Conquering Bloodborne's challenging bosses requires strategy. This guide outlines optimal boss fight orders, differentiating between essential and optional encounters. While completing all bosses isn't mandatory for finishing the game, it yields significant rewards. This guide covers 17 main bosses and 5 DLC bosses from The Old Hunters, excluding Chalice Dungeon bosses. The DLC is accessible after Vicar Amelia, but many players prefer tackling it near the game's end. The order of DLC bosses relative to Mergo's Wet Nurse can slightly impact dialogue.

Optimal Boss Order (Non-Optional Bosses)

This sequence focuses solely on essential bosses:

1. Father Gascoigne
2. Vicar Amelia
3. Shadow of Yharnam
4. Rom, the Vacuous Spider
5. The One Reborn
6. Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
7. Mergo’s Wet Nurse
8. Gehrman, the First Hunter
9. Moon Presence (Ending Specific)

Optimal Boss Order (All Bosses)

This comprehensive order includes both essential and optional bosses:

1. Cleric Beast (Optional)
2. Father Gascoigne
3. Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)
4. Vicar Amelia
5. The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)
6. Shadow of Yharnam
7. Rom, the Vacuous Spider
8. Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)
9. The One Reborn
10. Martyr Logarius (Optional)
11. Amygdala (Optional)
12. Celestial Emissary (Optional)
13. Micolash, Host of the Nightmare
14. Ludwig the Accursed/Holy Blade (DLC/Optional)
15. Laurence, the First Vicar (DLC/Optional)
16. Living Failures (DLC/Optional)
17. Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower (DLC/Optional)
18. Orphan of Kos (DLC/Optional)
19. Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)
20. Mergo’s Wet Nurse
21. Gehrman, the First Hunter
22. Moon Presence (Ending Specific)

Detailed Boss Strategies

Cleric Beast (Optional)

This early boss is aggressive. Target its hind legs to trip it, then focus on its head.

Father Gascoigne

Mastering parries is crucial against this fast-moving hunter who frequently uses his gun.

Blood-Starved Beast (Optional)

Keep your distance and utilize fire/explosive weapons against this hard-hitting beast.

Vicar Amelia

Exploit her self-healing animation for attacks. Be wary of her glowing body.

The Witch of Hemwick (Optional)

Engage her henchmen first, then use firearms when she's visible. She favors corners.

Shadow of Yharnam

Dodge its attacks, target its head with firearms, and slash its legs to create openings.

Rom, the Vacuous Spider

Prioritize eliminating summoned spiders before focusing on Rom's poisonous and physical attacks. Defeating Rom alters the game world.

Darkbeast Paarl (Optional)

This hulking beast is best tackled after Rom.

The One Reborn

Maintain distance and roll to avoid his physical and magical attacks. Eliminate summoned enemies first.

Martyr Logarius (Optional)

Mastering parries is key to mitigating his Arcane damage.

Amygdala (Optional)

This giant, tentacled boss is extremely challenging due to its size and reach.

Celestial Emissary (Optional)

Roll towards its legs to avoid attacks. Beware of its grab attack.

Micolash, Host of the Nightmare

Chase him, deal with summoned underlings, and watch out for his powerful attacks. Poison knives are a viable strategy.

The Old Hunters Bosses

The Old Hunters DLC bosses follow a linear progression. After Ludwig, return to fight Laurence (optional), then Living Failures, Lady Maria, and Orphan of Kos.

Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos (Optional)

Avoid her head slam attack and her tentacle and magical attacks.

Mergo’s Wet Nurse

Dodge her tentacle attacks and water projectiles. Focus on evasion during fog.

Gehrman, the First Hunter

Parrying is effective against his scythe and firearms.

Moon Presence (Ending Specific)

This final boss uses tail and claw attacks and orbs of darkness.

This detailed guide, updated February 3, 2025, provides a comprehensive strategy for conquering Bloodborne's challenging boss roster. Remember to adjust your approach based on your playstyle and build.