10 Saddest Soulsborne Bosses

If entering the Kiln of the First Flame - a barren, ashy wasteland filled with lost ghosts - wasn't enough of an indication that Gwyn maaaaaay let himself go a wee bit, then watching him shamble forwards as you parry him into oblivion will definitely disabuse any remaining delusions of grandeur.

Even from Dark Soul's first and only major cutscene, Gwyn is presented as a mythical figure, hurling lightning bolts like Zeus and taking down Dragons like he's in Game of Thrones.

So you'd be forgiven in thinking that King Gwyn, Lord of absolutely everything would be a grand and radiant final boss fight.

What you get is a half dead, decrepit old geezer who, let's be honest, isn't really that tough.

After learning how much Gwyn sacrificed, how much he gave up to continue his age, and ultimately, how badly he failed, this fight is nothing short of Shakespearean in how tragic it is.

Combine that with the now iconic and understated piano theme, and you've got one of the most depressing fights in Dark Souls history. Most other franchises would celebrate players conquering the final boss. FromSoft all but accuses you of regicide.

Still, gotta get that sweet, sweet, morally dubious ending.