In Soulslike games, secret bosses offer some of the most intense and rewarding challenges. Unlike main bosses, these encounters are optional and often hidden behind cryptic requirements or difficult conditions. They’re designed to test your skill, patience, and mastery of the game’s mechanics, making them a thrilling experience for seasoned players.
What sets secret bosses apart is that they often require extra effort to discover and access. Whether it’s a hidden area, a special item, or completing complex tasks, you’ll need to go off the beaten path to find them.
But the payoff is significant: these bosses often feature unique attacks and mechanics that make for some of the most memorable and satisfying battles in Soulslike games.
We’ll show you how to reach them, provide strategies for surviving their toughest attacks, and offer tips to help you claim victory. From Mogh, Lord of Blood, to the Nameless King and Mad Clown, let’s uncover the hidden challenges that await.
In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the hardest secret bosses in popular Soulslike games, including Elden Ring, Dark Souls III, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Nioh, and Lies of P.
What Are Secret Bosses in Souls-Likes?
Secret bosses are optional, often hidden enemies that players can choose to fight for extra challenge, lore, and rewards. Unlike mainline bosses that are required to progress the story, these bosses are usually tucked away in secret areas or behind special in-game triggers, making them easy to miss.
These bosses typically offer greater difficulty and often have unique mechanics that test your skills to the limit. Defeating them is often seen as a badge of honor for Soulslike veterans.
Elden Ring: Mogh, Lord of Blood
How to Get to Mogh, Lord of Blood
Mogh, Lord of Blood, is one of the hardest secret bosses in Elden Ring, known for his complex attack patterns and healing mechanics. To access this boss, follow these steps:
- Find the Entrance to Mohgwyn Palace: Mogh resides in Mohgwyn Palace, which can be accessed via a secret area known as the Moghwyn Dynasty Mausoleum. You’ll need to travel to the Siofra River and use a Bloodhound’s Fang to gain access to this area. Alternatively, you can enter the area by using a festering, bloody finger near a specific NPC in the game.
- Navigating Mohgwyn Palace: Once inside, navigate through the deadly environment filled with bloodthirsty enemies. The layout can be confusing, so be patient and thorough as you explore.
- Facing Mogh: The fight against Mogh is challenging due to his blood-based attacks, which can inflict bleed damage on you. His Bloodflame attacks are particularly dangerous, so dodging and keeping your distance is crucial.
Tips for Beating Mogh
- Keep moving: Mogh’s attacks come quickly, and staying in one place can result in devastating damage.
- Bring blood resistance gear: The more you resist bleed, the easier this fight will be.
- Use summons: Consider using summons to distract Mogh, as this will give you more opportunities to deal damage.
Dark Souls III: The Nameless King
How to Get to The Nameless King
The Nameless King is an optional secret boss in Dark Souls III, known for being one of the toughest bosses in the game. To fight him, you must first access the Archdragon Peak area.
- Reach Archdragon Peak: To get to the Nameless King, you must reach Archdragon Peak by accessing the area after defeating Yhorm the Giant. This area is hidden, and it’s not immediately obvious how to get there. You’ll have to pass through Lothric Castle, followed by a series of difficult platforming and environmental challenges.
- Defeat the First Phase: The Nameless King begins the fight riding a Stormdrake, which makes the first phase a test of mobility and damage avoidance. You’ll need to dodge his electric attacks while taking down the dragon.
- Fight the Nameless King: Once you defeat the dragon, the Nameless King himself will join the fight, and this is where the battle truly begins. His lightning-fast attacks, combined with devastating electric AoE moves, will put your reaction time and endurance to the test.
Tips for Beating the Nameless King
- Prepare for the Lightning: The Nameless King’s attacks revolve around lightning, so wearing armor that has high lightning resistance is a must.
- Stay patient: The Nameless King’s second phase can seem overwhelming, but take your time and watch his moves carefully. Be ready to dodge and strike during his recovery windows.
- Focus on the Stormdrake: The first phase of the fight can be avoided by simply dealing with the dragon efficiently. Stay close enough to him to avoid the long-range electric attacks, but be ready to move quickly.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice; Isshin, The Sword Saint
How to Trigger the Isshin Fight
Isshin, the Sword Saint, is the final boss of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and one of the hardest encounters in any Soulslike games. To fight him, you need to trigger the Shura Ending or progress through the main storyline and then reach the Inner Sanctum.
- Unlock the Shura Ending: To access the fight, you must follow the Shura Ending path. This involves making specific decisions, such as killing certain characters in the game, which alters the storyline and triggers the final boss fight against Isshin.
- Fight Through the Phases: Isshin is a multi-phase boss that tests all the combat mechanics of Sekiro. He begins the fight using a katana, but as the battle progresses, he will switch to using a gun and sword simultaneously, making him even more deadly.
Tips for Beating Isshin
- Master Parrying: Isshin is a master of using the posture system, so you must be perfect with your parries and deflections to survive.
- Learn the Attack Patterns: Isshin has multiple phases, each with its own set of attacks. Memorizing these patterns is crucial for success.
- Keep Moving: Isshin’s rapid combos require precise movement and dodging, so always be on the move, never staying in one spot for too long.
Nioh: Date Masamune
How to Access Date Masamune
Date Masamune is an optional secret boss in Nioh, and while he is accessible in the main game, he’s hidden behind a series of challenging quests and tasks.
- Reach the Defiled Castle: Date Masamune is located in the Defiled Castle. To get there, you’ll need to complete several missions, including defeating key bosses in the main campaign.
- Tackle His Unique Combat Style: Unlike many other bosses in Nioh, Date Masamune uses both fast katana moves and heavy spear attacks, making him a multi-phase challenge. His dual-wielding style demands precision and timing to avoid damage.
Tips for Beating Date Masamune
- Avoid the Spear: Date Masamune’s spear moves are some of his deadliest attacks, so keep your distance during this phase.
- Watch for Quick Combos: His katana attacks are quick and deadly, so wait for an opening to strike after his combos.
- Use Fire or Lightning: Date Masamune is weak to elemental attacks, especially fire and lightning.
Lies of P: The Mad Clown
How to Get to The Mad Clown
In Lies of P, The Mad Clown is one of the hardest secret bosses, known for his unpredictable attacks and intense combat style. To access him, you must unlock the secret areas toward the end of the game.
- Find the Hidden Entrance: The entrance to the Mad Clown’s arena is hidden in a secret, locked area. You’ll need to explore deep into the game’s post-campaign regions to find it.
- Prepare for the Battle: Once you’ve entered the Mad Clown’s lair, prepare for an intense battle where timing and precision are key.
Tips for Beating the Mad Clown
- Study the Attack Patterns: The Mad Clown has several attack phases, each more chaotic than the last. Watch for his openings and punish accordingly.
- Use Quick Dodges: His moves are fast and devastating, so be ready to dodge at a moment’s notice.
- Get the High Ground: If possible, use elevated areas to gain an advantage, as this will help you avoid some of his deadliest attacks.
General Tips for Taking on Secret Bosses
Before attempting any secret boss, make sure you are adequately prepared. This includes upgrading your weapons, armor, and making sure you have plenty of healing items.
Many of these bosses deal serious damage and require precise movements, so having the best gear is essential.
Mental and Tactical Strategies
- Patience is key. These bosses are designed to test your limits, so don’t get discouraged if you fail a few times.
- Know when to retreat. Sometimes, the best strategy is to step back, reassess, and come up with a new plan of attack.
Using Summons and Co-Op to Your Advantage
While co-op play isn’t always available for secret bosses, where it is, it can be an invaluable tool. Use summons to distract the boss and create openings for you to land hits.
Conclusion
Facing secret bosses in Soulslike games is one of the most rewarding experiences a player can have. These bosses not only test your skills to the max but also offer a sense of pride once you defeat them.
Whether it’s Mogh, Lord of Blood in Elden Ring, or the Mad Clown in Lies of P, these encounters are designed for those who seek the ultimate challenge. Use the tips and strategies mentioned in this article to prepare yourself and conquer these legendary foes.
Remember, the hardest bosses often bring the greatest rewards, so step up and take on the challenge of secret bosses in Soulslike games!
FAQ
What are secret bosses in Soulslike games?
Secret bosses are optional, hidden enemies that offer challenging battles and unique rewards.
How do I access Mogh, Lord of Blood, in Elden Ring?
You can access Mohg by reaching Mohgwyn Palace, located in the Siofra River, using a festering bloody finger or special items.
Where is the Nameless King in Dark Souls III?
The Nameless King can be found in Archdragon Peak after defeating Yhorm the Giant and navigating through the area.
How do I trigger the Isshin fight in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?
Isshin is accessed through the Shura Ending path, requiring specific choices to unlock the final boss fight.
How do I defeat the Mad Clown in Lies of P?
To defeat the Mad Clown, you’ll need to navigate secret areas and stay patient while avoiding his unpredictable attack patterns.
