Top 10 Dragons in Video Games (January 2021)

We know that dragons are extremely large and powerful creatures capable of using elemental breaths. They are one of the many basic elements of the fantasy genre and often a staple of the fantastic realm; they're everywhere. In TV series, movies, and of course , video games . These winged creatures are simply cool; they bring emotion and intrigue to the story. 🐉

With wise and brilliant dragons like Paarthurnax from Skyrim, who make every conversation profound and immensely entertaining, there's no reason not to include more dragons. For every Heroic appearance, there are Evil Monsters looking to burn and plunder, which often leads to more entertaining possibilities within those respective video games.

Dragon battles are among the best and most enjoyable in the history of boss fights; these winged beasts hold a special place in the hearts of many. Today, I intend to focus on these terrifying monsters of the skies and compile a (subjective) list of the ten best dragon boss fights in video game history.

If you want a dragon t-shirt, make a quick detour to our dragon shop. 🐲

10. Ridley (Metroid)

What could be better than a dragon ? A space dragon...

Ridley is Samus Aran's archenemy and a recurring adversary in the Metroid series. As a space pirate, he is one of the most fun and challenging bosses in the game. His design is that of a dragon, a purple pterodactyl that breathes fire and plasma.

Mastering Ridley takes a considerable amount of time, not only because he's a fan favorite but also because he's one of the toughest challenges the series offers. With each appearance, he receives a host of new upgrades and abilities. Fighting him is a frantic and incredibly challenging experience for any player unfamiliar with the game.

Even though this Flying Beast isn't the main official antagonist of the series, Ridley is the boss who remains the series' main villain. Not only does he serve as the perfect challenge in his own game, but he also features in one of the best dragon fights in history.

I mean, it's still a Space Dragon , who's also a pirate! And who was remade into a robot. Incidentally, Ridley was named in honor of Ridley Scott, the director of Alien, a film that greatly inspired the developers of the Metroid games.

9. Bubble Bobble

Bubble Bobble is one of the most iconic cooperative games ever created... Specifically referred to as dragons in the series on numerous occasions, their cute aesthetic is similar to a Mini Dragon , I include them in the ranking.

For a long time, I thought these little guys were dinosaurs. They don't have wings , they don't breathe fire , and they look as big as a pair of shoes. But that's because they are, in fact, Bubble Dragons.

Originally, Bub and Bob were two human brothers before being transformed by Baron Von Blubba. These rare dragons parade through the levels, blowing bubbles at their enemies, all while trying to save their girlfriends. What a delightful way to die.

8. Ur-Dragon (Dragon's Dogma)

A boss with insane health, facing the Ur-Dragon , if you are not properly equipped, the fight can last for centuries. Even with good equipment and the right abilities, it can still prove tough, which is what makes the battle rewarding and fun. Boss fights in Dragon's Dogma are key strengths, the ultimate appeal of the game, and the Ur-Dragon is a true test of the player's patience and skill.

While the offline version is often considered a boost, the online version requires a multitude of different players to help you have a chance of defeating the fearsome beast . The mechanics of online combat can be complicated, but being one of the players who kills the creature can be incredibly rewarding, as some of the most powerful equipment is within reach after killing it.

In the worst-case scenario, the Ur-Dragon can simply fly away and ruin the contribution of dozens of online players. You know... It's still just a game. 😋

7. Rayquaza (Super Smash Bros. Brawl)

Since its first appearance in Pokemon Ruby, Rayquaza has been one of many Pokemon to appear everywhere, making appearances in a multitude of subsequent games, in other spin-offs and most notably, Super Smash Bros Brawl.

Appearing as a boss against Diddy Kong and Fox McCloud when the latter's ship is launched out of the air by the emerald serpentine dragon , many boss fights in Brawl can be described as sensational, lending themselves to fun and engaging battles, but Rayquaza is by far one of the most memorable. With its interesting design and challenging moveset, Rayquaza is simply an original and enjoyable fight.

While its presence in Pokémon games is more well-known, the term "boss battle" is a bit of a misnomer considering the focus is more on capturing it and obtaining trophies than on defeating it. Its appearance in Brawl, however, highlights all the elements that make a great boss battle. And to top it all off, it's a Dragon . And as we've already established, dragons are awesome. 🤗

6. Dragon Sire (Dragon Age Inquisition)

Dragon-Sires refer to a group of mature female dragons. They are among the rarest creatures in the Dragon Age series. Their rank is "Elite Boss," indicating that they are not easily defeated.

Dragons played a significant role in Dragon Age: Inquisition , functioning as hidden mini-bosses in each level, requiring careful tactics and strategies to have even a glimmer of hope of defeating them. And while there are several unforgettable and interesting dragons that could be included on this list, such as the Abyssal Dragon or the Fereldan Frostback , none is more entertaining, challenging, and worthy of this spectacle than Winter .

Lurking in the Lion's Grip level, Winter is the first of three dragons located in the east of the map, and the most difficult to defeat. While he is the easiest of the three, he is arguably the most spectacular. Fighting him atop a shattered tower, frozen by pools of icy water, surrounded by shards of crystal, is the epitome of epic. With a mix of aerial and ground attacks, the dragon is not only well-designed but also appears intelligent; Winter is difficult to take down, and the player's party management skills are put to the test.

Although not part of the main story and a dragon most players will avoid, Hivernal leaves a lasting impression, featuring one of the most exciting fights in the genre. Being one of the few memorable dragons besides the two previously mentioned, he provides a suitable optional challenge for those hunting down the ancient great dragons.

5. Alduin (Skyrim)

No list of dragons would be complete without the World-Eater himself. The largest dragon to ever exist in the realm of Tamriel, he would herald the end of the world itself. The final boss of Skyrim might be considered more of a formality than a major boss fight, but beyond all that, the battle against Alduin is one of the most epic in all of gaming.



Crossing the realm of Soverngarde, the misty sky with the voices of ancient Northern heroes echoing in the background, is the perfect setting for a great boss fight . And as you emerge from the fog, you see all those characters who stumbled and died playing. Kodlak, Ulfric, and the legate Rikke all wander aimlessly, trying to escape the world-eater that flies overhead , unseen and undetected. The whole scene is almost perfect. And when you gather the heroes of old to face the dragon god , you shiver with excitement.

Going into battle alongside ancient heroes is fantastic, and challenging Alduin alongside those who did so long ago is simply epic . The boss fight could have been better with perhaps a unique design and a fresh moveset instead of a standard dragon remake, but there's no denying the impeccable atmosphere created by facing the dragon and the void left for players after defeating the vile creature. The quality of the fight is debatable, but it's one of the most epic experiences in the game.

When the guardian Tsun is harder than the final boss, you wonder why he didn't just go deal with Alduin. That would have saved us the trip.

4. Sinh (Dark Souls 2)

While the quality of Dark Souls II is often debated, its DLC packs are undoubtedly the highlight of the game, offering some of the most layered and complex levels in the entire series.

From the Mist Tower and the Smoky Knight, to Eleum Loyce and the Ivory King, the DLC made great strides in improving the game's quality. And alongside all of that, there was one of the best fights in the game. Deep within Shulva, the Sanctuary City, guarded by fanatics and a shard of Manus himself, lies Sinh , the Sleeping Dragon .

The venomous dragon, impaled by Yorgh's spear, manages to significantly improve upon the mediocre dragon battles of the base game. Combining aerial attacks and ground combat almost perfectly, the boss fight is a joy to watch. Both fair and engaging, it blends the mechanics that make most bosses strong to create a truly enjoyable experience.

Another bonus is the backstory FromSoftware created behind the sleeping dragon , giving the fight added weight. You'll learn how it poisoned the city after the Blood-Flag Knights' invasion. All of this, combined with its past appearances in the game where it scorched enemies for you, makes this entire confrontation with it one of the best in the series.

3. Urthemiel (Dragon Age Origins)

Dragon Age: Origins was a love letter to fans of the fantasy genre , and while it hasn't aged particularly well graphically, it can still be considered one of the greatest fantasy games of all time. The conflicts, the story, and the characters combined to create one of the most detailed and captivating experiences.

To be honest, the game has its share of dragons. From the multitude of small enemy dragons to the great dragon , but none is as epic and brilliant as the Archdemon .

At the end of the game, the player and their party choose to fight their way through a shattered world and confront Urthemiel , a corrupted god, the Scourge . He is a gigantic and awe-inspiring dragon who serves as the game's main antagonist. This boss fight is an effective test of the player's skills and their ability to manage their party. It is challenging and well-designed. It's simply fantastic that such a great game culminates in such a grand battle.

One of the most heroic, or perhaps heartbreaking, moments is when you, Alistair, choose to slay the beast , sacrificing yourself in the process. The ending is perfect, worthy of a great game, featuring one of the best fights in history. It's remarkable because it's like the final page of a book, the culmination of an entire story, with your companions who fought alongside you throughout the game; it's simply breathtaking.

You also have the option of ruining your experience, making all your friends abandon you at the end so you're stuck with the characters you like the least, fighting the boss and thus losing all dramatic tension. But only a fool would do that... Right?

2. Rathalos (Monster Hunter World)

Dragons and wyverns abound in the Monster Hunter universe, but Rathalos are undoubtedly the flagship monsters of the franchise.

Flying wyverns have been a part of the series since the very beginning and have appeared in every Monster Hunter game to date. Known as "Kings of the Sky," Rathalos patrol the skies around their nests, hunting for prey. These colorful creatures are prone to launching surprise aerial attacks, but they are also formidable opponents on the ground.

They can inflict poisonous wounds with their talons , burn their opponents with their fiery breath , or simply chase them down and damage them with their ox tails. After overpowering their prey, they hide them to eat in private.

In Monster Hunter World , Rathalos is present as a Boss, it gives the player a hard time, because it benefits from a formidable advantage: the air.

1. Kalameet (Dark Souls)

And yes, a double mention for the famous game Dark Souls. Hidden within the excellent "Artorias of the Abyss" (Dark Souls Remastered) is this legendary dragon , so feared that even the gods ignore it. I'm talking, of course, about the Black Dragon Kalameet .

Found terrorizing the skies of Oolacile, the player will call upon the skills of "Hawkeye Gough," a blind giant with a bow, to bring him down. What follows is one of the most intense and balanced battles in the entire series. Fighting Kalameet is a joy; watching him leap across the battlefield , breathing fire at you, is a delight. Learning and mastering his moves is both challenging and engaging, as he possesses a myriad of aerial and ground techniques, each equally effective, unlike Sinh, who can chain many attacks together.

The black dragon Kalameet is a prime example of a boss fight in a game. It's a well-executed, titanic clash , and frankly, I can't imagine a more challenging battle. A fight based on an impressive storyline, against an incredibly well-realized dragon. Perfection. 🔥

By the way, if you'd like to decorate one of your rooms with our magnificent dragon paintings , take a look at our selection! And what's the most epic dragon battle in video game history, in your opinion? Let us know in the comments!