- Clear boss order for the base game with optional and mandatory encounters.
- Level-based progression strategy to avoid sudden difficulty spikes.
- When to tackle optional areas and DLC for optimal power scaling.
- Practical routing tips to improve efficiency and reduce backtracking.
- Common mistakes players make when following a DS3 boss order.
What is DS3 Boss Order?
The term DS3 boss order refers to the recommended sequence for defeating bosses in Dark Souls 3 to ensure steady character progression, balanced difficulty, and smooth story flow. While the game appears linear at first, multiple branching paths, optional bosses, and hidden areas allow players to challenge encounters earlier than intended.
A structured boss order helps players:
- Maintain appropriate character level and weapon upgrades
- Avoid high-damage areas too early
- Unlock key progression items at the right time
- Reduce unnecessary deaths and grinding
The best approach is not simply a list of bosses, but a progression strategy based on scaling difficulty, upgrade materials, and area access.
Best DS3 Boss Order (Balanced Progression Route)
This route prioritizes steady difficulty growth while keeping your character properly equipped.
- Iudex Gundyr
- Vordt of the Boreal Valley
- Curse-Rotted Greatwood (Optional but recommended)
- Crystal Sage
- Deacons of the Deep
- Abyss Watchers
- High Lord Wolnir
- Old Demon King (Optional)
- Pontiff Sulyvahn
- Aldrich, Devourer of Gods
- Yhorm the Giant
- Dancer of the Boreal Valley
- Dragonslayer Armour
- Oceiros, the Consumed King (Optional)
- Champion Gundyr (Optional)
- Lothric & Lorian, Twin Princes
- Ancient Wyvern (Optional)
- Nameless King (Optional, late-game difficulty)
- Soul of Cinder
This order keeps enemy scaling consistent and ensures you obtain key materials and abilities before major difficulty spikes.
Why Boss Order Matters More Than Players Think
Many players struggle not because of skill, but because they accidentally fight bosses earlier than intended. Dark Souls 3 allows sequence breaks that can drastically increase difficulty.
Level and Weapon Scaling
Each major area assumes a rough upgrade level. Fighting a late-game boss with an under-upgraded weapon dramatically increases fight length and risk. Following a proper order ensures access to Titanite upgrades and Estus improvements.
Key Progression Rewards
Some optional bosses provide essential systems:
- Curse-Rotted Greatwood unlocks boss weapon transposition
- Optional areas provide upgrade materials and souls
- Hidden zones unlock powerful rings and spells
Skipping these too long can weaken your overall build.
Difficulty Curve Design
The game gradually teaches mechanics through boss design. Early encounters focus on timing and positioning, while later bosses test stamina control, reaction speed, and pattern recognition.
Optional Bosses: When to Fight Them
Optional bosses are not just side content. Many provide valuable rewards and experience, but timing matters.
Early Optional (Recommended)
- Curse-Rotted Greatwood
- Old Demon King
These provide useful materials and moderate soul rewards without major difficulty spikes.
Mid-Game Optional
- Oceiros, the Consumed King
- Champion Gundyr
These fights are tougher but manageable after reaching Lothric Castle levels.
Late-Game Optional
- Nameless King
This is one of the hardest base-game bosses and should be treated as endgame content.
When to Start the DLC in the DS3 Boss Order
The DLC areas are significantly harder than the base game’s early and mid sections. Entering too early often leads to frustrating damage scaling.
Ashes of Ariandel
Recommended after defeating the Twin Princes or just before the final boss.
The Ringed City
Best played after finishing the main game or at very high level, as enemies and bosses are tuned for endgame builds.
Starting DLC early is one of the most common mistakes players make when following online boss lists.
Common DS3 Boss Order Mistakes
Triggering the Dancer Too Early
Attacking the High Wall NPC early forces a late-game boss encounter far before your character is ready.
Skipping Progression Systems
Ignoring the Greatwood delays access to boss weapons and limits build options.
Ignoring Optional Areas Entirely
Optional zones provide upgrade materials, souls, and powerful equipment that smooth late-game difficulty.
Rushing the Final Boss
Completing optional bosses first ensures your character reaches peak strength before the final encounter.
Level Guidelines for Each Stage
| Stage | Recommended Level | Weapon Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Early Game (Gundyr to Abyss Watchers) | 20–35 | +2 to +4 |
| Mid Game (Wolnir to Aldrich/Yhorm) | 40–60 | +5 to +7 |
| Late Game (Dancer to Twin Princes) | 70–90 | +8 to +10 |
| Endgame & Optional | 90+ | Max upgrade |
These ranges help maintain balanced difficulty without excessive grinding.
A Smarter Way to Approach DS3 Boss Order
Instead of treating boss order as a strict checklist, think in terms of progression layers:
- Main path for story progression
- Optional detours for power and materials
- Late-game challenges for endgame builds
This approach keeps the experience challenging but fair, which is the core design philosophy of Dark Souls 3.
FAQs About DS3 Boss Order
Can you skip bosses in Dark Souls 3?
Some bosses are optional, but most major encounters must be defeated to progress the story.
What is the hardest boss in the base game?
Many players consider the Nameless King the toughest due to his two-phase fight and aggressive attack patterns.
Should optional bosses be completed?
Yes. They provide souls, upgrade materials, and equipment that make late-game progression significantly easier.
What is the final boss in the DS3 boss order?
The final boss of the base game is the Soul of Cinder, encountered at the Kiln of the First Flame.
When should DLC bosses be fought?
After reaching late-game levels or completing the main story to avoid severe difficulty spikes.
Final Takeaway
The best DS3 boss order is not just about sequence—it’s about progression balance. Following a level-aware route, completing key optional encounters, and saving DLC for endgame ensures a smoother, more rewarding experience. With the right path, Dark Souls 3 becomes less about surviving difficulty spikes and more about mastering its deliberate, satisfying challenge.
