The gaming community is no stranger to the challenges of Soulslike games, especially when it comes to notorious “runbacks.” These are the grueling treks players must endure to face a boss again after a defeat, a staple in both FromSoftware and Hollow Knight titles. But which of these runbacks is the most dreaded by players?
Exploring the Worst Soulslike Runbacks
To find out, a poll was conducted last month asking enthusiasts to identify the Soulslike boss with the most punishing runback. In crafting the poll, input was gathered from multiple sources, including dedicated Soulslike experts and various online communities where fans frequently air their grievances about arduous runbacks.
Interestingly, participants primarily pinpointed bosses from FromSoftware and Hollow Knight games. An effort was made to diversify the options by including Umi-Bozu from Nioh. The poll was shared widely, engaging readers across multiple articles and social media platforms.
The Poll Results: Groal Takes the Lead
The poll results revealed Groal from Silksong as the boss with the worst runback, capturing 16.2% of the votes. Just behind was the “entire Dark Souls 2 DLC,” with a close 15.3%, spotlighting bosses like the Blue Smelter Demon, Lud and Zallen, and Sir Allone. Despite the grouped entry, the overwhelming mention of these bosses justified their inclusion.
In third place, with 9.8% of the votes, was Placidusax from Elden Ring, notorious for the grueling trek through Crumbling Farum Azula. Following closely was the Bed of Chaos from the original Dark Souls, known for its torturous runback, whether through lava or the shortcut past Queelag’s sister.
Umi-Bozu garnered the fewest votes, suggesting that outside of the noted franchises, runbacks might not be as frustrating.
Surviving the Runbacks
For those venturing into Silksong and yet to encounter Groal, there is a walkthrough to tackle the challenges of Bilewater. For those avoiding guides, a quick tip can slightly ease the runback experience. For comprehensive guidance, players are encouraged to explore the detailed Wiki for insights throughout Pharloom.
If you disagree with the poll’s outcome, feel free to express your opinion. These percentages reflect the state of votes at the time of this article, but there’s always room for change, especially if passionate Nioh fans weigh in.