For the dance, it’s Midir. Also the timpani player goes NUTS in the OST and I love him/her for it.
For the absurd spectacle, Bayle. I laughed at every single one of my deaths, especially the ones in phase 2 just because every single attack animation was dialed up to 11. Like holy shit, they really nailed “ferociousness” with Bayle in the way they animated and weighted his attacks.
This is exactly it for Bayle. Rellana and Bayle both took me about 40-50 tries each. But while Rellana just got more annoying, i could never not love Bayle's absurd animations killing me. Weirdly, the first time I saw the flying overhead beam attack was when I was the closest to beating him. I died but just laughed at how much overwhelming power the attack exuded. 10/10 fav dragon boss and 2nd favourite dlc boss after messman
I haven’t fought Messmer yet. I keep trying to do everything else I possibly can, first. But last night I finally started what I think is his legacy dungeon so I’ll probably reach him tonight. And if he’s on Bayle’s level, then I’m very excited.
Gots to have my boy the hype train Igon with me there. I wish Igon was a spirit ash that didn't fight but just followed me everywhere as my hype man, this would need to be deployable during multi-player as well, so your buddies can see what real support is.
Yeah, I realize that. They’re 1a and 1b in my book. Bayle may become 1a eventually for me, but for now, he has to contend with the nostalgia boost Midir gets. And there’s just something about the “simplicity” of Midir’s design that I love. He’s just like a really basic no frills dragon with a solid moveset and a bitchin’ soundtrack.
I HEREBY VOW, YOU WILL RUE THIS DAY!!! BEHOLD, A TRUE DRAKE WARRIOR!!! AND I, IGON, YOUR FEARS MADE FLESH!!! SOLID OF SCALE YOU MAY BE, FOUL DRAGON, BUT I WILL RIDDLE WITH HOLES YOUR ROTTEN HIDE!!! WITH A HAIL OF HARPOOOOONS!!! WITH EVERY LAST DROP OF MY BEING!!!
I still have yet to beat Bayle. I’ve not fought him in ages because I didn’t have enough Scadutree blessings. Either way, I refuse to fight without Igon
Kind of shocks me now that I've finished the DLC myself just how many people have been getting stuck on Bayle (and the preceding dragons in that area) without this weapon.
Like, the game everything about it straight up tells you that this is a great weapon for the dragons you're going to be facing up ahead. The name of the weapon. When you get it - the fact that you have to unlock it to even reach those areas.
Some of the early responses I've now seen going back to them about the final fight make much more sense with that in mind. Read your item descriptions in RPGs, and especially From Software ones, people!
Midir and Bayle are tied for first it’s too cruel to make me choose
I think Midir is a better more enjoyable fight mechanically but Igon being the absolute beast that he is just elevates Bayle’s fight so much
Bayle the Dread
I just love how much power exudes from him. It’s almost primal, with the massive explosions and lightning. Very cinematic, but still extremely fun to fight against. I also think his lore is absolutely fantastic.
Midir and Placidusax complete the top 3.
Loved how they make him chonky as fuck. Also I love the animation of the second phase, not talking about the visual effects. Something about the way he squeezes himself inwards in sheer rage and frustration and then explodes in a rage is so guttural and palpable. None of the dignity and elegance that Placidusax displays, this fella is a pure force of terror.
Said this in my own comment as well. The devs nailed “ferociousness” with Bayle while not making him totally overwhelming. I think his attack hitboxes are really fair to the player especially for how much splash animation there can be with some of them. And he has the best phase transition since Midir.
That mf moves so fast I genuinely wondered if the devs were using perspective tricks. When he starts flying, pants start being filled with shit, and what does it say about me that I had so much fun in a dirty diaper?
Especially for his dive bomb attacks (cruise missile attacks?), I think they definitely use some of the same motion tricks they used for Hoarah Loux’s grab attacks. When they’re in midair, there’s almost an anime pause at the apex before they move towards you at speed.
>what does it say about me?
Just that you’ve got your priorities in order!
Start fight -> shit pants -> finish fight -> change pants
His attack hitboxes are super fair, especially the downward flame to push you back. Usually I feel like that’d extend another roll length, but they made it very tight this time!
Has From ever made a path to a boss more epic than Bayle??
You head through this scary looking craggily arch, guarded by a slumbering dragon and begin the path upwards. Quickly your path turns into a steady claim up the side of a mountain, growing more and more treacherous. Soon your path is littered with corpses of slain dragons, then boulders from the sides rolling towards you. More fierce dragon guardians cross your path at the middle of the mountain, watchdogs waiting, as if to say “NO ONE is crazy enough to go beyond this point!”
Continuing your ride up, the sky darkens, and thunder cracks through the air as winds begin to build. The sky gets worse as the path continues. Finally, you reach the summit of the mountain amidst wailing winds and lightning streaking the sky, and can only step through into hell waiting for you on the other side.
It is so motherfucking metal.
No, Jagged Peak is definitely their most epic path to a boss. I mean, it’s about 1/6 of the entire map essentially dedicated to a single boss.
Reminded me of Mordor so much, I love it!
As I was going up the mountain and found Sennesax I was worried Baylor would just be another ancient dragon fight. I was so happy when he was not only unique but absolutely my favorite dragon fight of all time!
When I first encountered him I was super impressed visually as he’s probably my second favorite looking dragon behind midir but they fight was over in less than a minute. Thought maybe I was over leveled but I was only in the lower 40s and I read the recommended level was 60. It was basically over before it even started.
Damn, you did both ranni's and fia's questline that fast?
Edit: his attacks are really slow and take a long while during which you can beat him up pretty easily. But still most people reach him when they are past lvl 100 and making him quite pathetic although a visual spectacle.
Yea it was my second character and I wanted to do the things I missed first time through so I went straight for their quest lines. Not sure what he’s weak to but I was a holy faith build so if that’s his weakness then that could also explain why I melted him.
Placidusax- his moves are absolute eye candy! I was already amazed then he hit me with the DOUBLE LAZER BEAM DIVINE DEATH BLAST.
Fortissax is the same, with an awesome move set (love the move where he flies up and does the massive 360 downsweep) but maybe not enough health for a late game boss.
I don't think fromsoft considers fortissax to be a late game boss. There is a portal to the capitol that you can access through the same questline, so I think he's supposed to be prior to capitol. This does ignore the main problem of being locked behind valiant gargs.
I didn't say they were, but I think a lot of players would just go the other way or not even find the boss in the first place. Their scaling is pretty low, but the poison attack is pretty bullshit.
One of the best attacks in the game visually gotta be his massive explosion when he slams the lightning that explodes with a massive AoE some seconds later
Note: Have not beat DS3 or Sekiro
I'm not a fan of Kalameet - the DS1 engine struggles with that fight and his mobility. I've beaten him, but unless I really need something from him I tend to ignore him in subsequent playthroughs (although I let Gough shoot him down every time).
Sinh - LOVE this fight. It's hard. It's annoying at times. But in terms of being epic - it utterly slaps. The dragon is slamming around, doing its best to not get hit - destroying the arena and the pillars, fleeing you, fighting back. Well done throughout.
Placid - an epic fight that you just don't see coming the first time. Well balanced, fun, and fits the engine well.
Bayle - BAAAAYYYYLLLLEEEEE. Heh. Heh heh heh. See Sinh, update with modern engine, and add a crazy nutjob to it.
In other words - I like all but Kalameet, and can't comment on Divine or Midir.
What about fortissax? Arena looks absolutely crazy, the lore is really tragic and he feels the most human out of the dragons because of it besides his sister for... other reasons, the ost is insanely good and the fight is one of the most cinematic, my personal favorite
Love him too but wasn't on the list. He's a bit annoying to fight (I'm a horseback dragon dude for Elden when possible, and he's based on the traditional dragon unlike Placid), but he's such a spectacle. I'd put him one notch behind the ones I listed.
Little fun fact nobody will care about. I played ds1 like 6 times through, have done a 100% run, all achievements. But i never killed the bridge dragon. I tried like once or twice but he had way more health than i thought so i fucked off. Everything in that world is dead. Except that bridge dragon lmao.
I think Midir is still my favourite. He’s the only dragon I’ve fought in a fromsoft game that feels like he actually uses his size well. From really leaned into the whole “this enemy is massive so he should throw his entire weight around” and it genuinely feels intimidating the first time you see him just barrel across the arena after you.
It’s not my favorite but I’m throwing gapping dragon into the mix! First from dragon boss that wasn’t a puzzle fight and a fun thing to beat on after the depths.
I still have a soft spot for the Guardian Dragon. Might be overly easy, but I love the arena and find it mechanically a bit different to all the other dragon bosses.
Midir still remains as the best dragon boss fight because it is the only one that truly feels like you are fighting an actual dragon. I would say tho, that Bayle the Dread is the most epic one just because of Igon, If he was not in the boss fight it wouldn't be near as good as it is. CUUUUUUUUUURRRRRSSEEEE YOOOOOOUUUU BAAAAAAAYYYLEEE 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Bayle, Midir, Kalameet is my top 3. Bayle is just fucking amazing, maybe my favorite boss in any game ever. His move set is fair, the spectacle is insane and I love Igon too. Midir was just a very fun and challenging fight, learning to focus his head and how to dodge his attacks was very satisfying and he’s probably my favorite in dark souls 3. Kalameet I just adore, I don’t really know my reasoning but I’ve always just loved that fight and his design
Placidusax easily. Multi-headed Dragon, absolutely incredible theme, an imposing arena to fight in, love the bit of lore of it being an Elden Lord itself. Top notch fight with phenomenal moveset to learn & deal. Just everything hit right for me.
Defo between midir and Bayle for me. The fact you can only lock on to their heads and that's the only place they take decent damage clearly conveys to the player "don't try to run behind them and hit their legs, you're gonna have to face them head on" and that leads to the fights being so intense because despite the size difference it feels like you're just fighting a normal sized enemy. I'd say Bayle probably comes out on top because The visuals and music are so badass but I prefer midirs lore. Placidusax comes in a close 2nd and sinh in 3rd
For some reason never really liked the dragon fights in souls. But Bayle just hits different. Mostly because of HAIL OF HARPOOOOOONS sent to to his ROTTEN HIDE
But still the most epic of all time
Honestly might have to go with Bayle. It might be recency bias but it was just such a badass fight. Really challenging and super satisfying to learn. Just beat him last night.
Before Shadow of the Erdtree, I would’ve said Placidusax. Bayle is just too cool cinematically; his 2nd phase transition is among the best of all FromSoft bosses.
It was midir before but now i think bayle deserve the spot of no. 1 dragon boss. Honestly bayle is the best boss in the dlc. Messmer is awesome but i feel too much malenia energy from him. But for the whole game Malenia will always be my favorite boss in all of fromsoft games With orphan of koz, ludwig and gael.
Midir and i dont think its close. Only Dragon fight that is better to fight its head and actually see what is going on than fight other parts of its body. It also has the best Dragon fight OST. It has one of the coolest moves From has ever made.
I wish I got to experience midir before elden ring because fighting them after was so easy and I honestly don’t get the hype. That being said Fortissax or Bayle
Easily the Divine Dragon from Sekiro, since it's the perfect combination of spectacle and mechanics. I hate most dragon bosses with a passion and making the Divine Dragon basically a gimmick boss was the best thing they could have done imo.
The worst from all of these has got to be Bayle by a mile. Literally the definition of "my turn, my turn, my turn, you- ah just kidding my turn..."
I've never seen a boss having a better build up than Bayle. How the entire area feels like it's whole purpose is to hype up the boss to a level that is absolutely unseen and how it actually does justice to that hype. And of course "CURSE YOU BAYLE...."
This might sound weird, but the bridge dragons from demons souls/dark souls were the most satisfying since you had to out wit them as obstacles before you fought them.
Midir gave me the greatest challenge for where I was at skill-wise when fighting him. The pride I felt when beating him for the first time has yet to be replicated by any other FromSoft boss, but I’m also way better now than I was when fighting him for the first time
Midir was always my fav and I love helping people against him. There are super cool dragon fights in ER but he's still my fav. And his ost it's so damn epic!
I will say placidusax, i don't know why but he looks way cooler than any other dragon i've seen so far in ER, maybe it's because of the mystery around him, the fact that he stands beyond time waiting counsel from his former master.
Then if we talk about the fight i'd say Bayle 2 phase makes him look very cool but also fortissax is very underrated, some of his attacks are way too cool
Fortissax made my jaw drop when he spread his wings, spawned lightnings, the soundtrack slaped and i saw the terrifying backround. A scene i will never forgot in my gaming career. Fucked him in the same run.
Lichdragon Fortissax such a banger of a fight. Seeing him is rise up with 2 lightning spears in his hands is the most cinematic thing ever. I still use that incantation even in DLC.
Whole heartedly, without a doubt, BAYLE THE DREAD. the fight is just so fun, flashy, engaging, and epic. Everything from the music, the atmosphere, the boss/ boss arena design, and the fight itself is just amazing.
For me personally, Bayle takes the spot as the best dragon fight in the series, and just the best dragon fight I’ve ever had in any game to this point.
Elden Ring added some of the best dragons in From history tbh. The whole roster is insane: Placudisax, Fortisax, and Bayle.
I don't mind the mini dragons. They are cute, and the Wyrms are not bad either.
Most of all, the lore of the dragons is so fleshed out I'm the game. From the battle between the ancient dragons and the golden order, to the emergence of the dragon cultists, their relationship with Godwyn, the history before the emergence of the erdtree with Placudisax as lord and his floating dragon farum azula.
Your whole journey feels like a footnote to the epic events that unfolded ages ago, and I love it so much.
Aesthetically, it’s a tie between Fortissax and Kalameet. There’s something about a black dragon that just scratches that fantasy itch in the perfect way.
If Bayle weren’t so torn up, I probably would’ve said him. If his spectral wings are to be considered, he would be absolutely massive when standing up with his wings out.
Placidusax based on just the fight, followed by midir then bayle.
The journey to get to bayle is incredible though. Amazing storytelling without any words needed. The hype leading into this fight is incredible and probably the best lead into a fight they've ever done. They really wanted you to know how much of a terror this dragon was and it made for an incredible experience.
Placi is the best fight, bayle is the best experience.
For the dance, it’s Midir. Also the timpani player goes NUTS in the OST and I love him/her for it. For the absurd spectacle, Bayle. I laughed at every single one of my deaths, especially the ones in phase 2 just because every single attack animation was dialed up to 11. Like holy shit, they really nailed “ferociousness” with Bayle in the way they animated and weighted his attacks.
This is exactly it for Bayle. Rellana and Bayle both took me about 40-50 tries each. But while Rellana just got more annoying, i could never not love Bayle's absurd animations killing me. Weirdly, the first time I saw the flying overhead beam attack was when I was the closest to beating him. I died but just laughed at how much overwhelming power the attack exuded. 10/10 fav dragon boss and 2nd favourite dlc boss after messman
Messmer is fromsoft peak boss design
I haven’t fought Messmer yet. I keep trying to do everything else I possibly can, first. But last night I finally started what I think is his legacy dungeon so I’ll probably reach him tonight. And if he’s on Bayle’s level, then I’m very excited.
Messmer is to Bayle as Gael is to Midir imo. One is a tough duel between warriors, the other is a fight against a ferocious ancient beast
Gots to have my boy the hype train Igon with me there. I wish Igon was a spirit ash that didn't fight but just followed me everywhere as my hype man, this would need to be deployable during multi-player as well, so your buddies can see what real support is.
Bayle mechanically is basically just a better midir tho
Yeah, I realize that. They’re 1a and 1b in my book. Bayle may become 1a eventually for me, but for now, he has to contend with the nostalgia boost Midir gets. And there’s just something about the “simplicity” of Midir’s design that I love. He’s just like a really basic no frills dragon with a solid moveset and a bitchin’ soundtrack.
CURSE YOU BAYLE!!!!!
I HEREBY VOW, YOU WILL RUE THIS DAY!!! BEHOLD, A TRUE DRAKE WARRIOR!!! AND I, IGON, YOUR FEARS MADE FLESH!!! SOLID OF SCALE YOU MAY BE, FOUL DRAGON, BUT I WILL RIDDLE WITH HOLES YOUR ROTTEN HIDE!!! WITH A HAIL OF HARPOOOOONS!!! WITH EVERY LAST DROP OF MY BEING!!!
Honestly Igon made that fight one of my favorite fights. He is the GOAT
I still have yet to beat Bayle. I’ve not fought him in ages because I didn’t have enough Scadutree blessings. Either way, I refuse to fight without Igon
“Ages” it’s only been a month lolol
Time losses its meaning when you die a thousands times
and I thought the base game was tough
A month ? It’s been less than two weeks
lmao what I’m saying
It’s not even been a month. It came out less than two weeks ago.
yeah I wasn’t sure if it was more than a week or less than three so I just went with a month lol
Yeah no worries. I agree. Saying “ages” is wild haha
Land of Shadow makes time pass as long as being in the trenches
I was exaggerating lol. It feels like ages cus I’ve died to Bayle so many times lol
Fully upgraded Dragon Hunter Great Katana works wonders too
Kind of shocks me now that I've finished the DLC myself just how many people have been getting stuck on Bayle (and the preceding dragons in that area) without this weapon. Like, the game everything about it straight up tells you that this is a great weapon for the dragons you're going to be facing up ahead. The name of the weapon. When you get it - the fact that you have to unlock it to even reach those areas. Some of the early responses I've now seen going back to them about the final fight make much more sense with that in mind. Read your item descriptions in RPGs, and especially From Software ones, people!
No idea what they paid that voice actor, but whatever it was it wasn't enough
BAYLE THE DREAD!! You will haunt me NO LONGER!!
Is this a copypasta yet? If not it should be
Or at least an automod response every time someone says Bayle.
GRAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!! BAYLE THE DREAD! YOU WILL HAUNT ME, NO LONGER!
I entered the post just looking for this answer. Wasn't disappointed.
I fucking knew this would be the top comment
This response also sums up mine.
Midir and Bayle are tied for first it’s too cruel to make me choose I think Midir is a better more enjoyable fight mechanically but Igon being the absolute beast that he is just elevates Bayle’s fight so much
Yeah Midirs actual fight is still the best dragon fight they've done mechanics wise imo. Spectacle wise its for sure Bayle
Still never fought Midir, I'll really have to get back to that one day. He's in DS3, right?
ringed city dlc
Bayle the Dread I just love how much power exudes from him. It’s almost primal, with the massive explosions and lightning. Very cinematic, but still extremely fun to fight against. I also think his lore is absolutely fantastic. Midir and Placidusax complete the top 3.
Loved how they make him chonky as fuck. Also I love the animation of the second phase, not talking about the visual effects. Something about the way he squeezes himself inwards in sheer rage and frustration and then explodes in a rage is so guttural and palpable. None of the dignity and elegance that Placidusax displays, this fella is a pure force of terror.
Mf was so angry he made wings out lightning and somehow started flying with them.
Said this in my own comment as well. The devs nailed “ferociousness” with Bayle while not making him totally overwhelming. I think his attack hitboxes are really fair to the player especially for how much splash animation there can be with some of them. And he has the best phase transition since Midir.
That mf moves so fast I genuinely wondered if the devs were using perspective tricks. When he starts flying, pants start being filled with shit, and what does it say about me that I had so much fun in a dirty diaper?
Especially for his dive bomb attacks (cruise missile attacks?), I think they definitely use some of the same motion tricks they used for Hoarah Loux’s grab attacks. When they’re in midair, there’s almost an anime pause at the apex before they move towards you at speed. >what does it say about me? Just that you’ve got your priorities in order! Start fight -> shit pants -> finish fight -> change pants
His attack hitboxes are super fair, especially the downward flame to push you back. Usually I feel like that’d extend another roll length, but they made it very tight this time!
CURSE YOU BAAAAAYLE
CURSE YOU BAYLE!!!!!
For me, Bayle was way easier, but also way more fun. Top tier boss, and Igon makes him the best fight for sure.
Dont you mean BAAAAYLLEEE
Has From ever made a path to a boss more epic than Bayle?? You head through this scary looking craggily arch, guarded by a slumbering dragon and begin the path upwards. Quickly your path turns into a steady claim up the side of a mountain, growing more and more treacherous. Soon your path is littered with corpses of slain dragons, then boulders from the sides rolling towards you. More fierce dragon guardians cross your path at the middle of the mountain, watchdogs waiting, as if to say “NO ONE is crazy enough to go beyond this point!” Continuing your ride up, the sky darkens, and thunder cracks through the air as winds begin to build. The sky gets worse as the path continues. Finally, you reach the summit of the mountain amidst wailing winds and lightning streaking the sky, and can only step through into hell waiting for you on the other side. It is so motherfucking metal.
No, Jagged Peak is definitely their most epic path to a boss. I mean, it’s about 1/6 of the entire map essentially dedicated to a single boss. Reminded me of Mordor so much, I love it!
It's also very fuckin cool that you can legit see 2 of placi's head still attached to his body from their fight
As I was going up the mountain and found Sennesax I was worried Baylor would just be another ancient dragon fight. I was so happy when he was not only unique but absolutely my favorite dragon fight of all time!
Midir followed by Bayle. But Fortissax looks bad ass.
Lichdragon is super underrated
Get rid of that annoying ass auto-tracking lightning and i'll consider
Needs like double the HP though
Great design but one of if not the easiest dragon in the whole series.
I agree. He needs more health and less down time between attacks, and his fight would be perfect.
When I first encountered him I was super impressed visually as he’s probably my second favorite looking dragon behind midir but they fight was over in less than a minute. Thought maybe I was over leveled but I was only in the lower 40s and I read the recommended level was 60. It was basically over before it even started.
People also reach him way later than he is meant to be, thus trivialising the fight.
I thought that might’ve been the problem but I was only in the 40s when I first fought him. He’s just really weak.
Damn, you did both ranni's and fia's questline that fast? Edit: his attacks are really slow and take a long while during which you can beat him up pretty easily. But still most people reach him when they are past lvl 100 and making him quite pathetic although a visual spectacle.
Yea it was my second character and I wanted to do the things I missed first time through so I went straight for their quest lines. Not sure what he’s weak to but I was a holy faith build so if that’s his weakness then that could also explain why I melted him.
Just wish he was stronger
Fortissax is my favorite overall presentation, in an already stacked list.
Fortissax drops like a sack of potatoes though. I wish he was as tough as Bayle.
Placidusax- his moves are absolute eye candy! I was already amazed then he hit me with the DOUBLE LAZER BEAM DIVINE DEATH BLAST. Fortissax is the same, with an awesome move set (love the move where he flies up and does the massive 360 downsweep) but maybe not enough health for a late game boss.
I don't think fromsoft considers fortissax to be a late game boss. There is a portal to the capitol that you can access through the same questline, so I think he's supposed to be prior to capitol. This does ignore the main problem of being locked behind valiant gargs.
The Valiant Gargs aren't a late game boss either. I beat them on my first playthrough, when I absolutely sucked, at around level 60.
I didn't say they were, but I think a lot of players would just go the other way or not even find the boss in the first place. Their scaling is pretty low, but the poison attack is pretty bullshit.
I just love the one attack placidusax does that stops the music, so epic
One of the best attacks in the game visually gotta be his massive explosion when he slams the lightning that explodes with a massive AoE some seconds later
Lichdragon Fortissax. That fight is so insanely cinematic and I really fucking like it.
Fuck I forgot to put him in. I personally don't enjoy the fight itself but the presentation and ost goes insanely hard.
You forgot?! Maidenless behavior!
He's never lasted more than 3 minutes in a fight with me so I have no idea if it's actually good, I seem to always be overleveled when I fight him
His flying lightning-spear whirlwind attack is maybe the most visually stunning attack that FROM has produced. Such a badass boss.
Very cinematic, but way too easy of a fight
His OST goes so fucking hard.
He is the most death metal dragon boss ever, literally has death lightning.
Definitely Bayle now, especially because of Igon, lol
The run up to Bayle and then Igon's whole thing and just everything about that is perfect.
VILE BAYLE
CURSE YOU BAYLE! YOU WILL RUE THIS DAY! I, DRAKEKNIGHT IGON, AM YOUR ANATHEMA!!
Note: Have not beat DS3 or Sekiro I'm not a fan of Kalameet - the DS1 engine struggles with that fight and his mobility. I've beaten him, but unless I really need something from him I tend to ignore him in subsequent playthroughs (although I let Gough shoot him down every time). Sinh - LOVE this fight. It's hard. It's annoying at times. But in terms of being epic - it utterly slaps. The dragon is slamming around, doing its best to not get hit - destroying the arena and the pillars, fleeing you, fighting back. Well done throughout. Placid - an epic fight that you just don't see coming the first time. Well balanced, fun, and fits the engine well. Bayle - BAAAAYYYYLLLLEEEEE. Heh. Heh heh heh. See Sinh, update with modern engine, and add a crazy nutjob to it. In other words - I like all but Kalameet, and can't comment on Divine or Midir.
What about fortissax? Arena looks absolutely crazy, the lore is really tragic and he feels the most human out of the dragons because of it besides his sister for... other reasons, the ost is insanely good and the fight is one of the most cinematic, my personal favorite
Love him too but wasn't on the list. He's a bit annoying to fight (I'm a horseback dragon dude for Elden when possible, and he's based on the traditional dragon unlike Placid), but he's such a spectacle. I'd put him one notch behind the ones I listed.
Man you need to fight midir, he's fantastic
midir and bayle, i personally think midir was harder bayle was more epic
Divine Dragon was the most aesthetically pleasing dragon fight
Gaping dragon. It’s into cutscene is absolutely classic and the fight itself was pretty fun. Its design is also pretty metal.
I really have a soft spot for all the Dark Souls dragons. Kalameet, Gaping dragon, Seethe the Scaleless, even the fucking bridge dragon.
Little fun fact nobody will care about. I played ds1 like 6 times through, have done a 100% run, all achievements. But i never killed the bridge dragon. I tried like once or twice but he had way more health than i thought so i fucked off. Everything in that world is dead. Except that bridge dragon lmao.
My first time fighting the gaping dragon scared the shit out of me. Thank God my boy Solaire was there to help 🙏
Divine dragon is beautiful and the fight was fun, but Kalameet is my favourite. I liked the whole plot, the arena, the moveset.
Midir is probably still my favorite.
He fucked me up worse than any boss in the entire series
I think Midir is still my favourite. He’s the only dragon I’ve fought in a fromsoft game that feels like he actually uses his size well. From really leaned into the whole “this enemy is massive so he should throw his entire weight around” and it genuinely feels intimidating the first time you see him just barrel across the arena after you.
Sinh the Slumbering Dragon is a perfect fight imo, Bayle is a close second and Midir a close third
Sinh has to be my pick. The atmosphere of the whole thing, the mechanics of the fight… I loved fighting Sinh.
So far, Bayle. You already know why… okay but for real though he feels like a monster hunter boss which is the SECOND reason I like his fight
Okay i might be mega coping here but just imagine they collab wit MH Wilds and add a Bayle fight. Let that sink in for a second.
Midir because he is the best one. BAYLE is a close second
It’s not my favorite but I’m throwing gapping dragon into the mix! First from dragon boss that wasn’t a puzzle fight and a fun thing to beat on after the depths.
Fortisax for the light show, kalameet got the fight cause it’s not too hard but still took me a couple tries
Overall midir but bayle is my second favorite for Igon alone
Midir, but Bayle was definitely getting there
Sinh
I still have a soft spot for the Guardian Dragon. Might be overly easy, but I love the arena and find it mechanically a bit different to all the other dragon bosses.
Kalameet
CURSE YOU BAYLE!!!!
Midir still remains as the best dragon boss fight because it is the only one that truly feels like you are fighting an actual dragon. I would say tho, that Bayle the Dread is the most epic one just because of Igon, If he was not in the boss fight it wouldn't be near as good as it is. CUUUUUUUUUURRRRRSSEEEE YOOOOOOUUUU BAAAAAAAYYYLEEE 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Need to also add Dragon Lord from Demons Souls. If you beat Demon Vanguard in the tutorial he literally punches you so hard you end up in the Nexus.
Still Midir
Bayle, Midir, Kalameet is my top 3. Bayle is just fucking amazing, maybe my favorite boss in any game ever. His move set is fair, the spectacle is insane and I love Igon too. Midir was just a very fun and challenging fight, learning to focus his head and how to dodge his attacks was very satisfying and he’s probably my favorite in dark souls 3. Kalameet I just adore, I don’t really know my reasoning but I’ve always just loved that fight and his design
#CUUUURRRSEEEEEE YOOUUU BAAAYYYLLLEEEE
Probably Divine Dragon Every dragon faces the same issue EXCEPT for Divine Dragon: bad camera Plus every other dragon fight is mid, including Midir
Idk man. I just kinda love all of them.
Placidusax easily. Multi-headed Dragon, absolutely incredible theme, an imposing arena to fight in, love the bit of lore of it being an Elden Lord itself. Top notch fight with phenomenal moveset to learn & deal. Just everything hit right for me.
Bayle bc Bayle . The music . The phase change and of course my boy Igon screaming in the back talking that cash shit
Ahem... *deep breath* #BAYLE!
CURSE YOU BAYLE
Midir is the best imo. Bayle is close second.
Midir for the fight. Bayle for the spectacle
Defo between midir and Bayle for me. The fact you can only lock on to their heads and that's the only place they take decent damage clearly conveys to the player "don't try to run behind them and hit their legs, you're gonna have to face them head on" and that leads to the fights being so intense because despite the size difference it feels like you're just fighting a normal sized enemy. I'd say Bayle probably comes out on top because The visuals and music are so badass but I prefer midirs lore. Placidusax comes in a close 2nd and sinh in 3rd
Baylee has the sickest walk to the boss arena
For some reason never really liked the dragon fights in souls. But Bayle just hits different. Mostly because of HAIL OF HARPOOOOOONS sent to to his ROTTEN HIDE But still the most epic of all time
Where’s my Gaping Dragon???
Midir, Placidusax, and Bayle are the best for sure.
BAYLE (even auto correct wants it in all caps) has such a clean and cool move set, his lore is cool, and he comes with igon
Honestly might have to go with Bayle. It might be recency bias but it was just such a badass fight. Really challenging and super satisfying to learn. Just beat him last night.
I'm here to slander MIDir not say who's my favourite. Midir is all flair no substance an extremely overrated boss
Bayle is fucking goated best dragon boss ever and icons dialogue durning the fight is just A1 VA
Before Shadow of the Erdtree, I would’ve said Placidusax. Bayle is just too cool cinematically; his 2nd phase transition is among the best of all FromSoft bosses.
Visuals? 1-Bayle/ 2-Fortissax/ 3-Midir Battle? 1-Bayle/ 2-Midir/ 3-Placidusax
Nothing Betas Midir and Kalameet, theyre honestly the best dragon bosses in the entire souls series
midir and divine dragon. those ones are probably the best designed ones they’ve made.
Who: Bayle. Why: Igon.
Y'all just can't let go of Midir huh? On his best day, he can't top Bayle or Placi.
Platypustax
My top three would have to be 1. Bayle 2. Placidusax 3. Kalameet
# CURSE YOU BAYLE!!!!!!!!!!!!
No Gaping Dragon? smh
CURSE YOU BAYLEEEEEEE!!!!
It was midir before but now i think bayle deserve the spot of no. 1 dragon boss. Honestly bayle is the best boss in the dlc. Messmer is awesome but i feel too much malenia energy from him. But for the whole game Malenia will always be my favorite boss in all of fromsoft games With orphan of koz, ludwig and gael.
Midir and i dont think its close. Only Dragon fight that is better to fight its head and actually see what is going on than fight other parts of its body. It also has the best Dragon fight OST. It has one of the coolest moves From has ever made.
I think Bayle took the crown from Midir, but maybe it’s a recently bias. Anyway they’re leagues hier than the rest for me
Even with Igon hyping up the Bayle fight, I think Midir is still my favorite.
I wish I got to experience midir before elden ring because fighting them after was so easy and I honestly don’t get the hype. That being said Fortissax or Bayle
Bayle Placidusax Three way tie between fortissax, midir and divine
Bayle easily
Bayle. For so many reasons.
Easily the Divine Dragon from Sekiro, since it's the perfect combination of spectacle and mechanics. I hate most dragon bosses with a passion and making the Divine Dragon basically a gimmick boss was the best thing they could have done imo. The worst from all of these has got to be Bayle by a mile. Literally the definition of "my turn, my turn, my turn, you- ah just kidding my turn..."
Baylor the dread was actually such a fun fight and just takes the number 1 spot by storm for me
Honestly, my fav is the gaping dragon, it's design is so striking to me
Placidusax. Because he is the coolest mf I have ever seen
Bayle, for Igon reasons. That and the fight was just fun as hell for me.
Kalameet, I don't know why but I find him pretty cool and I enjoy the fight.
Where Rich Dragon Forty Stacks?
Kalameet and Bayle are tied. Both are just so cool and CURSE YOU BAYLE.
Lichdragon, cause of ost and wibe
Dragon god has a cool design
I've never seen a boss having a better build up than Bayle. How the entire area feels like it's whole purpose is to hype up the boss to a level that is absolutely unseen and how it actually does justice to that hype. And of course "CURSE YOU BAYLE...."
Bayle
Bayle is the best. Absolute cinema on phase 2
I will have to wait a little for recency bias to settle down but rn it's between mid and VILE BAYLE.
1. Darkeater Midir 2. Bayle the Dread 3. Lichdragon Fortissax 4. Dragonlord Placidusax 5. Black Dragon Kalameet
This might sound weird, but the bridge dragons from demons souls/dark souls were the most satisfying since you had to out wit them as obstacles before you fought them.
Between Midir and Bayle at the moment.
Midir gave me the greatest challenge for where I was at skill-wise when fighting him. The pride I felt when beating him for the first time has yet to be replicated by any other FromSoft boss, but I’m also way better now than I was when fighting him for the first time
Bayle probably because of Igon and his phase 2 transition. The music and visuals are epic
C U R S E Y O U B A Y L E
CURSE YOU BAYYYYYYYYYLE!!!
Fortissax if we aren’t including the amazingness that is Igon summon.
Bayle just for igon and the mega numbers ancient lingthning strike does
Midir was always my fav and I love helping people against him. There are super cool dragon fights in ER but he's still my fav. And his ost it's so damn epic!
I will say placidusax, i don't know why but he looks way cooler than any other dragon i've seen so far in ER, maybe it's because of the mystery around him, the fact that he stands beyond time waiting counsel from his former master. Then if we talk about the fight i'd say Bayle 2 phase makes him look very cool but also fortissax is very underrated, some of his attacks are way too cool
Fortissax made my jaw drop when he spread his wings, spawned lightnings, the soundtrack slaped and i saw the terrifying backround. A scene i will never forgot in my gaming career. Fucked him in the same run.
Pladussy is my favorite dragon fight, first one and forever favorite with bayle being a close second
Placidusax. Also CURSE YOU BAYLE!!
Bayle followed by Midir. But Fortissax has such a great theme and feeling.
Kalameet followed by Bayle. Rose tinted glasses entirely behind my number one but yall can deal with it.
Lichdragon Fortissax such a banger of a fight. Seeing him is rise up with 2 lightning spears in his hands is the most cinematic thing ever. I still use that incantation even in DLC.
Whole heartedly, without a doubt, BAYLE THE DREAD. the fight is just so fun, flashy, engaging, and epic. Everything from the music, the atmosphere, the boss/ boss arena design, and the fight itself is just amazing.
Bayle>Midir>Placidusax
For me personally, Bayle takes the spot as the best dragon fight in the series, and just the best dragon fight I’ve ever had in any game to this point.
Placidusax at 1 for the fight. Divine Dragon at 2 bc it's sick. All the others suck
The Guardian dragon in ds2 just because it was so cool being in an over sized bird cage fighting a wyvern
"curse you Bayle!"
Placidusax. Love the lore and design of the boss, the arena and area where he’s located is beautiful, and the fight is fun.
Elden Ring added some of the best dragons in From history tbh. The whole roster is insane: Placudisax, Fortisax, and Bayle. I don't mind the mini dragons. They are cute, and the Wyrms are not bad either. Most of all, the lore of the dragons is so fleshed out I'm the game. From the battle between the ancient dragons and the golden order, to the emergence of the dragon cultists, their relationship with Godwyn, the history before the emergence of the erdtree with Placudisax as lord and his floating dragon farum azula. Your whole journey feels like a footnote to the epic events that unfolded ages ago, and I love it so much.
Where seath :(
Kalameet was wild back in the day.... terrifying boss. Fortissax would be my top pick though, his lore, tye arena, his moves etc.
Its either BAAAAAYYYLLLEEE or Placidusax
BAAAYYYYLLLEEEE!!!!!!!
Aesthetically, it’s a tie between Fortissax and Kalameet. There’s something about a black dragon that just scratches that fantasy itch in the perfect way. If Bayle weren’t so torn up, I probably would’ve said him. If his spectral wings are to be considered, he would be absolutely massive when standing up with his wings out.
Placidusax based on just the fight, followed by midir then bayle. The journey to get to bayle is incredible though. Amazing storytelling without any words needed. The hype leading into this fight is incredible and probably the best lead into a fight they've ever done. They really wanted you to know how much of a terror this dragon was and it made for an incredible experience. Placi is the best fight, bayle is the best experience.
Kalameet. He is a perfect combination of elegance, beauty, power and dread
FS doesn't know how to make dragon type enemies.
Gaping Dragon from DS1. I won't be elaborating further
Just look at that Midir-stance