20 Video Game Bosses You Must Defeat Before You Die

3. Emerald Weapon (Final Fantasy VII)

You need to be a masochist to even consider taking on Emerald Weapon in Final Fantasy VII, considering he's one of the game's optional bosses, and is regarded by most people as probably the most challenging boss in any Final Fantasy game to date. He boasts a terrifying 1 million HP, and can deliver damage close to the 10,000 HP mark, so there's no point even trying to take him on unless you're highly-leveled, have Knights of the Round, Absorb and Mime Materia, and a few other choice ones probably don't hurt either. You also only have 20 minutes to beat it unless you have the Underwater Materia equipped. This is the epitome of a balls-to-the-wall, controller-throwingly difficult boss fight, and unless you're an absolute FF nut, it's probably not worth the time and energy investment to actually do it. However, the feeling of accomplishment if you manage to find the right combination of Materia for your play style and beat Emerald Weapon will be among the grandest gaming feelings you'll ever have. Aeris dying may be a choker, but the feeling of triumphantly fist-pumping after Emerald takes a dirt nap is pure joy.