksky9516 dude my ds3 profile im in NG+19 i guess and everytime i complete the game i reach as fast as possible cathedral of the deep just to beat sister friede to reach the ringed city jusssst to kill slave boy gael...... i really love him

[@theblacksky9516]

Bear Face He’s amazing! If only the Xbox version had mods, I’d be fighting him over and over again.

[@Voidkin_]

@@theblacksky9516 yeah i copy the save before i kill him to when i kill him i put the old save xDD i have the ds3 steam version

[@Voidkin_]

@Devin Taylor wow NG+334 thats pretty nice how many time was on your profile??!!?!?!?

[@trizeven]

I really liked the arena of the Abyss Watchers, starting from your approach to the entrance door while you can hear the clanking of steel clashing. And with all the corpses lying around you really get a feel for how long they must have fought each other. Which I think culminates when you fight the last, powered up one on top of the corpses of his former comrades, who joined their souls together. It really drives the character of the Watchers home, that, in contrast to the other Lords of Cinder, they aren't a powerful individual that linked the Flame, but a group who chaired the burden. In their final act they reunited to fight you, after you witnessed their strife, they left their bodies behind to fight as one one last time, and the corpses that fill the room, that are left behind, on which they make their final stand, really make you feel that way. At least it makes me feel that way.

[@houssemsama1535]

more ranking more fun thx for the video dude :D

[@ChibiGwen]

Where was "dont wake daddy" meme DeMod? Anyway My fav boss arena are: Abyss Watchers' graveyard - Ghru that want to stop Dark Wraiths from reaching Abyss Watchers while in the backgroud you hear clashes of blades, when you finally take your first step to the place where they where fighting you see dead Watchers on the ground and others fighting each others and you as a player came there to put those sleepless warriors to rest. Midir's lair - possibly it is place where Dark Soul was found, big lore

[@soapmactavish5223]

Elden ring will take all the top spots now

[@LuM4rex]

Nope. SoC and Gael/Gherman #1

[@bradyward2177]

Man, I liked Sekiro at launch, but man it's grown on me so much all year, it's such a fun game

[@connermayheu6759]

My only change would be to put Martyr Logarious somewhere in this list. Fighting on top of the castle in the snow was an epic encounter and one I look forward to on every play through. As always great content!

[@purplehaze2358]

I've said it once, and I'll say it again. I refuse to use Raid.