8 Best Resident Evil Boss Fights

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The main Resident Evil series now counts over ten games when including both Revelations titles and Code Veronica. When you factor in numerous side games, it’s safe to say this is one of the most expansive video game franchises that continues to thrive today. Over the years, Capcom has created a vast array of unforgettable antagonists, but some truly shine among the rest.

The Resident Evil series now includes over ten main games and two Revelations titles plus Code Veronica. Including spin-offs, it’s one of the biggest ongoing video game franchises. Capcom has developed many memorable villains throughout, but some are especially noteworthy.

And a more casual version:
Resident Evil has over ten main games if you count Revelations and Code Veronica, and loads more spin-offs. It’s one of the biggest video game series still around today. Capcom has made lots of cool bad guys, but some are extra special.

In the following list, you’ll find my top picks for the most memorable Resident Evil boss encounters. To clarify, I’m grouping together all stages of a single boss battle and considering both the original fight and any remake as a single instance. Given the abundance of fantastic battles throughout these games, some tough decisions had to be made in narrowing down the list. Enjoy!

Honorable Mention – Mr. X – Resident Evil 2 Remake

In the Resident Evil 2 Remake, it’s Mr. X’s chasing sequences that truly shine. I believe he ranks among the scariest creatures in the series. The game elevates from being good to exceptional with his addition. However, when it comes to evaluating the boss fights, I must admit that his battle against Leon is somewhat underwhelming compared to his menacing presence during the police station stage.

8) Lisa Trevor – Resident Evil Remake

Among the most pitiable characters in Resident Evil lore stands Lisa Trevor. In the remake of the game, Capcom demonstrates their exceptional skill even within the confines of its somewhat restricted gameplay mechanics. By strategically using forced camera angles and narrow passageways, they create a fight with Lisa that is genuinely frightening. Compared to later fights in terms of spectacle, this one may seem less flamboyant, but it remains one of my preferred encounters from both a horror and narrative standpoint.

7) Ultimate Abyss – Resident Evil: Revelations

Many individuals may have overlooked “Resident Evil: Revelations“, but it’s actually one of the top-tier games in the series. The climactic battle against Ultimate Abyss (previously known as Jack Norman) is particularly notable among Tyrant fights, a distinction that primarily stems from his unique abilities. Ultimate Abyss has the capacity to teleport across the battlefield and create illusions of himself, making him a challenging encounter that demands the tactical prowess you’ve honed during the campaign.

6) Karl Heisenberg – Resident Evil Village

The village is teeming with challenging boss encounters. If you were to replace Heisenberg with Moreau or Mother Miranda in these battles, I wouldn’t object strongly. In fact, Heisenberg’s fight seems more focused on visual spectacle than tactical combat. However, if Resident Evil ever decides to transition into Power Rangers-style boss fights, count me in!

5) Marguerite Baker – Resident Evil 7

In the Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 7 stands out as one of the scariest games due to the eerie and distorted nature of the Baker family. Among them, Marguerite, the matriarch, is particularly frightening. She engages in some heart-stopping encounters that leave you on edge. You’re often confined within a relatively compact house, never knowing when or from where she might appear. As you frantically sweep your weapon across the room, Marguerite seems to materialize like a giant spider, causing you to long for any other location.

4) Albert Wesker – Resident Evil 5

Throughout the initial five games in the Resident Evil series, Wesker can be seen as the primary adversary, even though Umbrella Corps serves as the main antagonist. However, it’s Wesker who becomes the most engaging foe due to his confrontational nature. In Resident Evil 5, there are numerous encounters with Wesker, but my personal favorite is when Jill Valentine momentarily joins him as a controlled ally. Despite this, the final fight atop an active volcano is undeniably over-the-top and thrilling. Regardless of which confrontation you find most exciting, it’s clear that Wesker stands out among the villains in the Resident Evil series.

3) William Birkin – Resident Evil 2

Whenever I bump into William Birkin in the Resident Evil 2 Remake, I always need to stay on my toes, ready for fresh terrors. As the game progresses, Birkin becomes larger and stronger, but for me, the G3 fight remains the most thrilling. Many players might prefer the G4 battle that occurs during Claire’s campaign. Regardless, the five encounters with Birkin make for the most outstanding boss fight in RE2 Remake, hands down.

2) Nemesis – Resident Evil 3

Regardless if it’s the original or remake, Nemesis’s consistent role in Jill’s narrative is chilling, overbearing, and at times thrilling. To put it simply, there isn’t a second where you don’t feel uneasy, anticipating the moment he might reappear with a rocket launcher, ready to take you down. Despite Mr. X’s boss fight being less than impressive, most of your encounters with Nemesis are spectacular. Whether it’s reducing him to fragments with a massive rail gun or battling him as a building collapses around us, Nemesis stands out as an exceptional Resident Evil antagonist.

1) Jack Krauser – Resident Evil 4

Before we dive into our discussion, let me clarify that I’m not among the many Resident Evil fans who adore RE4. Leon is my least preferred main protagonist, and I have an unusual fondness for tank controls. Yet, even with these preferences, I must acknowledge the game’s strengths, and Krauser is one of its standout features (I’d also like to give a nod to Ramon Salazar as the most chilling, oddball character in RE history).

In the series, the knife fight scene stands out as a memorable icon, albeit divisive among players due to the original’s QTEs. The remake elevated this moment by incorporating additional gameplay elements such as parries and dodges, enhancing an already great moment even further. The climactic battle pushes the limits once more, transforming Krauser into a unique blend of Kevin McCallister with his elaborate traps and an elite gymnast. As he somersaults across the stage, you’ll be put to the test one last time against your former ally.

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2025-06-01 17:10