Battle Brothers is Overhype Studios' turn-based mercenary company sim, released on 24 March 2017 and now published by Hooded Horse. You hire named men with backgrounds, eight attributes, and permanent death, take contracts across a procedurally generated world map, and try to be strong enough when the late-game crisis arrives. Four expansions extend it: Beasts and Exploration, Warriors of the North, Blazing Deserts, and the free Of Flesh and Faith.
Boss fights are where Battle Brothers tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
| Area | Difficulty | Recommended Build | Key Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noble house territory | Easy | Hedge Knight | Billhook |
| Greenskin camps | Moderate | Hedge Knight | Billhook |
| Undead crypts | Hard | Sellsword | Warbrand |
| The northern barbarian lands | Very Hard | Sellsword | Warbrand |
| The southern city states | Extreme | Sellsword | Warbrand |
Noble house territory Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Base game, viable from day one Recommended build: Hedge Knight with Billhook
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Every action costs fatigue, and heavy armor raises the cost of everything. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Fatigue as the action budget to create safe windows.
- Billhook is enough to handle everything here.
Greenskin camps Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Base game, mid to late company Recommended build: Hedge Knight with Billhook
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of Permadeath and permanent injuries. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- Permadeath and permanent injuries is critical for these fights.
- Farm Billhook upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Hedge Knight if your current setup isn't working.
Undead crypts Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Base game, mid company onwards Recommended build: Sellsword with Warbrand
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both Fatigue as the action budget and Eight attributes with level-up rolls mastery.
- Warbrand makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
The northern barbarian lands Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Warriors of the North DLC Recommended build: Sellsword with Warbrand
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Warbrand at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
The southern city states Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Blazing Deserts DLC Recommended build: Sellsword with Warbrand
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic. See our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight: Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build: Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your equipment: A max-upgraded Warbrand trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Fatigue as the action budget: The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough: Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More Battle Brothers Guides
- Battle Brothers Battle Brothers Overview
- Battle Brothers Best Builds
- Battle Brothers Tier List
- Battle Brothers Walkthrough
- Battle Brothers Beginner's Guide
- Battle Brothers Tips & Tricks
- Battle Brothers Weapons Guide
- Battle Brothers Combat Guide
- Battle Brothers Maps & Locations
- Battle Brothers Crafting Guide
- Battle Brothers Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Battle Brothers, check out these related guides:
- Sid Meier's Civilization V Boss Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Boss Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Boss Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
