Do you know what pain is? Have you ever experienced emotions so intense that you broke your keyboard or mouse? If so, you've surely encountered one of them — a boss that kept you restless for weeks or even months.

We have compiled a list of bosses that broke our spirit and forced us to rethink all our survival skills. Meet the enemies that are not just hard to defeat — beating them means conquering the pinnacle of gamer suffering.

The Nameless King — Dark Souls 3

The Nameless KingImage: youtube.com 

Who would have thought that in a world where danger lurks at every step, there would be such an insanely difficult enemy? The Nameless King is probably the main reason players' gamepads break. His lightning-fast attacks and ability to suddenly change the battle rhythm make him almost unpredictable. And when the King summons a dragon in the first phase — it’s time for tears.

⚡️ Strategy: Learn to dodge lightning and attack him only after his prolonged strikes. Once you pass the first phase, don’t relax: his sword and lightning are a deadly combination. The second phase is a dance on the edge of life and death.

Mike Tyson — Punch-Out!!

Mike TysonImage: msn.com 

The 1987 8-bit game became a nightmare for players of all ages. Mike Tyson in Punch-Out!! is an incredible test of reaction. One hit can send you to the floor, no matter how well you play. The boxing legend gave no chances to players with slow reactions, like me. Time and again, week after week, I tried to beat him. I tried…

⚡️ Strategy: You need to sense when he’s rushing you and dodge at lightning speed. You’ll have to repeat dozens of attempts to learn every little detail of his movements. But even if you’ve learned him inside out, one wrong move — and it’s game over.

Senator Armstrong — Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Senator ArmstrongImage: steamcommunity.com 

If you thought politics was boring, Senator Armstrong will quickly change your mind. This boss combines strength, speed, and a fierce confidence in his own righteousness. Armstrong's striking power and endurance are beyond limits, as his body, enhanced with nanorobots, is almost invulnerable to our attacks. It will be long. Very long.

⚡️ Strategy: The only way to defeat Armstrong is agility and reaction. Be prepared for the fight to demand maximum concentration, especially when he starts smashing the ground and throwing debris at the player.

Isshin Ashina — Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Isshin AshinaImage: steamcommunity.com 

If at some point you thought you had mastered combat in Sekiro, facing Isshin Ashina will show you that it was just the beginning. This old man turns your path to victory into a true trial: every attack is deadly, every miss could be your last. The first reaction to his appearance is hard to put into words. You just want to shout, "Grandfather, what are you doing?!"

And you know what? Lightning! He throws lightning at me! At the same time, grandpa can almost instantly approach the player.

⚡️ Strategy: Learn to parry his strikes and jump at the right moments. Isshin is a test of endurance and precision. In the battle with him, the main thing is not to lose concentration, as your chances of victory depend on a single one of his hits.

The Fume Knight — Dark Souls II

The Fume KnightImage: youtube.com 

93% of players die from his sword on the first encounter... The Fume Knight is a monster that seems almost unbeatable due to his immense endurance and strength. His attacks are heavy and unforgiving of mistakes, and his armor and long sword make him an absolutely uncompromising opponent.

This giant moves at lightning speed and hits with three types of damage at once! I hate him.

⚡️ Strategy: Stay closer and try to dodge his swings. Be patient — the fight will be long and require perseverance. Only after several hundred attempts can you learn his patterns and find moments for counterattacks.

Nemesis — Resident Evil 3

NemesisImage: blog.playstation.com 

Nemesis didn’t get his name for nothing. This monster doesn’t retreat, doesn’t die, and constantly pursues you. His sudden appearances and strength literally leave you no minute of peace.

If you’ve played the game, you surely know the main problem — the player is always the victim until the final part. Nemesis is unstoppable and invulnerable, no matter what you do.

⚡️ Strategy: In this fight, it’s important to use the environment, traps, and your nerves. Run when you can and attack only when you have a suitable position. Nemesis will make you count your ammo and nerves every time.

Sigrun, the Valkyrie Queen — God of War

Sigrun the Valkyrie QueenImage: youtube.com

It’s a nightmare! Want a platinum trophy? Then it’s the end for you. Difficulties arise already at the boss summon stage — you have to kill all 8 Valkyries, and then hell begins… Sigrun uses the abilities of all her sisters, so it feels like Kratos is fighting all of them simultaneously!

If all previous bosses were difficult, Sigrun will raise the bar. She is fast, smart, and can alternate different attacks, making the fight with her a true challenge even for game veterans.

⚡️ Strategy: Memorize her attacks and learn to dodge at the right moments. In the fight with her, not only reaction but also composure are important. Every time you think you have a chance, she changes tactics and confuses you.

Lady Comstock’s Ghost — BioShock Infinite

Lady Comstocks GhostImage: pinterest.it 

In the world of BioShock Infinite, Lady Comstock’s Ghost is one of the most frightening encounters. She can be called a living (or rather, dead) embodiment of restlessness. She resurrects minions and attacks with incredible force, leaving no minute of peace. Seriously, the whole difficulty lies in the chaos and endless attacks from all sides.

⚡️ Strategy: Destroy her minions to simplify the fight a bit, but be prepared that Comstock will resurrect them again and again. This fight is pure stress, and you must constantly control her and keep an eye on what’s happening around.

Two Knights of the Forge — Elden Ring

Knights of the ForgeImage: fillerpro.com

Facing one Knight of the Forge you might still stand a chance. But two — that’s a whole different level. They coordinate their attacks and leave you no slightest chance of making a mistake. Two giant swords and insane attacks at once — pure agony.

Three hours to kill them… three hours! They don’t let you recover health, don’t let you use magic! It’s real torment for the player.

⚡️ Strategy: The fight requires maximum endurance. It’s best to keep one of them in your sight and dodge his attacks while the other takes a break. Separate them to avoid double attacks, and patience will be your best friend. The most important thing — summon phantoms.

Malenia — Elden Ring

MaleniaImage: steamcommunity.com 

Probably no other boss will bring you as much pain as Malenia. This boss is not just strong — she heals with every hit. Even when you’re almost sure of victory, her Waterfowl Dance attack can end your hopes in a couple of seconds.

Teleport, sweeping attacks — you’re dead. And like that every time. One attack and it all starts over, and that’s just the first stage. Malenia is probably the most difficult and unfair boss in modern video games.

⚡️ Strategy: Study her attacks, dodge, and patiently wait for the right moment. She is incredibly dangerous at any stage of the fight, and every hit on her requires a calculated plan. But even a perfectly executed strategy can fail if you miss even one hit.


These bosses are not just obstacles but true tests of endurance. Each one, in its own way, will teach you patience, discipline, and even humility in the face of defeat. So, if you ever decide to face them, be patient and remember: one day this struggle will culminate in victory. Or just — gather your strength and try again!

Main image: pinterest.com